The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has issued revised guidelines for the Constable Recruitment Examination 2026, introducing significant changes to the physical and medical assessment process. The updated norms aim to streamline the Physical Standard Test (PST) while ensuring that prescribed health standards are maintained.
Key Changes in Physical Standard Test
Under the new provisions, the PST will be limited to recording basic physical parameters such as height, weight, and chest measurements. Medical officers will no longer be involved at this preliminary stage. Officials stated that this move is intended to speed up the screening process and reduce procedural delays.
Detailed Medical Examination and Review
SSC officials clarified that the final assessment of a candidate’s weight and overall fitness will be conducted during the Detailed Medical Examination (DME) and Review Medical Examination (RME). During these stages, medical officers will recheck weight and carry out a comprehensive evaluation as per the prescribed medical standards before declaring a candidate fit or unfit.
The commission has further stated that height and chest measurements recorded during the PST will remain valid during medical examination. However, greater emphasis will be placed on weight and other health indicators at the DME and RME stages.
Introduction of BMI Criterion
A key addition to the revised guidelines is the inclusion of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a criterion for fitness assessment. As per the new rules, candidates must have a BMI between 18 and 25. Candidates with a BMI below 18 will be classified as underweight, while those above 25 will be considered overweight, and may be declared unfit for recruitment.
Expected Benefits
The revised guidelines are expected to bring greater clarity, consistency, and efficiency to the recruitment process. They ensure fair assessment while meeting the physical and medical requirements for service. The changes are designed to streamline the process and reduce delays, benefiting both candidates and the commission.
