SSC CPO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026: Paper 1 & Paper 2
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination (SSC CPO) for recruitment to Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces.
For SSC CPO 2026, the Commission has introduced significant changes to the computer-based examination. Paper-I has been reduced to 100 questions and 100 marks, with a strict 15-minute sectional timer. Paper-II has also been redesigned and now includes General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension, for a total of 160 questions and 320 marks.
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This makes the 2026 examination considerably different from previous SSC CPO cycles. Candidates preparing from older books, videos or previous-year exam-pattern articles should therefore update their strategy before beginning serious preparation.
This article provides the complete SSC CPO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026, including the selection process, Paper-I and Paper-II patterns, subject-wise syllabus, physical tests, marking scheme, qualifying marks, NCC bonus and preparation strategy.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The SSC CPO selection process consists of written examinations followed by physical and medical stages.
The broad selection sequence is:
Paper-I → PST/PET → Paper-II → Detailed Medical Examination → Document Verification/Final Selection
The written papers are computer-based objective examinations. PST/PET and medical examination are qualifying stages.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Stage | Examination/Test | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Paper-I | Computer-Based Examination |
| Stage 2 | Physical Standard Test (PST) | Qualifying |
| Stage 2 | Physical Endurance Test (PET) | Qualifying |
| Stage 3 | Paper-II | Computer-Based Examination |
| Stage 4 | Detailed Medical Examination | Qualifying |
| Stage 5 | Document Verification & Final Selection | As per SSC rules |
There is no interview in the SSC CPO selection process.
SSC CPO Paper-I Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-I is the first computer-based examination. It tests four areas:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
Unlike previous cycles, Paper-I of SSC CPO 2026 contains 100 questions for 100 marks and must be completed within 60 minutes. Each section has a separate 15-minute sectional timer.
Paper-I Pattern
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| IV | English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Important Features of Paper-I
- Total questions: 100
- Maximum marks: 100
- Duration: 1 hour
- Sectional timing: 15 minutes per section
- Question type: Objective Multiple Choice Questions
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer
- Parts I, II and III are available in Hindi and English
- English Comprehension is conducted in English.
- SSC may prescribe separate cut-offs for individual parts while shortlisting candidates for PST/PET.
What Does the 15-Minute Timer Mean?
The sectional timer is one of the most important changes candidates need to understand.
For example, a candidate cannot spend 25 minutes on Reasoning and compensate by spending only 5 minutes on English. Once the prescribed time for a section expires, the candidate moves forward according to the examination interface.
With 25 questions in 15 minutes, candidates have an average of approximately 36 seconds per question. Therefore, speed, question selection and accuracy become extremely important.
SSC CPO Paper-II Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-II has undergone an even bigger transformation.
In earlier SSC CPO examinations, Paper-II primarily tested English Language and Comprehension. For 2026, SSC has expanded Paper-II to four sections:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
The revised Paper-II contains 160 questions carrying 320 marks.
Paper-II Pattern
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| IV | English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 160 | 320 | 2 hours |
Parts I, II and III have individual 20-minute timers, while English Comprehension receives a separate 60-minute block. The current 2026 reporting consistently identifies the overall Paper-II structure as 160 questions and 320 marks.
Paper-II Important Points
- Total questions: 160
- Maximum marks: 320
- Total duration: 2 hours
- Reasoning: 20 questions, 40 marks
- General Awareness: 20 questions, 40 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 20 questions, 40 marks
- English: 100 questions, 200 marks
- Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer
- Paper-II has a higher difficulty level than Paper-I.
- Parts I, II and III are set in Hindi and English.
- English Comprehension is in English.
Why Paper-II Is Extremely Important
English alone contributes 200 of the 320 marks, or 62.5% of Paper-II.
However, candidates can no longer prepare for Paper-II as an English-only examination. Reasoning, General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude together account for 120 marks.
This is a fundamental strategic change for SSC CPO 2026.
SSC CPO 2026 Negative Marking
Negative marking applies to both computer-based papers.
| Paper | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | 1 | 0.25 |
| Paper-II | 2 | 0.50 |
Thus, four incorrect answers in Paper-I can reduce the score by one mark, while four incorrect answers in Paper-II can reduce the score by two marks.
Candidates should therefore avoid blind guessing and focus on accuracy.
SSC CPO Minimum Qualifying Marks 2026
The prescribed minimum qualifying percentages are:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC/EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
Meeting the minimum qualifying percentage does not mean that a candidate will automatically qualify for the next stage. SSC may establish higher cut-offs depending on vacancies, candidate performance and other applicable factors.
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026
The SSC CPO syllabus broadly covers four subjects:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
The same broad subject areas appear across the revised Paper-I and Paper-II structure, although the difficulty and weightage differ. The detailed topic coverage below follows the syllabus framework used by SSC for CPO.
1. SSC CPO General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
The General Intelligence and Reasoning section contains both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
The section tests a candidate’s ability to recognize relationships, identify patterns, analyse information, solve problems and draw logical conclusions.
Important Topics
Analogy
- Semantic Analogy
- Symbolic Analogy
- Number Analogy
- Figural Analogy
Classification
- Semantic Classification
- Symbolic/Number Classification
- Figural Classification
Series
- Semantic Series
- Number Series
- Figural Series
- Arithmetic Number Series
- Non-verbal Series
Coding and Decoding
- Letter Coding
- Number Coding
- Symbol Coding
- Mixed Coding
- Decoding
- Small and Capital Letter Coding
- Classification-based Coding
Logical Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Statement and Conclusion
- Drawing Inferences
- Venn Diagrams
- Relationship Concepts
- Decision Making
- Judgment
- Critical Thinking
Spatial and Visual Reasoning
- Space Orientation
- Space Visualization
- Embedded Figures
- Figure Completion
- Pattern Folding
- Paper Folding and Unfolding
- Punched Hole Patterns
Other Topics
- Problem Solving
- Word Building
- Numerical Operations
- Symbolic Operations
- Trends
- Indexing
- Address Matching
- Date and City Matching
- Centre Code/Number Classification
- Visual Memory
- Observation
- Discrimination
- Emotional Intelligence
- Social Intelligence
The official-style syllabus specifically includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning, analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, spatial visualization, problem solving, statement-conclusion and syllogistic reasoning.
How to Prepare Reasoning
Candidates should not merely memorize question types. The best approach is to learn the basic method for each topic and then solve timed questions.
High-priority areas generally include:
- Analogy
- Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Classification
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Statement and Conclusion
- Figure-based reasoning
- Non-verbal series
2. SSC CPO General Knowledge & General Awareness Syllabus
General Knowledge and General Awareness is designed to test the candidate’s awareness of the environment around them and knowledge of current events.
The syllabus includes India and neighbouring countries, particularly topics related to:
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic Scene
- General Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Scientific Research
- Current Events
Sports, awards, important events and other areas of general awareness may also appear as part of current/general knowledge questions.
History
Candidates should cover:
- Ancient Indian History
- Medieval Indian History
- Modern Indian History
- Indian National Movement
- Major dynasties
- Important battles
- Social and religious reform movements
- Freedom struggle
- Important personalities
Geography
Important areas include:
- Physical Geography
- Indian Geography
- Rivers
- Mountains
- Plateaus
- Climate
- Soil
- Agriculture
- Minerals
- Industries
- States and capitals
- Important geographical locations
- World geography basics
Indian Polity
Prepare:
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental Rights
- Fundamental Duties
- Directive Principles
- President
- Vice-President
- Prime Minister
- Council of Ministers
- Parliament
- Supreme Court
- High Courts
- Election Commission
- Constitutional bodies
- Local government
- Constitutional amendments
Indian Economy
Important topics include:
- Basic economic concepts
- National income
- Inflation
- Banking
- Fiscal policy
- Monetary policy
- Taxation
- Budget
- Financial institutions
- Poverty and unemployment
- Government economic schemes
Science
Candidates should revise basic concepts from:
Physics
- Motion
- Force
- Work
- Energy
- Power
- Heat
- Sound
- Light
- Electricity
- Magnetism
Chemistry
- Elements
- Compounds
- Acids and bases
- Metals and non-metals
- Chemical reactions
- Periodic table
- Everyday chemistry
Biology
- Human body
- Cells
- Nutrition
- Diseases
- Plants
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Human health
Current Affairs
Current affairs preparation should cover:
- National events
- International events
- Government schemes
- Sports
- Awards
- Appointments
- Defence exercises
- Science and technology
- Important reports
- Books and authors
- Important days
- Summits
- Government initiatives
Because SSC CPO is a national-level examination, candidates should combine static GK with current affairs rather than preparing current affairs in isolation.
3. SSC CPO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude tests numerical ability and the ability to apply mathematical concepts.
The major areas include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and statistical charts.
Number System
- Whole Numbers
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Relationship between Numbers
- Square Roots
- Basic numerical operations
Percentage
- Basic percentage
- Percentage increase/decrease
- Successive percentage
- Applications of percentage
Ratio and Proportion
- Ratio
- Proportion
- Direct proportion
- Inverse proportion
- Partnership applications
Average
- Simple average
- Weighted average
- Problems involving ages
- Average speed
Profit, Loss and Discount
- Cost Price
- Selling Price
- Marked Price
- Profit
- Loss
- Discount
- Successive discounts
Interest
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Basic applications
Partnership
- Investment ratio
- Profit-sharing ratio
- Time-based partnership
Mixture and Alligation
- Mixture problems
- Replacement
- Alligation
Time and Work
- Work efficiency
- Work and wages
- Pipes and cistern-type concepts
- Combined work
Time, Speed and Distance
- Basic speed-distance-time
- Relative speed
- Trains
- Boats and streams
- Average speed
Algebra
- Basic algebraic identities
- Elementary surds
- Linear equations
- Graphs of linear equations
Geometry
Important areas include:
- Lines and angles
- Triangles
- Centres of triangles
- Congruence
- Similarity
- Quadrilaterals
- Regular polygons
- Circles
- Chords
- Tangents
- Angles subtended by chords
- Common tangents
Mensuration
2D Mensuration
- Triangle
- Square
- Rectangle
- Quadrilateral
- Circle
- Regular polygon
3D Mensuration
- Right prism
- Right circular cone
- Right circular cylinder
- Sphere
- Hemisphere
- Rectangular parallelepiped
- Regular right pyramid
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios
- Degree and radian measures
- Standard identities
- Complementary angles
- Heights and distances
Statistical Charts and Data Interpretation
- Tables
- Histogram
- Frequency polygon
- Bar diagram
- Pie chart
These areas are explicitly reflected in the detailed SSC quantitative syllabus framework.
4. SSC CPO English Comprehension Syllabus
English is particularly important in SSC CPO 2026 because it carries 25 marks in Paper-I and 200 marks in Paper-II.
The English syllabus evaluates candidates’ understanding of correct English, vocabulary, grammar, sentence construction and comprehension.
Major Topics
Grammar
- Parts of Speech
- Nouns
- Pronouns
- Verbs
- Adjectives
- Adverbs
- Prepositions
- Conjunctions
- Articles
- Tenses
- Subject-Verb Agreement
Vocabulary
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- One-word substitutions
- Word meanings
- Commonly confused words
- Spellings
- Idioms and phrases
Sentence-Based Questions
- Error Recognition
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Completion
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Structure
- Correct Usage
Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Passage-based questions
- Main idea
- Inference
- Vocabulary in context
- Tone and purpose
The syllabus specifically identifies error recognition, fill-in-the-blanks, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, phrases, idiomatic usage and comprehension.
SSC CPO Paper-II English: Special Importance
Although Paper-II now contains four subjects, English remains the dominant section.
| Paper-II Section | Marks | Share of Paper-II |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 12.5% |
| General Awareness | 40 | 12.5% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 12.5% |
| English Comprehension | 200 | 62.5% |
| Total | 320 | 100% |
Therefore, candidates should not neglect English while preparing for the other three subjects.
SSC CPO Physical Standard Test 2026
Candidates shortlisted after Paper-I must qualify the prescribed Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).
The physical stage is qualifying and does not ordinarily contribute marks to the written merit.
The commonly prescribed standards include minimum height and chest requirements, with relaxations for specified categories and regions. The exact standard can differ according to post, force and candidate category, so candidates should check the relevant annexure in the official notification.
Indicative PST Standards
| Candidate Category | Height |
|---|---|
| Male candidates, general | 170 cm |
| Male candidates from specified hill/NE categories | 165 cm |
| Male ST candidates | 162.5 cm |
| Female candidates, general | 157 cm |
| Female candidates from specified hill/NE categories | 155 cm |
| Female ST candidates | 154 cm |
For male candidates, chest requirements also apply, while female candidates generally do not have a chest measurement requirement. The official standards contain category-specific relaxations.
Important: These are not a substitute for checking the post-specific 2026 notification. Candidates should use the official SSC notification as the final authority for their particular category/post.
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test 2026
For CAPF-related posts, the prescribed PET includes running, jumping and, for male candidates, shot put.
Male Candidates
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100-metre race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km race | 6.5 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 metres, 3 chances |
| High Jump | 1.2 metres, 3 chances |
| Shot Put, 16 lbs | 4.5 metres, 3 chances |
Female Candidates
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100-metre race | 18 seconds |
| 800-metre race | 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 2.7 metres, 3 chances |
| High Jump | 0.9 metres, 3 chances |
These PET standards are reflected in SSC’s CAPF physical-test material and previous CPO documentation.
Candidates should nevertheless verify the applicable 2026 post-specific standard in the recruitment notice before relying on any physical-test table.
SSC CPO Selection Process in Detail
Stage 1: Paper-I
Candidates first appear for the 100-mark computer-based Paper-I.
SSC uses the performance in this paper to shortlist candidates for the physical stage.
Stage 2: PST/PET
Candidates shortlisted from Paper-I undergo physical measurements and endurance tests.
The tests are qualifying.
A candidate who fails the required physical standards generally does not proceed to the next written stage.
Stage 3: Paper-II
Candidates who qualify the physical stage are eligible for Paper-II.
The 2026 Paper-II is substantially more important than in previous cycles because it contains 320 marks and four subjects.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify the prescribed stages undergo the required medical examination.
The examination assesses whether candidates meet the applicable medical standards for appointment.
Stage 5: Final Selection
Final selection and post/force allocation are made according to the applicable SSC rules, performance, eligibility, vacancies, preferences and other conditions prescribed in the notification.
SSC CPO 2026: Major Changes From Previous Pattern
The 2026 examination should not be prepared using an outdated pattern.
| Feature | Earlier Pattern | SSC CPO 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | 200 questions | 100 questions |
| Paper-I Marks | 200 | 100 |
| Paper-I Duration | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Paper-I Sectional Timer | Longer/no equivalent 15-minute structure | 15 minutes per section |
| Paper-II | Primarily English | 4 subjects |
| Paper-II Questions | 200 | 160 |
| Paper-II Marks | 200 | 320 |
| Paper-II English | English-focused paper | 100 questions, 200 marks |
| Paper-II Reasoning | Not included as a separate section | 20 questions, 40 marks |
| Paper-II GK | Not included as a separate section | 20 questions, 40 marks |
| Paper-II Quant | Not included as a separate section | 20 questions, 40 marks |
| Paper-II Negative Marking | 0.25 in earlier pattern | 0.50 per wrong answer |
The revised 2026 pattern has been reported by multiple current sources following release of the notification.
How to Prepare for SSC CPO 2026
The revised examination requires a different preparation strategy.
1. Prepare All Four Subjects From the Beginning
Candidates should not wait until after Paper-I to start preparing for Paper-II.
Because the same broad subjects appear in both papers, preparation can be integrated.
2. Give Extra Attention to English
English carries:
- 25 marks in Paper-I
- 200 marks in Paper-II
This makes English the single largest component of the written examination.
A strong preparation plan should include daily:
- Grammar practice
- Vocabulary revision
- Error spotting
- Reading comprehension
- Sentence improvement
- Cloze tests
- Previous-year questions
3. Practise With Sectional Timers
The new sectional timing makes conventional full-paper practice insufficient.
Candidates should practise:
25 questions in 15 minutes for each Paper-I section.
For Paper-II:
20 questions in 20 minutes for Reasoning, GK and Quant, followed by the longer English block.
4. Build a Current Affairs Revision System
Rather than reading unlimited current-affairs material, candidates should maintain short notes covering:
- National news
- International news
- Government schemes
- Defence
- Sports
- Awards
- Appointments
- Science and technology
- Important reports
- Economy
5. Solve Previous-Year Questions
Previous-year SSC questions are particularly useful for understanding:
- Difficulty level
- Question framing
- Repeated concepts
- Common traps
- Time requirements
However, previous papers should be used to understand the syllabus and question style, not to assume that the 2026 paper will follow the old numerical distribution.
6. Start Physical Training Early
A common preparation mistake is treating PET as something to handle after the written examination.
Candidates targeting CAPF/Delhi Police SI should gradually develop:
- Running endurance
- Sprinting ability
- Leg strength
- Jumping technique
- General conditioning
Physical preparation should be consistent rather than compressed into the final weeks.
SSC CPO 2026 Preparation Priority
A practical priority order for written preparation is:
Very High Priority
- English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning
- Current Affairs
High Priority
- Indian Polity
- History
- Geography
- General Science
- Economy
Continuous Practice
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Mathematical calculations
- Reasoning speed
- Sectional mock tests
Recommended Daily Study Structure
Candidates with approximately 6 hours available for preparation can use a schedule such as:
| Activity | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| English | 90 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 90 minutes |
| Reasoning | 60 minutes |
| GK/Current Affairs | 60 minutes |
| Previous-Year Questions | 45 minutes |
| Mock/Sectional Test | 45 minutes |
The exact distribution should be adjusted according to individual strengths and weaknesses.
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026: Quick Revision List
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, problem solving, word building, numerical operations, Venn diagrams, spatial orientation, spatial visualization, drawing inferences, paper folding, embedded figures, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and social intelligence.
General Knowledge & General Awareness
Current affairs, history, culture, geography, economy, Indian polity, Constitution, scientific research, sports and important national/international developments.
Quantitative Aptitude
Number system, decimals, fractions, percentage, ratio, proportion, square roots, average, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and allegation, time and work, time and distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and statistical charts.
English Comprehension
Grammar, vocabulary, spellings, error recognition, fill in the blanks, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, phrases, idioms and reading comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026? |
|---|
| SSC CPO 2026 has two computer-based written papers. Paper-I contains 100 questions for 100 marks, while Paper-II contains 160 questions for 320 marks. Candidates must also qualify the PST/PET and medical stages. |
| How many questions are in SSC CPO Paper-I? |
| Paper-I contains 100 questions, with 25 questions each from Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. |
| How many marks is SSC CPO Paper-I? |
| Paper-I carries 100 marks. |
| What is the duration of SSC CPO Paper-I? |
| The total duration is 60 minutes, with a 15-minute timer for each section. |
| How many questions are in SSC CPO Paper-II? |
| Paper-II contains 160 questions. |
| How many marks does SSC CPO Paper-II carry? |
| Paper-II carries 320 marks. |
| Is English included in SSC CPO Paper-II? |
| Yes. English Comprehension contains 100 questions for 200 marks, making it the largest section of Paper-II. |
| Is there negative marking in SSC CPO 2026? |
| Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 marks for every wrong answer in Paper-II. |
| Is SSC CPO Paper-II only English? |
| No. This is one of the major changes in 2026. Paper-II includes Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. |
| Is the SSC CPO physical test qualifying? |
| Yes. PST/PET is qualifying in nature and candidates must meet the prescribed standards to proceed. |
| Is there an interview in SSC CPO? |
| No. SSC CPO recruitment does not have a conventional interview stage. |
| Which subject has the highest weightage in SSC CPO 2026? |
| English Comprehension has the highest individual weightage, with 200 out of 320 marks in Paper-II. |
Final Preparation Strategy for SSC CPO 2026
The SSC CPO 2026 examination is not simply a smaller version of the previous CPO examination. The written structure has been redesigned.
The biggest changes candidates should remember are:
Paper-I = 100 questions + 100 marks + 60 minutes
Paper-II = 160 questions + 320 marks + 2 hours
Paper-II now includes Reasoning + GK/GA + Quant + English.
The introduction of strict sectional timing also means that candidates must train for speed and accuracy simultaneously. A candidate who knows the syllabus but cannot finish a section within its allotted time can lose valuable marks.
English deserves particular attention because it contributes 200 marks in Paper-II, but Reasoning, General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude can no longer be ignored.
The strongest preparation strategy is therefore to begin all four subjects early, practise under sectional time limits, revise current affairs systematically, solve previous-year questions and maintain physical fitness throughout the preparation period.
Candidates should always refer to the latest official SSC notification for any subsequent modification to the examination scheme, syllabus, physical standards or selection procedure.
Official SSC Reference
The official SSC CPO 2026 notification should be treated as the final authority for the examination pattern, syllabus, eligibility and selection rules.