PMT re-measurement: shoes, toes and a photocopied certificate
A male candidate reports for the Physical Measurement Test at the district police grounds in Karimnagar. The published notice states a minimum height of 160.0 cm, chest 80.0 cm with at least 5.0 cm expansion, and a 5 cm height relaxation for SC/ST/BC candidates; it says nothing about chest relaxation. At the first reading, with shoes on, the candidate measures 161.2 cm. The constable tells him to remove his shoes; barefoot he measures 159.4 cm. He becomes anxious and rises on his toes; a second reader records 159.8 cm. Chest at rest is 79.6 cm; on deep inhalation it is 84.8 cm. He produces a photocopy of an SC certificate and says the original is with his brother. He has 20 minutes before the PET 1600 m run. The re-measurement board is not scheduled until 4 pm.
1. On the recorded figures, is the candidate eligible? Show the arithmetic and identify which measurement is doubtful.
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Barefoot, flat-footed height is 159.4 cm; the 159.8 cm reading is invalid because he was on his toes. Without relaxation, 159.4 < 160.0, so he fails height. If the SC relaxation is validly established, the threshold becomes 155.0 cm and he passes height. Chest: resting 79.6 cm is 0.4 cm below the 80.0 cm minimum; expansion is 84.8 − 79.6 = 5.2 cm, which meets the 5.0 cm expansion requirement but does not cure the resting measurement. Since the notice gives no chest relaxation, he fails chest on the recorded figures. However, the chest reading should be re-taken properly: posture, tape position, full expiration and inspiration, and an independent second reader. The photocopy of the certificate is not proof; the original must be verified. The honest answer is that height may pass only with verified relaxation, while chest currently fails subject to a valid re-measurement.
2. How should the measurement be conducted and documented so that it can withstand challenge?
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Use a calibrated stadiometer, barefoot, heels together, buttocks and upper back against the scale, head in the Frankfurt horizontal plane, and no toe-raising; take three readings and record the consistent one. For chest, use a non-stretch tape at nipple level, record resting chest after normal expiration and expanded chest after a deep breath, with the candidate not flexing the shoulders. Two independent measurers should read and initial the record; record in millimetres, not rounded centimetres. Note the candidate's name, roll number, time, device number and any anomaly. Give the candidate the recorded values and let him sign; if he disputes, note the dispute in writing rather than altering the card. Photograph or videograph the measurement if the notice permits. This record is what an appellate board will review.
3. The candidate alleges that the first reader deliberately pressed the scale down. What is the lawful and practical response?
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Do not argue or dismiss the allegation at the ground. Record it in writing in the candidate's own words, note the name of the reader and the readings, and preserve the measurement sheet. Refer the case to the re-measurement or appellate board rather than conducting an informal "favour" measurement. If the difference between readings exceeds the tolerance in the notice, treat it as a measurement discrepancy and send it to the board. Allow the candidate to continue to the PET if the rules permit provisional participation, but clearly mark the result provisional. Do not penalise him for making a complaint. The aim is a defensible record, not a quick decision.