SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Check complete SSC CPO eligibility criteria including age limit, qualifications, and physical standards. PrepMe247 offers 100% Free Practice with bilingual support.
The SSC CPO Eligibility 2026 covers the essential criteria that candidates have to meet to apply for the Sub Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs. Applicants must meet the age limit, educational qualification and nationality requirements. A bachelor’s degree is required for most posts, while SI (Fire) in CISF has separate educational and age requirements. Certain age relaxations are given to reserved categories as per government norms. Candidates need to also meet the physical standards and medical fitness requirements stated by SSC. Fulfilling the SSC CPO eligibility conditions is important to qualify for the exam.
SSC CPO Eligibility 2026
Candidates need to meet certain eligibility conditions to apply for the SSC CPO exam. These include the age limit, educational qualification and nationality. Each of these criteria is important to make sure candidates are suitable for the role. Below is proper explanation of SSC CPO eligibility requirements.
SSC CPO Age Limit
Candidates have to meet the specified age criteria set by Staff Selection Commission to be eligible to apply for SSC CPO Sub Inspector (SI) exam. The age limit is to make sure that students are within the right age range to handle responsibilities of SI. Both minimum and maximum age limits are clearly stated and shall be strictly followed. The age limit varies for different posts. Below is a table showing age requirements for SSC CPO 2026.
| SSC CPO Criteria | Age Limit |
| All Posts (except SI Fire in CISF) | 20 – 25 years |
| Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF | 18 – 30 years |
The age will be calculated as on 01.08.2026.
- For all posts except SI (Fire) in CISF, candidates must be born between 02.08.2001 and 01.08.2006.
- For SI (Fire) in CISF, candidates must be born between 02.08.1996 and 01.08.2008.
SSC CPO Eligibility Age Relaxation
The below table has age relaxation for reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, etc.
| Category | Age-Relaxation permissible beyond the upper age limit |
| SC/ ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date. |
| Widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands who are not re-married (SI in Delhi Police) | Up to 35 years of age |
| Widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands who are not re-married (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years of age |
| Departmental candidates of Delhi Police (UR/EWS) | Up to 30 years of age |
| Departmental candidates of Delhi Police (OBC) | Up to 33 years of age |
| Departmental candidates of Delhi Police (SC/ST) | Up to 35 years of age |
Departmental candidates must have rendered at least 3 years of regular and continuous service as prescribed in the official notice.
Check out SSC CPO Result here.
SSC CPO Qualification
The applicants must have the following educational qualifications, as specified under the SSC CPO SI eligibility, to be considered for selection to this post.
- For SI (Executive) in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs, candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Candidates appearing in the final examination can apply, but they must have passed and possess the required qualification on or before 30.09.2026.
- For SI (Fire) in CISF, candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM), OR Matriculation with a 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Automobiles, Chemical, Mining, Aeronautical or Telecommunication Engineering.
- Higher degrees such as B.Tech/M.Tech are acceptable if the basic diploma qualification is held.
- The programs in Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Physiotherapy, etc are not permitted to be offered under Open and Distance Learning mode.
- Candidates who have not acquired the educational qualification will not be eligible and need not apply.
- For the post of Sub Inspector in Delhi Police (only) - Male candidates must possess a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) as on the date fixed for Physical Endurance and Standard Tests. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to undergo Physical Endurance and Standard Tests.
Note: The Open and Distance Learning statement is retained from your original content, but it should be checked against the exact 2026 notice before publication if you want this page to rely only on the details listed above.
Know the Previous year SSC CPO Cut off.
Nationality for SSC CPO Eligibility
To participate in the SSC CPO candidates have nationality proof like an Adhar card, Voter ID. To fulfil the SSC CPO SI eligibility in terms of nationality, a candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal
- A subject of Bhutan
Candidates from Nepal and Bhutan must possess an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
The additional categories of Tibetan refugees and persons of Indian origin from other countries have been removed because they are not included in the eligibility information provided for the 2026 notice.
Know the SSC CPO Salary and Job profile!
SSC CPO Physical Test
The SSC CPO Eligibility defines the physical standards required to be met by all applicants. The SSC CPO Physical test for male and female candidates will be different. Details of the same are given below.
SSC CPO Physical Eligibility For Males
Male candidates will be assessed on the following parameters to determine their SSC CPO eligibility for physical standards.
| Category | Height (in cms) | Chest (Unexpanded) in cms | Chest (Expanded) in cms |
| General / OBC / SC | 170 | 80 | 85 |
| Candidates belonging to Hill areas of Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Kashmir Valley, Leh & Ladakh regions of J&K, North-Eastern States and Sikkim | 165 | 80 | 85 |
| ST candidates | 162.5 | 77 | 82 |
| Male Gorkhas in CAPFs | 157 | 80 | 85 |
For NE ST candidates in CAPFs, the required height is 157 cm.
SSC CPO Physical Eligibility For Female Candidates
The SSC CPO physical eligibility for females will be assessed based on the following parameters.
| Category | SSC CPO Height Eligibility for Females (in cms) |
| General / OBC / SC | 157 |
| Candidates belonging to Hill areas of Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Kashmir Valley, Leh & Ladakh regions of J&K, North-Eastern States and Sikkim | 155 |
| ST candidates | 154 |
There is no chest measurement requirement for female candidates.
SSC CPO Physical Eligibility for SI (Fire) in CISF
The physical standards for SI (Fire) in CISF are applicable to male candidates only.
| Category | Height (in cms) | Chest (Unexpanded) in cms | Chest (Expanded) in cms |
| General / OBC / SC | 170 | 81 | 86 |
| Hill Areas | 165 | 81 | 86 |
| ST candidates, including Mizos and Nagas | 162.5 | 77 | 82 |
Know how to Download SSC CPO Previous Year Papers in detail.
SSC CPO Physical Test Criteria: Height and Weight Chart for Male and Female Candidates
The candidates appearing for the exams can vary in terms of height and weight therefore the conducting body has listed down official numbers which the candidates can refer to according to their height:
| Height | Ideal Weight (Male) | Ideal Weight (Female) |
| 4’6 | 28-35 kg | 28-35 kg |
| 4’7 | 30-39 kg | 30-37 kg |
| 4’8 | 33-40 kg | 32-40 kg |
| 4’9 | 35-44 kg | 35-42 kg |
| 4’10 | 38-46 kg | 36-45 kg |
| 4’11 | 40-50 kg | 39-47 kg |
| 5’0 | 43-53 kg | 40-50 kg |
| 5’1 | 45-55 kg | 43-52 kg |
| 5’2 | 48-59 kg | 45-55 kg |
| 5’3 | 50-61 kg | 47-57 kg |
| 5’4 | 53-65 kg | 49-60 kg |
| 5’5 | 55-68 kg | 51-62 kg |
| 5’6 | 58-70 kg | 53-65 kg |
| 5’7 | 60-74 kg | 55-67 kg |
| 5’8 | 63-76 kg | 57-70 kg |
| 5’9 | 65-80 kg | 59-72 kg |
| 5’10 | 67-83 kg | 61-75 kg |
| 5’11 | 70-85 kg | 63-77 kg |
| 6’0 | 72-89 kg | 65-80 kg |
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET)
The Physical Endurance Test (PET) is an important stage in the SSC CPO selection process. It is conducted to check a candidate’s physical fitness and ability to handle the demands of the job. Only those who qualify in Paper 1 are called for the PET. The test includes tasks like running, long jump, and high jump, which vary slightly for male and female candidates.
For Male candidates
- 100 meters race in 16 seconds
- 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes
- Long Jump: 3.65 metres in 3 chances
- High Jump: 1.2 metres in 3 chances
- Shot put (16 Lbs.): 4.5 metres in 3 chance
Check out the entire SSC CPO Selection Process.
For Female Candidates
- 100 metres race in 18 seconds
- 800 metres race in 4 minutes
- Long Jump: 2.7 metres in 3 chances.
- High Jump: 0.9 metres in 3 chances.
SSC CPO Medical Test
The SSC CPO Medical Examination is a comprehensive assessment to ensure candidates meet the required health and physical standards for the job. Here are the main medical standards specified in the eligibility requirements:
| Medical Standard | Requirement |
| Eye Sight | Minimum distant vision: 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye |
| Near Vision | N6 in the better eye and N9 in the worse eye |
| Vision Correction | Glasses or surgical correction of any kind to improve visual acuity are not allowed |
| Colour Vision | Candidates must have high colour vision |
| Physical Health | Candidates must be in good mental and bodily health |
| Knock Knees | Not allowed |
| Flat Foot | Not allowed |
| Varicose Veins | Not allowed |
| Squint | Not allowed |
Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards to qualify for the SSC CPO recruitment process.
The detailed medical-test table from the earlier version, including blood tests, STD tests, X-ray, BMI, urine tests and specific disqualification conditions, has been removed because these details were not included in the eligibility information provided above.
Additional Medical Standards
Candidates must also meet the prescribed physical health standards during the medical examination. The official requirements include being free from knock knees, flat foot, varicose veins and squint. Candidates must also meet the required eyesight and colour vision standards.
Check out the SSC CPO Physical Test.
Here we have completed this article on SSC CPO Eligibility. Candidates should carefully check the age, educational qualification, nationality, physical standards and medical requirements before applying for SSC CPO 2026.