Sub-Inspector (Delhi Police / CAPF)

In Delhi Police, an SI works from a police station. The work includes registering cases, investigating crimes, patrolling and keeping law and order. In the CAPFs (BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB), an SI leads small teams. The work is guarding borders, airports, industrial sites and VIPs, and handling internal security. CAPF officers can be posted anywhere in India.

A day in the work
In a Delhi Police station, an SI may start with the morning briefing, then visit a spot where a theft or accident has been reported. Back at the station, they take statements, write the case file and follow up CCTV or phone leads. Evenings can mean court work or night patrol. In a CAPF, an SI may instead lead a team at a border outpost, an airport or a factory gate. They check duty rosters, brief the jawans, inspect arms and gear, and stay alert for hours. Shifts can be long, and the work can change quickly.

1. Step 1 · Class 9–12Study the stream you like, because any stream works. Build running, jumping and general fitness now. The physical tests are pass-or-fail and cannot be skipped.
2. Step 2 · During or after your degreeFinish any Bachelor's degree. Check the age limit in the SSC notice. For the 2026 exam it was 20–25 years on 1 August 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories. Men who want Delhi Police must also hold a valid LMV (motorcycle and car) driving licence by the date of the physical tests. Without it, they can only go for CAPF posts.
3. Step 3 · Paper-I (computer-based)A computer-based written test. SSC proposed late November 2026 for the 2026 cycle (reported; dates can change, so check ssc.gov.in). The papers usually test reasoning, general awareness, maths and English (reported). Apply online on ssc.gov.in. The fee in 2026 was ₹100. Women, SC, ST and eligible ex-servicemen paid nothing. (reported — check with the official body)
4. Step 4 · Physical tests (PST and PET)If you pass Paper-I, you are measured and tested. For Delhi Police men in the general category, the 2026 notice sets height at 170 cm and chest at 80 cm unexpanded and 85 cm expanded. Some categories get relaxations. Running 100 metres in 16 seconds is required for men and 18 seconds for women. Other events include a 1.6 km run, long jump, high jump and shot put (reported).
5. Step 5 · Paper-IIA second computer-based paper, mainly English (reported). Final merit is based on your marks in the written papers (reported). (reported — check with the official body)
6. Step 6 · Medical and documentsA Detailed Medical Examination. You must be in good mental and bodily health, with no knock knee, flat foot, varicose veins or squint, and with good colour vision. The forces then check your original documents. Before the final result, you give your preferences among Delhi Police and the CAPFs. Your rank decides what you get.
7. Step 7 · Training and probationSelected candidates are trained as part of the job. As part of training, you must pass seven obstacle events, or you may not be kept in the force. A probation period follows (reported). Check the rules of the force you join. (reported — check with the official body)

• Direct entry through SSC (main route)Graduate aged 20–25 (with relaxations), clear Paper-I, physical tests, Paper-II and medical. This is how most SIs join, both for Delhi Police and the CAPFs.
• Departmental route in Delhi PoliceIn the 2026 notice, serving Constables, Head Constables and ASIs of Delhi Police with at least 3 years' service could also apply for open vacancies of SI (Executive) – Male. The age limit was up to 30 years, or 33 for OBC and 35 for SC/ST.
• Ex-servicemen quotaFor SI (Executive) – Male in Delhi Police, some vacancies are reserved for ex-servicemen, including a special category of ex-servicemen. Ex-servicemen also have a CAPF quota, shown in the 2026 notice as about 10% of each force's vacancies. This does not apply to their sons, daughters or dependents.

Fees from: SSC Notice E/37/2026-C-2, 10.09.2026. Fees change every year — check the college's own fee page before you pay.

Pay rises with promotions and years of service, and allowances differ by city and by posting. Hard postings such as borders can carry extra allowances.

Women have separate vacancies in the 2026 notice, are exempt from the application fee, and have their own PET timing (100 metres in 18 seconds, against 16 for men). SC, ST, OBC and EWS candidates get reservation and age relaxation under the notice, and ex-servicemen have a quota. I could not confirm any reserved vacancies for candidates with disabilities in this notice. Everyone must meet the physical and medical standards.

• Class 7–9Pick one running or fitness habit this month, such as 3 days a week of jogging or skipping. Track your 100 m time once a month.Open link ↗
• Class 10–12If you are 15 or older, register on MY Bharat and look for a local volunteering event. Also ask your school whether NCC or NSS is available and join one.Open link ↗
• College or afterDownload the latest SSC notice for this exam and read the age limit, physical standards and exam stages. Then check yourself against them: your height and chest, your driving licence if you are male, and your degree date.Open link ↗

• Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI are not the same job. Delhi Police SIs work in Delhi. CAPF SIs can be posted anywhere in India. Fire is a separate post (SI Fire in CISF, men only).
• SSC calls vacancies 'tentative'. The 2026 notice (10 September 2026) listed 205 Delhi Police posts for men and 1,320 CAPF posts. The total of 1,871 includes 112 Delhi Police posts for women and 234 SI (Fire) posts in CISF (total reported). Numbers change every year.
• The 2026 application window closed on 30 September 2026. Dates, vacancies and age cut-offs change every year, so always read the latest notice on ssc.gov.in.
• Reservation lists for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and ex-servicemen are decided by the forces and the Home Ministry, not by SSC.