SSC CPO Eligibility: Who Can Apply
A degree in any discipline and a tighter age band than most SSC exams. The physical standards are a separate gate.
SSC CPO eligibility has three parts: a bachelor's degree from a recognised university, an age between 20 and 25 years with category relaxations, and Indian citizenship. The degree can be in any discipline. What makes CPO different from other graduate SSC exams is the fourth, unwritten part: you must also meet physical standards, checked at a separate stage.
This page covers the paper eligibility. The height, chest and running standards live on the physical test page.
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SSC CPO Eligibility at a Glance
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| Age | 20-25 years |
| Age relaxation | SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3 years |
| Nationality | Citizen of India |
The Age Band Is Tighter Than Other SSC Exams
Most graduate-level SSC exams open at 18 and close at 27 or later. CPO opens at 20 and closes at 25 for the general category. Two consequences follow: a fresh graduate may need to wait a year to apply, and a candidate in the mid-twenties has fewer cycles left than they would for other exams. If you are near the upper edge of the band, the current cycle deserves full commitment rather than a trial run.
Category relaxations extend the upper limit: five extra years for SC/ST candidates and three for OBC.
Free Paper I format questions before you commit a cycle.
Can Women Apply for SSC CPO?
Yes. Female candidates apply through the same exam, with physical standards set separately:
- check_circleThe written papers, syllabus and selection stages are identical for all candidates.
- check_circleHeight standard for women is 157 cm, with 152 cm for SC/ST/OBC candidates from specified categories.
- check_circleThere is no chest measurement for women; weight should be proportionate to height.
Confirm the Live Notification Before Applying
Age cut-off dates, relaxation rules and post-specific conditions are set in each cycle's official notification on ssc.gov.in, and details can shift between cycles. Treat this page as the map, and the current notification as the authority.
Eligibility FAQs
What degree do I need for SSC CPO?expand_more
A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. There is no subject or percentage requirement in the eligibility criteria.
What is the age limit for SSC CPO?expand_more
20 to 25 years for the general category, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Is SSC CPO a permanent government job?expand_more
Yes. SSC CPO posts are permanent Central Government positions. After joining you are a government employee with pension, medical benefits, housing and other allowances.
Next steps
Start free CPO practiceNo signup, before you fill a single form.