SSC CPO Physical Eligibility 2026-27, Height, Chest & PET

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Key Takeaways

  • The SSC CPO Physical Eligibility Criteria include height, chest, weight, endurance, and medical standards for Sub-Inspector posts.
  • Candidates must qualify the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test to proceed in the selection process.
  • For regular SI posts, male candidates need a minimum height of 170 cm, while female candidates need 157 cm.
  • CISF SI (Fire) has separate chest requirements of 81 cm unexpanded and 86 cm expanded for male candidates.
  • Candidates must meet medical standards, including eyesight and overall fitness, to qualify for the exam.

The SSC CPO Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026-27 include the height, chest, weight, endurance and medical standards candidates must meet for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces. The current recruitment cycle also includes the Sub-Inspector (Fire) post in CISF for male candidates, which follows separate chest standards. Candidates must qualify the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test to move ahead in the selection process. This blog covers the SSC CPO height and chest requirements, PET events, CISF SI (Fire) standards, eyesight and medical requirements, tattoo rules and documents needed for the physical test.

What is the latest update on SSC CPO Physical Test 2026-27?

The SSC CPO 2026 Recruitment is part of SSC’s 2026–27 examination cycle and covers Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs. The current cycle also includes the CISF Sub-Inspector (Fire) post for male candidates. Candidates shortlisted after Paper-I will be called for PST/PET, where their physical measurements and endurance are tested. The exact PST/PET schedule will be released separately by the concerned authority after the written examination stage.

ParticularDetails
Recruitment cycleSSC CPO 2026–27
Exam nameSub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2026
PostsSI in Delhi Police, SI (GD) in CAPFs and CISF SI (Fire)
Physical stagesPST and PET
Nature of PST/PETQualifying and eliminating
PST/PET dateTo be announced
Conducting authorityCAPFs/concerned authority

What is SSC CPO physical eligibility criteria?

SSC CPO physical eligibility criteria specify the minimum physical measurements and endurance standards candidates must satisfy for appointment as Sub-Inspectors. PST checks height, chest and applicable physical measurements, while PET tests speed, stamina and jumping ability through prescribed events. The applicable standard depends on the candidate’s gender, category and post, with separate chest requirements prescribed for CISF SI (Fire).

Physical componentWhat is checked?
HeightMinimum prescribed height
ChestUnexpanded and expanded measurement for male candidates
WeightProportionate to height
100-metre raceSpeed
1.6 km/800-metre raceEndurance
Long jumpJumping ability
High jumpJumping ability
Shot putApplicable to male candidates
Medical ExaminationVision and overall medical fitness

What are the SSC CPO height standards for regular SI posts?

Candidates applying for regular Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs must meet the prescribed minimum height according to their gender and category. General male candidates require a minimum height of 170 cm, while General female candidates require 157 cm. Relaxed standards are available to eligible hill-area and Scheduled Tribe candidates.

CategoryMale heightFemale height
General category170 cm157 cm
Specified hill-area candidates165 cm155 cm
Scheduled Tribe candidates162.5 cm154 cm

Candidates claiming height relaxation should produce the required certificate in the prescribed format during the physical stage.

What is the SSC CPO chest requirement for regular SI posts?

Chest measurement is applicable to male candidates and differs according to category. Under the current standards, General and eligible hill-area male candidates require a chest measurement of 80 cm unexpanded with 85 cm after expansion, while Scheduled Tribe candidates receive relaxation. Female candidates are not required to undergo chest measurement.

CategoryUnexpanded chestExpanded chest
General category80 cm85 cm
Specified hill-area candidates80 cm85 cm
Scheduled Tribe candidates77 cm82 cm

What are the physical standards for CISF SI (Fire)?

The CISF Sub-Inspector (Fire) post has separate physical standards for male candidates in the 2026–27 cycle. The general height remains 170 cm, but the chest requirement for General and eligible hill-area candidates is 81 cm unexpanded and 86 cm expanded, which is one centimetre higher than the regular SSC CPO SI chest standard.

CategoryHeightUnexpanded chestExpanded chest
General male candidates170 cm81 cm86 cm
Specified hill-area candidates165 cm81 cm86 cm
Scheduled Tribes, including eligible Mizos and Nagas162.5 cm77 cm82 cm

Candidates opting for CISF SI (Fire) should check the standards specifically applicable to this post instead of relying only on the regular CAPF SI requirements.

What is the SSC CPO weight requirement?

SSC CPO does not prescribe one fixed body weight for every candidate because weight is considered in relation to height according to the applicable physical and medical standards. Candidates should therefore maintain a healthy weight suitable for their height and avoid relying on unofficial charts that specify one compulsory weight for all applicants.

What is SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test?

The SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) assesses speed, endurance, jumping ability and overall physical fitness. Male candidates have five prescribed events, including shot put, while female candidates have four events. Candidates must qualify each applicable event within the prescribed standard because PET is qualifying and eliminating in nature.

EventMale candidatesFemale candidates
100-metre race16 seconds18 seconds
1.6 km race6.5 minutesNot applicable
800-metre raceNot applicable4 minutes
Long jump3.65 metres in 3 chances2.7 metres in 3 chances
High jump1.2 metres in 3 chances0.9 metre in 3 chances
Shot put – 16 lbs4.5 metres in 3 chancesNot applicable

Is SSC CPO PST and PET qualifying in nature?

Yes, the SSC CPO PST and PET are qualifying and eliminating in nature. Candidates do not receive additional merit marks for running faster or jumping farther than the prescribed standard, but they must meet every applicable requirement to remain in the recruitment process. A candidate who fails a compulsory physical standard or endurance event is not considered qualified for the subsequent stage.

Are Ex-Servicemen required to appear for SSC CPO PET?

Eligible Ex-Servicemen are generally exempted from the Physical Endurance Test but must meet the prescribed Physical Standard Test and medical standards applicable to direct recruits. They must also satisfy all other eligibility and selection requirements prescribed for their category. Candidates claiming Ex-Servicemen benefits should check the instructions given in the current recruitment notice and PST/PET call letter.

Can candidates appeal against SSC CPO height or chest measurement?

Candidates declared unqualified during PST because of height or chest measurement may be provided an opportunity to appeal before the designated Appellate Authority at the physical-test centre on the same day. Candidates should raise any genuine measurement-related issue immediately at the venue because requests made after leaving the centre may not be considered under the prescribed procedure.

What are the SSC CPO medical standards?

Candidates qualifying the written and physical stages must satisfy the prescribed medical standards during the SSC CPO Medical Examination. The examination checks eyesight, colour vision, general health and physical conditions that could affect duty performance. Candidates should be free from disqualifying conditions such as knock knee, flat foot, varicose veins and squint and should be in good mental and physical health.

Medical criterionRequirement
Near visionN6 in better eye and N9 in worse eye
Distant vision6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye
Colour visionHigh colour vision
SquintDisqualifying squint not permitted
Knock kneeChecked during medical examination
Flat footChecked during medical examination
Varicose veinsChecked during medical examination
General healthCandidate should be medically fit for service

What is the SSC CPO eyesight requirement?

SSC CPO candidates are required to meet the prescribed near and distant vision standards. Near vision should generally be N6 in the better eye and N9 in the worse eye, while distant vision should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye. Candidates are also required to meet the prescribed colour-vision standard and should check the current medical guidelines before appearing for DME.

What happens if a candidate is medically unfit in SSC CPO?

Candidates declared medically unfit during the Detailed Medical Examination may be eligible for a Review Medical Examination (RME) under the prescribed procedure. The Review Medical Board reassesses the medical condition for which the candidate was declared unfit, and candidates must follow the instructions and timeline mentioned in the medical-unfitness notice.

What are the SSC CPO tattoo guidelines?

Permanent tattoos may be allowed in SSC CPO if they satisfy the prescribed conditions relating to content, location and size. Tattoos based on accepted religious symbols, figures or traditional practices may be considered permissible when located on approved areas and within the allowed size limit. Candidates with tattoos should check the latest CAPF medical guidelines before appearing for the medical examination.

Tattoo criterionRequirement
ContentPermissible religious/traditional symbols or names as prescribed
LocationPermitted traditional locations
SizeWithin the prescribed limit
Other tattoosSubject to medical guidelines

What are the SSC CPO obstacle events during training?

Candidates finally selected as Sub-Inspectors undergo prescribed training that may include obstacle events designed to test agility, strength, coordination and endurance. These events are part of post-selection training and should not be confused with the PET conducted during recruitment.

Obstacle eventDetails
Vertical boardJumping over the prescribed board
Rope jumpHolding the rope while jumping from the board
Tarzan swingCompleting the swing obstacle
Horizontal boardJumping onto the horizontal board
Parallel ropeNavigating the parallel rope
Monkey crawlCompleting the monkey-crawl obstacle
Vertical ropeClimbing the vertical rope

What documents are required for SSC CPO Physical Test?

Candidates appearing for PST/PET should carry the documents specified in their admission certificate or call letter. The exact requirements can vary depending on the candidate’s post, gender and category, so the call-letter instructions should be treated as final.

DocumentRequirement
PST/PET Admit CardMandatory for entry
Valid photo IDAadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence or other permitted ID
Recent photographsAs prescribed in the call letter
Category certificateRequired where applicable
Physical relaxation certificateRequired when claiming relaxation
Driving LicenceApplicable to male Delhi Police SI candidates
Other documentsAs specified by the conducting authority

Is a driving licence required for SSC CPO Physical Test?

A valid LMV driving licence for Motorcycle and Car is required for male candidates opting for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police according to the applicable recruitment conditions. It is not a general requirement for all CAPF SI candidates or female candidates. Candidates opting for Delhi Police SI should ensure that they possess the required licence within the prescribed eligibility timeline.

What happens after SSC CPO Physical Test?

Candidates who qualify Paper-I and PST/PET proceed to Paper-II, followed by the Detailed Medical Examination and other applicable verification stages. Final selection is based on the recruitment rules prescribed by SSC, while PST, PET and medical examination remain qualifying stages.

Paper-I → PST/PET → Paper-II → DME/RME → Document Verification → Final selection

How should candidates prepare for SSC CPO PET 2026-27?

Candidates should prepare for every PET event instead of focusing only on running because SSC CPO tests sprint speed, endurance, jumping ability and shot put for male candidates. Training should begin gradually and include timed running, strength work, jumping technique and sufficient recovery to reduce the risk of injury.

  1. Practise the 100-metre sprint regularly.
  2. Build endurance for the 1.6 km or 800-metre race.
  3. Record your running time during practice.
  4. Practise long jump with correct technique.
  5. Include high-jump practice in a safe environment.
  6. Male candidates should practise shot put technique.
  7. Work on lower-body strength and mobility.
  8. Maintain adequate recovery between hard sessions.
  9. Avoid sudden increases in training intensity.
  10. Attempt complete PET simulations before the test.

What should candidates remember about SSC CPO Physical Eligibility 2026-27?

Candidates should first identify whether they are applying for a regular Delhi Police/CAPF SI post or CISF SI (Fire), because the physical standards are not exactly the same. They should also confirm their applicable category relaxation and begin PET preparation well before the physical-test schedule is released.

  • General male height: 170 cm
  • General female height: 157 cm
  • Regular SI male chest: 80–85 cm
  • CISF SI (Fire) general chest: 81–86 cm
  • Male 100-metre race: 16 seconds
  • Male 1.6 km race: 6.5 minutes
  • Female 100-metre race: 18 seconds
  • Female 800-metre race: 4 minutes
  • Male long jump: 3.65 metres
  • Female long jump: 2.7 metres
  • Male high jump: 1.2 metres
  • Female high jump: 0.9 metre
  • Male shot put: 4.5 metres using 16 lbs
  • PST and PET are qualifying in nature.

FAQs

Q1. What is the height requirement for male candidates in SSC CPO?

Male candidates must have a minimum height of 170 cm (for General category).

Q2. What is the height requirement for female candidates in SSC CPO?

Female candidates must have a minimum height of 157 cm (for General category).

Q3. Do male candidates have to take the Shot Put test?

Yes, male candidates must complete the Shot Put (16 lbs) with a minimum distance of 4.5 meters.

Q4. Are tattoos allowed in the SSC CPO Physical Test?

Yes, tattoos are allowed on traditional areas like the inner forearm, provided they are smaller than ¼ of the body part.

Q5. Is a driving license mandatory for SSC CPO Delhi Police SI post?

Yes, a valid LMV driving license is mandatory for male candidates applying to Delhi Police SI.

Q6. Does CISF SI (Fire) have separate physical standards?

Yes. The newly introduced CISF SI (Fire) post has separate physical standards. For General and eligible hill-area male candidates, the chest requirement is 81–86 cm, instead of the regular 80–85 cm standard.