A complete SSC CPO 2026 preparation strategy for the Sub-Inspector post, covering the new sectional timer, Paper-1 and Paper-2 syllabus, physical standards, and salary.
To prepare for SSC CPO 2026, you need a plan that balances a written exam with physical fitness, because the Sub-Inspector selection tests both. SSC recruits Sub-Inspectors for Delhi Police and the CAPFs through a graduate-level exam. The stages are Paper-1 (a computer-based test), the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test (PST/PET), Paper-2, and a final medical examination. The biggest change this year is a 30-minute sectional timer in Paper-1, so speed within each section now matters more than ever. A candidate who scores well in the written exam but neglects running and physical standards can still lose the post, so build both tracks from day one.
The official notification was released on 31 May 2026 on the SSC official website and the application window closes on 30 June 2026. Paper-1 is tentatively scheduled for October to November 2026. Use the gap between the last application date and the exam as your intensive revision and mock-test phase.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 31 May 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 30 June 2026 |
| Paper-1 (tentative) | October to November 2026 |
You need a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university and your age should be between 20 and 25 years, with category relaxations as per rules. Beyond the written test, physical standards are a hard filter that many aspirants underestimate.
Paper-1 is a computer-based test of 200 questions carrying 200 marks in 120 minutes, split into four sections of 50 questions each. From 2026, each section has its own 30-minute sectional timer, so you cannot borrow time from an easier section to finish a harder one. There is a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. Paper-2 is taken by candidates who clear Paper-1 and the physical tests, and it focuses entirely on English.
| Paper | Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | |
| Paper-2 | English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 |
Both papers run for 120 minutes and both carry a penalty of 0.25 marks per wrong answer, so accuracy is as important as attempts.
Since Paper-1 is only a few months away, work backwards from the tentative October to November window and split your remaining time into three clear phases. This keeps you from cramming everything into the final weeks and lets your fitness training run in parallel.
With a 30-minute cap per section, your job is to convert each block into maximum marks without spillover. Plan a fixed attempt target for every section before the exam.
Start running and endurance training early, because PST/PET fitness cannot be built in the final weeks. If you clear Paper-1 and the physical stage, Paper-2 becomes the deciding hurdle, and it is 200 questions of pure English. Read editorials daily, build vocabulary systematically, and drill error spotting, cloze tests and comprehension so that Paper-2 does not surprise you.
The Sub-Inspector post falls under Pay Level 6 of the 7th CPC, with a basic pay of Rs 35,400 and a pay range of Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400. After adding DA, HRA and applicable force allowances, the approximate in-hand salary is around Rs 55,000 to Rs 75,000 per month, on the higher side in X-category cities like Delhi.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 6 (7th CPC) |
| Basic pay | Rs 35,400 |
| Pay range | Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400 |
| Approximate in-hand | ~Rs 55,000 to 75,000 (with DA, HRA, allowances) |
SSC CPO 2026 rewards candidates who treat the written exam and the physical test as one combined goal. Lock your section-wise targets, respect the new 30-minute sectional timer, and keep your fitness on track from the start. The most reliable way to build exam-day speed and accuracy is regular full-length practice, so take timed SSC CPO mock tests on Quiz4Exam, analyse every attempt, and turn your weak sections into strengths well before Paper-1.
Always confirm the latest dates, vacancies and pattern on the official website before applying.
You need a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university and your age must be between 20 and 25 years, with relaxations as per category rules. Physical standards also apply, including a minimum height of 170 cm for male candidates and 157 cm for female candidates. Hill area and tribal category candidates get relaxed physical standards.
The SSC CPO 2026 notification was released on 31 May 2026 and the last date to apply is 30 June 2026. Paper-1 is tentatively scheduled between October and November 2026. Use the period after the application deadline for intensive mock tests and revision.
The Sub-Inspector post is at Pay Level 6 of the 7th CPC, with a basic pay of Rs 35,400 and a pay range of Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400. After DA, HRA and force allowances, the approximate in-hand salary is around Rs 55,000 to Rs 75,000 per month. In-hand pay is higher in X-category cities like Delhi.
From 2026, each of the four Paper-1 sections has its own 30-minute sectional timer within the 120-minute test. You must finish a section within its window and cannot carry unused time to another section. This makes speed and a fixed attempt target for every section essential.
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Yes, both Paper-1 and Paper-2 carry a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Because of this, accuracy matters as much as the number of attempts. Guess only when you can confidently eliminate at least two options.
