SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern — Paper I, PET/PST & Paper II Details
The SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern is unique with a physical test sandwiched between two written papers.
Paper I (200 marks, 2 hours)
200 MCQ questions across 4 sections: Reasoning (50), GK (50), Quant (50), English (50). Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. Paper I shortlists candidates for PET/PST.
PET/PST (Qualifying)
Physical Standard Test: Height and chest measurements. Physical Endurance Test: Males — 1.6 km run in 6.5 minutes, long jump 3.65m/running, high jump 1.2m. Females — 1.6 km in 9 minutes, long jump 2.7m, high jump 0.9m. PET/PST is qualifying — no marks. Failure means elimination.
Paper II (200 marks, 2 hours)
200 questions on English Language & Comprehension only. Negative marking 0.25. This tests higher-level English proficiency needed for police/CAPF officer duties.
Final Merit
Paper I + Paper II aggregate (400 marks) determines the final merit, subject to passing PET/PST and medical examination.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper I
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 120 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 | Combined | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | Combined | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | Combined | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Paper II
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Total | 200 | 200 |