SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 Age, Qualification and PET
The SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 lays out the important rules that candidates need to meet if they want to apply for the role of Sub-Inspector (SI) in the Delhi Police and CAPFs, or as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in CISF. Every year, thousands of candidates apply, so understanding these eligibility conditions is the first step towards earning a spot in one of India’s well-known paramilitary forces.
For 2025, most of the eligibility rules haven’t changed much from previous years. However, it’s important to pay attention to specific dates around age and education. For example, the cut-off date to calculate age is August 1, 2025, and you need to have a bachelor’s degree by then.
Also, the requirement for a valid LMV driving license for Delhi Police SI (Male) still applies, which has been a obstacle for some applicants in past years. Getting a clear idea of all the eligibility details is really important because missing even one requirement, like not meeting the height or chest expansion standards, or being outside the age range, could lead to disqualification later on, even if you clear the written exam.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria for 2025, including category-wise age relaxations, physical test standards, and key dates. Whether you’re applying for the first time or coming back after trying before, this article will help you understand exactly what’s needed before you submit your application.
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025
The SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria for 2025 is an important part of the process to see if a candidate is suitable for one of the most challenging roles in Indian law enforcement and paramilitary forces. It’s not just a formality, it’s designed to make sure that candidates meet the basic standards for physical, mental, and educational readiness.
As competition gets tougher and verification processes more strict, even small mistakes, like not having a valid driving license for Delhi Police SI (Male) or not meeting the minimum chest expansion requirement, can disqualify a candidate. For the 2025 recruitment, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has set clear eligibility rules related to age (as of August 1, 2025), educational background, and physical/medical standards. These rules are strictly checked during later stages like the Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET), and Medical Examination.
Also, candidates from reserved categories get certain relaxations in age limits and physical measurements, which can make a big difference in their chances of getting selected.
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 Nationality
To apply for the SSC CPO 2025 exam, a candidate must satisfy the nationality requirement. This ensures only those who are legally recognized by the Indian government are eligible.
The following candidates are eligible:
- Citizens of India
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, with a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 Age Limit
Age is a key component of the SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025. Candidates must fall within a specified age range as on 01 August 2025.
Minimum and Maximum Age:
| Criteria | Age Limit |
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Maximum Age | 25 years |
Date of Birth Range: Candidates must be born between 02 August 2000 and 01 August 2005 (inclusive of both dates).
Age Relaxation
Some candidates from reserved categories get age relaxation as per government norms.
The relaxation details are:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| Widows/Divorced/Women Judicially Separated (UR) | Up to 35 years |
| Widows/Divorced/Women Judicially Separated (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years |
| Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police – UR) | Up to 30 years |
| Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police – OBC) | Up to 33 years |
| Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police – SC/ST) | Up to 35 years |
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 Educational Qualification
The educational qualification is a must-meet requirement under SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025. It ensures that candidates have the necessary academic foundation for the job.
The required qualification is:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Final year students can apply, but they must acquire their degree by 01 August 2025.
Additional Requirement (For Delhi Police SI – Male Only)
- Male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must have a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) at the time of the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests (PE&MT).
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 Physical Standards
Candidates applying for SSC CPO must meet certain physical standards. These standards differ for male and female candidates and vary slightly for different categories.
Height Requirements
| Category | Male (in cm) | Female (in cm) |
| General/OBC/SC | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| ST | 162.5 cm | 154 cm |
Chest Measurements (Only for Males)
| Category | Unexpanded | Expanded |
| General/OBC/SC | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| ST | 77 cm | 82 cm |
Weight
- Weight should be proportionate to height and age as per medical standards.
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 Physical Endurance Test (PET)
Once the Physical Standard Test (PST) is cleared, candidates move on to the Physical Endurance Test (PET). The test measures physical fitness and strength.
PET for Male Candidates
- 100 meters race in 16 seconds
- 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes
- Long jump: 3.65 meters in 3 chances
- High jump: 1.2 meters in 3 chances
- Shot put (16 lbs): 4.5 meters in 3 chances
PET for Female Candidates
- 100 meters race in 18 seconds
- 800 meters race in 4 minutes
- Long jump: 2.7 meters in 3 chances
- High jump: 0.9 meters in 3 chances
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 Medical Standards
The SSC CPO Medical Standards ensure that selected candidates are medically fit for service. Candidates must undergo a detailed medical examination.
Medical Requirements
- Eyesight:
- Without glasses: 6/6 and 6/9 in both eyes
- Near vision: 6 in one eye and 0.8 in the other (without correction)
Candidates should not have:
- Flat feet
- Knock knee
- Squint eyes
- Color blindness
- Varicose veins
They should be free from any disease that may interfere with their duties.
SSC CPO 2025 Important Dates
Here are the verified and updated important dates related to the SSC CPO 2025 recruitment:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 16 June 2025 |
| Start of Online Applications | 16 June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 July 2025 |
| SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Dates | 1 – 6 September 2025 |
| PET/PST Dates | To be Announced |
| SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Date | To be Announced |
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2025?
A1. The age should be between 20 to 25 years as on 01 August 2025.
Q2. Can I apply for SSC CPO 2025 without a graduation degree?
A2. No, a Bachelor’s degree is mandatory. Final year students can apply if they obtain the degree by 01 August 2025.
Q3. Is physical test mandatory for all SSC CPO posts?
A3. Yes, all candidates must qualify the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test.
Q4. Do female candidates need to meet physical criteria in SSC CPO 2025?
A4. Yes, female candidates must fulfill specific height, weight, and endurance test requirements.
Q5. Is there any relaxation for departmental candidates?
A5. Yes, departmental candidates from Delhi Police get age relaxation up to 30–35 years, depending on their category.