The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the detailed notification for the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) Examination 2026 (SSC CPO 2026). This premier national uniform recruitment campaign invites online applications for 1871 vacancies (1,871 posts) across Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police, Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB), and the newly created Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF. Eligible graduates can submit applications through ssc.gov.in until 30 September 2026 (23:00 Hours), with fee payment permitted through 1 October 2026.
SSC CPO 2026: Force-wise Vacancies and Pay Scale
All 1871 notified posts carry the Central Civil Services Group B (Non-Gazetted) Pay Level 6 scale (Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400) plus uniform, risk, and Dearness Allowances:
| Force / Cadre | Designation | Vacancies | Pay Scale | Age Bracket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Police | Sub-Inspector (Executive) - Male & Female | 317 Posts | Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 - 1,12,400) | 20 to 25 Years |
| CAPFs (BSF/CRPF/CISF/ITBP/SSB) | Sub-Inspector (General Duty) | 1320 Posts | Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 - 1,12,400) | 20 to 25 Years |
| CISF | Sub-Inspector (Fire) | 234 Posts | Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 - 1,12,400) | 18 to 30 Years |
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
The selection architecture for SSC CPO SI comprises four sequential evaluation tiers:
- Computer Based Examination (Paper-I): 200 multiple-choice questions across General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension (50 questions each). Duration is 2 hours with 0.25 negative marks per incorrect response.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET): Qualifying physical trials conducted at designated CAPF nodal centers.
- Male candidates: 100m sprint in 16 seconds; 1.6 km run in 6.5 minutes; Long Jump 3.65m; High Jump 1.2m; Shot Put 4.5m.
- Female candidates: 100m sprint in 18 seconds; 800m run in 4 minutes; Long Jump 2.7m; High Jump 0.9m.
- Computer Based Examination (Paper-II): 200 questions testing advanced English Language and Comprehension over a 2-hour duration.
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME): Stringent physical, visual, and surgical check at CAPF base hospitals (visual acuity 6/6 and 6/9 without glasses; no knock knee, flat foot, or squint).
Previous Years Cutoff Trends and Qualifying Marks
Composite merit is prepared by adding normalized marks from Paper-I and Paper-II (total 400 marks) for candidates who clear PET, PST, and DME:
- Delhi Police SI Cutoffs: Given the prestigious city posting, historic final cutoffs for Unreserved male candidates have ranged between 328 and 342 marks out of 400. Cutoffs for female candidates have hovered between 305 and 322 marks.
- CAPF SI (GD) Cutoffs: Final cutoffs for CISF and SSB SI posts typically range between 290 and 318 marks for UR, 280 to 304 marks for OBC, and 245 to 275 marks for SC/ST.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks in Paper-I & Paper-II: UR: 30%, OBC/EWS: 25%, All other categories: 20%.
Candidate Guidelines and Aspirant Suggestions
- Delhi Police Driving License Mandate: Male candidates opting for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must hold a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving license for motorcycle and car by the date of PET/PST. Learner license is strictly not accepted.
- CISF Fire Educational Benchmark: Candidates applying for SI (Fire) in CISF must possess a Bachelor Degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or an equivalent Diploma in Fire Safety/Mechanical Engineering.
- Application Correction Window: The SSC will open an online edit and correction window from 8 October to 10 October 2026. Review uploaded photograph and signature carefully to avoid rejection.
- Physical Endurance Conditioning: Begin stamina and sprint workouts immediately. Over 45% of written test qualifiers fail the 1.6 km run or high jump during the PET stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of vacancies in SSC CPO 2026?
There are 1871 vacancies across Delhi Police SI (317 posts), CAPFs SI GD (1,320 posts), and CISF SI Fire (234 posts).
What is the closing date for SSC CPO 2026 registration?
The application window closes on 30 September 2026 at 23:00 hours, with online fee payment allowed until 1 October 2026 on ssc.gov.in.
Is a driving license required for all posts in SSC CPO?
No. A valid LMV driving license is required only for male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police during the PET/PST stage.
What is the negative marking scheme in SSC CPO Paper-I?
A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
What is the age limit for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs?
Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age as of 1 August 2026, with 3 years relaxation for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST.