The SSC CPO salary draws many graduates to the Sub-Inspector exam. Through the Central Police Organisation exam, the Staff Selection Commission recruits Sub-Inspectors (Executive) in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspectors (General Duty) in the Central Armed Police Forces.
Both posts are at Level 6 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix. A Sub-Inspector is a supervisory rank, so the job carries both responsibility and respect. This page explains the pay, allowances, physical standards and career growth. Pay rules change over time, so check the current notification.
- SSC CPO Sub-Inspector posts are at Level 6, with a starting basic pay of ₹35,400.
- The pay range of Level 6 is ₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400.
- Posts are in Delhi Police and the CAPFs - BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.
- Candidates need graduation and must clear a physical test.
SSC CPO posts and pay
| Post | Force | Pay level | Starting basic pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (Executive) | Delhi Police | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Sub-Inspector (General Duty) | BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
The pay range of Level 6 is ₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400. Basic pay rises with the yearly increment and with promotions.
What makes up the salary
- Basic pay - fixed by the pay level.
- Dearness Allowance (DA) - a percentage of basic pay, revised twice a year by the central government.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) - depends on the city of posting. It has recently been 30%, 20% or 10% of basic pay for X, Y and Z class cities, if government housing is not taken.
- Transport Allowance - a fixed monthly amount that depends on the pay level and city.
- Deductions - mainly the pension contribution (NPS, with an option for the Unified Pension Scheme) and other small deductions as per rules.
So take-home pay differs from city to city, even at the same level. The 8th Pay Commission has been set up by the government; when its recommendations are put in place, these figures will change.
CAPF personnel may also get ration money, uniform allowance and hardship or risk allowances in border and difficult areas, as per the rules of each force.
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Job profile
- SI in Delhi Police - investigation of cases, handling a police post or beat, maintaining law and order, and supervising constables and head constables.
- SI in CAPFs - leading a section or platoon of jawans, border or internal security duties, guarding installations (in CISF), and training.
The work involves shifts, field duty and postings in different places, especially in the CAPFs.
Physical standards and test
| Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 metre race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| Long race | 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes | 800 metres in 4 minutes |
| Long jump | 3.65 metres (3 chances) | 2.7 metres (3 chances) |
| Shot put (16 lbs) | 4.5 metres (3 chances) | - |
| Height (general) | 170 cm | 157 cm |
These are from recent notices, with relaxations for some regions and communities. Male candidates for Delhi Police SI have also been required to hold a valid driving licence. Confirm all standards in the current notice.
Promotion and career growth
- Delhi Police - SI → Inspector → Assistant Commissioner of Police (through promotion rules of the department).
- CAPFs - SI → Inspector → Assistant Commandant, through promotion and limited departmental exams.
- Under the MACP scheme, financial upgrades are given after 10, 20 and 30 years of service if no regular promotion comes.
Salary compared with other SSC posts
| Exam / post | Pay level | Starting basic pay |
|---|---|---|
| SSC MTS / Havaldar | Level 1 | ₹18,000 |
| SSC GD Constable | Level 3 | ₹21,700 |
| SSC Stenographer Grade D | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| SSC CPO Sub-Inspector / Stenographer Grade C | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| SSC CGL Inspector / ASO | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
SSC CPO gives a Level 6 post straight after graduation, higher than most CHSL posts and close to some CGL posts.
Training
Selected candidates go through basic training at the training centres of their force - for example, the Delhi Police training academy or CAPF training centres. Training covers law, investigation, weapons, drill, physical fitness and leadership. Pay is given during training.
Delhi Police or CAPF - which to choose?
| Point | Delhi Police SI | CAPF SI |
|---|---|---|
| Place of work | Mostly within Delhi | Anywhere in India, often border or remote areas |
| Nature of work | Policing, investigation, law and order | Border guarding, internal security, industrial security |
| Family life | Easier to stay with family | Long postings away from family |
| Allowances | Standard city allowances | Extra hardship and risk allowances in some areas |
Choose Delhi Police if you want a settled city life; choose a CAPF if you are ready for adventure and field duty.
How to prepare
- Paper I - practise reasoning, quant, English and General Knowledge daily, like for SSC CGL.
- Physical - run four to five days a week, and practise long jump and shot put technique.
- Paper II - English grammar, vocabulary and comprehension, since it carries a lot of weight.
- Medical - get your eyesight and health checked early to avoid surprises.
Pension after retirement
Central government employees who joined on or after 1 January 2004 are covered by the National Pension System (NPS), with 10% of basic pay plus DA from the employee and 14% from the government. Since 1 April 2025, they can choose the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which gives an assured pension of 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months after 25 years of service. Check the latest rules when you join.
Exam and selection in brief
- Paper I - reasoning, General Knowledge, quantitative aptitude and English.
- PST and PET - physical standards and physical efficiency test.
- Paper II - English language and comprehension.
- Detailed medical examination and document verification.
The age limit has been 20 to 25 years, with relaxation for reserved categories. See our SSC CPO exam guide for the full pattern.
Documents to keep ready
- Class 10 certificate for date of birth.
- Marksheets and certificates of the qualifying exam.
- Caste, EWS or other category certificate in the central government format, where relevant.
- Photo identity proof and recent photographs, as asked at document verification.
Make sure your name and date of birth match across all documents.
Common mistakes
- Starting physical practice late. Long jump and shot put need technique practice.
- Not checking height and chest before applying.
- Ignoring the driving licence condition for Delhi Police SI.
- Weak English in Paper II - it carries heavy weight in the final merit.
For other SSC pay guides, see the SSC GD salary, SSC Stenographer salary and SSC CGL post list and salary pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary of SSC CPO Sub-Inspector?
SSC CPO Sub-Inspector posts are at Level 6 with a starting basic pay of ₹35,400 and a pay range of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400. DA, HRA and force allowances are added.
Is the salary of Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI the same?
Yes. Both Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs are Level 6 posts. Allowances can differ by force and place of posting.
What is the qualification for SSC CPO?
Candidates need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The age limit has been 20 to 25 years, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Can an SSC CPO SI become Assistant Commandant?
Yes. In the CAPFs, a Sub-Inspector can rise to Inspector and then Assistant Commandant through promotion and limited departmental exams.
What is the physical test in SSC CPO?
In recent notices, men run 100 m in 16 seconds and 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes, and do a long jump and shot put; women run 100 m in 18 seconds and 800 m in 4 minutes and do a long jump.
Which forces recruit through SSC CPO?
Delhi Police (Sub-Inspector Executive) and the Central Armed Police Forces - BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB (Sub-Inspector GD).