Police Department Sarkari jobs are very sought after by aspirants willing to join the police force as a profession, however, passing the written test is just half of the battle as far as the recruitment process is concerned. There are quite a few categories of Sub-Inspector (SI), Constable and other police posts which require candidates to clear the Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Measurement Test or Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
There are no fixed criteria across India. The height, chest measurement, running length, time for running, long jump, high jump, among other physical standards, may vary from state, post, gender and category. For example, Rajasthan Police needs a height of 168 cm and chest not less than 81 cm with expansion not less than 5 cm for different categories of Constable posts & SI post while the physical criteria for SI job through SSC is other.
What Is the Physical Standard Test (PST)?
Physical Standard Test (PST) is undertaken to confirm that a candidate qualifies the minimum physical measurements laid down for a particular police post. Normally it consists of:
Height measurement
Chest measurement for applicable male candidates
Weight, where prescribed
Category-specific physical relaxation
Verification of physical eligibility documents
PST is distinct from PET. PST tests physical measurements while PET tests physical performance like running, jumping, or any other activity.
One must not presume that clearing the written test is a guarantee for selection. The recruitment notification will clearly state if the PST/PET is qualifying or marks are allotted.
Police SI Physical Standards
The physical criteria for SI recruitment depend greatly on the agency conducting the recruitment process. As an illustration, the physical requirements for recruitment for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces are provided in the official notification issued by SSC.
SI recruitment for state police could differ from one another. To cite an instance, the official recruitment page of Rajasthan Police provides the following criteria of 168 cm of height and minimum of 81 cm chest with 5 cm of expansion in the SI category.
Hence, the SI candidates need to verify:
Minimum height for their category.
Whether chest measurement is applicable.
Required chest expansion.
Weight requirements, if mentioned.
Permitted relaxations for reserved or special categories.
Whether the standard applies differently to male and female candidates.
Police Constable Physical Standards
Constable recruitment also adheres to the post-specific physical requirements. For example, according to the official website of Rajasthan Police, the physical requirements for the category of Constable include 168 cm height and 81 cm chest with 5 cm expansion. The process of recruitment also involves physical and medical test along with a Physical Efficiency Test.
Candidates applying for the post of UP Police, Rajasthan Police, Delhi Police, SSC GD, State Armed Police, or any other force shall not consider the standard of any other state as his/her eligibility criteria. Official notice of recruitment of the specific vacancy is the ultimate guide in this respect.
For example, Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) releases recruitment notices through its official portal.
Common PET Activities for Police Jobs
The specific PET is dependent on recruitment. Some of the physical tasks involved include:
Short- or long-distance running
Long jump
High jump
Other endurance events prescribed by the recruitment authority
PET is carried out by some recruitment boards as a test, while others give marks for it. This means that the candidate must not depend on a general 'police running test' number available online.
As an illustration, information on recruitment from Rajasthan Police reveals that PET is one of the requirements for recruitment, but recruitment notices have specifics about the particular recruitment.
Physical Test Preparation Strategy
Candidates should commence their physical preparations sufficiently ahead of time before the admit card or PET. The following is a useful routine:
1. Begin with regular running:
Start with running that covers comfortable distances and progressively build up your stamina. Do not suddenly increase distance and pace.
2. Include sprinting:
For recruitment where candidates have to take a race within a specified period, it is good to practice sprinting together with endurance running.
3. Practice jumps separately:
For recruitment where candidates have to do either long or high jumps, they should practice the right technique rather than doing several maximum jumps at once.
4. Build recovery process:
Sufficient rest, enough water, and rest days are key when working out more.
5. Keep an eye on your measurements:
For candidates who are just around the required height, chest, and weight, they should measure accurately rather than make approximations.
Documents and Things to Carry for PST/PET
Documents that candidates need to carry are normally stated by the recruiting body. These documents might include the following:
PST/PET admission card
Valid identity proof
Application or registration form
Education certificates
Category certificate, if needed
Domicile certificate, if needed
NCC/other certificates, if applicable
Latest photographs
It is advisable for candidates to read their call letter thoroughly since the list of required documents may vary from one recruitment to another.
Important Tips to Avoid Physical Test Rejection
Even after qualifying for the written test, a candidate may be disqualified because physical eligibility criteria have not been met. Some considerations:
Don’t rely on previous recruitment criteria.
Refer to the latest notification for your own post.
Beware of relaxation criteria per category.
Measurement of height should be done without taking into consideration footwear.
Find out if chest expansion is necessary.
PET should practice the exact events as specified in the notification.
Arrive early at the test centre.
Carry the originals and photocopies of documents.
Follow guidelines given by the Physical Test Board.
The official recruitment agencies may also make notes of measurement in the physical test. For example, Rajasthan Police recruitment guidelines mention that height and chest/weight measurement is communicated to candidates.
Final Word
Physical Standard Test & Physical Efficiency Test are the part of numerous Sarkari Jobs under the Police Department. No single physical standard exist to cover each and every SI or Constable recruitment within India; the same varies from state to state, force to force, position to position, Gender to Gender and Category to Category so it is highly essential to seek latest recruitment notification rather than referencing previous eligibility tables or any coaching portal. Frequent running, strength training, practice of jump and previous self-checks regarding physical measurements will surely boost the confidence of appearing candidates for PST/PET.
