In every police recruitment process across India, physical screening forms an indispensable elimination tier. Hundreds of candidates who score top percentiles in written examinations are disqualified during physical trials due to a lack of aerobic conditioning or insufficient measurement awareness.
To navigate this stage successfully, candidates must understand the structural difference between PST (Physical Standards Test) and PET (Physical Efficiency Test).
The Difference: PST vs PET
- Physical Standards Test (PST): Evaluates passive static physical measurements—primarily Height, Chest Circumference (for males), and occasionally Weight. It is an elimination measurement; you cannot "train" your bone height overnight.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Evaluates dynamic athletic performance and cardiovascular stamina through events like Distance Running, Short Sprints, Long Jump, High Jump, and Shot Put. It requires systematic physical conditioning over 2 to 4 months.
1. Physical Standards Test (PST) Benchmarks
Because policing standards are notified by individual state legislatures, there is NO universal national height requirement:
| State / Recruitment Body | Male Minimum Height (General) | Male Chest (Unexpanded / Expanded) | Female Minimum Height (General) | Category Relaxations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh Police (UPPRPB) | 168 cm | 79 cm / 84 cm (5 cm expansion) | 152 cm (Min weight: 40 kg) | ST Male: 160 cm / ST Female: 147 cm |
| Delhi Police (via SSC) | 170 cm | 81 cm / 85 cm (4 cm expansion) | 157 cm | Hill residents / ST: 165 cm (Male), 155 cm (Female) |
| Bihar Police (CSBC / BPSSC) | 165 cm | 81 cm / 86 cm (5 cm expansion) | 155 cm (Min weight: 48 kg) | EBC Male: 160 cm, SC/ST Male: 160 cm |
| Madhya Pradesh Police (MPESB) | 168 cm | 81 cm / 86 cm (5 cm expansion) | 155 cm | Reserved categories relaxed by state rules |
| Rajasthan Police | 168 cm | 81 cm / 86 cm (5 cm expansion) | 152 cm (Min weight: 47.5 kg) | Sahariya / Tribal areas: 160 cm (Male), 145 cm (Female) |
| Central Armed Police (SSC GD) | 170 cm | 80 cm / 85 cm (5 cm expansion) | 157 cm | ST Male: 162.5 cm, ST Female: 150 cm |
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Benchmarks
The endurance running test is universally timed using electronic RFID chip timing sensors:
Male Candidate Running Benchmarks:
- UP Police Constable: 4.8 km in 25 Minutes (Qualifying)
- UP Police Sub-Inspector: 4.8 km in 28 Minutes (Qualifying)
- SSC GD / CAPF Constable: 5.0 km in 24 Minutes (Qualifying)
- Delhi Police Constable / SI: 1.6 km in 6 Minutes (Constable) / 6.5 Minutes (SI)
- Bihar Police Constable: 1.6 km in 6 Minutes (Scored: < 5 mins = 50 marks, 5:01–5:20 = 40 marks, etc.)
- MP Police Constable: 800 Meters (Scored: time bands from 1 min 56 sec to 2 min 45 sec determine 0–40 marks)
Female Candidate Running Benchmarks:
- UP Police Constable: 2.4 km in 14 Minutes
- UP Police Sub-Inspector: 2.4 km in 16 Minutes
- SSC GD / CAPF Constable: 1.6 km in 8.5 Minutes
- Delhi Police: 1.6 km in 8 Minutes
- Bihar Police Constable: 1.0 km in 5 Minutes (Scored)
- MP Police Constable: 800 Meters (Scored based on time bands)
3. Jumping & Strength Benchmarks (Where Applicable)
Several police recruitments test explosive leg power and upper body strength:
| Event | Delhi Police / SSC CPO Benchmarks | Bihar Police Benchmarks | MP Police Benchmarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Jump | Male: 14 Feet (Constable) / 3.65 m (SI) Female: 10 Feet (Constable) / 2.7 m (SI) | Not applicable for constable | Male: up to 5.57 m (30 marks scale) Female: up to 4.36 m (30 marks scale) |
| High Jump | Male: 3 Feet 9 Inches Female: 3 Feet | Male: Min 4 Feet (25 Marks max for 5 ft) Female: Min 3 Feet (25 Marks max for 4 ft) | Not applicable |
| Shot Put (Iron Ball) | Male (SI): 16 lbs over 4.5 meters | Male: 16 lbs over 16–20 feet Female: 12 lbs over 12–16 feet | Male: 7.26 kg shot over 8.76 meters Female: 4 kg shot over 7.20 meters |
Three chances are typically granted for jumping and shot put trials, while running is conducted in a single attempt.
4. Key Rules for Ground Test Day
- RFID Sensor Timing: Always ensure your electronic ankle band crosses the start line sensor mat cleanly. Stopping on the mat can confuse the sensor loop.
- Lap Discipline: In track runs (e.g., 400-meter circular tracks requiring 12 laps for 4.8 km), maintain your own mental lap count. Marshals do not announce remaining laps for individual candidates.
- Hydration & Warm-up: Police physicals frequently commence early in the morning and extend into afternoon heat due to candidate batching. Carry electrolytes, light glucose, and perform dynamic hip flexor stretches before your heat is called.
Explore our guides on Police Constable Recruitment Process and Police Medical Tests.