SSC CPO Exam 2024: Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Preparation Strategy
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam annually to recruit candidates for various Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts in Ministries/Departments/Organizations of the Government of India. The SSC CPO exam is a separate exam conducted by SSC for recruitment to the post of Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in CISF.
Important Dates
The official notification for the SSC CPO exam 2024 is yet to be released. However, based on previous years’ trends, the tentative schedule is as follows:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February/March 2024 |
| Online Application | March/April 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | June/July 2024 |
| Computer-Based Exam (Tier-I) | July/August 2024 |
| Result of Tier-I | August/September 2024 |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) | September/October 2024 |
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | September/October 2024 |
| Computer-Based Exam (Tier-II) | November/December 2024 |
| Result of Tier-II | December 2024/January 2025 |
| Final Merit List | January/February 2025 |
| Document Verification | February/March 2025 |
| Medical Examination | March/April 2025 |
| Final Selection | April/May 2025 |
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the exact dates.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SSC CPO exam 2024, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Age Limit:
- SI in Delhi Police/CAPFs: 20 to 25 years (relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms)
- ASI in CISF: 18 to 25 years (relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms)
- Educational Qualification:
- SI in Delhi Police/CAPFs: Graduate degree from a recognized university.
- ASI in CISF: 12th pass or equivalent.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the minimum physical standards prescribed by the SSC.
Exam Pattern
The SSC CPO exam is conducted in three tiers:
Tier-I: Computer-Based Exam
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 200
- Number of Questions: 100
- Sections:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 50 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude: 25 questions
- English Language: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 25 questions
Tier-II: Computer-Based Exam
- Duration: 2 hours for each paper
- Total Marks: 200 for each paper
- Number of Questions: 100 for each paper
- Papers:
- Paper-I: Comprehension and Composition
- Paper-II: General Studies
Tier-III: Descriptive Paper (Pen-and-Paper Based)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 100
- Type of Questions: Essay, Letter Writing, and Précis Writing
Note: Candidates must clear Tier-I to be eligible to appear for Tier-II. Similarly, candidates must clear Tier-II to be eligible to appear for Tier-III.
Syllabus
Tier-I
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Space Visualization, Problem Solving, Analytical Reasoning, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number Systems, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Average, Mixtures and Alligations, Data Interpretation.
- English Language: Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Synonyms and Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, One Word Substitution, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks.
- General Awareness: Current Events, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science, and General Knowledge.
Tier-II
- Paper-I: Comprehension and Composition: Comprehension Passages, Paragraph Writing, Letter Writing, Essay Writing, Précis Writing.
- Paper-II: General Studies: Indian History, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Indian Geography, General Science, Current Events, and General Knowledge.
Tier-III
- Descriptive Paper: Essay Writing, Letter Writing, and Précis Writing.
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus for each tier of the exam.
- Create a Study Plan: Plan your study schedule based on the time available and the syllabus.
- Refer to Good Study Material: Use reliable study materials like textbooks, mock tests, and previous years’ papers.
- Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous years’ papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events by reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
- Take Care of Your Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
Important Resources
- SSC Official Website: https://ssc.nic.in/
- Previous Years’ Papers: Available on the SSC website and various online platforms.
- Mock Tests: Available on various online platforms like Testbook, Oliveboard, and Adda247.
- Study Materials: Available on various online platforms like Unacademy, Byju’s, and Gradeup.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the minimum physical standards prescribed by the SSC. The standards vary for different posts.
Table 1: Physical Standards for SI in Delhi Police/CAPFs
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 165 | 81 (86 on expansion) |
| Female | 157 | 76 (81 on expansion) |
Table 2: Physical Standards for ASI in CISF
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 165 | 81 (86 on expansion) |
| Female | 157 | 76 (81 on expansion) |
Note: Relaxation in physical standards is available for reserved categories as per government norms.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who qualify in the Physical Standard Test (PST) will be required to appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PET consists of the following events:
- Race: 100 meters, 800 meters, and 1600 meters
- Long Jump: 3.65 meters for males and 3.05 meters for females
- High Jump: 1.22 meters for males and 1.07 meters for females
Note: The exact details of the PET will be mentioned in the official notification.
Important Tips
- Start your preparation early: Don’t wait till the last minute to start preparing.
- Stay focused and motivated: The preparation journey can be challenging, so stay focused and motivated.
- Take breaks: Don’t study for long hours without taking breaks.
- Stay healthy: Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
- Believe in yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and you will succeed.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO exam is a competitive exam that requires hard work and dedication. By following the preparation strategy outlined above, candidates can increase their chances of success. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and believe in yourself. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the SSC CPO 2024 notification be released?
The official notification for the SSC CPO 2024 exam is expected to be released in February/March 2024. However, it’s best to refer to the official SSC website for the exact date.
2. What is the eligibility criteria for the SSC CPO exam?
Candidates must be Indian citizens, meet the age limit (20-25 years for SI in Delhi Police/CAPFs and 18-25 years for ASI in CISF), and possess the required educational qualification (graduate degree for SI and 12th pass for ASI).
3. What is the exam pattern for the SSC CPO exam?
The exam is conducted in three tiers: Tier-I (Computer-Based Exam), Tier-II (Computer-Based Exam), and Tier-III (Descriptive Paper). Each tier has a specific syllabus and marking scheme.
4. What is the syllabus for the SSC CPO exam?
The syllabus covers topics like General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, Comprehension and Composition, General Studies, and Descriptive Writing.
5. How can I prepare for the SSC CPO exam?
Start your preparation early, create a study plan, refer to good study materials, practice regularly, focus on weak areas, stay updated with current affairs, and take care of your health.
6. What are the important resources for SSC CPO exam preparation?
The SSC official website, previous years’ papers, mock tests, and study materials from reputable sources are crucial resources.
7. What are the physical standards for the SSC CPO exam?
Candidates must meet the minimum height and chest requirements specified by the SSC. Relaxation is available for reserved categories.
8. What is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET)?
Candidates who qualify in the Physical Standard Test (PST) must undergo the PET, which includes events like races, long jump, and high jump.
9. What are some important tips for the SSC CPO exam?
Start early, stay focused, take breaks, stay healthy, and believe in yourself.
10. When will the results of the SSC CPO exam be declared?
The results for each tier are usually declared within a few months after the exam. The final merit list is announced after all tiers are completed.