SSC CPO Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for 3,073 Sub-Inspector (SI) Posts

Introduction

Every year, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Central Police Organization (CPO) Examination to recruit Sub-Inspectors (SI) in Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB. In 2025, SSC has officially announced a large-scale recruitment drive with 3,073 SI vacancies, offering one of the biggest opportunities for young graduates who want a stable and prestigious career in law enforcement.

The SSC CPO examination is not just another government exam — it is a gateway to a secure job, respect in society, and a career full of challenges and responsibilities. Sub-Inspectors play a critical role in maintaining law and order, leading operations, and contributing to national security.

In this detailed article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about SSC CPO Recruitment 2025 — eligibility, important dates, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, preparation strategy, career prospects, FAQs, and how to apply. This guide is designed to help aspirants with complete clarity in one place, while also being optimized for SEO and AdSense compliance.

Recruitment Overview

About SSC CPO & the Role of Sub-Inspector

The Central Police Organization (CPO) exam recruits candidates for Sub-Inspector positions in multiple security forces. These forces play a vital role in India’s internal security, border management, VIP security, and maintaining public order.

Roles & Responsibilities of an SI through SSC CPO:

• Leading a police unit or platoon.

• Handling law-and-order situations.

• Conducting raids, investigations, and interrogations.

• Preventing smuggling, trafficking, and organized crime.

• Coordinating with state police and central intelligence agencies.

• Ensuring discipline, training, and welfare of junior staff.

Being an SI in Delhi Police or CAPFs is both a matter of pride and responsibility.

Vacancy Details

The SSC notification confirms a total of 3,073 vacancies for Sub-Inspector posts. The vacancies are distributed between:

1. Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police

2. Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs

The force-wise distribution is provided in the official notification, but a simplified table looks like this:

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, aspirants must ensure they meet all conditions.

Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university is mandatory.

• Final-year students may apply if they can produce proof of graduation during document verification.

Age Limit

• Minimum: 20 years

• Maximum: 25 years (as on cut-off date)

• Age relaxation:

  • SC/ST: 5 years

  • OBC: 3 years

  • Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of military service

  • Others as per government norms

Physical Standards

• Male Candidates:

  • Height: 170 cm (relaxation for certain categories)

  • Chest: 80 cm (minimum) with expansion of 5 cm

• Female Candidates:

  • Height: 157 cm

  • No chest measurement required

Nationality

• Must be an Indian Citizen (some other categories like subjects of Nepal/Bhutan also eligible as per SSC rules).

Application Process

Applying for SSC CPO 2025 is completely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official SSC website: ssc.gov.in.

2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number to create an account.

3. Login and select the CPO 2025 Recruitment option.

4. Fill in personal, academic, and communication details carefully.

5. Upload scanned documents:

   • Passport-size photograph (as per dimensions).

   • Signature (as per size guidelines).

   • Category/Disability certificate if applicable.

6. Pay the application fee:

   • General/OBC: ₹100

   • SC/ST/Women/Ex-Servicemen: Exempted

7. Submit the form and download the application receipt for future reference.

Selection Process

The SSC CPO selection has multiple stages to ensure only the best candidates qualify:

1. Paper I (Computer-Based Test)

2. Physical Endurance Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST)

3. Paper II (English Language & Comprehension)

4. Medical Examination

5. Document Verification

Final merit is prepared based on performance in Paper I + Paper II, subject to qualifying in PET/PST and medical exams.

Exam Pattern

Paper I

• Duration: 2 hours

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

For Male Candidates:

• 100m race in 16 seconds

• 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes

• Long jump: 3.65m in 3 chances

• High jump: 1.2m in 3 chances

• Shot put (7.26 kg): 4.5m in 3 chances

For Female Candidates:

• 100m race in 18 seconds

• 800m race in 4 minutes

• Long jump: 2.7m in 3 chances

• High jump: 0.9m in 3 chances

Paper II

• Duration: 2 hours

Medical Examination

• Eye standards, hearing, and general fitness checks.

Syllabus

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies, coding-decoding, series, syllogism, puzzle, seating arrangement, decision-making.

General Knowledge & Awareness

• Current affairs (last 12 months), Indian polity, history, geography, economy, science, books, awards, sports.

Quantitative Aptitude

• Number system, algebra, arithmetic, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics, data interpretation.

English Language & Comprehension

• Vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, sentence correction, synonyms/antonyms, para-jumbles.

Salary & Benefits

SSC CPO SIs are recruited under Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) plus allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)

• House Rent Allowance (HRA)

• Travel Allowance (TA)

• Medical facilities

• Pension/Provident Fund

This makes the in-hand salary around ₹50,000 – ₹60,000 per month, depending on posting location.

Career Growth

Sub-Inspectors have excellent promotional avenues:

• Sub-Inspector → Inspector → Deputy Superintendent (DSP/ACP equivalent) → Additional SP → SP (based on performance, seniority, and departmental exams).

With time and dedication, an SI can rise to high-ranking posts in police and paramilitary forces.

Preparation Strategy

To succeed, candidates should focus equally on academics and fitness.

Study Plan (12 Weeks)

Week 1–4:

• Strengthen basics in Quant and Reasoning.

• Read daily current affairs.

• Practice grammar rules and comprehension.

Week 5–8:

• Attempt topic-wise mocks.

• Solve at least 200 Quant questions per week.

• Start physical fitness training (running, jumps).

Week 9–12:

• Full-length mock tests twice a week.

• Revision of all GK notes.

• Daily reading comprehension practice.

Recommended Books

• Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: Lucent Reasoning

• General Knowledge: Lucent GK + Current Affairs magazines

• English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring physical fitness — many clear Paper I but fail PET.

• Leaving English preparation for later — Paper II is scoring.

• Poor time management in CBTs.

• Not practicing mocks under real-time conditions.

FAQs

Q1: How many vacancies are there in SSC CPO 2025?
A: 3,073 vacancies.

Q2: What is the age limit?
A: 20–25 years (with relaxation for reserved categories).

Q3: Is there negative marking?
A: Yes, 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer.

Q4: Can women apply?
A: Yes, both men and women can apply.

Q5: When is the last date to apply?
A: 16 October 2025.

Q6: What is the salary of an SI?
A: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 + allowances (~₹50–60k per month).

Conclusion

The SSC CPO Recruitment 2025 with 3,073 Sub-Inspector posts is one of the most important opportunities for graduates aiming for a police or paramilitary career. With a structured approach to study, consistent physical fitness training, and disciplined application strategy, candidates can maximize their chances of selection.

Don’t wait until the last week — apply online early at ssc.gov.in and start preparing today. A career as an SI is not only financially rewarding but also gives you a chance to serve the nation with pride.