CAPF Physical Standards Test,
Physical Efficiency Test & Medical Examination
The complete official guide to the UPSC CAPF AC Physical Standards Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and Medical Examination — including all prescribed standards for men and women, events and timings, medical fitness criteria, common disqualifying conditions, and how to appeal a medical decision.
PST is qualifying — not scored — the Physical Standards Test checks height, chest, and weight. Failure to meet prescribed minimums results in immediate elimination regardless of written exam marks.
PET tests physical efficiency — events include 100m race, long jump and high jump for men; 800m race and long jump for women. All events must be cleared in a single attempt on the same day.
Medical Examination is comprehensive — a government Medical Board conducts a detailed assessment covering vision, hearing, musculoskeletal fitness, systemic health, and the absence of disqualifying conditions.
Review Medical Board appeal is available — candidates declared unfit by the first Medical Board may apply for a Review Medical Board (RMB) within the stipulated timeline. The RMB decision is final.
The Physical and Medical stages of the CAPF AC selection process are conducted after the written examination results are declared. All three stages — PST, PET, and Medical Examination — are qualifying in nature. They carry no marks but are mandatory elimination rounds.
The Physical Standards Test is the first physical elimination round of the CAPF AC selection process. It verifies whether candidates meet the minimum prescribed physical dimensions. PST is measured objectively by officials — there is no subjective assessment at this stage.
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is conducted on the same day as or the day immediately following the PST, for candidates who clear PST. It tests actual physical performance through standardised athletic events. PET is qualifying in nature — all prescribed events must be completed within the specified standards to pass.
100 Metre Race — Male
Long Jump — Male
High Jump — Male
800 Metre Race — Female
Long Jump — Female
High Jump — Female
Candidates who successfully clear both PST and PET undergo a detailed Medical Examination conducted by a government Medical Board. The examination is thorough and covers every major system of the body to confirm the candidate is fully fit to serve in a demanding paramilitary role.
Vision — Eyes Examined in Detail
Both eyes are individually tested for distant vision, near vision, colour vision, and field of vision. The standard requires 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye without correction. Candidates using spectacles may be assessed under separate provisions depending on the force applied to.
Hearing — Audiometric Assessment
Hearing is tested in both ears. A candidate must be able to hear a whisper at a distance of 6 metres with each ear. Any significant hearing impairment or deafness — even partial — in either ear is a disqualifying condition.
Cardiovascular System
Heart function is assessed through physical examination, pulse rate at rest and after exertion, and blood pressure measurement. Conditions such as valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, hypertension, or any structural cardiac abnormality are disqualifying.
Respiratory System
Chest expansion, lung function, and breathing capacity are evaluated. Chronic respiratory conditions — including persistent asthma, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis with residual damage, or any active lung infection — are disqualifying for paramilitary service.
Musculoskeletal System
The entire musculoskeletal framework is examined — spine curvature, limb structure, joint mobility, flat feet, knock knees, and any deformities. Candidates must have full and free range of movement in all joints. Any permanent physical disability or structural deformity is disqualifying.
Neurological and Psychiatric Assessment
The Medical Board assesses for neurological conditions including epilepsy, tremors, or any history of seizures, as well as any mental health disorder. A history of psychiatric illness — including any hospitalisation or ongoing treatment — is a disqualifying condition for CAPF service.
Blood Tests and Systemic Health
Laboratory investigations include complete blood count, blood group, blood sugar, liver function tests, and kidney function tests. Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or blood disorders are assessed for severity and impact on fitness.
Dental and ENT Examination
Dental fitness is assessed — a minimum number of healthy functional teeth is required. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) examination checks for any chronic infection, structural abnormality, or condition affecting hearing, breathing, or speech that could impair operational effectiveness.
Vision requirements are among the most searched and most misunderstood aspects of the CAPF Medical Examination. Here is a complete breakdown of the eye fitness criteria for CAPF Assistant Commandants.
| Vision Parameter | Standard Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision — Better Eye | 6/6 (without correction) | The better-performing eye must achieve full 6/6 unaided vision |
| Distant Vision — Worse Eye | 6/9 (without correction) | The weaker eye must achieve at least 6/9 without glasses or lenses |
| Corrected Vision (with glasses) | 6/6 in better eye | Permitted for certain forces under specific conditions — check force-specific notification |
| Colour Vision | Normal colour perception | Colour blindness of any type — particularly red-green — is a disqualifying condition |
| Night Vision | No night blindness | Assessed through standard night blindness tests; impairment is disqualifying |
| Field of Vision | Full, normal field | Any significant restriction in peripheral vision is a disqualifying finding |
| Squint (Strabismus) | Absence required | Any manifest squint is disqualifying. Latent squint is assessed case by case |
| Lasik / Refractive Surgery | Assessed case by case | Post-Lasik candidates may be considered if vision meets standards and healing is complete — verify in the official notification for the recruitment year |
The following are the most commonly cited medical conditions and physical findings that result in a candidate being declared unfit during the CAPF Medical Examination. This list is intended to help candidates assess their own fitness early — not to replace a medical consultation.
Poor Unaided Vision
Distant vision below 6/6 (better eye) or below 6/9 (worse eye) without spectacles or lenses. One of the most common reasons for disqualification among younger candidates who rely heavily on glasses.
Colour Blindness
Inability to correctly distinguish colours — particularly red and green — as assessed by Ishihara plate tests. Colour blindness of any clinically significant degree is a disqualifying condition for all CAPF forces.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Complete absence of the medial longitudinal arch (flat feet) is assessed during the musculoskeletal examination. Severe flat feet — particularly those affecting gait or causing pain — are disqualifying. Mild cases may be assessed individually.
Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)
Significant inward angulation of the knees where the knees touch and ankles remain apart is assessed during the gait and posture examination. Marked knock knees affecting posture or movement are disqualifying.
Diabetes Mellitus
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus are disqualifying conditions for paramilitary service. Candidates on any anti-diabetic medication or insulin will not be cleared by the Medical Board.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Hypertension (persistently elevated blood pressure), valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, or any history of cardiac intervention are disqualifying conditions for paramilitary service.
Chronic Respiratory Disease
Active or poorly controlled asthma, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis with pulmonary residue, or any condition causing significantly reduced lung function will lead to an unfit declaration by the Medical Board.
Epilepsy or Seizure History
Any history of epilepsy or seizure disorder — even if currently controlled with medication — is a disqualifying condition. The operational demands of paramilitary service make a seizure history incompatible with safe deployment.
Obesity or Disproportionate Weight
Weight that is disproportionately high or low relative to height and age — as assessed against standard medical tables — can result in an unfit declaration, particularly if it signals an underlying metabolic condition.
Hearing Impairment
Inability to hear a whispered voice at 6 metres in either ear, or any clinically significant conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, is a disqualifying condition. Even unilateral significant deafness may disqualify.
Psychiatric or Neurological History
Any history of a diagnosed psychiatric illness — including anxiety disorder, depression treated with medication, or any hospitalisation for mental health — is a disqualifying condition. Neurological conditions such as tremor or movement disorders are also disqualifying.
Spinal or Structural Deformities
Significant scoliosis, kyphosis, previous spinal surgery, or any structural deformity of the skeleton affecting posture, movement, or load-bearing capacity is assessed carefully. Clinically significant deformities are disqualifying.
If a candidate is declared medically unfit by the first Medical Board, they have the right to appeal the decision through the Review Medical Board (RMB) process. The RMB is a higher authority empowered to independently re-examine the candidate. Understanding this process is critical — missing the appeal window means forfeiting the right to contest the decision.
Step 1 — Receive the Unfit Communication in Writing
After the Medical Examination, candidates declared unfit receive written communication specifying the grounds for the unfit declaration. This document is essential — preserve it carefully. The specific medical ground stated in the unfit declaration forms the basis of your RMB appeal.
Step 2 — Apply for Review Medical Board Within the Stipulated Timeline
Candidates wishing to contest the unfit decision must apply for the Review Medical Board within the prescribed number of days from receiving the unfit communication — typically within 15 days, but refer to the official communication for the exact deadline. Applications received after the deadline are not entertained. Submit the RMB application through the prescribed channel — typically through the Ministry of Home Affairs or the nodal CAPF recruitment authority.
Step 3 — Undergo Examination by the Review Medical Board
The RMB is constituted at a designated government medical institution — typically a Central Government or Armed Forces hospital. The candidate is re-examined specifically on the grounds cited in the unfit declaration. The RMB may also conduct additional tests if warranted by the clinical findings.
Step 4 — RMB Decision Is Final and Binding
The Review Medical Board's decision on the candidate's fitness is final. There is no further medical appeal beyond the RMB within the recruitment process. If declared fit by the RMB, the candidate re-enters the selection process from the point of disqualification. If declared unfit again by the RMB, that decision cannot be contested through further medical appeal within UPSC's recruitment process.
Grounds-Specific Re-Examination
The RMB examines the candidate specifically on the medical grounds cited in the original unfit declaration — not a full general medical re-examination. Prepare any supporting medical documents, specialist reports, or treatment records relevant to the specific ground challenged.
Time-Bound — Do Not Delay
The window to apply for an RMB is short — typically 15 days from the unfit communication. Many candidates lose their right to appeal simply by not acting promptly. Read the unfit communication immediately upon receipt and initiate the RMB application process the same day.
Obtain Independent Specialist Opinion
Before the RMB, consult an independent specialist on the specific condition flagged as disqualifying. Bring all medical records, test reports, and a specialist certificate. While the RMB is independent, well-documented clinical evidence can support your case if the original finding was borderline or erroneous.
No Judicial Remedy Within the Process
The RMB decision is final within UPSC's recruitment framework. Some candidates approach courts challenging medical decisions — this is legally complex and rarely succeeds when the examination was conducted properly. The most effective remedy is a successful RMB, not litigation.
Physical and medical fitness for CAPF standards cannot be built in days or weeks. Serious candidates begin conditioning their bodies at least 4 to 6 months before they expect to face the PST, PET, and Medical stages. Here is a structured preparation approach that addresses each stage.
Know Your Numbers — Self-Assessment Before You Begin Training
Measure your current height, weight, and chest (for male candidates) against the prescribed PST standards. Time yourself on the 100m race and long jump / high jump events. Visit an optometrist to check your unaided vision. Consult your doctor for a blood pressure and blood sugar check. This baseline assessment tells you exactly how far you are from the required standards and where to focus your preparation — before you waste months training in the wrong areas.
PET-Specific Training — Sprint, Jump, and Endurance
For the 100m race (male): train 3–4 times per week with sprint drills, starting block practice, and resistance training for explosive leg power. The 16-second standard is achievable with consistent sprint training. For the 800m race (female): build aerobic endurance through interval training and sustained medium-distance runs — a 4-minute 800m requires dedicated cardiovascular conditioning. For long jump and high jump: practise the approach run, takeoff technique, and landing form — technical refinement yields significant gains faster than raw strength training alone. Work with a coach if possible.
- Train 5–6 days per week at minimum, 12–16 weeks before the PET date
- Include both event-specific training and general conditioning (core, flexibility)
- Simulate test conditions — run on a proper track with timing
- Track your times and distances weekly to measure improvement
Medical Preparation — Address Known Health Conditions Early
If you wear spectacles or contact lenses, visit an ophthalmologist to determine whether your unaided vision meets CAPF standards. If it does not, consult about whether Lasik surgery is an option and whether you meet the post-surgical waiting period requirements. If you have a family history of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiac conditions, get yourself screened and maintain healthy lifestyle habits well in advance. Address dental issues, known ENT conditions, or musculoskeletal problems (flat feet, knee issues) with appropriate medical care — do not arrive at the Medical Examination with untreated, known conditions hoping they will be overlooked.
Nutrition and Weight Management
Weight proportionate to height and age is assessed during PST. Significant underweight or overweight can lead to an adverse finding during the Medical Examination. Maintain a balanced, high-protein, complex-carbohydrate diet that supports physical training without excessive caloric surplus. Avoid crash dieting or extreme weight manipulation in the weeks before the tests — sudden weight changes can affect stamina, recovery, and blood parameter results. Stay well hydrated — dehydration on test day affects physical performance significantly.
Documents to Carry to the PST / PET / Medical Venue
Carry the following documents to the physical and medical examination venue — originals with attested photocopies:
- UPSC call letter / PST-PET-Medical summons letter
- Original e-Admit Card from the written examination
- Original government-issued Photo ID
- Educational certificates — Class 10 and above
- Category certificate (SC / ST / OBC / EWS) — if applicable
- Any existing medical reports or specialist certificates relevant to known conditions
- Passport-size photographs (at least 6 recent copies)
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — if currently a government employee
These are the most commonly asked questions by UPSC CAPF AC candidates about the Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test, and Medical Examination — answered from official UPSC guidelines and documented standards.
CAPF PST, PET & Medical Preparation Checklist
Use this checklist to track your physical and medical readiness for every stage of the CAPF AC qualifying rounds.
