SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 & Marking Scheme: Complete Details
Check SSC CPO 2026 exam pattern including Paper-1, Paper-2, PET, marking scheme, negative marking and selection process.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper-1, Paper-2, PET/PST & Marking Scheme
The SSC CPO 2026 exam consists of Paper-1 (200 marks), PET/PST (qualifying), Paper-2 (200 marks), and Medical Test. Paper-1 contains four sections—Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English—with 50 questions each. Paper-2 consists only of English Language & Comprehension with 200 questions. Both papers are conducted for 2 hours with 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer.
Final merit is prepared using Paper-1 and Paper-2 marks only, while PET/PST and medical tests are qualifying in nature.
SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process
SSC CPO recruitment follows a fixed multi-stage pattern:
Stage | Exam Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Paper-1 | Computer Based Test | Screening |
PET/PST | Physical Test | Qualifying |
Paper-2 | Computer Based Test | Merit |
Medical Exam | Medical Fitness | Final qualification |
Only candidates clearing each stage move forward.
SSC CPO Paper-1 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-1 Structure
Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | |
General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | |
English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | |
Total | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Paper-1 Key Rules
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Question type: MCQ
- Total questions: 200
- Total marks: 200
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks
Many exam pattern pages confirm equal distribution of 50 questions per subject.
SSC CPO Paper-1 Sectional Timing
SSC introduced sectional timing:
Section | Time Limit |
|---|---|
Reasoning | 30 minutes |
GK | 30 minutes |
Quant | 30 minutes |
English | 30 minutes |
Total: 120 minutes.
SSC CPO Paper-1 Marking Scheme
Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
Correct answer | +1 |
Wrong answer | −0.25 |
Unattempted | 0 |
Negative marking applies in both papers.
SSC CPO Paper-2 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-2 tests English proficiency.
Paper-2 Structure
Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Paper-2 Key Rules
- Mode: Online
- Objective questions
- Negative marking: 0.25
- Merit counting stage
SSC CPO PET/PST Exam Pattern
Candidates clearing Paper-1 must appear in Physical Tests.
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
For Male Candidates
Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
100 meter race | 16 seconds |
1600 meter race | 6.5 minutes |
Long jump | 3.65 meters |
High jump | 1.2 meters |
Shot put | 4.5 meters |
For Female Candidates
Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
100 meter race | 18 seconds |
800 meter race | 4 minutes |
Long jump | 2.7 meters |
High jump | 0.9 meters |
(PET is qualifying only)
Pattern includes running and jump tests for fitness evaluation.
SSC CPO Physical Standard Test (PST)
Physical Standards
Male
Category | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|
General | 170 cm | 80–85 cm |
ST | 162.5 cm | 77–82 cm |
Female
Category | Height |
|---|---|
General | 157 cm |
ST | 154 cm |
Standards vary by category.
SSC CPO Medical Examination Pattern
Medical examination checks:
Eyesight
Physical defects
Fitness standards
Candidates must meet CAPF standards.
SSC CPO Final Merit Calculation
Stage | Merit Considered |
|---|---|
Paper-1 | Yes |
PET/PST | No |
Paper-2 | Yes |
Medical | No |
Final merit is based on Paper-1 + Paper-2 marks.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern Summary Table
Factor | Details |
|---|---|
Papers | 2 |
Total Marks | 400 |
Paper-1 Marks | 200 |
Paper-2 Marks | 200 |
Negative Marking | 0.25 |
Exam Mode | Online |
Physical Test | Qualifying |
Medical | Qualifying |
SSC CPO Key Pattern Highlights
Important exam facts:
- Equal weightage in Paper-1 subjects
- English only in Paper-2
- Negative marking in both papers
- Physical test mandatory
- Merit from written exams
These structural elements define SSC CPO exam pattern.