SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) Exam Pattern 2026
The full SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) exam pattern for 2026 — 4 stages, with the sections, question count, marks, duration and negative marking for each, as set by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Then take a free SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) mock in the real pattern below.
Stage 1: Paper 1 (Computer Based Test)
- Mode
- Online CBT
- Sections
- General Intelligence & Reasoning · General Knowledge & General Awareness · Quantitative Aptitude · English Comprehension
- Questions
- 200 (50 per section)
- Marks
- 200 (1 mark per correct)
- Duration
- 2 hours total (30 minutes per section — sectional timing strictly enforced)
- Negative marking
- -0.25 marks per wrong answer
Sectional timing means you cannot save unused time from one section for another. Each section gets exactly 30 minutes.
Stage 2: PET / PST
- Mode
- Physical tests
- Sections
- Physical Standard Test (height, chest, weight) + Physical Endurance Test (running, jumps, shot put)
- Questions
- —
- Marks
- Qualifying only
- Duration
- Spread across 1-2 days at allocated centre
- Negative marking
- —
Only candidates who clear Paper 1 cutoff are called for PET/PST. Failing either disqualifies you for the post regardless of Paper 1 marks.
Stage 3: Paper 2 (Computer Based Test)
- Mode
- Online CBT
- Sections
- English Language and Comprehension (only)
- Questions
- 200
- Marks
- 200 (1 mark per correct)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Negative marking
- -0.25 marks per wrong answer
Tests English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills at graduate level. Only candidates who qualify PET/PST take Paper 2.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
- Mode
- Detailed medical fitness check
- Sections
- Eyesight, vision, hearing, fitness for active police duty, exclusions for specific conditions
- Questions
- —
- Marks
- Qualifying only
- Duration
- —
- Negative marking
- —
Common disqualifications: poor eyesight, color blindness, knock-knees, flat foot, varicose veins. Re-medical available on appeal in some cases.
You know the pattern — now practise in it.
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