Dreaming of becoming a Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police or CAPFs? The SSC CPO medical test is your final hurdle—and it’s tougher than you think. Imagine acing the written exams and physical endurance tests, only to get rejected for flat feet or color blindness. Sounds harsh? That’s the reality for thousands of aspirants.
This guide breaks down every medical and physical requirement, from 6/6 vision rules to tattoo restrictions. We’ll share real-life stories of candidates who cleared (or failed) the medical round, expert tips from retired CAPF doctors, and little-known loopholes that could save your candidacy.
Key Highlights of SSC CPO Medical Test 🚨
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Eye Vision Standards | 6/6 (better eye), 6/9 (worse eye) without glasses |
| Tattoo Policy | Allowed only on inner forearm (max ¼ body part size) |
| Disqualifiers | Lasik surgery, knock knees, varicose veins |
| Blood Tests | Checks hemoglobin, STDs, and diseases |
| Chest X-Ray | Mandatory for male candidates |
| Review Process | RME allowed if declared unfit in DME |
| Final Authority | Medical board’s decision is binding |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Eye Vision Requirements: The Make-or-Break Test 👁️
Your eyesight could end your SSC CPO dreams before you even get to the obstacle course. Here’s what the 2025 notification demands:
Uncorrected Vision Standards
- Distant vision: 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye
- Near vision: N6 (better eye), N9 (worse eye)
- Color blindness: Immediate disqualification
- Squint: Not permitted even if vision is perfect
Dr. Anil Kumar, former CAPF medical officer, reveals: “We rub candidates’ eyes to check for lenses—they think they can cheat with colored contacts. 30% rejections happen just from this test.”
The Lasik Surgery Controversy
Many candidates don’t realize:
✅ Lasik surgery is automatically disqualifying
❌ Even if you have 20/20 vision post-surgery
🛑 Detection through machine tests (though not always available)
Real-life case: Rohan Singh (name changed) scored 98% in Tier 2 but was rejected during DME for Lasik scars. “I had the surgery 5 years ago—no one told me it would ruin my career,” he lamented.
Physical Measurements: Height, Chest & Weight Tables 📏
The SSC CPO isn’t forgiving if you’re a few centimeters short. Here’s the breakdown:
Height Requirements
| Category | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| General | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Hill Areas | 165 cm | 155 cm |
| ST Candidates | 162.5 cm | 154 cm |
Chest Measurements (Male Only)
| Category | Unexpanded | Expanded |
|---|---|---|
| General | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Hill Areas | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| ST Candidates | 77 cm | 82 cm |
Pro tip: “Candidates from plains sometimes fake hill-area certificates. We cross-check with voter IDs,” says a Delhi Police recruitment officer.
Medical Tests You Didn’t See Coming 🩺
Beyond the obvious checks, these surprise tests trip up unprepared candidates:
The Knock Knee Trap
- Stand with feet together—knees must not touch
- 5% of female candidates fail this annually
Varicose Veins Check
- Doctors examine veins from feet to stomach
- Even mild cases lead to rejection
Urine & Blood Tests
| Test | Checks For |
|---|---|
| Urinalysis | Diabetes, kidney issues |
| CBC | Hemoglobin, infections |
| STD Panel | HIV, hepatitis B/C |
A 2024 study found 12% of SSC CPO candidates were rejected for low hemoglobin (under 12.5 g/dL for women, 13.5 g/dL for men).
Tattoo Rules: What’s Allowed and What’s Not 🖋️
Thinking of getting inked before joining? Read this first:
Permitted Tattoos
✔ Religious symbols (inner forearm only)
✔ Names (max 4 letters)
✔ Size under ¼ of body part
Banned Tattoos
❌ Sleeves or full-arm designs
❌ Offensive content
❌ On neck, face, or saluting arm
Fun fact: A candidate was rejected for a tiny Om tattoo behind the ear—“visible when wearing a cap” as per the medical report.
Physical Endurance Test: Beyond the Medical 🏃
Clearing the medical is just step one. The real challenge? These PET standards:
Male Candidates
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 100m race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km run | 6.5 minutes |
| Long jump | 3.65 meters |
| High jump | 1.2 meters |
Female Candidates
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 100m race | 18 seconds |
| 800m run | 4 minutes |
| Long jump | 2.7 meters |
| High jump | 0.9 meters |
Fitness coach Priya Sharma advises: “Start training 6 months early. Most fail the 1.6 km run—they focus on gym muscles, not stamina.”
The Hidden Obstacle Course of Training 🧗
Even after selection, probationary training has 7 make-or-break obstacles:
- Vertical board jump
- Rope swing
- Tarzan traverse
- Horizontal board jump
- Parallel ropes
- Monkey crawl
- Vertical rope climb
“We lose 15% of recruits here—some just can’t handle heights,” shares a CISF training instructor.
What If You Fail? The RME Lifeline 🆘
There’s one last hope if declared unfit:
Review Medical Examination (RME)
- Conducted next day by senior doctors
- Only 20% of appeals succeed
- No further challenges allowed
Success story: Kavita (name changed) was initially rejected for mild flat feet. “I showed childhood sports medals proving I could run. The review board approved me!”
Final Word of Advice 🎯
The SSC CPO medical test isn’t just a formality—it’s a ruthless elimination round. Get your eyes, knees, and feet checked privately before applying. As ex-ITBP doctor R. Malhotra puts it: “Your written exam marks don’t matter if your body doesn’t meet the military-grade standards.”
Need the official 2025 medical guidelines? Always refer to the SSC website for updates—rules can change overnight.
Amit Kumar is a content strategist with a degree in Economics. He specializes in creating educational content for competitive exams. With 6+ years of experience, Amit loves analyzing economic trends and playing cricket.
