SSC CPO revision timetable for working candidates (to 22 November 2026)
If you have a job and are preparing for SSC CPO, you cannot follow a plan written for full-time students. You need one built around two hours on a working day and longer weekends, with mock tests on the days you actually have time. This timetable runs from Tuesday 27 October to Sunday 22 November 2026, the day before the first Paper I shift (23 to 28 November 2026, proposed under SSC's corrigendum of 26 October 2026).
The weekly pattern
| Day | Time | What |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2 hours | Quant: one topic, then 20 timed questions |
| Tuesday | 2 hours | English: grammar rules and one passage |
| Wednesday | 2 hours | Reasoning: two topics under time |
| Thursday | 2 hours | Quant: second topic; formula sheet |
| Friday | 1.5 hours | GK revision and current affairs |
| Saturday | 4 hours | One full Paper I mock (1 hour) and its analysis; repair one weak topic |
| Sunday | 4 hours | One full mock and analysis; GK; a long run |
Every day: 15 minutes of vocabulary and 15 minutes of GK on the way to work or in a break. Those half-hours add up to more than 12 hours of revision by the exam.
The four weeks
27 October to 1 November
Sit a first full SSC CPO Paper I mock on Saturday 31 October to find your two weakest parts. Use the weekday hours on those two.
2 to 8 November
Two weekend mocks (7 and 8 November). On weekdays, practise one 25-question part in 15 minutes before you study, to build speed in short sessions.
9 to 15 November
Two weekend mocks (14 and 15 November), plus a mid-week part on Wednesday. Start a mistake notebook if you have not already.
16 to 22 November
One mock on Monday 16 or Tuesday 17 November, then only revision. Download your admit card when it appears, 2 to 3 days before your exam date. Sleep well every night of this week.
Making two hours count
- Same time, same place. Studying straight after work at the same desk makes starting easy.
- One topic per session. Two hours of one topic beats ten minutes of six.
- Questions, not reading. Spend at least half of each session solving questions under time.
- Phone in another room. Two focused hours do more than four distracted ones.
Leave if you can
If you can take leave, take it in the week of your exam rather than earlier: a rested final week helps more than an extra week of study when you are already tired. Even two days off before your shift help.
Fitness on a work schedule
Do not drop running. The physical test follows Paper I for those who clear it. Three short runs a week (two on weekday mornings, one long on Sunday) are enough to keep improving. See the PET and PST guide.
Fewer mocks, better analysed
With limited time, 6 to 8 full mocks before the exam, each analysed, are enough. The 15 free SSC CPO mock tests on our site can be sat at any hour, in English or Hindi, and show your right, wrong and unattempted questions per part. See how many mock tests to attempt before SSC CPO.
Frequently asked questions
Can a working person clear SSC CPO?
Yes. Many selected candidates prepare while working. Two focused hours on weekdays, full mocks at weekends and steady fitness training are a realistic base.
How many hours should a working candidate study for SSC CPO?
About 12 to 14 hours a week: two hours on weekdays and four on each weekend day, plus short daily revision of vocabulary and GK.
What should a working candidate study first?
The part your first mock shows is weakest. In general, Quant and English need the most regular practice, and General Awareness works well in short daily doses.