SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) Eligibility 2026
Who can apply for SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) in 2026 — the age limit, educational qualification, nationality and attempt rules as specified by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Always confirm against the official notification before applying.
General eligibility
- Age
- 20-25 years (general). Age relaxation: SC/ST +5 yrs, OBC +3 yrs, departmental candidates and ex-servicemen as per rules.
- Education
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline. For SI in Delhi Police (Driver candidates), a valid LMV driving licence is also required.
- Nationality
- Indian citizen only. (For some CAPF posts, additional verification.)
Physical standards (PST) — Male
- Age
- Same as above.
- Education
- Same as above.
- Nationality
- Same as above.
- Attempts
- Height: 170 cm (general); 165 cm for hill-area candidates; 162.5 cm for ST candidates. Chest: 80 cm unexpanded with minimum 5 cm expansion.
Physical standards (PST) — Female
- Age
- Same as above.
- Education
- Same as above.
- Nationality
- Same as above.
- Attempts
- Height: 157 cm (general); 154 cm for ST candidates. No chest measurement.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Age
- Same.
- Education
- Same.
- Nationality
- Same.
- Attempts
- Male: 100m run in 16 sec · 1.6 km run in 6.5 min · Long jump 3.65m in 3 chances · High jump 1.2m in 3 chances · Shot put (16 lbs) 4.5m in 3 chances. Female: 100m in 18 sec · 800m in 4 min · Long jump 2.7m · High jump 0.9m.
SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) eligibility — common questions
What is the educational qualification for SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector)?
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline. For SI in Delhi Police (Driver candidates), a valid LMV driving licence is also required. That is for General eligibility; the other 3 posts under this notification are listed in the table above.
What is the age limit for SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector)?
20-25 years (general). Age relaxation: SC/ST +5 yrs, OBC +3 yrs, departmental candidates and ex-servicemen as per rules.
Do I need to be an Indian citizen to apply for SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector)?
Indian citizen only. (For some CAPF posts, additional verification.)
Are there attempt limits or extra requirements for SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector)?
Height: 170 cm (general); 165 cm for hill-area candidates; 162.5 cm for ST candidates. Chest: 80 cm unexpanded with minimum 5 cm expansion.
Where should I confirm my SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) eligibility?
Always check against the official Staff Selection Commission (SSC) notification — eligibility rules can change from one cycle to the next. The official links are at the bottom of this page.
Official sources
Every figure on this page traces back to the official notification. Rules change from cycle to cycle — confirm before you apply.
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