SSC CPO Eligibility 2026 outlines the criteria for candidates applying for Sub Inspector roles in Delhi Police and CAPFs. Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 20 to 25 years as of the specified date and hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories per government norms. Candidates must also meet the physical and medical standards set by SSC. Meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial for SSC CPO 2026 recruitment process.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 |
| Posts | Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police & Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 Years |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen and other eligible categories notified by the Government of India |
| Physical Requirement | Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET) |
| Medical Fitness | Mandatory |
| Driving Licence | Required only for Male SI (Executive) in Delhi Police |
| Selection Process | Paper 1/PET/PST/Paper 2/DME |
SSC CPO Nationality 2026 outlines the citizenship criteria for recruitment eligibility. Nationality, along with educational qualifications and age limits, is a key condition verified by SSC during document checks. Non-Indian candidates may need to present a Certificate of Eligibility from the Government of India before appointment.
A candidate is eligible to apply if he or she belongs to any of the following categories:
| Nationality Category | Eligibility Status |
|---|---|
| Citizen of India | Eligible |
| Subject of Nepal | Eligible |
| Subject of Bhutan | Eligible |
| Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently | Eligible |
| Person of Indian origin migrated from notified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India | Eligible (Subject to Certificate of Eligibility, wherever applicable) |
Candidates claiming eligibility under special nationality categories must have all supporting documents ready for verification.
SSC CPO Age Limit 2026 specifies the minimum and maximum age required to apply for the Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs. The date of birth recorded in the Class 10 certificate is considered final during eligibility verification.
| Criteria | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 25 Years |
Candidates belonging to reserved categories can claim age relaxation according to Government of India rules. Before submitting the application form, applicants should verify the age criteria mentioned in SSC CPO Notification and ensure that the details entered during SSC CPO Application Process exactly match their official documents.
SSC CPO Age Relaxation 2026 permits reserved category candidates to exceed the upper age limit, contingent upon valid certificate verification by SSC. Without proper documentation, candidates may forfeit this benefit during verification.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service rendered |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated Women (UR) | Up to 35 Years |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated Women (SC/ST) | Up to 40 Years |
| Departmental Candidates (UR) | Up to 30 Years |
| Departmental Candidates (OBC) | Up to 33 Years |
| Departmental Candidates (SC/ST) | Up to 35 Years |
Candidates should keep their caste certificate, EWS certificate, or other reservation documents ready before the verification process. Any mismatch between the information submitted in the application form and the original certificates may result in cancellation of candidature.
SSC CPO eligibility for Ex-Servicemen includes age relaxation as per Government of India provisions. Eligible Ex-Servicemen can deduct their military service period from their actual age to claim this benefit. Valid discharge certificates and supporting documents must be provided during verification.
In addition to age relaxation, Ex-Servicemen must meet all other eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, nationality, medical fitness, and physical standards.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Relaxation | 3 years after deduction of military service |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree |
| Physical Standards | Applicable |
| Medical Standards | Applicable |
| Supporting Document | Discharge Certificate |
SSC CPO Educational Qualification 2026 outlines the minimum academic requirements for applying to Sub-Inspector (SI) positions in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Those preparing for the exam should review the SSC CPO Exam Pattern and Syllabus to understand the subjects and marking scheme
| Particular | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor's Degree |
| Recognized By | University/Institution recognized by the Government of India |
| Final Year Students | Eligible only if they acquire the qualification by the prescribed cut-off date |
| Qualification Verification | During Document Verification |
Note: Candidates who fail to produce the original graduation certificate or equivalent proof during document verification will not be considered for final appointment.
SSC CPO Driving Licence Requirement is applicable only to candidates applying for the post of Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police (Male). A valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Driving Licence for both motorcycle and car is mandatory before the Physical Endurance Test (PET). Candidates applying for CAPF posts or female candidates applying for Delhi Police SI are exempt from this requirement.
| Post | Driving Licence Required |
|---|---|
| SI (Executive) Delhi Police - Male | Yes |
| SI (Executive) Delhi Police - Female | No |
| SI (GD) in CAPFs | No |
Candidates applying for Delhi Police SI should verify the driving licence requirement mentioned in the latest SSC CPO Notification. Failure to produce a valid LMV licence during the recruitment process may lead to cancellation of candidature for the Delhi Police post.
SSC CPO Eligibility is largely similar for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs; however, certain requirements differ. The most significant difference is the mandatory driving licence requirement for Male Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police, whereas candidates applying for CAPF posts are not required to possess a driving licence.
| Criteria | Delhi Police SI | CAPF SI |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Licence | Required (Male Candidates) | Not Required |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree | Bachelor's Degree |
| Age Limit | 20–25 Years | 20–25 Years |
| Nationality | Same | Same |
| Physical Standards | Similar | Similar |
| Medical Standards | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Posting | Delhi | Anywhere in India |
SSC CPO Physical Standards 2026 determine whether candidates possess the minimum physical measurements required for recruitment as a Sub-Inspector. Candidates shortlisted through SSC CPO Paper 1 Result must qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST) before appearing for the Physical Endurance Test (PET). The prescribed standards include height, chest measurement (for male candidates), and proportionate weight.
| Physical Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | Mandatory |
| Chest (Male Candidates) | Mandatory |
| Weight | Proportionate to Height and Age |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) | Qualifying |
| Physical Endurance Test (PET) | Qualifying |
SSC CPO Physical Standards for Male Candidates include minimum height and chest measurements prescribed by SSC. Relaxation in height is available only for candidates belonging to specified categories as mentioned in the official notification.
| Category | Height | Chest (Unexpanded) | Chest (Expanded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | 170 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe | 162.5 cm | 77 cm | 82 cm |
| Candidates from notified hilly areas | 165 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
SSC CPO Physical Standards for Female Candidates are based on height, while chest measurement is not applicable. Weight should be proportionate to height and age according to the medical standards prescribed by SSC.
| Category | Height |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | 157 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe | 154 cm |
| Candidates from notified hilly areas | 155 cm |
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) evaluates the physical fitness and endurance of candidates shortlisted after Paper 1. The PET is qualifying in nature and carries no marks; however, qualifying for this stage is mandatory to appear for Paper 2.
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 16 Seconds |
| 1.6 km Race | 6.5 Minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 Metres (3 Chances) |
| High Jump | 1.2 Metres (3 Chances) |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | 4.5 Metres (3 Chances) |
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Metre Race | 4 Minutes |
| Long Jump | 2.7 Metres (3 Chances) |
| High Jump | 0.9 Metres (3 Chances) |
Candidates are advised to begin physical preparation early while continuing their preparation for Paper 2 using SSC CPO Syllabus, SSC CPO Previous Year Papers, and SSC CPO Mock Tests.
SSC CPO Medical Standards 2026 assess a candidate's fitness for Sub-Inspector roles in Delhi Police and CAPFs. After qualifying Paper 2, candidates undergo a Detailed Medical Exam (DME) to evaluate their physical condition, vision, hearing, and overall fitness per SSC standards.
The medical exam follows the written tests, unlike the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). Candidates deemed medically unfit may request a Review Medical Exam (RME) if allowed by recruitment rules.
| exam | Purpose |
|---|---|
| General Physical Exam | Overall health assessment |
| Height & Weight Check | Verify proportionate body measurements |
| Eye exam | Vision and colour perception |
| Hearing Test | Hearing ability assessment |
| Dental exam | Dental health |
| Blood Pressure | Normal cardiovascular fitness |
| Mental Health Assessment | Psychological fitness |
| Orthopaedic exam | Check for deformities affecting duty |
Note: Temporary illnesses usually do not lead to rejection. However, permanent medical conditions that affect operational efficiency may result in disqualification.
SSC CPO Eye Sight Standards are among the most important medical requirements because Sub-Inspectors are expected to perform field duties, surveillance, investigations, and weapon handling. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed visual standards during the Detailed Medical exam.
| Eye | Distant Vision | Near Vision |
|---|---|---|
| Better Eye | 6/6 | N6 |
| Worse Eye | 6/9 | N9 |
Apart from visual acuity, candidates are also examined for:
Candidates who have undergone LASIK or other corrective eye procedures should carefully check the latest SSC notification, as eligibility depends on the medical guidelines applicable to that recruitment cycle.
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria clearly mention that merely clearing Paper 1 or Paper 2 does not guarantee appointment. Candidates must satisfy every eligibility condition throughout the recruitment process. A candidate is likely to be declared ineligible if he or she:
Note: SSC may cancel candidature at any stage of recruitment if any eligibility claim is found incorrect, even after the declaration of the final result.
SSC CPO Eligibility Verification is conducted before the final appointment. Candidates should keep both original documents and self-attested photocopies ready, as failure to produce any mandatory document may delay or cancel the selection process.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Class 10 Certificate | Date of Birth Verification |
| Graduation Degree/Provisional Certificate | Educational Qualification |
| Valid Photo ID | Identity Verification |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) | Reservation Benefit |
| EWS Certificate | EWS Reservation |
| PwBD Certificate (where applicable) | Reservation Benefit |
| No Objection Certificate (Govt Employees) | Employment Verification |
| Passport-size Photographs | Identity Matching |
| LMV Driving Licence (Delhi Police Male SI) | Mandatory Requirement |
Candidates should ensure that the information on all documents matches the details submitted during the online application.
Ques: Is distance education graduation valid for SSC CPO?
Ans: Yes. A bachelor's degree obtained through distance or open learning is generally accepted if the university is recognized by the UGC or the appropriate statutory authority.
Ques: Can candidates with tattoos apply for SSC CPO?
Ans: Yes, but tattoos are subject to the medical guidelines applicable to CAPF recruitment. Permanent tattoos on certain body parts may not be acceptable unless they fall under permitted cultural or tribal exceptions.
Ques: Can candidates apply for both Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI through the same application?
Ans: Yes. Eligible candidates can indicate their post preferences in a single SSC CPO application, subject to meeting the specific eligibility conditions such as the driving licence requirement for Male SI in Delhi Police.
Ques: Are NCC certificate holders given any relaxation in SSC CPO eligibility?
Ans: No. An NCC certificate does not provide relaxation in age, educational qualification, or physical standards. Any benefit, if applicable, is governed by the recruitment rules mentioned in the official notification.
Ques: Can a candidate be rejected after clearing all exam stages?
Ans: Yes. Candidates may still be rejected if they fail document verification, do not meet the medical standards, submit invalid certificates, or are found ineligible during the final verification process.
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