The physical test is highly competitive and carries a total of 100 marks (especially for Soldier GD, Tradesmen, etc.). It consists of four major tasks:
Candidates are divided into two groups based on their timing:
Group I: Completing the run in 5 minutes 30 seconds or less fetches full 60 marks.
Group II: Completing the run between 5 minutes 31 seconds and 5 minutes 45 seconds fetches 48 marks.
This tests your upper body strength. The scoring depends on the number of clean pull-ups you perform:
10 Pull-ups: 40 Marks
9 Pull-ups: 33 Marks
8 Pull-ups: 27 Marks
7 Pull-ups: 21 Marks
6 Pull-ups: 16 Marks (Minimum passing criteria. Less than 6 results in failure).
If you are a beginner, do not sprint at maximum speed on Day 1. You need to build endurance first. Follow this structured weekly routine:
Monday - Endurance/Long Run: Run at a slow, steady pace for 4 to 5 km. This builds cardiovascular stamina and strengthens leg muscles.
Tuesday - Hill Training / Inclines: Run on an uphill slope or climb stairs. This builds explosive strength in your thighs and calves.
Wednesday - Speed Interval Training: Perform 4 repetitions of 400 meters or 6 repetitions of 200 meters at 80-90% of your maximum speed. Take a 2-minute rest between intervals. This increases lung capacity.
Thursday - Tempo Run: Run at a moderate-to-fast (challenging but sustainable) pace continuously for 20-25 minutes.
Friday - Core & Bodyweight Strengthening: Keep the running minimal. Focus heavily on push-ups, squats, planks, and pull-ups to build structural strength.
Saturday - Time Trial: Warm up well, use a stopwatch, and test your exact timing for the 1600-meter run to track your weekly progress.
Sunday - Complete Rest: Allow your muscles to recover. Do light stretching, use foam rollers, or massage your legs to prevent injuries.
Invest in Good Running Shoes: Do not run barefoot or in flat, cheap canvas shoes on hard tracks. It can cause Shin Splints (severe pain in the shin bone). Use shoes with good cushioning.
Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Never skip stretching. Spend 5-10 minutes warming up before the run, and 10 minutes cooling down with static stretches afterward to keep muscles flexible.
Prioritize Sleep: Your body releases growth hormones and repairs itself while you sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.