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.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern FAQs
How many papers in SSC CPO?
Two written papers plus PET and medical.
What is SSC CPO Paper-1 pattern?
200 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks deducted.
Does PET count in merit?
No, it is qualifying only.
Which marks decide final selection?
Paper-1 and Paper-2 marks.