SSC CPO Eligibility, Age Limit and Qualifications

Author at PW
July 08, 2025
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SSC CPO Eligibility: The SSC CPO (Staff Selection Commission, Central Police Organisation) exam is conducted to recruit candidates for the post of Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It is one of the most chosen exams for those aiming to serve in paramilitary forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the official SSC CPO Eligibility requirements. 

The SSC CPO eligibility criteria mainly include four components: nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and physical standards. Among these, the SSC CPO physical eligibility plays a crucial role, as selected candidates are expected to perform tasks requiring a high level of physical fitness and endurance. Only those who fulfil all the eligibility conditions will be allowed to participate in the recruitment process. Check out the SSC CPO Eligibility details from the article below.

Check Out: SSC Books

SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria: Overview

The eligibility criteria for SSC CPO are designed to examine whether a candidate is physically, mentally, and academically fit for the demanding roles in police services. Each of these aspects is mandatory. Failure to meet even one of the conditions will lead to disqualification. The major components of the SSC CPO eligibility criteria are:

  • Nationality

  • Age Limit and Age Relaxation

  • Educational Qualification

  • Physical Standards

  • Physical Endurance Test (PET)

  • Medical Standards

Nationality Criteria for SSC CPO Eligibility

Candidates falling under the latter categories must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Candidates applying for the SSC CPO exam must be:

  • A citizen of India, or

  • A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or

  • A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 to permanently settle in India, or

  • A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of settling in India permanently.

SSC CPO Eligibility Age Limit

Age is a crucial part of the SSC CPO eligibility age requirement. This means candidates should not be born earlier than 2nd August 2000 and not later than 1st August 2005 (as per 2025 norms). The candidate must be within the age bracket mentioned below:

  • Minimum Age: 20 years

  • Maximum Age: 25 years

SSC CPO Age Relaxation

The Staff Selection Commission provides age relaxation for various reserved categories as per government rules:

Category

Age Relaxation

SC/ST

5 years

OBC

3 years

Ex-servicemen

3 years after deduction of military service

J&K Domicile (1980-1989)

5 years

Central Govt. Civilian Employees (Group B, General/OBC)

Up to 40 years

Central Govt. Civilian Employees (SC/ST)

Up to 45 years

Widows/Divorced Women (UR)

Up to 35 years

Widows/Divorced Women (SC/ST)

Up to 40 years

Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police, UR)

Up to 30 years

Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police, OBC)

Up to 33 years

Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police, SC/ST)

Up to 35 years

Check Out: SSC Previous year Papers

SSC CPO Educational Qualification

To satisfy the educational requirements under the SSC CPO eligibility criteria, candidates must possess:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification.

  • For candidates applying to Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police (Male only):

  • A valid LMV (Motorcycle and Car) driving licence is required as of the date of the Physical Endurance and Standard Tests (PE&ST).

  • Candidates without the licence will not be allowed to appear for the physical tests.

SSC CPO Physical Eligibility

The SSC CPO's physical eligibility is one of the most essential aspects of the recruitment process. Only those who meet the prescribed physical standards can proceed to further stages.

SSC CPO Male Physical Eligibility Criteria

Check out the SSC CPO Male Physical Eligibility Criteria:- 

Category

Height (cm)

Chest (Unexpanded)

Chest (Expanded)

General

170

80 cm

85 cm

Hill Areas/Northeast

165

80 cm

85 cm

ST

162.5

77 cm

82 cm

SSC CPO Female Physical Eligibility Criteria

Go through the SSC CPO Female Physical Eligibility Criteria below:-

Category

Height (cm)

General

157

Hill Areas/Northeast

155

ST

154

SSC CPO Height and Weight Chart

Although no specific weight standard is provided in the notification, ideal weight ranges according to height can be referred from the table below:

Height

Ideal Weight (Male)

Ideal Weight (Female)

5’4”

53-65 kg

49-60 kg

5’6”

58-70 kg

53-65 kg

6’0”

72-89 kg

65-80 kg

Check Out: SSC Game Changer English, Maths, General Awareness, Reasoning Combo Books

SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET)

Candidates who clear Paper 1 are invited to appear for the Physical Endurance Test. The requirements differ for male and female candidates.

PET for Male Candidates

  • 100-metre race in 16 seconds

  • 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes

  • Long jump: 3.65 metres (3 chances)

  • High jump: 1.2 metres (3 chances)

  • Shot put (16 lbs): 4.5 metres (3 chances)

PET for Female Candidates

  • 100-metre race in 18 seconds

  • 800 metres race in 4 minutes

  • Long jump: 2.7 metres (3 chances)

  • High jump: 0.9 metres (3 chances)

SSC CPO Medical Eligibility

The SSC CPO medical eligibility is an important stage of the recruitment process. It includes several tests to determine a candidate’s overall physical health.

Test

Criteria

Eye Test

6/6 and 6/9 vision without glasses; 

no colour blindness

Colour Vision Test

Must pass Ishihara test

Knock Knee / Flat Foot

Should not be present

Urine/Blood Sample

To check general health

Blood Pressure & BMI

Must be within normal range

X-Ray (Chest - Males)

Must be clear of abnormalities

Dental Check

Must have healthy, countable teeth

Hearing, Nose, Throat

Must function normally

Past Surgeries

Lasik and other corrective surgeries may lead to disqualification

Read More: SSC CPO Syllabus and Exam Pattern

SSC CPO Eligibility FAQs

1. What is the SSC CPO eligibility age for 2025?

Candidates must be between 20 to 25 years of age as on 1st August 2025. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.

2. Is a Bachelor's degree mandatory for SSC CPO eligibility?

Yes, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent to meet the educational qualification criteria.

3. What are the SSC CPO physical eligibility standards for males?

For male candidates, the minimum height is 170 cm, and chest measurement must be 80 cm (unexpanded) and 85 cm (expanded). Relaxation applies to certain categories.

4. Do female candidates also have physical eligibility standards in SSC CPO?

Yes, female candidates must meet a minimum height of 157 cm, with relaxations for certain regions and categories.

5. What is included in the SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET)?

The PET includes tasks such as racing, long jump, high jump, and shot put for male candidates. Female candidates have slightly different endurance test standards.

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SSC CPO Eligibility, Age Limit and Qualifications