Key Takeaways
- The SSC CPO Physical Eligibility Criteria outline the physical and medical standards for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, including the new CISF SI (Fire) position.
- Candidates must meet specific height, chest, weight, and medical standards, along with passing the Physical Standard Test (PST) and the Physical Endurance Test (PET).
- Height requirements vary by category with General males needing 170 cm and females 157 cm; chest measurements also differ for regular posts and CISF SI (Fire).
- Weight should be proportional to height as per medical standards, ensuring candidates are fit for the role.
- Candidates must carry essential documents like the SSC CPO admit card and valid photo ID during the physical test.
The SSC CPO exam is conducted for recruitment to Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). In 2026, SSC has also introduced the Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF post. Candidates applying for these posts must satisfy the applicable Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET) and medical standards. The physical requirements vary according to the post, gender and category. This article covers the SSC CPO Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026, including height, chest, weight, PET, medical standards and the separate physical requirements applicable to CISF SI (Fire).
What is SSC CPO Physical Eligibility Criteria?
The SSC CPO Physical Eligibility Criteria specify the physical and medical standards candidates must satisfy for appointment as Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police, CAPFs and the newly introduced CISF SI (Fire) post.
Candidates are required to meet the applicable height, chest and weight standards and qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). They must also satisfy the prescribed medical standards.
What is SSC CPO Physical Standard?
SSC CPO Physical Standard refers to the prescribed height, chest and weight requirements that candidates must satisfy during the Physical Standard Test (PST). These standards vary according to category, gender and, in the case of SSC CPO 2026, the post applied for.
The regular SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs follow the existing category-wise physical standards, while the newly introduced Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF has separate physical requirements for SSC CPO Exam.
What are the SSC CPO Height Standards for Regular SI Posts?
For regular SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, General male candidates must have a minimum height of 170 cm and General female candidates 157 cm. Relaxed standards apply to specified hill-area categories and Scheduled Tribe candidates.
| Category | Height (Male) | Height (Female) |
| General Category | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Candidates from specified Hill Areas | 165 cm | 155 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 cm | 154 cm |
What is the SSC CPO Chest Measurement Requirement for Regular SI Posts?
For regular SSC CPO SI posts, General and eligible hill-area male candidates must have a chest measurement of 80 cm unexpanded and 85 cm expanded. Scheduled Tribe male candidates must have 77 cm unexpanded and 82 cm expanded. Chest measurement is not applicable to female candidates.
| Category | Chest (Unexpanded) | Chest (Expanded) |
|---|---|---|
| General Category | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Candidates from specified Hill Areas | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes | 77 cm | 82 cm |
What are the Physical Standards for CISF SI (Fire)?
SSC CPO 2026 has introduced Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF – Male as a new post. Candidates applying for this post must satisfy separate physical standards.
| Category | Height | Chest (Unexpanded) | Chest (Expanded) |
| General | 170 cm | 81 cm | 86 cm |
| Eligible Hill-Area Categories | 165 cm | 81 cm | 86 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes, including Mizos and Nagas | 162.5 cm | 77 cm | 82 cm |
Candidates opting for CISF SI (Fire) should therefore not rely only on the regular SSC CPO chest standards, as the General and eligible hill-area chest requirement is different for this post.
What are the Weight Requirements?
For SSC CPO posts, weight must be proportional to height according to the prescribed medical and physical standards. Candidates should ensure that their weight is appropriate for their height at the time of physical measurement.
What is SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET)?
The SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) is designed to assess the fitness level of candidates through various physical activities. The events for male and female candidates differ slightly in terms of distance and the type of activities.
| Event | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| 100-meter Race | Must be completed in 16 seconds | Must be completed in 18 seconds |
| 1.6 km Race | Must be completed in 6.5 minutes | Not applicable |
| 800-meter Race | Not applicable | Must be completed in 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | Minimum 3.65 meters (3 attempts) | Minimum 2.7 meters (3 attempts) |
| High Jump | Minimum 1.2 meters (3 attempts) | Minimum 0.9 meters (3 attempts) |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | Minimum 4.5 meters (3 attempts) | Not applicable |
What is SSC CPO Medical Examination?
Candidates who clear the Paper 2 of the SSC CPO exam will undergo an SSC CPO Medical Examination. This step is crucial to ensure that candidates meet the required health standards for the position. The medical examination includes:
- Vision Requirements: Candidates must have good eyesight, with specific requirements for near and distant vision.
- Near Vision: N6 in the better eye, N9 in the worse eye.
- Distant Vision: 6/6 in the better eye, 6/9 in the worse eye.
- Physical Conditions: Candidates must not have conditions like knocked knees, flat feet, varicose veins, or squint eyes.
- General Health: Candidates must be in good mental and physical health. Any serious health issues that could affect performance will disqualify candidates.
What are SSC CPO Tattoo Guidelines?
For candidates applying to the SSC CPO positions, there are specific tattoo guidelines that need to be followed. Tattoos are allowed but must meet the following criteria:
- Content: Tattoos should not contain offensive or inappropriate content. Religious symbols or figures are allowed.
- Location: Tattoos should be on traditional sites such as the inner aspect of the left forearm or the dorsum of the hands.
- Size: Tattoos should not exceed ¼ of the respective body part (e.g., elbow or hand).
What are SSC CPO obstacle events in training?
Candidates who are finally selected for the Sub-Inspector posts must complete a training curriculum that includes seven obstacle events. These events are crucial for their training, and failure to pass them may result in not being retained in the Force. The events are as follows:
| Obstacle Event | Details |
| Jumping over the Vertical Board | Candidates must successfully jump over a vertical board. |
| Holding the Rope on Jumping from the Board | Candidates need to hold onto a rope while jumping from a board. |
| Tarzan Swing | Candidates must complete a Tarzan swing. |
| Jumping on the Horizontal Board | Candidates must jump onto a horizontal board. |
| Parallel Rope | Candidates need to navigate along a parallel rope. |
| Monkey Crawl | Candidates must perform a monkey crawl. |
| Vertical Rope | Candidates need to climb a vertical rope. |
These obstacle events are designed to test a candidate’s agility, strength, and endurance, all of which are vital for their future role in the Police Force.
What documents are required for the SSC CPO Physical Test?
Candidates must carry the SSC CPO admit card, a valid photo ID, passport-size photographs, required category certificates (if applicable), and a valid LMV driving license for Delhi Police SI (male candidates).
| Document | Details / Requirement |
| SSC CPO Admit Card | Mandatory for entry; contains exam date, time, and venue |
| Photo ID Proof | Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID / Driving License |
| Passport Size Photographs | At least 2 recent photographs (as per SSC guidelines) |
| Caste Certificate | Required for SC/ST/OBC candidates (if applicable) |
| Disability Certificate | Mandatory for PwD candidates (if applicable) |
| Driving License (LMV) | Compulsory for male candidates applying for Delhi Police SI |
| Call Letter Instructions | Follow any additional document requirements mentioned |
FAQs
Male candidates must have a minimum height of 170 cm (for General category).
Female candidates must have a minimum height of 157 cm (for General category).
Yes, male candidates must complete the Shot Put (16 lbs) with a minimum distance of 4.5 meters.
Yes, tattoos are allowed on traditional areas like the inner forearm, provided they are smaller than ¼ of the body part.
Yes, a valid LMV driving license is mandatory for male candidates applying to Delhi Police SI.
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.
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