SSC CPO 2026 · Age limit & eligibility
SSC CPO Age Limit 2026: Relaxation, Qualification and Eligibility
SSC CPO age limit: 20–25 years (born 2 Aug 2001 – 1 Aug 2006); SI (Fire) in CISF: 18–30 years (age counted on 1 August 2026), as per the official notice published 10 September 2026.
Age limit, the date on which age is counted, category-wise relaxation and the educational qualification, as printed in the official notice.
SSC CPO age limit and relaxation
Age limit
20–25 years (born 2 Aug 2001 – 1 Aug 2006); SI (Fire) in CISF: 18–30 years (as on 1 August 2026)
Educational qualification
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised university
- Final-year candidates may apply if they hold the degree by the cut-off date in the notice
Upper age relaxation
Category-wise relaxation is listed in the official notice.
Application fee
₹100. Categories exempted from the fee (including women candidates) are listed in the notice.
Source: Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 — Notice (published 10 September 2026). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Age limit, relaxation and qualification in detail
Age is counted on 1 August 2026. For Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI (GD) you must be 20–25 years old, which means born between 2 August 2001 and 1 August 2006. SI (Fire) in CISF has a wider band of 18–30 years: born between 2 August 1996 and 1 August 2008.
For SI in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs you need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. SI (Fire) in CISF needs either a B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or Matriculation plus a three-year diploma in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Automobile, Chemical, Mining, Aeronautical or Telecommunication Engineering. A B.Tech or M.Tech in a relevant field counts as an added qualification only if you also hold the diploma. The qualification must be held by the closing date, 30 September 2026.
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service from actual age |
| Widows / divorced / judicially separated women, not remarried (Delhi Police SI) | Up to 35 years (up to 40 years for SC/ST) |
| Delhi Police departmental candidates with 3 years' regular service | Up to 30 years (UR/EWS), 33 (OBC), 35 (SC/ST) |
Physical standards (PST) and physical endurance test (PET)
Candidates who clear Paper-I are called for the PST and PET. Both are qualifying only: they carry no marks, but failing either ends your candidature for this cycle. Height and chest relaxations for hill-area and Scheduled Tribe candidates need a certificate in the notice's Annexure-VIII format from the district authority where you ordinarily live. Weight must be proportionate to height.
Height and chest (cm)
| Post / category | Height | Chest (unexpanded / expanded) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Police and CAPF SI, male — general | 170 | 80 / 85 |
| Delhi Police and CAPF SI, male — hill areas | 165 | 80 / 85 |
| CAPF SI, male — Gorkha candidates | 157 | 80 / 85 |
| Delhi Police and CAPF SI, male — Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 | 77 / 82 |
| CAPF SI, male — Scheduled Tribes of the North-East | 157 | 77 / 82 |
| SI (Fire) CISF, male — general | 170 | 81 / 86 |
| SI (Fire) CISF, male — hill areas | 165 | 81 / 86 |
| SI (Fire) CISF, male — Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 | 77 / 82 |
| Female — general | 157 | No chest measurement |
| Female — hill areas | 155 | No chest measurement |
| Female — Scheduled Tribes | 154 | No chest measurement |
Physical endurance test
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| Long race | 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes | 800 m in 4 minutes |
| Long jump | 3.65 m (3 chances) | 2.7 m (3 chances) |
| High jump | 1.2 m (3 chances) | 0.9 m (3 chances) |
| Shot put (16 lb) | 4.5 m (3 chances) | Not applicable |
Ex-servicemen are exempt from the PET but must clear the written papers and the PST.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for SSC CPO?
20–25 years (born 2 Aug 2001 – 1 Aug 2006); SI (Fire) in CISF: 18–30 years, counted as on 1 August 2026, as per the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 — Notice. Category-wise upper age relaxation is given in the notice.
What qualification is needed for SSC CPO?
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Final-year candidates may apply if they hold the degree by the cut-off date in the notice.
What is the height required for SSC CPO?
170 cm for male candidates and 157 cm for female candidates in general; hill-area and Scheduled Tribe candidates get relaxation (for example 165 cm and 162.5 cm for men) with a certificate.
What qualification is needed for SI (Fire) in CISF?
A B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or Matriculation with a three-year engineering diploma in one of the listed branches, held by 30 September 2026.