Senior Army officers will also now face fitness test

NEW DELHI: The Army will roll out a new combined physical test ( CPT ) from April next year, under which even senior officers like Brigadiers, Major Generals and Lt Generals will have to prove fitness twice a year.

CPT merges the existing battle physical efficiency test ( BPET ), for officers and soldiers up to the age of 45, and the physical proficiency test ( PPT ) for those up to the age of 50.

Fitness test age limit in Army raised to 60 years
As of now, all officers (below 50) and soldiers have to appear for physical tests four times a year.

"Under the single CPT, which aims to simplify, modernise and harmonise physical standards across ranks and genders, the age limit has been extended to 60 years.

This means senior ranks will now also have to undergo the CPT, 'under supervision' till the age of 55 and 'self-assessment' from 55 to 60," an officer said. The CPT will involve a 3.2-km run or brisk walk with a load of 4.5 kg as well as push-ups, sit-ups and vertical rope climbing. The existing BPET involves a 5-km run with battle gear weighing 4.5 kg, while the PPT requires a 2.4-km run

"Each participant will have to secure at least a grade of 6 marks to qualify overall. Otherwise, his or her promotions will be adversely impacted," the officer said.