SSC CPO Physical Test: SSC CPO 2026 Physical Test (PET/PST) is conducted after Paper 1 result and tests height, chest, weight (PST) and running, high jump, long jump, shot put performance (PET). For General male candidates, minimum height is 170 cm and chest must be 80 cm unexpanded with 5 cm expansion to 85 cm. For General female candidates, minimum height is 157 cm. The physical test is qualifying — marks are not added to merit. Candidates who fail PET/PST are not selected.
What is SSC CPO Physical Test?
SSC CPO Physical Test is the second stage of the selection process that comes after Paper 1 CBT. It has two components, Physical Standard Test (PST) which checks height, chest, and weight measurements, and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) which tests running speed, jumping ability, and throwing ability. Both PST and PET must be cleared. The physical test is one of the most significant differentiators in SSC CPO, many candidates who score well in Paper 1 fail at the physical stage. Starting physical training well before the exam is essential.
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SSC CPO Physical Test 2026
The SSC CPO 2026 PET/PST will be conducted after the Paper 1 result is declared (expected January to February 2027). The schedule for PET/PST dates and venues will be announced along with the Paper 1 result. Candidates are called for PET/PST at designated regional centres. The test is conducted by the respective force/department and SSC only provides the list of eligible candidates.
SSC CPO Physical Standard Test (PST) 2026
Height Standards
| Category | Male Height | Female Height |
|---|---|---|
| General, OBC, SC, EWS | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| ST candidates | 162.5 cm | 154 cm |
| Candidates from hilly areas / certain tribal groups | 165 cm | 155 cm |
Note: Specific height relaxations for candidates from certain states or regions (like North-East India, Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Sikkimese, Ladakhis, and certain tribal groups) are specified in the official notification. Check the official notification for your specific category height standard.
Chest Standards (Male Candidates Only)
| Category | Unexpanded | Expanded (Minimum expansion 5 cm) |
|---|---|---|
| General, OBC, SC, EWS | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| ST candidates | 76 cm | 81 cm |
Weight Standards (Female Candidates)
Weight should be proportionate to height and age as per medical standards. There is no fixed minimum or maximum weight specified — the medical officer at PST will assess whether your weight is proportionate. Candidates who are significantly underweight or overweight relative to their height may be asked for a medical assessment.
SSC CPO Physical Efficiency Test (PET) 2026
Male Candidates PET Standards
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | Must complete in 16 seconds |
| 1.6 Kilometre Run | Must complete in 6.5 minutes (6 minutes 30 seconds) |
| High Jump | Must clear 3.65 metres (approximately 12 feet) |
| Long Jump | Must cover 1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | Must throw at least 4.5 metres |
Female Candidates PET Standards
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | Must complete in 18 seconds |
| 800 Metre Run | Must complete in 4 minutes |
| High Jump | Must clear 0.9 metres (approximately 3 feet) |
| Long Jump | Must cover 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) |
SSC CPO High Jump in Feet
This is one of the most searched topics for SSC CPO physical test. For male candidates, the high jump requirement is 3.65 metres which equals approximately 12 feet. For female candidates, the high jump requirement is 0.9 metres which equals approximately 3 feet. Both use the Fosbury Flop or scissor kick technique. Practice at a proper athletics track with a coach is recommended as high jump technique significantly affects whether you clear the bar.
How to Prepare for SSC CPO Physical Test
Training for 100m Race
16 seconds for 100 metres requires a good sprint pace. Start with 200m and 400m training to build stamina, then focus on sprint starts and acceleration. Practice 3 to 4 days per week. Most athletes reach 16 seconds in 3 to 6 weeks of dedicated sprint training.
Training for 1.6 km Run
6.5 minutes for 1.6 km means maintaining a pace of approximately 4 minutes per kilometre. Start with slow running to build base fitness, then increase pace gradually. Interval training (alternate fast and slow running) is very effective for building speed endurance.
Training for High Jump
3.65 metres (12 feet) is a moderate height for trained athletes but challenging for those new to high jump. Learn proper technique (Fosbury Flop or scissor kick). Build leg strength through squats and box jumps. Start practising at lower heights (2.5 to 3 feet) and gradually increase. Consistent practice of 4 to 5 days per week for 2 to 3 months is needed for most candidates.
Training for Long Jump
1.2 metres long jump is achievable with basic training. Focus on your approach run speed and take-off technique. Practice at least 4 days per week.
Training for Shot Put
4.5 metres with a 7.26 kg shot put requires upper body strength and proper technique. Start with lighter weights and gradually increase. Learn the glide technique for maximum distance. Shoulder and wrist strength exercises help significantly.
SSC CPO Medical Examination (DME)
After clearing Paper 2, shortlisted candidates are called for Detailed Medical Examination. The medical standards include vision requirements (distant vision 6/6 and 6/9 without glasses, with colour vision required), hearing ability, absence of knock-knee or flat foot, no varicose veins, no obvious physical deformity, and general fitness. Candidates with spectacles can appear in SSC CPO but distant vision with glasses must be 6/6 and 6/9. The exact medical standards are specified in the official notification.
Frequently Asked Questions on SSC CPO Physical Test
Q1. What is the height requirement for SSC CPO male?
170 cm for General, OBC, SC, EWS. 162.5 cm for ST candidates.
Q2. What is the SSC CPO high jump requirement in feet?
12 feet (3.65 metres) for male. 3 feet (0.9 metres) for female.
Q3. Is the physical test qualifying or merit-based?
Qualifying only. Marks from PET/PST are not added to merit. You just need to pass.
Q4. What happens if I fail PST but pass PET?
If you fail PST (height or chest not meeting standards), you are disqualified. Both PST and PET must be cleared.
Q5. Is chest expansion checked?
Yes. Male candidates must have minimum 80 cm unexpanded and 85 cm expanded (minimum 5 cm expansion).
Q6. Can I appear in PET/PST with spectacles?
Yes, you can appear in PET/PST with spectacles. However, at DME stage, your eyesight with glasses must meet the medical standards.
Q7. How many attempts do I have in PET/PST events?
Usually 3 attempts per event. Check the official notification for exact rules each year.