State Police Constable & Sub-Inspector Physical Standards (PST/PET) Comparison Guide 2026
Physical measurement (PST) parameters, running efficiency (PET) benchmarks, and medical standards compared across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan Police boards.
1. Understanding PST vs PET in Police Bharti
Police recruitment across Indian states is bifurcated into two separate physical evaluation stages:
- Physical Standard Test (PST): Static anatomical measurement of a candidate’s height, chest (for male candidates), and body weight (for female candidates) using digital stadiometers. There is no discretion or marks awarded; candidates either meet the threshold or are disqualified immediately.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Dynamic endurance examination testing cardiovascular fitness and athleticism through running, long jump, high jump, and shot put. Depending on the state, PET is either qualifying (UP/Delhi) or forms the primary merit determinant (Bihar).
2. Height & Chest Standards Comparison Across Major States
Every state police service enacts specific recruitment rules under its state police act. The table below outlines requirements for male and female aspirants:
| State & Police Board | Male Height | Male Chest | Female Height | Female Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP Police (UPPRPB) | Gen/OBC/SC: 168 cm ST: 160 cm | 79 cm unexpanded 84 cm expanded (5 cm min) | Gen/OBC/SC: 152 cm ST: 147 cm | Min 40 kg |
| Bihar Police (CSBC/BPSSC) | Gen/BC: 165 cm EBC/SC/ST: 160 cm | 81 cm unexpanded 86 cm expanded (5 cm min) | All Categories: 155 cm | Min 48 kg |
| Delhi Police (SSC DP) | Gen/OBC/SC: 170 cm ST/Hilly: 165 cm | 81 cm unexpanded 85 cm expanded (4 cm min) | Gen/OBC/EWS: 157 cm SC/ST: 155 cm | Proportionate to height |
| MP Police (MPPEB) | Gen/OBC/SC: 168 cm ST: 160 cm | 81 cm unexpanded 86 cm expanded (5 cm min) | All Categories: 155 cm | Standard BMI |
| Rajasthan Police | Gen/OBC/SC: 168 cm Tribal / Sahariya: 160 cm | 81 cm unexpanded 86 cm expanded (5 cm min) | Gen/OBC/SC: 152 cm Tribal: 145 cm | Min 47.5 kg |
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Running & Athletics
Running standards differ considerably between states. While Uttar Pradesh focuses on medium-distance endurance (4.8 km), Delhi and Bihar emphasize high-intensity middle-distance sprints (1.6 km):
| State | Male Running Benchmark | Female Running Benchmark | Additional Events | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 4.8 km in 25 Minutes | 2.4 km in 14 Minutes | None | Qualifying Only |
| Bihar | 1.6 km in 6 Minutes (Max 50 Marks) | 1.0 km in 5 Minutes (Max 50 Marks) | Shot Put (16 lbs) + High Jump (4 ft) | Decisive Merit (100 Marks) |
| Delhi Police | 1.6 km in 6 Minutes | 1.6 km in 8 Minutes | Long Jump (14 ft) + High Jump (3.9 ft) | Qualifying Only |
| Madhya Pradesh | 800 meters in 2m 45s | 800 meters in 4m 00s | Shot Put + Long Jump (13 ft) | Qualifying / Graded |
4. Common Medical Disqualification Factors
Candidates who pass the written exam and PET undergo a detailed examination by a Civil Surgeon Medical Board. Common disqualification grounds include:
Knees touch each other while standing erect with feet together, causing friction and running instability.
Absence of normal longitudinal foot arch, which impairs shock absorption during sustained running drills.
Enlarged, twisted veins in the calves resulting from venous insufficiency under prolonged parade standing.
Inability to differentiate red and green signals. Permanent disqualification for police and driver cadres.
Frequently Asked Questions (Police Physical Test)
What happens if a male candidate satisfies the chest measurement but fails the 5 cm expansion rule?
Chest expansion of at least 5 cm is mandatory across all police recruitment boards. Even if a candidate has an unexpanded chest of 85 cm, he will be disqualified if his expanded chest is under 90 cm. Deep breathing exercises are strongly advised.
Does Bihar Police award marks for Physical Efficiency Test (PET)?
Yes. Unlike UP or Delhi Police where PET is purely qualifying, Bihar Police Constable final merit is based entirely on the marks scored in PET (Total 100 marks: Running 50 marks, Shot Put 25 marks, High Jump 25 marks). The written exam serves only as a screening test.
Are female candidates required to undergo chest measurement in police tests?
No. Female candidates are exempt from chest measurements across all central and state police forces. However, minimum height and minimum body weight (typically 40 kg in UP, 47.5 kg in Rajasthan, 48 kg in Bihar) are strictly verified.
Can candidates with Flat Feet or Knock Knees be selected in Police Bharti?
No. Knock Knees (genu valgum), Flat Feet (pes planus), and Varicose Veins are grounds for medical disqualification in physical medical boards because they impair sprint endurance and joint stability under load.
What is the running requirement for UP Police Constable?
Male candidates must complete a 4.8 km run in 25 minutes or less. Female candidates must complete a 2.4 km run in 14 minutes or less. Timing is recorded using RFID timing chips strapped to the candidate’s ankle.