Physical Standard Test: Height, Chest and Weight
The Physical Standard Test, or PST, is a measurement gate before the Physical Efficiency Test. It checks height, chest measurement and weight against the standards in the current NPSC advertisement. Failure in any one measurement can end your candidature even if your written score is high.
Standards and measurement rules
Recent NPSC constable notices commonly prescribe, for male candidates, minimum height of 165 cm (160 cm for recognised Scheduled Tribe candidates), chest 79 cm unexpanded with at least 5 cm expansion, and weight 50 kg. For female candidates, common minima are 155 cm (150 cm for recognised ST candidates) and 45 kg. Category and post-specific relaxations vary, so verify the exact advertisement and carry the required certificate.
Measurements are taken barefoot, standing straight with heels together. Chest is measured at the level specified by the board, first at rest and then after full inspiration; the difference is the expansion. Weight is recorded without shoes and heavy clothing.
Worked example
A male ST candidate measures 161 cm height, 78 cm unexpanded chest, 83 cm expanded chest and 49.5 kg weight. Height passes because 161 cm is above the 160 cm ST minimum. Chest fails because the unexpanded minimum is 79 cm, even though expansion is 5 cm. Weight fails because 49.5 kg is below 50 kg. Result: not qualified. The lesson is that expansion alone cannot rescue a low unexpanded chest.
Traps that cost marks
Do not wear shoes or thick socks. Do not arch the back or lift the heels to gain height. Do not inhale before the resting chest measurement. Check whether your category certificate is in the prescribed format. Growth in chest expansion does not compensate for a below-minimum height or weight.
Preparation
Track all three measurements monthly and correct posture and nutrition early.