SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date: Selection Process & Complete Timeline
- laxmi mane
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
INTRODUCTION
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Central Police Organization (CPO) exam is one of the most prestigious competitive examinations in India for those aspiring to serve as Sub-Inspectors in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). For candidates planning their preparation for the upcoming cycle, staying updated with the SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date and the recruitment timeline is essential for a structured study plan.
The 2026 recruitment cycle is expected to follow a rigorous schedule, starting with the official notification in the first half of the year and concluding with final results in early 2027.
SSC CPO 2026 Notification & Important Dates
According to the latest SSC Exam Calendar 2026-27, the notification for the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026, is tentatively scheduled for release in March 2026.
Here is a quick look at the projected timeline:
Event | Tentative Date (2026 Cycle) |
SSC CPO 2026 Notification Release | March 16, 2026 |
Online Application Start Date | March 16, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply Online | April 07, 2026 |
Application Correction Window | April 2026 |
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date (Paper-I) | May - June 2026 |
PST/PET (Physical Tests) | August - September 2026 |
SSC CPO 2026 Paper-II Date | October - November 2026 |
These dates are based on the annual SSC calendar. Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website (ssc.gov.in) for any sudden shifts in the schedule.
Detailed SSC CPO Selection Process 2026
The selection process for the SSC CPO 2026 is a four-stage journey designed to test not just your academic intelligence but also your physical endurance and medical fitness.
1. Paper-I (Computer Based Test)
The first hurdle is Paper-I. As per the updated SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date schedule, this will likely take place in May or June.
Duration: 2 Hours
Total Questions: 200 MCQs
Sectional Timing: From 2026 onwards, SSC has introduced a 30-minute sectional timer for each of the four sections to ensure uniform focus.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET)
Candidates who clear the Paper-I cut-off are called for physical tests. These are qualifying in nature but mandatory.
For Males: 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes, 100m sprint in 16 seconds, Long Jump, High Jump, and Shot Put.
For Females: 800m race in 4 minutes, 100m sprint in 18 seconds, Long Jump, and High Jump.
3. Paper-II (English Language & Comprehension)
Qualified candidates from the physical rounds appear for Paper-II. This paper is crucial for the final merit list.
Total Marks: 200
Focus: Grammar, vocabulary, spellings, and comprehension.
4. Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
The final stage is the medical check-up to ensure candidates meet the vision standards (6/6 for better eye) and physical health requirements (no flat foot, knock knees, etc.).
SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before marking the SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date on your calendar, ensure you meet the eligibility benchmarks:
Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. For the post of SI in Delhi Police, male candidates must also possess a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car).
Age Limit: 20 to 25 years (as of the cutoff date, usually August 1, 2026).
Age Relaxation: SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and Ex-Servicemen as per government norms.
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan.
Pro Tip: Start preparing your documents, especially category certificates and driving licenses, well before the application window opens in March.
Stay Ahead of the Competition
If you are aiming for the 2026 recruitment, early preparation is the key. You can find detailed study guides and mock tests for the SSC CPO Exam on College Simplified.
SSC CPO 2026 Syllabus Highlights
The syllabus for Paper-I remains comprehensive, covering:
General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, coding-decoding, syllogisms, and visual memory.
General Knowledge: Current affairs (last 6-12 months), History, Culture, Geography, and Economic scene.
Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry.
English Comprehension: Testing basic understanding and writing ability.
How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026
Once the SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date for notification is reached (expected March 16), follow these steps:
Visit ssc.gov.in and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
Log in with your credentials and click on the "Apply" link for "Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs 2026."
Upload a live photograph (as per new SSC guidelines) and scanned signature.
Pay the application fee (₹100 for General/OBC; Exempted for Women/SC/ST).
Submit and print the application form.
FAQs on SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date
Q1: What is the expected SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date for Paper-I?
A1: The expected SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date for Paper-I is between May and June 2026, as per the tentative SSC calendar.
Q2: When will the SSC CPO 2026 notification be released?
A2: The official notification is expected to be out on March 16, 2026, marking the start of the application process.
Q3: Is there any change in the exam pattern for the SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date cycle?
A3: Yes, for the 2026 cycle, SSC has introduced sectional timing of 30 minutes for each section in Paper-I to test candidates' speed and accuracy under pressure.
Q4: Can final-year students apply for the SSC CPO 2026?
A4: Generally, candidates must have completed their degree by the crucial cutoff date mentioned in the notification. If your results are expected before the 2026 cutoff (likely August 2026), you may be eligible.
Q5: What happens if I miss the SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date for the physical test?
A5: The SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date for PST/PET is usually fixed. Failure to appear on the scheduled date leads to disqualification, as these tests are rarely rescheduled without extreme medical grounds.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date is fast approaching, with the recruitment cycle set to kick off in March 2026. Given the high level of competition and the addition of sectional timings, candidates must begin their preparation early. Focus on improving your physical stamina alongside your academic skills to clear all four stages of the selection process.
For more updates on government exams, syllabus breakdowns, and career guidance, visit collegesimplified.in.
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