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SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs)

SSC CPO recruits Sub-Inspectors (Executive) in Delhi Police (male and female) and Sub-Inspectors (GD) in the Central Armed Police Forces. Selection runs through two computer-based papers with physical tests and a medical examination in between, and every stage is mandatory. All numbers below are from the SSC CPO 2025 notice.

At a glance
Conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Stages Paper 1 (CBT) → PST/PET → Paper 2 (CBT, English) → detailed medical examination
Qualification Bachelor's degree from a recognized university (must be possessed on or before the closing date for applications)
Age 20–25 years as on 01.08.2025 (born 02.08.2000–01.08.2005; relaxations for reserved categories as per the notice)

Official sources

Exam pattern

Paper 1: computer-based, 200 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours, with a 30-minute sectional timer for each of the four parts below. Parts 1–3 are set in Hindi and English. −0.25 per wrong answer.

Part Subject Questions Marks
I General Intelligence and Reasoning 50 50
II General Knowledge and General Awareness 50 50
III Quantitative Aptitude 50 50
IV English Comprehension 50 50

Minimum qualifying marks in Paper 1 (before NCC bonus): UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25%, all other categories 20%. Candidates who clear Paper 1 are shortlisted for the PST/PET, which is qualifying.

Paper 2: computer-based, English Language and Comprehension only, 200 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours, in four parts with a 30-minute sectional timer for each part. −0.25 per wrong answer. The same minimum qualifying marks (UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25%, others 20%) apply.

Scores are normalized if the CBT is held in multiple shifts. NCC certificate holders get bonus marks in each paper: 10 for a 'C' certificate, 6 for 'B', 4 for 'A'. There is no re-evaluation of scores.

Syllabus

  • General Intelligence and Reasoning: verbal and non-verbal reasoning — analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, syllogisms, statement-conclusion, space visualization, Venn diagrams, critical thinking.
  • General Knowledge and General Awareness: current events, everyday science, and India and its neighbours — history, culture, geography, economy, polity, the Constitution, scientific research.
  • Quantitative Aptitude: whole numbers, decimals and fractions, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, time and work, time and distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, data interpretation.
  • English (Paper 1 comprehension and Paper 2): error recognition, fill in the blanks, vocabulary, spellings, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, comprehension. Full topic lists are in paras 12.8.1 and 12.8.2 of the notice linked above.

How to prepare (free, in order)

  1. Prepare with SSC CGL Tier 1: the subjects are the same.
  2. Give Paper 2 English extra time: it is a full 200-mark paper on its own.
  3. Train for the PET early. It is qualifying but eliminates many candidates.

Free resources