SSC CPO Recruitment 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 notification. This recruitment is particularly important for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) candidates because the notification provides ESM reservation in the relevant posts and a special category reservation for eligible Ex-Servicemen in the Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police-Male vacancies.
According to the notification, the online application process starts on 10 September 2026 and the last date to submit the application is 30 September 2026 up to 11:00 PM. The last date for online fee payment is 1 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM, while the application correction window is scheduled from 8 October 2026 to 10 October 2026.
For Ex-Servicemen looking for a government job after military retirement, SSC CPO 2026 is an important opportunity. The recruitment includes Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, CAPFs and Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF. The posts carry Pay Level-6 with a pay scale of ₹35,400–₹1,12,400.
SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 |
| Post | Sub-Inspector (SI) |
| Special Focus | Ex-Servicemen / ESM |
| Delhi Police SI Male ESM Vacancies | 12 ESM + 9 Special Category ESM |
| CAPFs ESM Vacancies | 132 |
| CISF SI Fire ESM Vacancies | 18 |
| Application Start Date | 10 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 1 October 2026 |
| Correction Window | 8–10 October 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Recruitment Body | SSC |
| Official Website | SSC Official Website |
| Website Information | Harmrrazmp8.org.in |
Important: The uploaded notification provides reservation for Ex-Servicemen; this should not be interpreted as a recruitment exclusively open to ESM candidates. Other eligible categories may also apply according to the applicable vacancies and eligibility conditions.
SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy Details for Ex-Servicemen
The SSC CPO 2026 notification contains several categories of Sub-Inspector vacancies. For ESM candidates, the most important vacancies are in Delhi Police-Male, CAPFs and CISF SI (Fire).
1. Delhi Police Sub-Inspector – Male
For Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police-Male, the notification provides:
| Category | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 77 | 49 | 27 | 13 | 18 | 184 |
| Ex-Servicemen (Others) | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Ex-Servicemen (Special Category) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| Total | 87 | 54 | 30 | 14 | 20 | 205 |
Thus, the notification specifically shows 12 vacancies for Ex-Servicemen and 9 vacancies for the Special Category of Ex-Servicemen in Delhi Police-Male.
2. Special Category of Ex-Servicemen
One of the most important features of SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 for eligible defence veterans is the special ESM category.
Out of the quota meant for Ex-Servicemen in Delhi Police-Male, 50% is reserved for specified special categories of Ex-Servicemen.
These include Ex-Servicemen who:
- Have served in the Special Force/NSG (Special Action Group); or
- Have received QI – Qualified Instructors grading in the commando course; or
- Are officers from the Navy/Air Force who have worked in specialised commando-type units.
If sufficient eligible candidates from these special categories are not available, the unfilled vacancies can be filled from other available Ex-Servicemen candidates.
This makes the Delhi Police-Male SI vacancy particularly significant for eligible defence personnel with specialised commando or related service experience.
3. Ex-Servicemen Vacancies in CAPFs
The notification also provides ESM reservation in the Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs vacancies.
The CAPF vacancy table shows an overall 132 ESM vacancies against the listed CAPF SI (GD) vacancies. The force-wise ESM figures shown in the notification include:
| CAPF | ESM Vacancies |
|---|---|
| CRPF | 25 |
| BSF | 46 |
| ITBP | 19 |
| CISF | 25 |
| SSB | 17 |
| Total | 132 |
The notification lists the corresponding male and female vacancies for CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB and shows 132 ESM vacancies in the CAPF SI(GD) vacancy table.
Candidates selected for SI posts in CAPFs are liable to serve anywhere in India.
4. CISF Sub-Inspector (Fire) – ESM Vacancy
The notification also contains vacancies for Sub-Inspector (Fire)-Male in CISF.
The category-wise table shows:
- UR: 74
- OBC: 75
- SC: 52
- ST: 16
- EWS: 17
- Total: 234
- ESM (10%): 18
Therefore, 18 ESM vacancies are shown for CISF SI (Fire).
SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility for Ex-Servicemen
Educational Qualification
For Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs, the essential educational qualification is a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
Candidates who have appeared in their Bachelor’s degree examination may also apply, but they must possess the required qualification by the closing date of application.
For SI (Fire) in CISF, the notification specifies either a Bachelor’s degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or the prescribed technical diploma route.
Special provision for non-graduate Ex-Servicemen
An important provision is available for certain Matriculate Ex-Servicemen.
A Matriculate Ex-Serviceman who has completed at least 15 years of service in the Armed Forces of the Union by the closing date may be considered eligible for appointment to the Group ‘C’ SI posts in Delhi Police against vacancies reserved for Ex-Servicemen.
However, a non-graduate Ex-Serviceman who has not completed 15 years of service by the closing date, and would not complete 15 years within one year from the closing date, is not eligible under this provision.
This is an especially important point for retired defence personnel who do not possess a graduation degree.
SSC CPO 2026 Age Limit for Ex-Servicemen
The crucial date for determining age is 1 August 2026.
For most posts other than SI (Fire) in CISF, the basic age limit is 20 to 25 years. For SI (Fire) in CISF, the age limit is 18 to 30 years.
ESM Age Relaxation
Ex-Servicemen are entitled to an upper-age relaxation of:
3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date of applications.
The notification specifically lists Ex-Servicemen under the applicable age-relaxation category.
Candidates should carefully calculate their eligibility according to the exact ESM age-relaxation rules instead of simply adding three years to the normal upper age limit.
Who is treated as an Ex-Serviceman?
The notification provides a detailed definition of Ex-Serviceman. It includes eligible personnel who have served in the Regular Army, Navy or Air Force and have been retired, relieved or discharged under the conditions specified in the notification, as well as certain Territorial Army, Army Postal Service and other specified categories.
Sons, daughters and dependants of Ex-Servicemen are not entitled to ESM reservation or ESM age relaxation merely because their parent is an Ex-Serviceman.
SSC CPO 2026 Application Fee for Ex-Servicemen
The normal application fee mentioned in the notification is ₹100.
However, Ex-Servicemen eligible for reservation are exempted from payment of the application fee. Women candidates and SC/ST candidates are also listed among the fee-exempt categories.
The last date for online fee payment for candidates who are required to pay is 1 October 2026 at 11:00 PM.
SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process
The examination consists of the following major stages:
- Paper-I
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Paper-II
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
The notification states that these stages are part of the examination process.
Important Relief for Ex-Servicemen – PET Exemption
One of the most useful provisions for defence veterans is that:
Ex-Servicemen applying for the posts are not required to undergo PET.
However, ESM candidates must still:
- Pass the written examinations;
- Fulfil the prescribed physical standards; and
- Pass the medical standards applicable to direct recruits.
Therefore, PET exemption does not mean that ESM candidates are exempt from PST or medical requirements.
SSC CPO Paper-I Exam Pattern
Paper-I contains four sections:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The total duration is 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each part.
SSC CPO Paper-II Exam Pattern
Paper-II contains:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 |
| English Comprehension | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 160 | 320 |
The duration is 1 hour, with sectional timing as prescribed in the notification.
Negative Marking
Candidates should be careful while attempting both papers because the notification provides:
- 0.25 marks negative marking for each wrong answer in Paper-I.
- 0.50 marks negative marking for each wrong answer in Paper-II.
Physical Standards for SSC CPO 2026
Although Ex-Servicemen are exempt from PET, they must satisfy the applicable physical standards.
For example, the prescribed height for general male candidates for SI in Delhi Police is 170 cm, with specified relaxations for certain categories and regions. The notification also specifies chest measurements for applicable male candidates.
For CAPFs, separate height and chest standards are prescribed for different categories.
Therefore, ESM applicants should check the physical-standard provisions applicable to the post for which they are applying.
Driving Licence Requirement for Ex-Servicemen
For Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police, male candidates must possess a valid LMV Driving Licence for Motorcycle and Car on the date fixed for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.
Male candidates who do not possess the required driving licence can still be eligible for the SI in CAPFs posts, subject to the other eligibility conditions.
This is an important point for ESM candidates who intend to select Delhi Police as their preferred organisation.
Documents Required for ESM Candidates
At Document Verification, Ex-Servicemen candidates should be prepared to produce the documents specified in the notification.
Important ESM documents include:
- ESM undertaking as per the prescribed format;
- Serving Defence Personnel Certificate, wherever applicable;
- Discharge Certificate, where discharged from the Armed Forces;
- Certificate/documentary evidence supporting the special category ESM claim, wherever applicable;
- Relevant certificate for any claimed age relaxation;
- Educational qualification documents;
- Matriculation/Secondary Certificate;
- Category certificate, where applicable;
- Valid Driving Licence for eligible male candidates who have opted for Delhi Police;
- Other documents prescribed by SSC/User Departments.
The notification specifically requires ESM candidates to produce the relevant ESM documents and documentary evidence for the special ESM category where applicable.
How to Apply for SSC CPO Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates should apply online through the SSC website.
Step 1 – Complete One-Time Registration
Candidates must first complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website.
The notification states that an OTR created on the old SSC website will not be functional on the new website.
Step 2 – Login
Login using the registration details and open the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination 2026 application section.
Step 3 – Enter Educational Details
Enter the highest qualification and qualifying educational qualification details.
Step 4 – Select ESM Information Carefully
Candidates who are serving in the Armed Forces or are Ex-Servicemen must provide the required information.
Eligible candidates for the special ESM quota in Delhi Police must select the appropriate option in the application form.
Step 5 – Select Post/Force Preference
Candidates may indicate preferences for:
- Delhi Police
- BSF
- CISF
- CRPF
- ITBP
- SSB
- CISF SI (Fire)
The notification warns that post/force preferences are final and candidates who fail to submit the required preferences may not be considered for those posts.
Step 6 – Complete the Application
Upload/complete the required photograph and signature requirements, review all information carefully and submit the application.
The last date for submitting the online application is:
30 September 2026 at 11:00 PM.
SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| SSC CPO 2026 Notification | 10 September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 10 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 1 October 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 8 October to 10 October 2026 |
| Computer-Based Examination | To be notified later |
The dates above are based on the uploaded SSC examination notice.
Why SSC CPO 2026 is Important for Ex-Servicemen
SSC CPO 2026 offers several benefits that make the recruitment relevant to defence veterans:
1. Dedicated ESM Reservation
The notification includes ESM vacancies in Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF SI (Fire).
2. Special ESM Category
Eligible veterans with Special Force/NSG, Qualified Instructor commando grading or specified specialised commando-unit experience can compete under the special ESM quota in Delhi Police-Male.
3. Age Relaxation
Eligible ESM candidates receive the prescribed age relaxation after deduction of military service.
4. Application Fee Exemption
Eligible ESM candidates are exempt from the ₹100 application fee.
5. PET Exemption
Ex-Servicemen are not required to undergo PET, although they must fulfil the applicable physical and medical standards.
6. Special Provision for Certain Non-Graduate ESM
Eligible Matriculate ESM personnel with at least 15 years of qualifying service may be considered for specified Group ‘C’ SI posts in Delhi Police against ESM vacancies.
Important Instructions for ESM Candidates
Before applying for SSC CPO 2026, Ex-Servicemen candidates should carefully check their:
- ESM status;
- Date of birth;
- Military service period;
- Discharge/release status;
- Educational qualification;
- ESM certificate/documentation;
- Special ESM category eligibility, if applicable;
- Physical standards;
- Medical standards;
- Driving licence requirement for Delhi Police-Male;
- Post/force preferences.
Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must provide the prescribed certificates/documents when required. If the required certificate is not produced, the ESM claim may not be accepted.
Candidates should also ensure that all information entered in the application is correct because incorrect information can result in cancellation of candidature.
SSC CPO 2026 – Official Website
Candidates should use the official SSC website for submitting the application and checking future examination updates.
Official SSC Website: https://ssc.gov.in
For Ex-Servicemen government-job updates, recruitment information and related defence employment content, readers can also visit:
Harmrrazmp8.org.in: https://harmrrazmp8.org.in
Conclusion
SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 is an important government job opportunity for eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates. The recruitment provides ESM reservation across relevant posts and specifically provides 12 ESM vacancies plus 9 Special Category ESM vacancies for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police-Male. In addition, the CAPF SI(GD) vacancy table contains 132 ESM vacancies, while 18 ESM vacancies are shown for CISF SI (Fire).
For defence veterans, the recruitment becomes particularly attractive because of the ESM age-relaxation provisions, application-fee exemption and exemption from PET. However, ESM candidates must still meet the prescribed educational, physical and medical requirements and provide the necessary documentary evidence.
Candidates should not wait until the last day to apply. The SSC notification itself advises candidates to submit applications well before the closing date because heavy website traffic or technical problems near the deadline can cause difficulties.
Ex-Servicemen candidates should carefully read the complete SSC CPO 2026 notification before applying and verify their individual eligibility according to the official rules.
Website: Harmrrazmp8.org.in
