SSC CPO physical test 2026: PET and PST standards and how to prepare
Candidates who clear SSC CPO Paper I are called for the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET), conducted by the Central Armed Police Forces. These tests carry no marks, but they eliminate: a candidate who misses a standard or an event does not go on to Paper II, however high their Paper I score. The standards below are from SSC's notice of 10 September 2026 (paragraph 12.10). PET dates will be announced after the Paper I result, so the time to start training is now, alongside Paper I revision.
Physical Standard Test (PST): height and chest
SI in Delhi Police
| Candidates | Height | Chest (unexpanded / expanded) |
|---|---|---|
| Male, general | 170 cm | 80 / 85 cm |
| Male, hill areas, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Kashmir Valley, Leh and Ladakh, North-East and Sikkim | 165 cm | 80 / 85 cm |
| Male, Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 cm | 77 / 82 cm |
| Female, general | 157 cm | none |
| Female, hill areas and the groups above | 155 cm | none |
| Female, Scheduled Tribes | 154 cm | none |
SI (GD) in the CAPFs has the same standards, with two additions for men: Gorkha candidates 157 cm, and Scheduled Tribes of the North-Eastern States 157 cm (chest 77 / 82 cm).
SI (Fire) in CISF (men): 170 cm with chest 81 / 86 cm; 165 cm for the hill areas and groups listed in the notice; 162.5 cm with chest 77 / 82 cm for Scheduled Tribes, including Mizos and Nagas.
Weight must be in proportion to height for all posts. There is no chest requirement for women. A relaxation in height or chest needs a certificate in the format of Annexure-VIII of the notice from the competent authority of your home district, so arrange it well before the PET.
Physical Endurance Test (PET): the events
| Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint | 100 m in 16 seconds | 100 m in 18 seconds |
| Run | 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes | 800 m in 4 minutes |
| Long jump | 3.65 m (3 chances) | 2.7 m (3 chances) |
| High jump | 1.2 m (3 chances) | 0.9 m (3 chances) |
| Shot put | 16 lb, 4.5 m (3 chances) | none |
Ex-servicemen do not take the PET, but must meet the physical standards and pass the written papers. A candidate who fails the PST may appeal to the appellate authority present at the ground; its decision is final.
An 8-week training plan
The PET usually comes some weeks after the Paper I result, but endurance takes time to build. Start in the week of the exam if you have not already, keeping sessions short until Paper I is over.
| Weeks | Run | Speed and jumps | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | 3 easy runs of 2 to 3 km | Strides: 4 × 60 m | Squats, lunges, push-ups |
| 3 and 4 | 2 runs of 3 km, one timed 1.6 km (men) or 800 m (women) | 6 × 60 m fast, long-jump run-ups | Add calf raises and core |
| 5 and 6 | Interval runs: 4 × 400 m with rest | 100 m timed twice a week | Shot put practice (men) |
| 7 and 8 | Two timed trials of the full distance per week | Practise the jumps in 3 attempts, as on the day | Lighter, to stay fresh |
Train on a track or a flat ground marked out to the exact distance, and time yourself with a stopwatch. Aim to finish the run with a margin: the target is a limit, not a goal.
Practical points for the PET day
- Carry the admission certificate for the PET/PST and the documents it lists; follow SSC's website for when it is issued.
- Female candidates submit a self-declaration about pregnancy status on reporting, as the notice requires.
- Male candidates who want Delhi Police must hold a valid driving licence for motorcycle and car (LMV) on the date of the PET; without one they are eligible for CAPF posts only.
- Wear shoes you have trained in. Do not try anything new on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SSC CPO physical test qualifying?
Yes. The PST and PET carry no marks; they are qualifying and eliminate those who do not meet the standards.
What is the SSC CPO running time for men and women?
Men: 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes and 100 m in 16 seconds. Women: 800 m in 4 minutes and 100 m in 18 seconds.
When is the SSC CPO 2026 PET?
Not announced yet. It follows the Paper I result, which comes after Paper I on 23 to 28 November 2026 (proposed). Watch ssc.gov.in and our SSC CPO exam dates page.
What height is needed for SSC CPO?
170 cm for most male candidates and 157 cm for most female candidates, with lower standards for the hill areas, the groups listed in the notice and Scheduled Tribes. See the tables above.