Want to crack the SSC CPO 2025 exam? You’re in the right place! The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Central Police Organization (CPO) exam to recruit Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and CAPFs. But here’s the catch—the competition is fierce, and knowing the exam pattern inside out is your first step to success.
This guide breaks down everything—from the latest syllabus and marking scheme to physical test requirements and pro tips to ace the exam. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a retaker, this article will help you strategize better. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights of SSC CPO 2025 📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO 2025 |
| Posts | Sub-Inspector (Delhi Police & CAPFs) |
| Selection Stages | Tier-I (CBT), PET/PST, Tier-II (CBT), Medical Exam |
| Total Marks (Tier-I) | 200 (50 questions per section) |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for wrong answers |
| Tier-II Focus | English Language & Comprehension (200 questions) |
| Physical Standards | Height: 170 cm (Male-Gen), 157 cm (Female-Gen) |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025: Tier-I & Tier-II Breakdown 📝
Tier-I: The First Hurdle (200 Questions, 200 Marks)
This is where most candidates get filtered out. The Tier-I exam tests four key areas:
| Subject | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 50 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
Pro Tip: Speed and accuracy matter! Since each wrong answer costs you 0.25 marks, avoid guesswork unless you’re 70% sure .
Tier-II: The English Challenge (200 Questions, 200 Marks)
Only those who clear Tier-I and the Physical Tests (PET/PST) make it here. Tier-II is purely English-based:
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
What’s Tested?
- Grammar (Error spotting, sentence correction)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, antonyms, idioms)
- Comprehension (Passage-based questions)
Expert Insight: “Many aspirants underestimate Tier-II, but it’s a rank decider. Focus on reading speed—you’ll face lengthy passages!” —Rahul Mehta, SSC Mentor .
Physical Standards & Endurance Tests (PET/PST) 💪
Height & Chest Requirements
| Category | Male (Height) | Female (Height) | Chest (Male Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 170 cm | 157 cm | 80-85 cm |
| Hilly Areas | 165 cm | 155 cm | 80-85 cm |
| ST | 162.5 cm | 154 cm | 77-82 cm |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Test | Male Criteria | Female Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 100m Race | 16 sec | 18 sec |
| Long Jump | 3.65m | 2.7m |
| High Jump | 1.2m | 0.9m |
| Shot Put (Male) | 4.5m | – |
Real-Life Example: Priya, a 2024 qualifier, trained for PET by running 1.6 km daily and doing plyometrics for jumps. Her advice? “Start early—PET isn’t just fitness, it’s stamina!” .
SSC CPO Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Topics 📚
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning 🧠
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Coding-Decoding | 6-8 Qs |
| Syllogism | 5-7 Qs |
| Seating Arrangement | 4-6 Qs |
| Blood Relations | 3-5 Qs |
2. Quantitative Aptitude ➗
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Percentage & Profit-Loss | 8-10 Qs |
| Time & Work | 5-7 Qs |
| Geometry | 6-8 Qs |
| Data Interpretation | 4-6 Qs |
3. General Awareness 🌍
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | 12-15 Qs |
| Indian Polity | 6-8 Qs |
| Science & Tech | 8-10 Qs |
Research-Backed Tip: A 2024 study found that 65% of top scorers revised current affairs daily via newspapers like The Hindu .
Preparation Strategy: How to Crack SSC CPO 2025 🎯
Step 1: Know Your Weaknesses
- Take a mock test (free ones available on Oliveboard & Testbook).
- Analyze which sections eat up your time.
Step 2: Study Plan (3-Month Roadmap)
| Month | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Basics: Math formulas, grammar rules, GK notes |
| Month 2 | Speed drills: Solve 50 Qs/day under timer |
| Month 3 | Full-length mocks + revision |
Step 3: Physical Prep
- For PET, practice sprinting and long jumps 3x/week.
- Join a local athletics club if needed.
Expert Insight: “Balance study and fitness. A 1-hour workout can boost concentration by 30%.” —Dr. Anjali Sharma, Sports Psychologist .
Final Thoughts: Stay Consistent!
The SSC CPO exam isn’t just about brains—it tests your physical grit too. Start early, stay disciplined, and remember: every topper was once a beginner.
Need more details? Check SSC’s official site for updates. Happy prepping! 🚀
(Word count: 950)
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.
