SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 – Tier 1, Tier 2, PET/PST & Full Selection Process
If you are preparing for SSC CPO, the first thing you must understand clearly is the SSC CPO exam pattern. Many students start preparation without knowing the exact structure of the exam, and that’s where they lose direction.
The SSC CPO selection process includes multiple stages – written exams, physical tests, and medical examination. Each stage has its own importance, and missing even one detail can cost you your selection.
In this guide, I will explain everything in a simple and practical way — including SSC CPO Tier 1 exam pattern, SSC CPO Tier 2 exam pattern, PET/PST details, marking scheme, and preparation strategy.
SSC CPO Selection Process 2026 – Complete Overview
The SSC CPO recruitment process is conducted in four stages:
- Paper-I (Computer Based Test)
- PET/PST (Physical Tests)
- Paper-II (English Test)
- Medical Examination
Every stage is mandatory. You must qualify each stage to move forward.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 – Tier 1 (Paper-I)
The SSC CPO Tier 1 exam pattern is the first stage of the exam and plays a crucial role in shortlisting candidates for physical tests.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
Total Questions: 200
Total Marks: 200
Time Duration: 2 Hours
Marking Scheme
- 1 mark for each correct answer
- 0.25 negative marking for wrong answer
- No sectional timing
Paper-I is qualifying for PET/PST, but scoring high helps you stay safe above cutoff.
SSC CPO Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CPO Tier 2 exam pattern is much simpler compared to Tier 1 because it includes only one subject — English.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 |
Time Duration: 2 Hours
Key Rules
- 1 mark per question
- 0.25 negative marking
- Marks directly added to final merit
This stage is very important because final selection depends on Paper-I + Paper-II combined score.
SSC CPO PET/PST Exam Pattern 2026
PET (Physical Endurance Test) and PST (Physical Standard Test) are qualifying in nature but very important.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
| Category | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/SC | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| ST | 162.5 cm | 154 cm |
Chest Measurement (Male Only)
| Category | Unexpanded | Expanded |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/SC | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| ST | 77 cm | 82 cm |
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
For Male Candidates:
- 100m Race – 16 seconds
- 1600m Race – 6.5 minutes
- Long Jump – 3.65 meters
- High Jump – 1.2 meters
- Shot Put – 4.5 meters
For Female Candidates:
- 100m Race – 18 seconds
- 800m Race – 4 minutes
- Long Jump – 2.7 meters
- High Jump – 0.9 meters
PET/PST is qualifying only, but many candidates fail here due to lack of preparation.
SSC CPO Medical Test Pattern
The final stage is the medical examination.
- No knock-knee
- No flat foot
- Normal hearing
- Eyesight: 6/6 or 6/9
If you fail medical, your selection gets cancelled even after clearing all stages.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern – Marking Strategy & Score Calculation
Understanding marking is important for score calculation.
- Correct Answer = +1
- Wrong Answer = -0.25
- Unattempted = 0
This means accuracy is more important than attempting all questions.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern – Difficulty Level Analysis
- Tier 1 – Easy to Moderate
- Tier 2 – Moderate
- PET/PST – Physically demanding
The exam is not tough, but competition makes it challenging.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern – Preparation Strategy
Tier 1 Strategy
- Focus on basics first
- Practice mock tests
- Improve speed and accuracy
Tier 2 Strategy
- Focus on English grammar
- Practice comprehension daily
- Build vocabulary
PET Strategy
- Start running daily
- Build stamina gradually
- Practice jumps
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring exam pattern
- Not preparing for PET
- Attempting all questions blindly
- Skipping revision
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FAQs – SSC CPO Exam Pattern
Q1. How many stages are there?
Four stages – Paper-I, PET/PST, Paper-II, Medical.
Q2. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks.
Q3. What is SSC CPO Tier 1 exam pattern?
200 questions, 200 marks.
Q4. What is SSC CPO Tier 2 exam pattern?
English – 200 questions.
Q5. Are PET marks counted?
No, only qualifying.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO exam pattern is straightforward but requires proper understanding. If you clearly know each stage and prepare accordingly, cracking this exam becomes much easier. Focus on written exams, stay consistent with practice, and do not ignore physical preparation.