SSC CPO syllabus 2026: Reasoning, General Knowledge/General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English are listed for both Paper I and Paper II. The notification expressly says Paper II’s difficulty is higher. Do not prepare Paper II as an English-only examination.
Syllabus map and current scheme
| Subject | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 25 questions / 25 marks | 20 questions / 40 marks |
| General Knowledge / Awareness | 25 / 25 | 20 / 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 / 25 | 20 / 40 |
| English Comprehension | 25 / 25 | 100 / 200 |
Paper I uses 15 minutes per part. Paper II gives 20 minutes each to the first three parts and 60 minutes to English. Read the full pattern guide for penalties and physical stages.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
The indicative syllabus includes verbal and non-verbal analogies, similarities/differences, spatial visualization/orientation, relationships, problem solving, classification, number/figural series, coding/decoding, syllogisms and statement conclusions. It also names Venn diagrams, inferences, pattern folding/unfolding, embedded figures, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and social intelligence.
General Knowledge and General Awareness
Cover current events, everyday observation and its scientific aspect, and India/neighbouring countries. The notice specifically names history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general polity, the Indian Constitution and scientific research. It does not promise a fixed current-affairs month range or a chapter-wise mark distribution.
Quantitative Aptitude
The list covers whole numbers, decimals/fractions, percentages, ratio/proportion, square roots, averages, interest, profit/loss, discounts, partnership, mixtures/alligation, time/distance and time/work. It extends to school algebra and surds, linear-equation graphs, triangle/circle geometry, two- and three-dimensional mensuration, trigonometric ratios/identities, heights/distances and statistical charts.
English Comprehension
Prepare error recognition, blanks involving verbs/prepositions/articles, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms/antonyms, sentence completion, phrases/idioms and comprehension. English carries 200 of Paper II’s 320 marks in the current scheme, while the other three parts remain part of that paper.
Preparation sequence
Editorial advice: first diagnose weaknesses by subject, then practise the current sectional time limits. Maintain an error notebook for concepts, calculation, reading and guesswork. Read the official physical-test requirements early and use an appropriate preparation programme; the written syllabus is only one part of selection.
Past papers should keep their original years and stage labels. Use their questions for practice without importing an obsolete question count or an English-only Paper II assumption.
Official syllabus PDF
The official 2026 notification, pages 17–18, is the syllabus source. The paper structure is on page 16, and physical/medical requirements follow on pages 18–21. Subsequent official amendments should be checked on SSC’s website.
Frequently asked questions
Are Reasoning and Maths in Paper II?
Yes. Each has 20 questions for 40 marks in the 2026 scheme.
Is the Paper II difficulty identical to Paper I?
No. The notification says Paper II’s difficulty is higher.
Does SSC publish guaranteed chapter weightage?
The notice provides an indicative syllabus and section allocations, not guaranteed chapter-wise question counts.
SSC CPO 2027 preparation
No 2027 notification has been verified in this review. The rules below belong to the 2026 cycle. Use them as a preparation reference, then recheck the next official notice for age, qualifications, vacancies, paper structure and dates.