Physical Eligibility Checker (PST/PET) 2026

What is the Physical Standard Test (PST)?

The Physical Standard Test (PST) is a mandatory screening stage in recruitment for India's defense forces, central paramilitary forces (BSF, CISF, CRPF), and state police departments. It strictly evaluates a candidate's bodily measurements—specifically Height, Chest, and Weight—against officially mandated minimum criteria.

Failing the PST results in immediate disqualification, regardless of how high your marks were in the written computer-based examination (CBE). PST is generally conducted right before or on the same day as the Physical Endurance Test (PET), which evaluates stamina (running).

Standard Height Requirements (SSC GD & Police)

While different state police forces may have minor variations (e.g., UP Police requires 168 cm for males), the most universally accepted baseline in India is set by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC GD) for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

• General / OBC / SC (Male): Minimum 170 cm
• General / OBC / SC (Female): Minimum 157 cm
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Male): Minimum 162.5 cm
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Female): Minimum 150 cm

Chest Requirements (Males Only)

Chest measurements are strictly taken for male candidates only. There are two components to this test: the unexpanded measurement and the expansion capacity. The expansion proves lung capacity and physical fitness.

• General / OBC / SC: Unexpanded chest must be at least 80 cm.
• Scheduled Tribe (ST): Unexpanded chest must be at least 76 cm.
• Expansion Rule (Universal): Regardless of category or initial size, every male candidate must be able to expand their chest by a minimum of 5 cm upon inhaling deeply. If your unexpanded chest is 85 cm, you must expand it to at least 90 cm.

Note: Female candidates do not undergo chest measurements.

Relaxations for Hill Areas & Special Regions

Candidates hailing from geographically challenging terrains are naturally granted physical relaxations. This includes candidates falling in the categories of Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Dogras, Marathas, and candidates belonging to the States/UTs of Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.

For these specific hill region candidates, the male height requirement is relaxed to 165 cm, and the unexpanded chest requirement is relaxed to 78 cm. The female height requirement is relaxed to 155 cm.

The Role of Weight in PST

There is no single fixed weight requirement (e.g., "you must be 65 kg"). Instead, a candidate's weight must be proportionate to their height and age as per standard medical metrics (typically aligned with the Body Mass Index or BMI).

However, being slightly over or under weight during the PST stage is generally not a ground for immediate rejection. Weight is usually assessed more strictly during the subsequent Detailed Medical Examination (DME) phase.

Common Mistakes During PST

• Poor Posture: Slouching during the height measurement can cause you to lose 1-2 crucial centimeters. Always stand perfectly straight, look straight ahead, and keep your heels together.
• Incorrect Breathing for Chest Expansion: Many candidates fail the 5 cm expansion rule because they puff their chest out *before* the tape is placed. You must stay relaxed for the initial measurement, and then take a massive, deep breath from the diaphragm to expand.
• Dehydration: Severe dehydration can cause slight spinal compression, temporarily reducing height by a fraction of a centimeter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)