Defence and Police Government jobs in India have their own set of physical and medical requirements and other eligibility criteria. The candidates can be required to participate in Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and medical examination depending on the recruitment. These assessments are of height, chest, weight, stamina, eye sight, hearing and medical fitness. Requirements are different for each force, post, gender, category, and region, however. The candidates are advised to refer to the latest official notification for accurate eligibility criteria.

Stage 1: Physical Standard Test (PST)

The PST will be used to verify height, chest, and weight according to the prescribed standard for the post.

Height: Common minimum heights are 170 cm for male constables in central forces (SSC GD/CAPF and Army GD), 168 cm for general category male candidates in UP Police, and 157 cm for female CAPF candidates. Special relaxations of several centimetres are generally given to those belonging to Scheduled Tribes and those living in the hilly or special regions including North-East, Ladakh, Uttarakhand hilly areas and other regions.

Chest (men): Around 80 cm unexpanded with at least 5 cm expansion in the case of most central force posts. Army GD needs around 77 cm unexpanded with 5 cm expansion. Some state police forces may have slight variations.

Weight: Most forces need proportionate weight according to the height and age of the candidates, measured using BMI. Ideal BMI is generally between 18.5–24.9. If the candidate has significantly low or high BMI, they may be disqualified.

Officer-level Entries (NDA, CDS, AFCAT): Common minimum heights are 157 cm for Army and Navy and 162.5 cm for Air Force (Flying Branch).

Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

PET consists of stamina and strength tests, which include mainly running and exercises.

• SSC GD/CAPF: Usually, men run for 5 km within 24 minutes. Women have to run for 1.6 km in about 8.5 minutes. There is an extra time allocation for some regions.

• Army/Agniveer recruitment: 1.6 km run is scored based on time and the fastest time range gets full marks and is around 5 min 30 s. Candidates perform pull-ups (beam), 9 feet ditch jump and zig-zag balance test. Scoring is based on grades, hence good performance fetches high marks.

• State police (e.g. UP Police): Male candidates run around 4.8 km within 28 minutes whereas women run for 2.4 km in 16 minutes. Long jump, high jump or shot put is included in some states.

• Navy/Air force: Running, pushups, sit ups and sometimes swimming/rope climbing based on the entry.

Preparation tips:

1. Build running endurance steadily over 3–4 months, increasing distance gradually.

2. Add strength work such as pull-ups, push-ups, squats and core exercises.

3. Practice using the actual test format such as timing and jump technique.

4. Get sufficient rest, because too much training will result in injuries that will render you disqualified.

Stage 3: Detailed Medical Examination (DME)

The candidate may also be found unfit, even when he has cleared the PET stage. The doctors screen the body against the force standards.

Vision: There are vast variations in the standards. The armed forces and Air Force flying branch have the highest standards for vision, and corrected vision criteria are defined for various posts. Candidates suffering from colour blindness are not considered fit for most of the posts. The police and CAPF demand good distant vision without any restrictions.

Hearing and ENT: Normal hearing and absence of ear discharge, perforated eardrum, and serious conditions of the nose and throat.

Musculoskeletal: Flat foot, knock knees, bow legs, marked spinal deformity, previous fractures with limitation of motion, and joint instability are common factors of unfitness.

Dental: A certain number of teeth are necessary. Army type entries usually require approximately 14 dental points, no gross decay or disease.

General health: The candidate is screened for hernia, hydrocele/varicocele, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, active tuberculosis, hepatitis, epilepsy, skin diseases, and other illnesses. Blood and urine testing is mandatory.

Tattoo: There are different requirements in different forces. Some permit only small tattoos in certain locations of the body, e.g., inside of the forearm or back of the hand. Candidates belonging to notified tribes get an exemption. Other tattoos result in disqualification.

Others: The candidate should have no history of using drugs or having any psychological problems or any other concealed illnesses.

Special Provisions for Women

There are more opportunities available for women today than ever before. The physical and medical requirements for women differ, but they tend to be less strict regarding height and timing. Also, a pregnancy test is conducted during the examination for the female candidates in most forces.

Review Medical Board

In case you are found to be unfit for service, most forces give you the opportunity to appeal to a Review Medical Board (RME). This must be done within the prescribed period, which is a few days in most cases.

Conclusion

Defence and Police Government Jobs are determined by medical and physical standards. The height, chest dimensions, weight, running times, eyesight, dental fitness and other medical requirements are different for each force and recruitment category. Candidates are advised to check the specified requirements, get ready for the physical activities, anticipate any medical issues as early as possible and have their papers in order. Official recruitment notification and applicable service medical rules always to be considered as the final authority.