For thousands of young men and women across Bengal, today is the day the preparation turns real. The physical stage of the Kolkata Police constable and lady constable recruitment begins on October 28, 2026, a little over two weeks after the West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) published the result of the preliminary written test. Candidates who cleared the written round must now prove they meet the physical measurement and fitness standards before they can move further in the selection process.
This guide explains what the Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) involve, what the reported standards are, which documents to carry, and how to approach the day sensibly. Everything below is based on the board’s notices as reported by education and career portals, so always cross-check the final details on the official recruitment website before you travel.
What Has Happened So Far
The WBPRB declared the result of the preliminary written test under the 2024 recruitment process for constables and lady constables on October 12, 2026. The OMR-based objective paper was held in December 2025, the provisional answer key followed on December 31, 2025, and the final key was released on October 8, 2026. PMT and PET admit cards have been available since October 15 on the board’s applicant portal, and the physical tests start today.
One education portal reports that around 47,943 candidates have been shortlisted for the physical stage, made up of roughly 43,766 men and 4,177 women. Treat that figure as a reported number until you confirm it from the shortlist PDFs on the board’s website. Shortlisting does not mean final selection, because candidates must still satisfy every remaining eligibility and selection requirement.
PMT: Physical Measurement Standards
The PMT checks height, chest (for men) and weight (for women). The reported standards are:
- General, OBC and SC men: height 167 cm, chest 78 cm unexpanded and 83 cm expanded.
- Gorkha, Garhwali, Rajbanshi and ST men: height 160 cm, chest 76 cm unexpanded and 81 cm expanded.
- General, OBC and SC women: height 160 cm and weight 49 kg.
- Gorkha, Garhwali, Rajbanshi and ST women: height 152 cm and weight 45 kg.
Chest measurement does not apply to women candidates. Because a few millimetres can decide the outcome, measure yourself at home in the morning, standing straight and barefoot, so that nothing surprises you at the ground.
PET: The Running Test
The PET is a timed run, and it is qualifying in nature. The reported requirements are:
- Male constable candidates: 1,600 metres in 6 minutes 30 seconds.
- Lady constable candidates: 800 metres in 4 minutes 30 seconds.
- Transgender candidates: 800 metres in 3 minutes 30 seconds.
A 1,600 metre run in 6:30 works out to about 97 seconds per 400 metre lap, so pacing matters more than a sprint start. Most failures in such tests come from starting too fast and fading in the last lap.
Documents to Carry
Based on the reported instructions, keep the following ready in a plastic folder the night before:
- A printed copy of your PMT and PET admit card (entry is reported to be impossible without it).
- A valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN card or passport.
- Original caste or category certificates, if you are claiming a relaxed standard.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
The admit card is where your reporting date, time and venue are printed, so read it carefully instead of relying on a friend’s message.
Practical Tips for Test Day
Kolkata is still humid at this time of year. Today’s forecast shows a high near 33 degrees Celsius with humidity above 90 per cent and a chance of afternoon drizzle, so candidates with later slots should plan for sticky, slippery conditions.
- Reach the venue early. Metro and local trains are usually the most reliable way into the city, and our guide to first and last metro timings by line can help you plan the journey.
- Eat a light meal two to three hours before your slot and avoid trying anything new.
- Carry water, wear comfortable running shoes you have already used, and keep a towel and a change of clothes.
- Do not pay anyone who promises selection. The board has warned against middlemen and states that selection follows the prescribed procedure and merit.
- Follow only the official sources: prb.wb.gov.in, wbpolice.gov.in and kolkatapolice.gov.in.
Why It Matters for the City
The recruitment comes at a time when the force is under visible strain. Police were stretched through this year’s Durga Puja, and we reported earlier on the immersion security deployment after the Chorbagan stampede. On October 12, while handing appointment letters to newly recruited constables at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was reported to have said that 4,000 personnel would be added to the Kolkata Police by December and that the board would issue a notification for 9,000 more police posts in November. Those announcements are reported statements, and the actual timelines will depend on the official notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Kolkata Police constable PMT and PET start?
The physical tests begin on October 28, 2026. Check your admit card for your own date, time and venue.
Where can I download the admit card?
The admit cards have been available since October 15 on the WBPRB applicant portal, wbprb.applythrunet.co.in. The result and shortlist are on prb.wb.gov.in.
Is the running test marked for merit?
Reports describe the running test as qualifying only, which means you need to meet the time limit but a faster time does not add marks. Confirm this in the official notice.
Does shortlisting guarantee a job?
No. Shortlisting only allows you to appear for the next stage, and final selection depends on meeting all remaining requirements.
The Bottom Line
If you are on the shortlist, treat today’s admit card as your most important document and the official board website as your only source of truth. Arrive early, pace the run, stay away from middlemen and keep your documents organised. For everyone else in the city, the tests are a reminder that the Kolkata Police is actively hiring, with more notifications expected in the coming weeks.
Sources: West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (prb.wb.gov.in) notices as reported by Careerindia, Adda247 and PW; recruitment announcement as reported by UNI; weather via LatestLY.
Featured image: Athletics track and field stadium, photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.
