Are you aspiring to join the Central Police Organizations as a Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police or CAPFs? The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC CPO exam annually to recruit eligible candidates for these prestigious roles. Understanding the SSC CPO eligibility criteria is crucial for aspirants to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the SSC CPO eligibility details, including age limit, educational qualifications, physical standards, and more.
Note: The details provided here are based on the SSC CPO 2024 notification, as the 2025 notification has not been released yet (as of August 16, 2025). Eligibility criteria typically remain consistent year-over-year, but always verify the latest updates on the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in).
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced candidate, this post will help you assess your eligibility for SSC CPO 2025. Let’s dive in!
Nationality/Citizenship Requirements for SSC CPO
To be eligible for the SSC CPO exam, candidates must fulfill the nationality criteria. This ensures that only authorized individuals can apply for these security-related positions.
- Indian Citizens: The primary requirement is to be a citizen of India.
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan: Candidates from these countries are eligible.
- Tibetan Refugees: Those who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.
- Persons of Indian Origin: Migrants from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) who intend to settle permanently in India.
For non-Indian citizens (except citizens of India), a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India is mandatory. Without this, appointment will not be made even if the candidate qualifies.
SSC CPO Age Limit 2025
The age limit is one of the most critical aspects of SSC CPO eligibility. For SSC CPO 2025, candidates must be between 20 and 25 years old as on the cutoff date (likely August 1, 2025, based on previous patterns). This means:
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than August 2, 2000.
- Candidates must have been born not later than August 1, 2005.
This age bracket ensures that recruits are physically fit and ready for the demanding roles in police forces.
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
SSC provides age relaxations for certain categories to promote inclusivity. Here’s a detailed table of age relaxations:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years (after deduction of military service rendered from actual age) |
| Departmental Candidates (with 3 years of continuous service) | Up to 40 years (general), 45 years (SC/ST) |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated Women (for SI in Delhi Police) | Up to 35 years (general), 40 years (SC/ST) |
| Sportsmen/Sportswomen of Distinction | 5 years (general), 10 years (SC/ST) |
| Children and Dependents of Victims Killed in 1984 Riots or 2002 Gujarat Riots | 5 years (general), 8 years (OBC), 10 years (SC/ST) |
These relaxations help candidates from diverse backgrounds prepare and apply for SSC CPO.
Educational Qualification for SSC CPO
Educational background is a key eligibility factor. All candidates must possess:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can apply provisionally, but they must produce proof of passing the degree before the Physical Endurance Test (PET)/Physical Standard Test (PST).
Special Requirement for Male Candidates Applying for SI in Delhi Police:
- Must possess a valid Driving License for Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) – Motorcycle or Car. This is not required for female candidates or other posts.
This qualification ensures candidates have the necessary academic foundation for the roles.
Physical Standards for SSC CPO (Height, Chest, Weight)
Physical fitness is paramount for police roles. SSC CPO has specific physical standards that candidates must meet during the PST. Relaxations are provided for certain categories and regions (e.g., hill areas include Garhwali, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, and states like Sikkim, Nagaland, etc.).
Physical Standards for Male Candidates
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (Unexpanded/Expanded in cm) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 170 | 80/85 |
| Candidates from Hill Areas | 165 | 80/85 |
| ST | 162.5 | 77/82 |
Physical Standards for Female Candidates
| Category | Height (cm) | Weight (Proportionate to Height) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 157 | As per height and medical standards |
| Candidates from Hill Areas | 155 | As per height and medical standards |
| ST | 154 | As per height and medical standards |
Weight must correspond to height as per medical standards. No chest measurement for females.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for SSC CPO
Qualifying the PET is mandatory and non-merit-based. It tests endurance and agility.
PET for Male Candidates
| Event | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 100-meter race | 16 seconds | – |
| 1.6 km race | 6.5 minutes | – |
| Long Jump | 3.65 meters | 3 chances |
| High Jump | 1.2 meters | 3 chances |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | 4.5 meters | 3 chances |
PET for Female Candidates
| Event | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 100-meter race | 18 seconds | – |
| 800-meter race | 4 minutes | – |
| Long Jump | 2.7 meters | 3 chances |
| High Jump | 0.9 meters | 3 chances |
Pregnant female candidates are disqualified from PET.
Medical Standards for SSC CPO
Candidates must be medically fit. Key requirements are outlined below, with eyesight standards presented in a table for clarity.
Eyesight Standards
| Vision Type | Better Eye (Without Correction) | Worse Eye (Without Correction) |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 6/6 | 6/9 |
| Near Vision | N6 | N9 |
No color blindness is allowed.
Other General Health Requirements
- Free from defects like flat foot, varicose veins, knock knee, squint, or any deformity that hinders duties.
- Tattoos: Allowed if not offensive, but content and location are scrutinized (e.g., no religious symbols on inner forearm).
A detailed medical exam is conducted by authorized medical officers.
Other Eligibility Requirements and Tips for Aspirants
- Number of Attempts: No limit; candidates can apply as long as they meet the age criteria.
- Reservation: Available for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per government norms.
- Tips for Aspirants: Start preparing early for PET/PST, as they are qualifying but challenging. Gather all documents (degree, caste certificate, etc.) in advance. Stay updated via the SSC website for any changes in the 2025 notification.
Meeting SSC CPO eligibility is the first step toward a rewarding career in central police forces. If you qualify, focus on the exam pattern, syllabus, and practice mocks to ace the written tests.
For the latest SSC CPO 2025 updates, visit ssc.gov.in regularly. Good luck with your preparation!
FAQ on SSC CPO Eligibility 2025
1. What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2025?
The age limit is 20 to 25 years as on the cutoff date. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories, such as 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC.
2. What educational qualification is required for SSC CPO?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can apply provisionally but must provide proof before PET/PST.
3. Is there a driving license requirement for SSC CPO?
Yes, male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must have a valid LMV driving license (for motorcycle or car). This is not required for females or other posts.
4. What are the physical standards for male and female candidates?
For males: Height 170 cm (general), chest 80/85 cm. For females: Height 157 cm (general). Relaxations apply for hill areas and ST categories. Weight must be proportionate to height.
5. What events are included in the SSC CPO PET?
For males: 100m race, 1.6 km race, long jump, high jump, shot put. For females: 100m race, 800m race, long jump, high jump. All are qualifying in nature.
6. Are there medical standards for SSC CPO?
Yes, candidates must have good eyesight (6/6 and 6/9 without correction), no color blindness, and be free from physical defects like flat feet or varicose veins.
7. How many attempts are allowed for SSC CPO?
There is no limit on the number of attempts, as long as you meet the age criteria.
8. When will the SSC CPO 2025 notification be released?
As of August 16, 2025, it has not been released yet. It was postponed from June 2025, and a new date is expected soon. Check ssc.gov.in for updates.