If you are preparing for the SSC CPO 2025 exam, understanding its exam pattern is the first and most important step. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Central Police Organisation (CPO) examination to recruit candidates for posts such as Sub-Inspectors (SI) in Delhi Police, CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) in CISF.
This exam is held in multiple stages including Paper 1, Physical Tests (PST/PET), Paper 2, and Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Each stage plays a vital role in the selection process, and knowing the updated structure helps you prepare effectively from day one.
In this blog, we’ll break down the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 for Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the simplest language, while highlighting all the latest updates.
Overview of SSC CPO 2025 Selection Process
The SSC CPO recruitment process has four key stages:
- Paper 1 (Computer-Based Test)
- Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Paper 2 (Computer-Based Test)
- Medical Examination
Applicants must clear all these stages to proceed to the next. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are computer-based, and they need concerted effort in reasoning, general knowledge, English, and comprehension.
Let us now learn the in-depth exam pattern for both these papers.
SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2025
Paper 1 is the first stage of the exam and acts as a screening round. It tests your foundational knowledge and reasoning ability.
Key Highlights:
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Type of Questions: Objective multiple-choice questions
- Number of Questions: 200
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer
Subject-Wise Breakdown:
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Paper 1 Tips:
- This paper demands speed and accuracy.
- Focus on practicing previous year questions and mock tests.
- Give extra attention to current affairs in the GK section.
Physical Tests (PST/PET) – After Paper 1
Candidates who qualify in Paper 1 are called for the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). This is a qualifying round, and marks are not counted in the final merit list.
PET Requirements for Male Candidates:
- 100-meter race in 16 seconds
- 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes
- Long jump: 3.65 meters in 3 chances
- High jump: 1.2 meters in 3 chances
- Shot put (16 lbs): 4.5 meters in 3 chances
PET Requirements for Female Candidates:
- 100-meter race in 18 seconds
- 800-meter race in 4 minutes
- Long jump: 2.7 meters in 3 chances
- High jump: 0.9 meters in 3 chances
Note: Failing in this round disqualifies the candidate from further selection.
SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2025
After clearing the physical tests, candidates appear for Paper 2. This stage tests your proficiency in English.
Key Highlights:
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Type of Questions: Objective-type
- Subject: English Language & Comprehension
- Number of Questions: 200
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Important Topics in Paper 2:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar usage
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Sentence correction
- Reading comprehension
- Error spotting
- Fill in the blanks
Paper 2 Tips:
- Build a strong vocabulary and grammar base
- Practice reading comprehension regularly
- Solve mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
Final Stage – Medical Examination
Candidates who pass Paper 2 have to go through a Detailed Medical Examination (DME) by the CAPFs. Only medically qualified candidates are eligible for final selection.
Key Points to Remember for SSC CPO 2025
- Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are equally significant in merit preparation.
- You need to pass the PET/PST to be eligible for Paper 2.
- Marks of both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are taken for the final result.
- The whole recruitment process is transparent and merit-based.
Why Choose Powermind Institute for SSC CPO 2025 Preparation
- Symmetrically Designed Course for Both Papers: Our courses are systematically designed to deal with all the topics of Paper 1 and Paper 2 in a detailed manner.
- Experienced Faculty Members: Study under experienced faculty members who have thorough knowledge of the SSC CPO syllabus as well as paper patterns.
- Mock Tests and Live Practice: Practice with full-length and sectional mock tests that mimic actual exam scenarios.
- Recorded and Live Classes: Attend live classes as well as recorded lectures for revision at any time.
- Personal Mentorship: Small batch size guarantees personal guidance and personalized feedback to rectify weak points.
- Updated Study Material: Our study material, made in-house, incorporates the newest exam pattern and SSC changes.
- Performance Tracking: Regular tests, thorough analysis, and progress reports keep your preparation on track.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2025 provides a clear structure for how candidates will be tested at every stage. Paper 1 checks your aptitude and awareness, PET ensures you meet physical standards, Paper 2 assesses your English skills, and the medical test ensures overall fitness.
With this understanding, you now have the roadmap to prepare effectively. Whether it’s through smart planning or consistent effort, cracking the SSC CPO exam becomes much more achievable with the right guidance.
Start your preparation with Powermind Institute today—your trusted companion for success in SSC exams. Whether you aim for Delhi Police SI or CAPF posts, we’ll ensure you are well-prepared for every step of the journey.