SSC CPO 2026: How the Result Is Decided, Stage by Stage
Sarkari Naukri Khabar • All India
Two things decide an SSC CPO result, and most candidates only know one of them. Paper-I only gets you to the ground: the final merit is made from Paper-II alone, plus your NCC bonus and the preference order you filled in. This guide follows the notice for the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2026 through every stage: the minimum qualifying marks by category, what each stage decides, negative marking, how to challenge an answer key, and the preference rule that cannot be undone.
The minimum you must score
Paragraph 16.2 of the notice sets minimum qualifying marks in Paper-I and Paper-II, counted without the NCC bonus:
- Unreserved: 30%.
- OBC and EWS: 25%.
- All other categories: 20%.
What each stage decides
All four stages are mandatory, but they do not all count towards merit.
- Paper-I shortlists you for the PST and PET. Your NCC bonus counts here. The Commission may fix different cut-offs for each part of Paper-I.
- PST and PET are mandatory but only qualifying. Ex-servicemen do not take the PET, but their PST is conducted.
- Only candidates who qualify in PST/PET are allowed to sit Paper-II.
- Paper-II, with the NCC bonus, shortlists you for the medical examination.
- The medical examination and document verification are mandatory and qualifying.
Paper-II alone makes the merit
Paragraph 16.8 is the part candidates most often get wrong: final selection and allocation of post or force are made on your performance in Paper-II, including the NCC bonus, together with the preferences you exercised.
So a strong Paper-I does not carry into the final list. It only gets you past the first gate. Paper-II is the paper that decides where you finish.
Your preference order cannot be revisited
Paragraph 16.9 says that once you are allotted your first available preference according to your merit, you will not be considered for any other option. The notice itself advises candidates to exercise the preference of posts and forces very carefully.
Fill the order you actually want, not the order you think is easiest to get. There is no second allocation.
Negative marking differs between the papers
Both papers are objective multiple choice. Questions in Parts I, II and III of both papers are set in Hindi and English.
Negative marking is 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II. A wrong guess costs twice as much in Paper-II, which is the paper that decides the merit.
Marks are normalised across shifts
When the computer based examination is held in more than one shift, marks are normalised using the procedure the Commission published in its notice dated 2 June 2025, and the normalised scores are what determine the final merit and cut-offs. You are not compared on raw marks with candidates who sat an easier or harder shift.
Challenging the answer key
Tentative answer keys are put on the Commission's website after the examination, and you may submit representations within the time limit given, online only, on payment of Rs. 50 per question, which is not refundable.
Representations sent by letter, application or email are not entertained. Experts scrutinise the representations before the final answer key is settled, the final key is used to process the result, and the Commission's decision is final.
If you are selected on your own merit
Paragraph 16.11 protects reserved category candidates who do well. SC, ST, OBC, EWS and ex-servicemen candidates selected on their own merit, without relaxed standards, are not adjusted against the reserved share of vacancies. They are placed against unreserved vacancies or the vacancies earmarked for their category, whichever is more advantageous to them, and the reserved vacancies are then filled separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum qualifying marks in SSC CPO 2026?
30% for unreserved, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for all other categories, in Paper-I and Paper-II, counted without the NCC bonus.
Do Paper-I marks count in the final merit?
No. Paper-I shortlists you for the PST and PET. Final selection is made on Paper-II, including the NCC bonus, and your preferences.
How much is the negative marking?
0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 marks in Paper-II.
Can I change my post preference later?
No. Once you are allotted your first available preference as per your merit, you will not be considered for any other option.
How do I challenge the answer key?
Online only, within the time limit given by the Commission, on payment of Rs. 50 per question, which is not refundable. Letters and emails are not entertained.
What is normalisation?
When the exam is held in multiple shifts, marks are normalised by the procedure in the Commission's notice of 2 June 2025, and the normalised scores decide merit and cut-offs.
ℹ️ Government rules, fees and processing times can change. Always confirm the current position on the official portal or at your block office before acting.
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026