SSC CPO exam pattern 2026: Paper I has 100 questions for 100 marks, with four 15-minute parts. Paper II includes Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English for a total of 160 questions and 320 marks. This is the scheme printed on page 16 of the current notification.
Selection stages
The notice lists Paper I, Physical Standard Test / Physical Endurance Test, Paper II and Detailed Medical Examination. All stages are mandatory subject to the notice’s specific exemptions, such as the PET provision for ex-servicemen. Passing a written paper is not an appointment.
Paper I scheme
| Part | Questions | Marks | Sectional time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| General Knowledge / General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
Paper I wrong answers deduct 0.25 marks. The first three parts are in Hindi and English. Each part has its own 15-minute timer; a freely shared two-hour/200-question old pattern should not be used for this cycle.
Paper II scheme
| Part | Questions | Marks | Sectional time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| General Knowledge / General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
The first three parts together take one hour, with 20 minutes per part. English has a separate one-hour duration. Wrong answers deduct 0.50 marks. The note below the syllabus states that Paper II’s difficulty is higher than Paper I’s.
Normalization and NCC bonus marks
SSC states that marks in a multi-shift computer-based examination will be normalized using its published procedure. NCC certificates held by the application closing date attract bonus marks in each paper: C certificate 5% of the maximum marks, B certificate 3%, and A certificate 2%, subject to proof and the notice’s conditions.
A bonus percentage is not an exemption from a stage or a guaranteed selection. Do not copy old numerical NCC bonus marks without checking the current maximum marks.
PST/PET: qualifying stages
| Candidate group | Events |
|---|---|
| Male | 100 m in 16 seconds; 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes; long jump 3.65 m; high jump 1.2 m; 16 lb shot put 4.5 m |
| Female | 100 m in 18 seconds; 800 m in 4 minutes; long jump 2.7 m; high jump 0.9 m |
The listed jumps and shot put allow three chances. PST/PET do not carry marks; they are qualifying/elimination stages. Height/chest standards and relaxation evidence depend on the post/category. Ex-servicemen are not required to undergo PET but must meet the other stated standards.
Answer-key objections and preparation
The notice permits online answer-key representations during SSC’s announced window at ₹50 per question, non-refundable. Do not infer an objection deadline from a coaching page; use the official release notice.
Editorial preparation advice: practise the current sectional timings, maintain separate accuracy records for Papers I and II, and prepare for physical requirements alongside the written syllabus. Old papers are practice resources with historical patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paper II English only?
No. The 2026 table includes Reasoning, General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude as well as English.
Is Paper I 200 questions in two hours?
Not under the 2026 table reviewed here. It specifies 100 questions in one hour with sectional timers.
Do PST/PET marks add to written marks?
No. The notice describes PST/PET as qualifying/elimination stages without marks.
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.
Related SSC CPO guides
- SSC CPO latest notification and dates
- Age, qualifications and physical requirements
- Paper I and II pattern
- Subject-wise syllabus
- Pay level and salary