SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 Stages, Marks and Details
The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 is really important for anyone aiming to become a Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police, or join the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and CISF as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). Understanding the exam layout in detail helps you plan your studying better, so you can manage your time effectively across different sections and types of questions.
The exam pattern shows not just how many questions there will be and what type they are, but also how much weight each section holds, how long you have for each part, and what you need to do to qualify, including physical and medical tests. For instance, Paper 1 covers reasoning, general knowledge, math, and English, while Paper 2 is all about English skills.
The physical tests are strict and have specific benchmarks to make sure candidates are ready for police and paramilitary work. With thousands of people competing for just a few spots, knowing the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 inside out can really give you an edge. It helps you avoid surprises on exam day and prepares you better.
This article shares confirmed exam dates, detailed marking schemes, info about negative marking, and useful tips for doing well at each stage. It also points out the latest updates for 2025, so you get the most accurate and helpful info right from the start.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025
The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 gives you a clear idea of how the recruitment process for Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector roles is organized. It involves two written tests – Paper 1 and Paper 2 – plus physical and medical checkups. Paper 1 tests reasoning, general knowledge, basic maths, and English, while Paper 2 is all about English language skills. Candidates need to pass each stage in order, so it’s really important to understand this pattern well. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare better and make sure you meet the requirements at every step.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 Overview of Selection Process
The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 is designed to evaluate candidates in multiple stages, each testing a specific skill set. Candidates need to clear every stage to be considered for final selection.
The selection process includes:
- Paper 1 (Computer-Based Test)
- Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Paper 2 (Computer-Based Test)
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
Only those who qualify Paper 1 will be shortlisted for PST/PET, followed by Paper 2 and then the medical exam.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 Paper 1 Structure
The first stage of the SSC CPO exam is Paper 1, which is an objective-type test conducted online. It plays a vital role in shortlisting candidates for the physical tests.
Key Details of Paper 1:
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Important Points:
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- The questions are set in English and Hindi, except for the English section.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 Physical Tests (PST & PET)
Candidates who qualify Paper 1 are called for Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). This stage tests the physical strength and endurance of candidates.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
Minimum requirements vary by category and gender. The common criteria are:
Height:
- Male (General): 170 cm
- Female (General): 157 cm
Chest (for males only):
- Unexpanded: 80 cm
- Expanded: 85 cm
Note: Relaxations apply for reserved categories.
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
This test includes various physical activities performed within specific time limits.
For Male Candidates:
- 100 meters race in 16 seconds
- 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes
- Long jump: 3.65 meters (3 attempts)
- High jump: 1.2 meters (3 attempts)
- Shot put (16 lbs): 4.5 meters (3 attempts)
For Female Candidates:
- 100 meters race in 18 seconds
- 800 meters race in 4 minutes
- Long jump: 2.7 meters (3 attempts)
- High jump: 0.9 meters (3 attempts)
Candidates who fail any one of these are disqualified.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 Paper 2 Structure
Those who clear the PST/PET are called for Paper 2, which focuses on English language skills.
Key Details of Paper 2:
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Important Points:
- Questions test grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing ability.
- There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong answers.
- The level is moderate to difficult, as it is qualifying in nature but considered in the final merit.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 Medical Examination
Candidates who clear both written exams and physical tests undergo a Detailed Medical Examination (DME). This ensures fitness for duties in police and paramilitary forces.
Key Medical Criteria:
- 6/6 and 6/9 vision without glasses
- No color blindness, flat feet, knock knee, or squint eye
- Overall physical fitness as per government standards
Only candidates who pass the medical exam are considered for final merit.
SSC CPO 2025 Final Selection and Merit
Final merit is based on the combined marks of Paper 1 and Paper 2. PET/PST and Medical Tests are qualifying in nature and do not contribute to the final score.
Tie-breaking criteria (if two or more candidates get the same marks):
- Marks in Paper 2
- Date of birth (older candidate preferred)
- Alphabetical order of names
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 Important Dates
Here are the verified official dates for the SSC CPO 2025 recruitment process:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 16 June 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 16 June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 July 2025 |
| SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Dates | 1 – 6 September 2025 |
| PST/PET Dates | To Be Announced |
| SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Final Result | To Be Announced |
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
Q1. How many stages are there in the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025?
A1. There are four stages – Paper 1, PST/PET, Paper 2, and Medical Examination.
Q2. What is the negative marking in SSC CPO 2025 exams?
A2. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Q3. Is the physical test mandatory for all SSC CPO candidates?
A3. Yes, candidates must qualify the PST and PET to proceed further in the selection process.
Q4. What is the duration of SSC CPO Paper 1 and Paper 2?
A4. Both papers are of 2 hours duration.
Q5. Are marks of PST and PET counted in the final merit?
A5. No, PST and PET are qualifying in nature and do not contribute to the final merit list.