SSC CPO Final Answer Key 2026 — what happened

SSC released the SSC CPO Final Answer Key 2026 on April 21, 2026 . The final key and candidates' response sheets are available on ssc.gov.in until May 5, 2026 .

You need your registration number and password to log in and download the PDF. The final key was published after review of challenges raised against the provisional answer key.

Quick roundup: SSC CPO Final Answer Key 2026 — key facts

• Final Answer Key release date: April 21, 2026 (available till May 5, 2026 ).
• Paper 1 exam dates: December 9 and December 12, 2025 .
• Paper 1 results declared on March 30, 2026 .
• Over 48,000 candidates shortlisted for PET/PST.
• Tentative vacancies: 3,073 posts .
• Official download: ssc.gov.in (login with registration number and password).

Step-by-step guide: How to download the SSC CPO Final Answer Key 2026

1. Open the official site: go to ssc.gov.in .
2. On the homepage find the top navigation labeled Answer Key and click it.
3. Look for the notice titled "Uploading of Final Answer Key(s) along with Candidates' Response Sheet(s): Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2026".
4. Click the notice and then the login link provided inside the notice.
5. Enter your registration number and password . If you used date of birth as a password earlier, try that format if login fails.
6. After logging in, open the Question Paper and Answer Key tab to view your response sheet and final key.
7. Click download and save the PDF to a secure folder.
8. Take a printout for your records.

Tips while downloading - If the site is slow, try during off-peak hours early morning. - Use a desktop browser for easier saving and printing. - Recommended filename for your copy: SSC_CPO_FinalKey_Paper1_ .pdf — this makes retrieval easy.

Important dates at a glance

Understanding your response sheet and final key: what to check

First, match the answers on your response sheet with the official final key. Note which answers changed between the provisional and final key; those changes determine your corrected Paper 1 score.

Calculate a tentative score by counting correct answers as per the official marking scheme in the SSC CPO notification. If you don't have the marking scheme handy, check the original notification on the official site before you compute scores.

Why the final key matters The final key is authoritative: SSC uploaded it after considering challenges to the provisional key. Once the final key is out, SSC’s version is what they will use for the result and shortlist.

If you still spot an issue SSC normally does not re-open final keys. If you believe a technical issue occurred during download or your response sheet is missing pages, note the time, take screenshots, and contact the SSC regional helpdesk listed on ssc.gov.in immediately.

Who qualified after Paper 1: results and shortlist highlights

SSC declared Paper 1 results on March 30, 2026 , and shortlisted over 48,000 candidates for the PET/PST stage. The total tentative vacancies notified for this cycle are 3,073 posts .

Why the shortlist is much larger than vacancies SSC shortlists many more candidates than vacancies because PET/PST and later stages eliminate candidates progressively. Also, reservation categories, tie-breaks across multiple sessions, and state-wise distribution affect the final vacancies filled.

How your final-key score affects chances Higher corrected scores increase your probability of actual selection, but cutoffs will depend on category, number of vacancies, and performance across all candidates. Use the final-key score to estimate where you stand relative to likely cutoffs.

Next stages explained: PET, PST, Paper 2 and Medical Exam

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

PET is qualifying in nature and includes events like high jump, long jump, and running . Each event is just a pass/fail standard; failing any required event can disqualify you from further rounds.

Physical Standard Test (PST)

PST checks height and chest measurements. Exact numbers differ by post and category; the SSC notification spells them out. If you are close to the required numbers, get a formal measurement from a registered physician or authorised centre before PET/PST.

Paper 2

Paper 2 tests English comprehension and is a merit stage for candidates who clear PET/PST. You must prepare for reading comprehension, grammar, and basic vocabulary.

Medical Examination (DME)

After Paper 2 and document verification, candidates undergo a detailed medical exam. The DME assesses fitness for the post and commonly checks eyesight, hearing, cardiac health, and general physical fitness.

Detailed PET/PST preparation checklist and daily plan

Physical training basics - Warm-up and mobility work every day to reduce injury risk. - Interval running: alternate sprint sessions and steady long runs during the week. - Practice long jump approach and take-off; work on one-step and three-step drills. - For high jump, practise approach rhythm and landing on soft mats.

Sample weekly structure (general) - 3 days focused on running (one long run, one interval sprint, one tempo run). - 2 days plyometrics and jump drills (bounding, hurdles, standing long jump practice). - 2 days strength and mobility (bodyweight exercises, core work, stretching).

Measurements and paperwork for PST and DME - Keep copies of your admit card, final answer key printout, response sheet and ID proofs ready. - If you have prior medical reports that affect chest/height (e.g., surgeries), carry them to the medical exam. - Get a recent photograph and extra copies of certificates as SSC may ask during document verification.

Balancing Paper 2 and physical training Plan two daily slots: morning for running/jumps and evening for Paper 2 study. Short, focused Paper 2 practice (30–45 minutes) daily is better than marathon sessions if you also train physically.

Troubleshooting download and login issues

Cannot log in? - Use the "forgot password" option on the SSC login page. If that fails, check the regional SSC contact details on ssc.gov.in. - Keep your registration number and date of birth ready. Try different browsers or clear cache.

If the final key PDF is missing, corrupted or won't open - Try downloading on a desktop with a different browser. - If the file still fails, re-download and compare file size. If problems persist, capture screenshots of the error and contact SSC helpdesk immediately.

Server overload at peak times SSC sites get heavy traffic when keys and results are released. Try early morning or late evening for faster access. Use smaller file-sizes when saving if you have limited storage.

Record keeping Always note the time you tried to download and preserve screenshots or error messages. This helps if you need to prove a technical issue later.

After downloading: checklist, timelines and immediate actions

• Save the final key PDF in at least two places: local drive and cloud storage.
• Print one copy for PET/PST and one for your files.
• Calculate your tentative Paper 1 score using the official marking scheme from the SSC notification.
• Prepare copies of documents for PET/PST and medical tests: admit card, identity proof, final-key printout, degree/caste certificates if applicable.
• Set calendar reminders for PET/PST call letters and the Paper 2 date announced by SSC.

Resources and official links

• Official answer key and response sheet downloads: ssc.gov.in → Answer Key section.
• For contact details and regional helpdesks, consult the Contact/Helpdesk page on ssc.gov.in.
• Recommended preparatory resources: basic English comprehension books and PET training modules from trusted coaches. Use practice papers to simulate Paper 2.

Coverage gaps & where to find missing details

Some items are not in the final key notice itself: the PDF size, exact file name used by SSC, step-by-step screenshots from SSC, or specific male/female PST measurements.

Where to get those details - For precise PST measurements and Paper 2 date, refer to the latest SSC CPO notification on ssc.gov.in or contact your regional SSC office. - Capture your own screenshots while downloading and save them with timestamps. - For section-wise solutions and question-wise analysis, follow trusted subject experts or coaching platforms providing post-key walkthroughs.

Actionable 30-day plan after final key download

Week 1: Verify and organise - Download, print and file your final key and response sheet. - Do a tentative score calculation and shortlist expected cutoffs for your category. - Begin a gentle running and jump routine; focus on mobility.

Week 2: Build foundation - Increase intensity of sprint work and practice jump drills three times a week. - Start daily Paper 2 practice: short comprehension passages and grammar drills. - Get a mock measurement done for PST.

Week 3: Simulation and polishing - Do at least one simulated PET session under timed conditions. - Attempt full-length Paper 2 mock test and review mistakes. - Check and organise original documents and medical records.

Week 4: Taper and final checks - Taper physical training two days before actual PET to avoid fatigue. - Revisit weak areas in English comprehension and do last-minute practice. - Confirm SSC messages for PET/PST schedule and venue; prepare travel and stay plans if needed.

FAQs: quick answers

Final note: act fast and stay organised

You have the final key window until May 5, 2026 . Download and save the PDF now, calculate your tentative score using the official marking scheme, and use the 30-day plan to balance PET/PST training with Paper 2 preparation. Keep checking ssc.gov.in for PET/PST call letters and further instructions.