Physical Efficiency and Measurement Standards
How this stage works
After the written test, candidates face Physical Measurement Standards (PMS) and then the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), followed by a medical examination and document verification. Measurement standards are checked first - a candidate who fails height, chest or weight is out before running. The PET is generally qualifying in nature: you must complete each event within the prescribed limit, and the limits differ for men and women and for reserved categories. Always read the figures in the current advertisement, because they are revised between recruitment cycles.
Measurement rules
- Height is recorded without shoes, heels together, standing erect.
- Chest is measured at nipple level; the expansion figure is the difference between the relaxed and fully inhaled measurements.
- Vision and general fitness are certified at the medical stage; colour blindness can be disqualifying for some posts.
Efficiency events
Typically a timed long-distance run, a standing long jump and a shot put for men, with the women's events set at shorter distances and lighter implements. Each event is usually allowed a fixed number of attempts, and a foul attempt is not counted.
Worked example
Assume the notified standard is a minimum chest of 79 cm with 5 cm expansion. A male candidate measures 79 cm relaxed and 83 cm expanded. Reasoning: the relaxed figure meets the minimum, but the expansion is 83 − 79 = 4 cm, one centimetre short of the required 5 cm. He fails the standard despite a qualifying relaxed measurement - both conditions must be satisfied independently.
Traps
- Failing to practise the expansion technique: the chest is measured after a deep breath, not held casually.
- Fouls in the long jump - stepping over the take-off board, or landing back on the take-off area.
- Starting the distance run too fast and failing the cut-off time.
- Not carrying original certificates; photocopies alone are rejected at verification.