SSC CPO Physical Test: PET and PST Standards
The physical stage eliminates candidates who cleared Paper I. Train for it from day one, not after the result.
The SSC CPO physical stage has two parts: the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which is running and jumping events, and the Physical Standard Test (PST), which is height and chest measurement. Both sit between Paper I and Paper II, and both eliminate. Candidates who clear the written preliminary and fail the track do not sit Paper II.
The standards below are the figures our SSC data carries. The live notification on ssc.gov.in is the authority for the cycle you are entering.
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PET Events for Male Candidates
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 metre race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km run | 6.5 minutes |
| Long jump | 3.65 metres |
Female PET Events
Female candidates take their own set of PET events with separate standards, published in the official notification. Our data file does not carry those figures, so we will not quote numbers here; check the current notification on ssc.gov.in for the exact events and timings.
PST: Height and Chest Standards
| Measurement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Height, male | 170 cm (165 cm for SC/ST/OBC candidates from hill states) |
| Height, female | 157 cm (152 cm for SC/ST/OBC in specified categories) |
| Chest, male | 80 cm unexpanded, 85 cm expanded (minimum 5 cm expansion) |
| Chest, female | Not measured; weight proportionate to height |
Training runs and study blocks can share a day. Start both.
Why the PET Decides More Attempts Than Paper II
The physical stage filters candidates who spent their whole preparation window at a desk. A 6.5-minute 1.6 km run is a real standard for someone who has not run in months, and the chest expansion requirement cannot be trained in the final weeks. That is why the standard advice for CPO is to start physical training on day one of preparation, in parallel with study, not after the Paper I result.
Measurements are different from events: height cannot be trained at all. If you are near a PST boundary, get measured properly before you invest a preparation cycle.
A Sensible Physical Preparation Baseline
- checkRun at least three days a week from the start of preparation, alternating sprints and distance.
- checkTime yourself on 100 m and 1.6 km monthly, against the standards above.
- checkPractise long jump technique; 3.65 m rewards form as much as power.
- checkGet height and chest measured early if you are anywhere near a boundary.
Physical Test FAQs
What is the height requirement for SSC CPO?expand_more
Male candidates: 170 cm, relaxed to 165 cm for SC/ST/OBC candidates from hill states. Female candidates: 157 cm, relaxed to 152 cm for specified categories.
What is the chest requirement for SSC CPO?expand_more
For male candidates only: 80 cm unexpanded and 85 cm expanded, with a minimum expansion of 5 cm. Female candidates have no chest measurement.
Is the SSC CPO physical test qualifying or scored?expand_more
The PET/PST is a qualifying stage: it does not add marks, but failing it ends the attempt. Only candidates who clear it go on to Paper II.
Next steps
Start free CPO practicePaper I comes before the track. Practise for it free.