IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026, Physical Standards for IPS Male and Female officers

IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026: IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria is a critical component for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Police Service through the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Even after clearing the written exam and interview, failure to meet the IPS Physical Eligibility Standards will result in disqualification. Therefore, aspirants must acquaint themselves thoroughly with all aspects of the IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026, especially those concerning height, weight, chest measurements, and medical fitness.

IPS Physical Eligibility 2026 Overview

To become an Indian Police Service officer, candidates must meet certain predefined physical standards. These standards are carefully set by UPSC to ensure that selected individuals can handle the physically demanding tasks associated with policing. The IPS Physical Eligibility Overview includes parameters such as height, chest measurements, and vision, which differ slightly for male and female candidates.

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Importance of the IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the most prestigious and demanding All India Services. IPS officers are entrusted with responsibilities that demand physical stamina, mental strength, and resilience. Their duties include maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety, which often involves physically challenging conditions. To ensure that only fit and capable individuals serve in this esteemed position, the IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria are strictly enforced.

IPS Physical Eligibility 2026 for Male Candidates

The IPS Physical Eligibility 2026 for Male candidates is specified clearly by UPSC and the Ministry of Home Affairs. These requirements are non-negotiable and are applied at various stages of selection and training.

The minimum height ensures a commanding presence, while chest expansion measures physical fitness and lung capacity. Candidates must be in robust health and capable of handling the rigours of the job.

Also Read: IPS Training

IPS Physical Eligibility 2026 for Female Candidates

For female aspirants, the IPS Physical Eligibility for Females also follows stringent guidelines, taking into account their physiological constitution while maintaining the demands of the IPS role.

These figures ensure that the IPS Height and Weight for Women meet operational standards while maintaining fairness and inclusivity.

IPS General Physical Fitness & Endurance

While there is no explicit upper weight limit, candidates are expected to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the healthy range. Moreover, aspirants should be free from deformities or disabilities that could hinder their operational capabilities. The IPS Physical Test may include:

• 100-meter sprint
  
• Long jump
  
• 800-meter run
  
• High jump
  
• Shot put

These exercises test the stamina and agility expected of IPS officers.

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IPS Height and Weight Requirements 2026

To become an officer in the Indian Police Service (IPS), candidates must meet the prescribed physical eligibility standards laid down for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. These standards ensure that IPS officers are physically fit to handle the demanding and challenging nature of police duties.

IPS Height Requirements

The minimum height criteria for IPS officers are as follows:

• Female Candidates (General Category):
  Minimum height of 150 cm, relaxable up to 145 cm for ST candidates and certain specified races.

• Male Candidates (General Category):
  Minimum height of 165 cm, relaxable up to 160 cm for ST candidates (except SC/OBC).

These height standards are strictly verified during the medical examination stage, and non-compliance can lead to disqualification.

IPS Weight Criteria

There is no fixed maximum weight limit for IPS officers. However, candidates must have a weight proportionate to their height and should be free from any physical deformities or disabilities that may affect their operational efficiency.

IPS Physical Fitness Requirements

Apart from height and weight, candidates must be in good physical condition and clear the physical fitness tests, which typically include:

• 100-metre sprint

• Long jump

• 800-metre run

• High jump

• Shot put

These tests assess stamina, strength, and overall physical endurance required for policing duties.

IPS Training and Physical Conditioning

Candidates who successfully clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination and medical tests undergo professional training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. The training programme focuses on:

• Physical fitness and endurance

• Self-defence techniques

• Law enforcement and field training

This rigorous training prepares officers for real-life challenges related to law and order, investigation, and public safety.

IPS Medical Test Requirements 2026

The IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026 also incorporates extensive medical testing. There are two primary medical examinations:

1. After the Personality Test/Interview
   
2. Post final result declaration, and before the commencement of training

Medical standards include:

• Chest Expansion: Non-compliance in both medical rounds results in disqualification.
  
• Blood Pressure: Must be within normal limits for the candidate’s age.
  
• Hearing and Ear Health: Hearing loss not exceeding 30 decibels in the 1000-4000 frequency range.
  
• Speech: No stammering or speech defect.
  
• Vision: Stereoscopic vision with no night blindness or colour blindness.
  
• Pregnancy: Female candidates must not be pregnant during medical testing.
  

These standards ensure candidates are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of IPS service.

IPS Height and Weight for Women 2026

While the IPS height and weight women criteria do not specify weight requirements, candidates must maintain proportional height-to-weight balance. Any deviation due to health concerns or fitness-related issues could affect final eligibility.

To support their eligibility, female candidates should engage in:

• Regular physical exercise
  
• Healthy and balanced diet
  
• Medical check-ups
  
• Practising stamina-based workouts like running and swimming

IPS Physical Eligibility and Final Cadre Training

IPS Physical Eligibility and Final Cadre Training Are;

IPS Physical Training and Foundation Course

Upon clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and fulfilling the IPS physical eligibility standards, selected candidates undergo an extensive training program. This consists of:

1. Foundation Course (3 months) at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
2. Basic Training (11 months) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad.

The physical training segment at SVPNPA includes:

• Outdoor physical conditioning
• Self-defense training
• Firearms handling
• Law enforcement drills
• Endurance tests

After the academy, candidates undergo:

• 6 months of district/cadre attachment
• 1-month concluding session back at SVPNPA

This concentrated training structure prepares officers for real-time challenges in criminal investigation, crowd control, cybercrime units, anti-terrorist squads, and other specialised wings.

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How to Prepare for the IPS Physical Fitness Test

Candidates aspiring for IPS must train rigorously for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which includes a 100m sprint, 800m run, long/high jump, and shot put to ensure readiness for demanding law enforcement duties. Regular practice builds stamina, strength, and technique while simulating test conditions improves performance under pressure.​

• Start with a structured routine: Begin training 6-8 weeks early, 5-6 days a week, mixing cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises to build endurance and prevent injury.​
• Practice sprints for 100m dash: Time yourself on short bursts, gradually reducing intervals; incorporate interval training like 30-second sprints followed by walking.​
• Build endurance for 800m run: Progress from walking/jogging to full runs weekly, aiming to cover distance faster; include cross-country runs for stamina.​
• Master jumps and shot put: Focus on technique with daily long/high jump drills and weight progression for shot put, starting light and adding resistance.​
• Incorporate strength exercises: Do timed push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and core work to enhance overall power and meet chest expansion standards.​
• Maintain diet and recovery: Eat balanced nutrition, stay hydrated, get ample sleep, and cool down post-workout to optimize performance and avoid burnout.​
• Simulate full test regularly: Practice the entire PET sequence weekly to build confidence and identify weaknesses before the medical board evaluation.​

Conclusion

The IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026 is a critical gateway for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Police Service. Understanding and meeting the IPS Physical Eligibility for Male and Female candidates is non-negotiable. From height and chest expansion to vision and medical fitness, every element is evaluated meticulously. Candidates must not only focus on academic excellence but also commit to physical fitness and holistic well-being.

With increasing competition and the stringent IPS Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026, early and consistent preparation is key to success. Only those who are physically fit, medically sound, and mentally prepared can shoulder the responsibilities of an IPS officer—a true guardian of law and order in India.

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