13.1 Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

13.1 Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Quick Answer: The PET is the second stage of RRB Group D selection and is strictly qualifying — it adds no marks to your CBT merit. Only candidates shortlisted at roughly three times the vacancies (on normalised CBT score) are called. Men must lift and carry 35 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes and run 1000 metres in 4 min 15 sec; women must lift and carry 20 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes and run 1000 metres in 5 min 40 sec. PwBD candidates, ex-servicemen, and course-completed Act Apprentices are exempt.

Why the PET Matters

The CBT earns you the merit rank, but the PET confirms you can physically perform the duties of a Group D post — shunting, track maintenance, loading, and long shifts on your feet. Because the PET is qualifying in nature, failing it ends your candidacy regardless of how high your CBT score is. RRBs shortlist candidates for PET at about three times the number of vacancies in their notified community/category, so being in the shortlist is itself a major milestone — but it is not a job offer.

Criteria: Male vs Female

The PET consists of two events for each candidate: a lift-and-carry task and a 1000-metre run. Both must be completed within the prescribed time; failing either disqualifies the candidate.

The CEN is explicit that the PET runs in two stages, in a fixed order: the weight-carrying test first, then — after a recovery gap — the running test. Failing the weight-carrying test eliminates you at that stage; you never get to run.

The lift-and-carry is a single continuous task. You lift a sand bag without any handle from a bench or platform at roughly waist height, carry it 100 m in whatever manner you choose without letting it touch the ground, and finish inside 2 minutes. Putting the bag down before the 100 m mark is a fail. The run is the separate second stage, and you get one chance at each event.

Transgender candidates are tested against relaxed standards equivalent to the female standards.

Exemptions

The following categories are exempt from the PET, provided they satisfy documentary evidence:

• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) — candidates with 40% or more disability under the specified categories.
• Ex-servicemen who have completed the prescribed term of engagement and are applying against the ex-servicemen quota.
• Course-completed Act Apprentices applying against the apprentice quota.

Exempt candidates proceed directly from the CBT merit list to Document Verification and Medical Examination. However, the medical examination still applies — exempt candidates must meet the medical standard for the post.

Pacing the 1000 m Run

The 1000 m is not a sprint — running the first 400 m too fast forces a collapse in the last 200 m. Male candidates should target a steady 1:40 for the first 400 m, reach 800 m in about 3:20, and accelerate over the final 200 m to finish in 4:10–4:15. Female candidates should aim for 2:10 / 4:20 / 5:35 splits. A GPS watch or a pacer during training helps you internalise the pace; do not rely on feel alone.

Sample 8-Week Training Schedule

How to Prepare

The PET rewards specific, sport-specific training, not general fitness. Start at least 8–12 weeks before the expected PET date.

• Running endurance: Build up to 5 km of slow jogging three times a week, then add timed 1000 m efforts. Aim to comfortably beat the target — train to run 1000 m in 4:00 (male) or 5:20 (female) so the test pace feels easy.
• Lift-and-carry strength: Train with a sandbag or jerry can slightly heavier than the test weight (40 kg for men, 22 kg for women). Practice walking the 100 m while keeping the load stable against your body.
• Core and grip: Planks, farmer's carries, and dead hangs strengthen the grip and trunk needed to keep a 35 kg load from shifting.
• Recovery and hydration: Sleep 7–8 hours, eat adequate protein, and avoid heavy training in the 48 hours before the test.

What Disqualifies

• Failing to complete either event within the time limit.
• Dropping the weight before the 100 m mark.
• False start in the run (a second false start typically disqualifies).
• Leaving the track during the run.
• Submitting forged documents — you may be debarred from future RRB exams.
• Appearing under the influence of performance-enhancing substances.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the warm-up — pulled hamstrings and calf strains are the most common PET injuries.
• Practising the run with shoes you have not broken in — wear your test shoes for at least two long sessions.
• Dehydrating to "make weight" — the PET has no weigh-in; dehydration only reduces endurance.
• Neglecting the lift-and-carry because you can run well — it is a separate qualifying event.

The PET is conducted at nominated RRC ground or stadium venues, and pass/fail on each event is decided on the spot. Candidates who qualify are called for Document Verification in merit order — CEN 09/2025 fixes the DV call-up ratio at 1:1 of the notified vacancies.