Nilanjan
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Police Organization (CPO) exam every year to recruit candidates for various posts such as Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The SSC CPO exam is one of the most sought-after exams among the aspirants who want to join the police force and serve the nation. The SSC CPO exam 2023 is expected to be held in December 2023. The official notification for the SSC CPO exam 2023 will be released soon on the SSC website.
If you are planning to appear for the SSC CPO exam 2023, you must be wondering how to prepare for it and what are the topics that you need to cover. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to crack the SSC CPO exam 2023. We will cover the following aspects of the SSC CPO exam 2023:
- SSC CPO exam pattern and syllabus
- SSC CPO books and study material
- SSC CPO preparation tips and strategy
- SSC CPO previous year papers and mock tests
By following this guide, you will be able to plan your preparation effectively and ace the SSC CPO exam 2023 with flying colors. So, let us begin.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The first step in your preparation is to understand the SSC CPO exam pattern and syllabus. The SSC CPO exam consists of four stages:
- Paper-I: This is an online objective test with multiple-choice questions. It has four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section has 50 questions and carries 50 marks. The total duration of the paper is 2 hours.
- Physical Standard Test (PST)/Physical Endurance Test (PET): This is a physical test that assesses your fitness and endurance level. It includes various activities such as running, jumping, throwing, etc. You have to qualify this test to proceed to the next stage.
- Paper-II: This is also an online objective test with multiple-choice questions. It has only one section: English Language and Comprehension. It has 200 questions and carries 200 marks. The total duration of the paper is 2 hours.
- Medical Examination: This is a medical test that checks your physical and mental health. You have to meet certain medical standards to qualify for the final selection.
The table below summarizes the SSC CPO exam pattern for paper-I and paper-II.
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 hours |
| Paper-I | General Knowledge and General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 2 hours |
| Paper-I | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 2 hours |
| Paper-I | English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | 2 hours |
| Paper-II | English Language and Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
The table below summarizes the PST/PET test for male and female candidates.
| Test | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Height | Minimum 170 cm (relaxation for reserved categories) | Minimum 157 cm (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Chest | Minimum 80 cm (unexpanded) and minimum expansion of 5 cm (relaxation for reserved categories) | Not applicable |
| Race | 100 meters in 16 seconds; 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes | 100 meters in 18 seconds; 800 meters in 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 meters in three chances | 2.7 meters in three chances |
| High Jump | 1.2 meters in three chances | 0.9 meters in three chances |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | 4.5 meters in three chances | Not applicable |
The table below summarizes the medical standards for male and female candidates.
| Test | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Eye Sight | Distant Vision: Better eye (corrected vision) -6/6; Worse eye (corrected vision) -6/9; Near Vision: Better eye (corrected vision) -N6; Worse eye (corrected vision) -N9 | Distant Vision: Better eye (corrected vision) -6/6; Worse eye (corrected vision) -6/9; Near Vision: Better eye (corrected vision) -N6; Worse eye (corrected vision) -N9 |
| Color Vision | CP-2 | CP-2 |
| Tattoo | No tattoo on face, neck, and inner side of forearm and hand | No tattoo on face, neck, and inner side of forearm and hand |
The SSC CPO syllabus for paper-I and paper-II is given below. You have to cover all the topics mentioned in the syllabus to score well in the exam.
SSC CPO Salary Structure
The salary structure of an SSC CPO officer consists of various components such as basic pay, grade pay, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, transport allowance, etc. The salary structure of an SSC CPO officer also varies according to the post and location of posting.
The table below shows the salary structure of an SSC CPO officer for different posts.
| Name of the post | Level | Group | SSC CPO Salary (Post wise) | Grade Pay |
| Sub Inspector in Delhi Police (Male/ Female) | 6 | ‘C’ Non-Gazetted | Rs. 35400-112400/- | 4200 |
| Sub Inspector in CAPF | 6 | ‘B’ Non-Gazetted | Rs. 35400-112400/- | 4200 |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector(ASI) in CISF | 6 | ‘C’ Non-Gazetted | Rs. 29200-92300/ | 2800 |
The grade pay is a fixed amount that is added to the basic pay of an SSC CPO officer. The grade pay depends on the level and group of the post. The grade pay of an SSC CPO officer ranges from Rs 2800 to Rs 4200.
SSC CPO Salary Structured
The SSC CPO salary is calculated based on various factors such as basic pay, grade pay, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, transport allowance, etc. The SSC CPO salary also depends on the post and location of posting of the SSC CPO officer.
The table below gives the details of the SSC CPO salary for different posts.
| Name of the post | Level | Group | SSC CPO Salary (Post wise) | Grade Pay |
| Sub Inspector in Delhi Police (Male/ Female) | 6 | ‘C’ Non-Gazetted | Rs. 35400-112400/- | 4200 |
| Sub Inspector in CAPF | 6 | ‘B’ Non-Gazetted | Rs. 35400-112400/- | 4200 |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector(ASI) in CISF | 6 | ‘C’ Non-Gazetted | Rs. 29200-92300/ | 2800 |
The grade pay is a fixed amount that is added to the basic pay of an SSC CPO officer. The grade pay reflects the level and group of the post. The grade pay of an SSC CPO officer varies from Rs 2800 to Rs 4200.
SSC CPO Salary Allowances
The SSC CPO salary allowances are the additional benefits that are given to the SSC CPO officers over and above their basic salary. The SSC CPO salary allowances are variable in amount depending upon the city of posting of the candidate. The SSC CPO salary allowances include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): This is a cost of living adjustment allowance that is given to the SSC CPO officers to cope with inflation. The DA is calculated as a percentage of the basic salary and is revised periodically by the government.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): This is an allowance that is given to the SSC CPO officers to cover their rent expenses. The HRA is calculated as a percentage of the basic salary and depends on the classification of the city of posting. The HRA rates are 24%, 16%, and 8% for X, Y, and Z cities respectively.
- Transport Allowance (TA): This is an allowance that is given to the SSC CPO officers to cover their travel expenses. The TA is fixed at Rs 3600 for X cities and Rs 1800 for Y and Z cities.
- Dearness on Travel Allowance (DTA): This is an allowance that is given to the SSC CPO officers to compensate for the increase in travel expenses due to inflation. The DTA is calculated as a percentage of the TA and is revised periodically by the government.
- National Pension System (NPS): This is a mandatory contribution that is deducted from the basic salary of the SSC CPO officers for their retirement savings. The NPS contribution is 10% of the basic salary plus DA.
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS): This is a scheme that provides medical facilities to the SSC CPO officers and their dependents. The CGHS contribution is fixed at Rs 225 per month.
- Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS): This is a scheme that provides insurance coverage to the SSC CPO officers and their dependents. The CGEGIS contribution is fixed at Rs 2500 per year.
The table below shows the SSC CPO salary allowances for different cities.
| SSC CPO Salary | Basic / Allowances | X City | Y City | Z City |
| Basic Salary | 35400 | 35400 | 35400 | |
| DA | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| HRA | 8496 | 5664 | 2832 | |
| TA | 3600 | 1800 | 1800 | |
| DA on TA | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Gross Salary | 47496 | 42864 | 40032 | |
| NPS | 3540 | 3540 | 3540 | |
| CGHS | 225 | 225 | 225 | |
| CGEGIS | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | |
| Deductions | 6265 | 6265 | 6265 | |
| SSC CPO In Hand Salary | 41231 | 36600 | 33767 |
SSC CPO Salary After 7th Pay Commission
The SSC CPO salary is revised after the implementation of the 7th pay commission. The level of pay is 6 for SI, CAPF, and CISF. The salary is Rs 35400 -112400 for SI in Delhi Police & CAPF while it is between Rs 29200-92300 for ASI in CISF. The SSC CPO salary also includes various allowances and benefits such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, transport allowance, etc. The SSC CPO salary varies according to the post and location of posting of the candidate.
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of SSC CPO Officers?
SSC CPO offers candidates an opportunity to work for the betterment of the country. The job profile for each post of SSC CPO is described below. The basic duty is to take care of the law and order situation and security.
SSC CPO CISF Job Profile
- Providing security to various government establishments, PSU, and other state-owned infrastructures
- Protecting the Government infrastructure projects and industrial units
- Conducting disaster management and rescue operations
- Controlling industrial fire hazards
- Providing VIP security
SSC CPO Job Profile for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police
- Maintaining law and order in Delhi
- Arresting with or without a warrant
- Searching a person, his/her vehicle, or his/her premises
- Investigating criminal cases
- Maintaining public safety and security
- Providing traffic management and regulation
SSC CPO Job Profile for Sub-Inspector in CAPF
- Maintaining internal security in the country
- Guarding the borders and sensitive areas
- Conducting anti-terrorism and anti-naxal operations
- Participating in UN peacekeeping missions
- Providing security to VIPs and vital installations
What are the Career Growth and Promotion Opportunities for SSC CPO Officers?
The SSC CPO officers have a bright career growth and promotion prospects. They can get promoted to higher ranks based on their performance, seniority, and departmental exams. The promotion hierarchy for different posts of SSC CPO is given below.
Promotion Hierarchy for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police
- Sub Inspector
- Inspector
- ACP
- DCP
- Additional CP
- Joint CP
- Special CP
- Commissioner of Police
Promotion Hierarchy for Sub-Inspector in CAPF
- Sub Inspector
- Inspector
- Deputy Commandant
- Commandant
- Second-in Commandant
- Deputy Inspector General
- Inspector General
- Additional Director General
- Special Director General
Promotion Hierarchy for Assistant Sub Inspector in CISF
- Assistant Sub Inspector
- Sub Inspector
- Inspector
- Assistant Commandant
- Deputy Commandant
- Commandant
- Deputy Inspector General
- Inspector General
SSC CPO Syllabus for General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section tests your logical and analytical skills. You have to solve various types of verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions. The topics covered in this section are:
- Analogies
- Similarities and differences
- Spatial visualization
- Spatial orientation
- Visual memory
- Discrimination
- Observation
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Figural classification
- Arithmetic number series
- Non-verbal series
- Coding and decoding
- Statement conclusion
- Syllogistic reasoning
- Symbolic/Number analogy
- Semantic analogy
- Figural analogy
- Semantic classification
- Symbolic/Number classification
- Figural classification
- Semantic series
- Number series
- Figural series
- Problem solving
- Word building
- Numerical operations
- Symbolic operations
- Trends
- Space orientation
- Venn diagrams
- Drawing inferences
- Punched hole/pattern-folding & unfolding
- Figural pattern-folding and completion
- Indexing, address matching, date & city matching, classification of centre codes/roll numbers, small & capital letters/numbers coding, decoding and classification, embedded figures, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, social intelligence
SSC CPO Syllabus for General Knowledge and General Awareness
This section tests your general awareness and current affairs knowledge. You have to answer questions based on facts and events happening around you. The topics covered in this section are:
- History of India and World
- Geography of India and World
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Indian Economy and Development Issues
- General Science and Technology
- Environment and Ecology
- Culture and Heritage of India and World
- Sports and Games
- Awards and Honors
SSC CPO Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude
This section tests your numerical and mathematical skills. You have to solve various types of arithmetic and algebraic questions. The topics covered in this section are:
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Partnership
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation
- Data Sufficiency
SSC CPO Syllabus for English Comprehension
This section tests your English language skills. You have to answer questions based on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and communication. The topics covered in this section are:
- Error Recognition
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary
- Spellings
- Grammar
- Sentence Structure
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Sentence Completion
- Phrases and Idioms
- Comprehension
SSC CPO Books and Study Material
The next step in your preparation is to choose the best books and study material for the SSC CPO exam 2023. The books and study material should be based on the latest syllabus and exam pattern of the SSC CPO exam 2023. They should also be easy to understand and provide ample practice questions and mock tests. Here are some of the recommended books and study material for the SSC CPO exam 2023:
Books for General Intelligence and Reasoning
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
- Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe
Books for General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Lucent’s General Knowledge by Dr. Binay Karna
- General Knowledge by Manohar Pandey
- Current Affairs Yearly by Arihant Experts
Books for Quantitative Aptitude
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- Advance Maths for General Competitions by Rakesh Yadav
Books for English Comprehension
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- English for General Competitions by Neetu Singh
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
SSC CPO Preparation Tips and Strategy
The third step in your preparation is to follow some effective tips and strategy for the SSC CPO exam 2023. These tips and strategy will help you to plan your preparation smartly and efficiently. Here are some of the useful tips and strategy for the SSC CPO exam 2023:
Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The first tip is to know the syllabus and exam pattern of the SSC CPO exam 2023 thoroughly. You should be aware of all the topics, sub-topics, marks distribution, question types, difficulty level, negative marking, etc. of the exam. This will help you to focus on the important areas and avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
Make a Study Plan
The second tip is to make a study plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. You should divide your time among all the subjects and topics as per their weightage and difficulty level. You should also allocate some time for revision, practice, mock tests, etc. You should follow your study plan strictly and monitor your progress regularly.
Clear Your Concepts
The third tip is to clear your concepts of all the subjects and topics. You should not rely on rote learning or memorization but try to understand the logic and application of each concept. You should use the books and study material that explain the concepts in a simple and lucid manner. You should also refer to some online sources such as YouTube videos, blogs, websites, etc. that provide conceptual clarity.
Practice Regularly
The fourth tip is to practice regularly from various sources such as previous year papers, mock tests, sample papers, etc. You should practice both online and offline mode as per the exam pattern. You should practice different types of questions from easy to difficult level. You should also practice speed and accuracy as they are very important for scoring well in the exam.
Revise Thoroughly
The fifth tip is to revise thoroughly all the subjects and topics before the exam. You should revise the important formulas, facts, rules, shortcuts, tricks, etc. that you have learned during your preparation. You should also revise the questions that you have solved or attempted during your practice. You should make short notes or flashcards for quick revision.
Attempt Mock Tests
The sixth tip is to attempt mock tests regularly to check your preparation level and performance. You should attempt mock tests that are based on the latest syllabus and exam pattern of the SSC CPO exam 2023. You should attempt mock tests in a time-bound manner and in a similar environment as the actual exam. You should analyze your mock test results and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You should work on your weak areas and improve your strong areas.
Stay Positive and Confident
The seventh tip is to stay positive and confident throughout your preparation and during the exam. You should not get stressed or demotivated by any negative thoughts or feedback. You should believe in yourself and your abilities. You should motivate yourself by setting small and realistic goals and achieving them. You should also take care of your health and well-being by eating well, sleeping well, exercising regularly, etc.
SSC CPO Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests
The fourth step in your preparation is to solve the SSC CPO previous year papers and mock tests. These will help you to get familiar with the exam pattern, question types, difficulty level, etc. of the SSC CPO exam 2023. They will also help you to improve your speed, accuracy, time management, etc. They will also give you an idea of the expected cut-off marks and score range for the exam.
You can download the SSC CPO previous year papers from the official website of SSC.
Conclusion
We hope that this blog post has given you a clear idea of how to crack the SSC CPO exam 2023. If you follow this guide, you will be able to prepare for the exam in a systematic and effective manner. You will also be able to score well in the exam and get selected for your desired post.
The SSC CPO exam 2023 is a great opportunity for you to join the police force and serve the nation. You should not miss this chance and start your preparation as soon as possible. We wish you all the best for your exam and future endeavors.
