Staff Selection Commission opens applications for 2,018 sub-inspector posts

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has formally opened the online application process for the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026. Those eligible can submit their applications from September 10 to September 30, 2026, through the official SSC website.

This recruitment drive aims to fill a substantial 2,018 tentative Sub-Inspector posts across various forces. The opportunities include roles within Delhi Police, different Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Sub-Inspector (Fire) positions specifically for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

What roles are available?

According to the notification released by the Staff Selection Commission, the 2,018 tentative vacancies are distributed as follows: 317 posts for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police, 1,467 posts for Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in CAPFs, and 234 posts for Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF. The SSC has stated that these figures are tentative and may be subject to change.

Who can apply?

Candidates applying for Sub-Inspector roles in Delhi Police and as Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in CAPFs must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.

For the Sub-Inspector (Fire) position in CISF, the educational requirements are more specific. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in science, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. Certain engineering diploma holders may also be eligible, provided they meet the conditions outlined in the official notification.

Age criteria vary by post. For most Sub-Inspector roles, candidates should be between 20 and 25 years old as of August 1, 2026. However, for the Sub-Inspector (Fire) post in CISF, the age limit is set slightly higher, from 18 to 30 years. Government rules will apply for age relaxations for eligible reserved categories and other specified groups.

There's an additional requirement for male candidates seeking Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police: they must possess a valid driving licence for a Light Motor Vehicle, covering both motorcycles and cars. This licence needs to be valid by the date of their Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.

How the selection process works

The SSC CPO recruitment is a multi-stage process designed to rigorously assess candidates. It begins with Paper-I, a computer-based test. Those who pass this stage will then undergo the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).

Successful candidates from the physical tests will proceed to Paper-II, another computer-based examination. The final stage involves a Detailed Medical Examination. The Staff Selection Commission emphasises that clearing the written examinations alone does not guarantee progression to the final recruitment stages, highlighting the importance of the physical tests.

Paper-I will feature 100 questions carrying a total of 200 marks, while Paper-II will have 200 questions, also for 200 marks. These examinations test candidates across reasoning, general knowledge and awareness, quantitative aptitude, and English comprehension. Negative marking will be applied, so applicants must balance speed with accuracy.

Key application details

The application fee for SSC CPO 2026 is set at Rs 100. However, women candidates, those from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempt from paying this fee.

While applications close on September 30, 2026, the last date for fee payment extends to October 1, 2026. A facility for correcting application errors will be available from October 8 to October 10, 2026. The date for the Computer-Based Examination has not yet been announced.

Candidates are advised to complete their online registration and application meticulously via the official SSC website, uploading all necessary documents and paying the fee within the specified deadlines. Given the significant number of vacancies, the SSC CPO 2026 presents a considerable opportunity for graduates aspiring to join the police and central armed forces.