SSC CPO Salary, Job Profile and Exam Pattern

The SSC CPO salary for a Sub-Inspector is at Level 6 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹35,400 a month (range ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400). This is the same for Delhi Police SI and for SI (GD) in the Central Armed Police Forces. DA, HRA, transport allowance and, in some postings, special allowances are added on top. Any graduate aged 20 to 25 can apply.

Many people search for the CPO full form and salary together: CPO in this exam means Central Police Organisation. Over the years I have watched many young graduates, including many girls, join as SIs through this exam. It is a uniformed job with responsibility from day one. Below is the full picture: posts, pay, physical tests, exam pattern and preparation.

SSC CPO job profile: what does a Sub-Inspector do

A Sub-Inspector (SI) is the first supervisory rank. You lead constables and head constables.

• Delhi Police SI (Executive): investigates cases, records statements, handles law and order duty, runs patrolling and may be in charge of a police post. Male and female candidates can apply.
• SI (GD) in CAPF: works in BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP or SSB. Duties include border guarding, security of airports, metro, industries and government buildings, internal security, election duty and counter insurgency, depending on the force.

The work has fixed shifts on paper, but long hours and transfers are part of life, especially in the CAPFs. Read about each force on our BSF, CRPF, CISF and ITBP and SSB pages.

Who conducts the CPO exam and which posts it fills

The Staff Selection Commission holds the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, usually called the SSC CPO exam, once a year.

The number of posts in each force changes every cycle. Check the latest notice on ssc.gov.in.

Eligibility and age limit

• Qualification: a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university.
• Age limit: 20 to 25 years on the cut-off date in the notice.
• Driving licence: male candidates for Delhi Police SI need a valid driving licence for car and motorcycle (LMV) by the date of the physical test. This is not needed for CAPF posts.
• Nationality: Indian citizen.

Upper age relaxation: 5 years for SC and ST, 3 years for OBC, and 3 years for ex-servicemen after their military service is deducted. Delhi Police gives extra relaxation to some groups, such as widows and divorced women and its departmental candidates. Use this tool to see if your date of birth fits:

SSC CPO salary per month and breakdown

Here is the SSC CPO post and salary at a glance:

So the Delhi Police sub inspector salary, the CPO SI salary in each CAPF and the SSC CPO SI salary in general all start from the same basic pay. The difference is in allowances. Delhi is an X class city, so HRA is at the highest rate. CAPF SIs move across India: HRA varies by station, but posts in border, hard or risky areas may carry extra allowances under government rules, and some postings come with free housing and rations instead.

For the full monthly figure with today's DA, look at the salary estimate box at the top. Your pay slip will show:

• Basic pay: ₹35,400 to start, rising about 3% a year.
• DA: a share of basic pay that goes up when prices rise, changed two times a year.
• HRA: by city class X, Y or Z, or no HRA if you live in government quarters.
• Transport allowance and uniform-related allowances.
• Pension contribution: 10% of basic and DA is taken for the national pension scheme, along with insurance and any income tax.

SSC CPO salary after 5 years: yearly increments and DA hikes raise your pay steadily, and many SIs are close to promotion as Inspector by then, depending on the force. Learn what each allowance means on salary allowances explained.

SSC CPO exam pattern and selection process

The selection has four stages, all compulsory: Paper 1, physical tests (PST and PET), Paper 2, and a detailed medical exam.

Both papers are computer based. A quarter mark (0.25) is cut for each wrong answer. The physical tests are qualifying only. The CPO exam pattern has been stable for years, but always confirm it in the latest notice.

Physical standards and PET

These were the standards in recent notices. They can change, so match them with the current notice.

Hill area candidates and some other groups get lower height rules. Running is where most candidates fail, so start training early.

Training and promotions

After selection, Delhi Police SIs train at the Delhi Police training academy and CAPF SIs at their own force's training centre. Basic training covers law, weapons, drill, field craft and physical fitness, and it is tough. You are on probation during this time.

The next rank is Inspector, and then higher ranks through promotion or departmental exams as per each force's rules. Graduates who want to join directly as officers can try the CAPF Assistant Commandant exam. Promotion speed differs a lot between forces.

How to prepare for the SSC CPO exam

1. English matters most. It is 50 marks in Paper 1 and the whole of Paper 2. Read daily and practise grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
2. Maths and reasoning: the level is similar to SSC CGL, so you can prepare for both together.
3. GK: static GK plus current affairs from a newspaper.
4. Fitness from day one: run 3 to 4 days a week, and practise long jump and high jump. Do not leave it till after Paper 1.
5. Mock tests every week in the last two months.

Most graduates need 6 to 12 months of steady study plus physical practice. If you are below 20 or not yet a graduate, look at SSC GD constable or Delhi Police constable. For state police SI jobs, read our sub inspector guide.

Official website

The notice, online form, admit cards and results for SSC CPO jobs are on ssc.gov.in. Register once and use the same login for all SSC exams. Treat any vacancy number or exam date you see elsewhere as unconfirmed until it appears in the official notice.