SSC CPO 2025: Your Complete Exam Guide for Success

Published on April 25, 2025
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11 Min read time

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SSC Central Police Organization (CPO Full form) or SSC CPO is a national-level exam conducted annually by the SSC. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts this exam to recruit applicants for the position of Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces. The exam is conducted to recruit for positions in several police organizations such as the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB. The CPO exams are administered by the SSC, which is one of the government organizations for which the SSC conducts the recruitment exam.

SSC CPO 2025 Exam Notification

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC CPO full form Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organization Exam annually to recruit candidates for the positions of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The official SSC CPO 2025 notification will be released on 16th May 2025 on the official website ssc.gov.in, announcing multiple vacancies for Sub-Inspector posts. Registration for SSC CPO 2025 will also begin on the same date. Candidates can refer to the official notification for detailed information regarding the exam process.

SSC CPO Exam

The SSC CPO Exam is a yearly recruitment process for Sub-Inspector posts in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The selection involves four stages:

  1. Paper 1: Written Examination
  2. Physical Standard Test (PST)/Physical Endurance Test (PET)
  3. Paper 2: Written Examination
  4. Detailed Medical Examination (DME)

Qualified candidates are recruited for the following roles in SSC CPO 2025:

  1. Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police
  2. Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in Border Security Force (BSF)
  3. Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
  4. Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  5. Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP)
  6. Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

The open competitive SSC CPO Exam will be conducted to fill positions for:

  • Sub Inspector in Delhi Police
  • Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF)

SSC CPO notification 2025 was released on 16 May 2025 on the official website. The notification contains all the necessary information regarding the Central Police Organisation exam, including the opening, requirements, dates, format, and syllabus.

SSC CPO

SSC CPO 2025 – Overview

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC CPO Exam annually to recruit candidates for the positions of sub-inspector in Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and assistant sub-inspector in CISF. Graduates between the ages of 20 to 25 years from across the country are eligible to apply. The recruitment process follows a national-level examination conducted once a year. Below are the key details for SSC CPO Recruitment 2025.

SSC CPO Exam Details

Exam Particulars2025 Details
Conducting BodySSC
Post NameCPO
Exam Cycle2025
Number of VacanciesTo be announced
Application Start Date16th May 2025
Last Date to Apply14th June 2025
Exam LevelNational
Exam FrequencyAnnual

SSC CPO 2025 Exam Dates

According to the official SSC Calendar 2025, the online registration for SSC CPO 2025 (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs) is set to commence on 16th May 2025. The Tier 1 examination is tentatively scheduled for July-August 2025. Below is a detailed timeline of important dates for the SSC CPO 2025 exam.

Important Dates for SSC CPO 2025

EventDate
Notification Release Date16th May 2025
Online Application Start Date16th May 2025
Last Date to Apply14th June 2025
Last Date for Online Fee Payment15th June 2025
Application Correction WindowTo be notified
Admit Card Release DateTo be notified
Paper-I Exam DateJuly-August 2025 (Tentative)

SSC CPO Vacancy 2025

The SSC CPO vacancies for the 2025 recruitment cycle will be announced soon. The vacancies are released separately for male and female Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police as well as in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Candidates can refer to the tables below for the vacancy details from the 2024 recruitment cycle to get an idea of the distribution.

SSC CPO Vacancy for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police – Male

CategoryOpenEx-Servicemen (ESM)Ex-Servicemen (Special)Departmental CandidatesTotal
UR4503030556
OBC2402010330
SC1301010217
ST0701000109
EWS1200000113
Total101070512125

SSC CPO Vacancy for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police – Female

CategoryUROBCSCSTEWSTotal
Female281508040661

SSC CPO Vacancy for Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs

CAPFGenderUREWSOBCSCSTTotalGrand Total
BSFMale39197261145739671019
Female210514080452
CISFMale76618850928314118872097
Female8521573116210
CRPFMale55913837220710313791438
Female240616090459
ITBPMale126351135020344405
Female220620090461
SSBMale6015501709151163
Female050106000012
TotalMale1902473130570234647285122
Female157391135728394

The official SSC CPO 2025 vacancies will be announced in due course. Candidates are advised to stay updated with the latest notifications from SSC.

SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the SSC CPO Recruitment 2025, candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria. There are three key requirements regarding nationality/citizenship that candidates need to fulfill:

  1. The candidate must be a citizen of India.
  2. The candidate must be a subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
  3. Candidates from Nepal or Bhutan must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Note: Candidates requiring an eligibility certificate will be allowed to take the exam, but appointment offers will only be made once the certificate is provided by the Government of India.

SSC CPO Age Limit

Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age as of 01st January 2021 as given below:

CriteriaDetails
Age Range20 to 25 years
Date of Birth Range01st February 1997 to 01st January 2002

SSC CPO Relaxation in Age Limit

CategoryRelaxation in Age Limit
SC/ST5 years
OBC3 years
Ex-Servicemen3 years after military service has been deducted from the actual age on the closing date.
For Departmental candidates of the Delhi Police
Widows, divorced women, and women who have been legally separated from their husbands but have not remarriedUp to 35 years of age
Widows, divorced women, and women who have been legally separated from their husbands but have not remarried (SC/ ST)Up to 40 years of age
Applicants who fall under the OBC category and have served in the department for at least three years regularly and continuously as of the closing date.
Unreserved departmental applicants who have served for at least 3 years in a regular and continuous capacity as of the closing dateUp to 30 years of age
Applicants who fall under the OBC category and have served in the department for at least three years regularly and continuously as on the closing date.Up to 33 years of age
Departmental candidates (SC/ ST) with at least three years of regular and consistent service as of the closing dateUp to 35 years of age

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have any of the following educational qualifications to apply for the exam:

  • Sub Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University in any discipline.
  • Sub Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police (Males only)– A valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) as on the date fixed for Physical Endurance and Standard Tests.
  • Candidates in their last year of a Bachelor’s degree are also qualified to take this exam, as long as they can produce the result as and when required during the recruitment process.

SSC CPO Application Process 2025

Application Fees

Candidates can pay the cost in two ways:

  • Via credit card, debit card, or net banking (Online)
  • SBI Challan (Offline)
CategoriesFees (in INR)
General/ UnreservedRs. 100/-
Women candidates/ SC/ ST/ ESMRs. 0/-

Application Steps

The following are the steps to be followed when applying for the SSC CPO 2025 exam:

  • Candidates must go to the official website and click on the ‘Apply’ option to fill out the application form for the SSC CPO 2025 test.
  • Candidates must first click the CAPF tab, then the ‘Click Here to Apply’ link in a new window that appears.
  • After clicking the aforementioned link, a new window will open in which you must click the ‘Register’ link to access the registration form. Fill in the blanks and press ‘enter.’ If the candidates have already registered, click “log in” to access the application form and download it.
  • Candidates will receive an email with a registration number and password after completing the registration process.
  • Candidates must log in with their registration number and password and complete the application form by providing the needed information.
  • Pay the application cost to complete the final stage, either online or through offline mode.
  • Download the form for future reference.

SSC CPO Admit Card 2025

The Staff Selection Commission issues the SSC CPO admit card prior to the examination, typically 10 to 15 days before the exam date. Candidates must download their admit card to appear for the exam, as it is a mandatory document. It includes essential details such as the exam date, time, and venue. Without the admit card, entry to the examination center will not be permitted.

Admit Card Details

Once you’ve downloaded the hall ticket, you must go through the information on it. It’s crucial to double-check that all of the details are correct. The SSC CPO admission card contains the following vital information:

  • Candidate’s Roll number
  • Date of Exam
  • Ticket number of Admit Card
  • Time to report
  • Candidate’s Name
  • Category of Candidate
  • Candidate’s Gender
  • Date of Birth
  • Candidate’s Postal Address
  • Location of exam
  • Exam Pattern
  • Exam Day Protocols

While downloading the SSC CPO Admit card, aspirants should be aware of a few basic points, as these will help to eliminate any confusion among the candidates. To download the Admit Card, candidates must have a stable internet connection or one that is fast enough. Check the details twice before downloading the Admit card.

Exam Centre Details

Three exam centers are available for candidates to select as their preferred locations. Because they cannot change their location after they have chosen it, they must be careful while selecting the exam centers. Additionally, the commission has the authority to change the exam location and assign a new location to the candidates in advance of the examination.

The following is a list of test locations for SSC CPO 2025 Recruitment:

Region and States/ UTsExam Centres with Centre CodeAddress of the Regional Offices and their websites
Central Region (CR)/ Bihar and Uttar PradeshBhagalpur (3201), Muzaffarpur (3205), Patna (3206), Purnea (3209), Agra (3001), Bareilly (3005), Gorakhpur (3007), Jhansi (3008), Kanpur (3009), Lucknow (3010), Meerut (3011), Prayagraj (3003), Varanasi (3013).Regional Director (CR), Staff Selection Commission, 34-A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines, Kendriya Sadan, Prayagraj – 211001.
www.ssc-cr.org
Karnataka, Kerala Region (KKR)/ Lakshadweep, Karnataka, and KeralaPort Blair (4802), Ranchi (4205), Bhubaneswar (4604), Kolkata (4410).Regional Director (ER), Staff Selection Commission, 1st MSO Building, (8th Floor), 234/4, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata, West Bengal-700020
www.sscer.org
North Eastern Region (NER)/ Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.Belagavi (9002), Bengaluru (9001), Hubballi (9011), Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) (9005), Mangaluru (9008), Mysuru (9009), Shivamogga (9010), Udupi (9012), Kannur (9202), Kollam (9210), Kottayam (9205), Kozhikode (9206), Thiruvananthapuram (9211).Regional Director (SR), Staff Selection Commission, 2nd Floor, EVK Sampath Building, DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu- 600006
www.sscsr.gov.in
Madhya Pradesh Sub-Region (MPR)/ Chhattisgarh and Madhya PradeshBhopal (6001), Gwalior (6005), Indore (6006), Jabalpur (6007), Satna (6014), Ujjain (6016), Bilaspur (6202), Raipur (6204), Durg-Bhilai (6205).Dy. Director (MPR), Staff Selection Commission, 5th Floor, Investment Building, LIC Campus-2, Pandri, Raipur, Chhattisgarh-492004
www.sscmpr.org
Southern Region (SR) Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and TelanganaItanagar (5001), Dibrugarh (5102), Guwahati (Dispur) (5105), Jorhat (5107), Silchar (5111), Churachandpur (5502), Imphal (5501), Shillong (5401), Aizwal (5701), Tezpur (5112), Kohima (5302), Agartala (5601).Regional Director (NER), Staff Selection Commission, Housefed Complex, Last Gate, Beltola- Basistha Road, P.O. Assam Sachivalaya, Dispur, Guwahati, Assam- 781006
www.sscner.org.in
Northern Region (NR) Delhi, Rajasthan and UttarakhandDehradun (2002), Haldwani (2003), Roorkee (2006), Delhi NCR (2201), Ajmer (2401), Bikaner (2404), Jaipur (2405), Jodhpur (2406), Udaipur (2409), Sikar (2411)Regional Director (NR), Staff Selection Commission, Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
North Western Sub- Region (NWR)/ Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and PunjabChandigarh (1601), Mohali (1601), Hamirpur (1202), Shimla (1203), Jammu (1004), Samba (1010), Srinagar (J&K) (1007), Leh (1005), Amritsar (1404), Jalandhar (1402),.Dy. Director (NWR), Staff Selection Commission, Block No. 3, Ground Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Sector-9, Chandigarh- 160009
www.sscnwr.org
Southern Region (SR) Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and TelanganaChirala (8011), Cuddapah (8013), Guntur (8001), Kakinada (8009), Kurnool (8003), Nellore (8010), Rajahmundry (8004), Tirupati (8006), Vizianagaram (8012), Vijayawada (8008), Vishakhapatnam (8007), Puducherry (8401), Chennai (8201), Coimbatore (8202), Krishnagiri (8209), Madurai (8204), Salem (8205), Tiruchirapalli (8206), Tirunelveli (8207), Vellore (8208), Hyderabad (8601), Karimnagar (8604), Warangal (8603)Regional Director (SR), Staff Selection Commission, 2nd Floor, EVK Sampath Building, DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600006
www.sscsr.gov.in
Western Region (WR) Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat and MaharashtraPanaji (7801), Ahmedabad (7001), Rajkot (7006), Surat (7007), Vadodara (7002), Amravati (7201), Aurangabad (7202), Kolhapur (7203), Mumbai (7204), Nagpur (7205), Nanded (7206), Pune (7208)Western Region (WR) Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra

SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025

The SSC CPO 2025 exam consists of two papers, both following an objective multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. Paper 1 will be available in both Hindi and English, while Paper 2 will be conducted only in English. Candidates should note that there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect response in both papers.

SSC CPO 2025 Exam Structure

Exam ComponentPaper IPaper II
SubjectsGeneral Knowledge, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, EnglishEnglish Language & Comprehension
Type of QuestionsObjective, MCQsObjective, MCQs
Number of Questions200200
Total Marks200200
Exam Duration2 hours2 hours
Negative Marking0.25 marks per wrong answer0.25 marks per wrong answer

SSC CPO Selection Process 2025

The selection process for SSC CPO 2025 is designed to identify the most suitable candidates for the available positions. It consists of multiple stages, including written examinations, physical tests, and a medical evaluation.

Stages of SSC CPO Selection

  1. Paper I – A written test with objective-type questions carrying a total of 200 marks. Candidates must qualify in this stage to proceed further.
  2. Physical Test – Includes the Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). This is a qualifying stage where candidates’ physical measurements and fitness levels are assessed.
  3. Paper II – Candidates who clear the physical test will attempt another written exam of 200 marks, focusing on English Language & Comprehension.
  4. Medical Examination – The final stage involves a detailed medical test to confirm the candidate’s physical and mental fitness before the final appointment.

Physical Standards Test (PST)

CategoryHeight (cm)Chest (cm) (Male Only)
Male (General)17080 (unexpanded), 85 (expanded)
Male (Hill Areas)16580 (unexpanded), 85 (expanded)
Male (Scheduled Tribes)162.577 (unexpanded), 82 (expanded)
Female (General)157Not applicable
Female (Hill Areas)155Not applicable
Female (Scheduled Tribes)154Not applicable
WeightProportionate to height for all candidates

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

TestMale CandidatesFemale Candidates
100 m race16 seconds18 seconds
1.6 km race (Male) / 800 m race (Female)6.5 minutes4 minutes
Long Jump3.65 m (3 chances)2.7 m (3 chances)
High Jump1.2 m (3 chances)0.9 m (3 chances)
Shot Put (16 lbs)4.5 m (3 chances)Not applicable

Candidates who successfully complete all the above stages will be considered for final selection, based on their overall performance and medical fitness.

SSC CPO Syllabus

SSC CPO Syllabus for Paper I

General ReasoningGeneral KnowledgeQuantitative AptitudeEnglish Comprehension
Verbal ReasoningCurrent AffairsPercentageReading Comprehension
SyllogismAwards and HonoursRatio and PercentageGrammar
Circular Seating ArrangementBooks and AuthorsData InterpretationVocabulary
Linear Seating ArrangementSportsMensuration and GeometryVerbal Ability
Double LineupEntertainmentQuadratic EquationSynonyms-Antonyms
SchedulingObituariesInterestActive and Passive Voice
Input OutputImportant DatesProblems of AgesPara Jumbles
Blood RelationsScientific ResearchProfit and LossFill in the Blanks
Directions and DistancesNumber SeriesError Correction
Ordering and RankingSpeed, Distance, and Time
Data SufficiencyTime and Work
Coding and DecodingNumber System
Code InequalitiesData Sufficiency

SSC CPO Syllabus for Paper II

English Language and Comprehension
Error recognition
Filling in the blanks (using verbs, preposition, articles, etc.)
Spellings
Grammar
Sentence Structure
Antonyms
Synonyms
Sentence Completion
Phrases and Idiomatic use of words
Comprehension, etc.

Minimum Qualifying Marks in SSC CPO 2025

The minimum qualifying scores in Paper-I and Paper-II (without considering the extra marks available to NCC certificate holders) are as follows:

CategoryMinimum Marks
General30%
OBC/EWS25%
All other categories20%

Bonus Marks Criteria for NCC Certificate Holders in the SSC CPO Exam

National Cadet Corps (NCC) certificate holders (as of 01.08.2025) receive additional marks in Paper-I and Paper-II, which are added to their normalized scores by the following scheme:

Type of NCC CertificateBonus Marks in each Paper (Paper I and Paper II)
NCC ‘C’ Certificate10 marks (5% of the maximum marks)
NCC ‘B’ Certificate6 marks (3% of the maximum marks)
NCC ‘A’ Certificate4 marks (2% of the maximum marks)

Tie-Breaking Policy in SSC CPO

When two or more applicants receive the same score, the SSC uses predetermined criteria to break the tie. In circumstances when more than one applicant achieves equal aggregate marks in Paper-I + Paper-II, the tie will be addressed by applying the following techniques sequentially until the tie is resolved:

  • Total marks for Paper II.
  • Date of birth, with older applicants ranked higher.
  • The candidates’ names are listed in alphabetical order.

Preparation Tips for SSC CPO 2025

To succeed in the SSC CPO exam, candidates need a well-structured preparation strategy that covers both the written examination and the physical endurance test (PET). A balanced approach focusing on subject knowledge, practice, and physical fitness will enhance overall performance.

  • Develop a study plan by allocating more time to challenging subjects while ensuring regular revision and practice sessions.
  • Solve previous year papers and take mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve speed and accuracy.
  • Make concise notes covering key topics, including formulas, facts, and tables, for quick revision.
  • Focus on physical training by regularly practicing running, long jump, and shot put to build stamina and efficiency for the PET.

By following these strategies, candidates can systematically prepare for the SSC CPO exam and enhance their chances of success.

SSC CPO Result and Cutoffs

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will announce the results for each stage of the SSC CPO 2025 examination separately on its official website, ssc.gov.in. The results will be available in PDF format, listing the names and roll numbers of candidates who have qualified for the next stage of the selection process. Candidates can check their status in the merit list to determine if they are eligible for the subsequent phase.

The SSC CPO Cut-Off 2025 will be published after the completion of each exam phase, alongside the results. Initially, the cut-off for Paper I will be released, followed by the cut-off for Paper II. Candidates can assess their chances of selection by comparing their scores with the previous year’s cut-off marks. Below is the SSC CPO 2024 Paper-I cut-off for both male and female candidates.

SSC CPO 2024 Paper-I Cut-Off Marks

CategoryFemale Cut-Off MarksMale Cut-Off MarksMale Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police)
SC106.7502289.8581096.85972
ST98.1061482.6568088.19063
ESM42.6942740.07024
OBC128.64348113.50911125.06044
EWS127.40295111.43520109.17362
UR135.27003119.80335134.59289

The cut-off marks help candidates understand the competition level and set their preparation goals accordingly.

SSC CPO Answer Key 2025

The SSC CPO answer key for the written examination is typically released a few days after the exam. Candidates can use it to cross-check their responses and estimate their expected scores. In case of any discrepancies, objections can be raised, but only against the provisional answer key. This process ensures fairness and transparency in the evaluation.

SSC CPO Salary Structure

Candidates selected for the position of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs under SSC CPO will receive a salary based on the 7th Pay Commission. The pay structure follows government regulations, ensuring competitive remuneration for the selected candidates. The details of the salary and pay scale are provided below.

Post NameLevelGroupPay Scale (Rs.)
Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police (Male/Female)6‘C’ Non-Gazetted35,400 – 1,12,400
Sub-Inspector in CAPF6‘B’ Non-Gazetted35,400 – 1,12,400

The salary includes various allowances and benefits as per government norms, making it an attractive career opportunity.

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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)

Q1. What is SSC CPO?

Ans. SSC CPO is the Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organization exam. It’s a national-level exam held annually to recruit Sub-Inspectors (SIs) in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The exam also recruits Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) in CISF. 

Q2. Is the SSC CPO Exam held once a year?

Ans. Yes, every year SSC announces a large number of job openings in different departments. The test usually takes place to fill the jobs of SI and ASI in central police agencies.

Q3. Is CPO better than CGL?

Ans. If one is interested in a career in law enforcement, then SSC CPO would be the better option. On the other hand, if one is looking for a job in various government departments and ministries, then SSC CGL would be the way to go.

Q4. What is the SSC CPO salary?

Ans. The starting salary for SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation) posts, like Sub-Inspector (GD) and Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police and CAPFs, falls within the range of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 per month. 

Q5. Is SSC CPO tier 1 qualifying?

Ans. No, SSC CPO Paper 1 is not only qualifying in nature, but also the marks obtained in Paper 1 are used in the preparation of the final merit list. The SSC CPO selection process starts with SSC CPO Paper 1, then PET/PST examination, then Paper 2, followed by Detailed Medical Exam(DME), and Document Verification(DV).

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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