Revisiting the Combined Physical Tests - 2026 Safeguarding the Foundations of Military Physical Fitness By Brigadier Sarvesh Dutt Dangwal, VSM

EDITOR'S NOTE

On 9 Oct 2025 newspapers across the country carried news stories of new 'Combined Physical Test' (CPT).that would replace the existing Physical Tests for all ranks of the Indian Army . The details of these new tests were given by the newspapers. They are briefly as per details below and att chart and link / pdf of a published article :

......

The Indian Army is introducing a new Combined Physical Test (CPT) effective April 2026 for all ranks up to age 60, replacing the Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET) and Physical Proficiency Test (PPT). This twice-yearly, mandatory test includes a 3.2-km run/walk (with a 4.5 kg load), push-ups, sit-ups, and rope climbing for younger personnel.

Key details of the new CPT:

Applicability: Mandatory for all personnel from Agniveers to senior officers (Lt Generals).

Age Groups & Standards:

Under 45: Includes 3.2-km run (with 4.5kg load), push-ups, sit-ups, and vertical/horizontal rope climbing.

35–50: 3.2-km run, push-ups, and sit-ups.

50–60: 3.2-km brisk walk, push-ups, and sit-ups.

Frequency: Conducted twice a year.

Significance: A minimum "satisfactory" grade (6 marks) is required; failing to meet standards will impact promotions and Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs).

Supervision: Senior officers (55–60) will perform self-assessments, while those under 55 are supervised.

The CPT aims to modernize, simplify, and ensure uniform fitness standards across all ranks and genders.

.....

The CPT are scheduled to be operative from.1 April 2026 .

......

This article is by Brig Sarvesh Dangwal , former Comdt AIPT & DDGPT who was instrumental in Review of the old PT methodology and tests of our Army during 1985 - 1991 and implementation of new PT system of training and tests from 1992 and currently operative till date . Hence, this review of the proposed CPT should be read and revisited with the background of earlier (pre 1992) and existing (post 1992) PT tests that were / are operative .The analysis of the author and the points raised / highlighted by him merit consideration, debate ,deliberation and discussion from a very pragmatic and practical point of view and a manner befitting present ground realities that take into account the actual implementation of the new CPT and the gains expected therefrom 'vis a vis' the existing system . The subject per se is not as simple as it appears !

Comments to the article from knowledgeable readers maybe posted on the MVI website where provision exists for readers comments at the end of the article.

Editor ,MVI

Col Vinay B Dalvi

---

Reimagining marketing in the age of AI: Insights from Epsilon’s leaders - The Economic Times https://share.google/G66yl2Jtt8mGFXfLm

Abstract

Physical fitness forms the foundation of military effectiveness. The Indian Army has historically maintained structured systems for the development and evaluation of soldier fitness through the

Physical Proficiency Tests (PPT) and Battle Physical Efficiency Tests (BPET). The proposed Combined Physical Tests – 2026 (CPT–26) seeks to introduce a revised framework for physical evaluation across the Army. While modernization of training systems is both necessary and desirable, reforms that influence the physical conditioning of an entire force must be examined carefully. This paper presents professional observations on certain aspects of the proposed

CPT–26 framework, including age group classification, the removal of foundational fitness evaluation, the shift in endurance assessment methodology, and the potential implications for training culture and operational readiness. Drawing upon principles of exercise physiology, military training methodology, and comparative international practices, the paper highlights areas that may benefit from further empirical validation before large-scale

implementation.

Keywords

Military Physical Fitness

Combined Physical Tests (CPT–26)

Battle Physical Efficiency Tests (BPET)

Physical Proficiency Tests (PPT)

Aerobic Endurance

Military Training Doctrine

Introduction

The physical conditioning of soldiers has always been a defining strength of the Indian Army. Across decades of operations—from high-altitude

deployments to prolonged counter-insurgency operations—the endurance and resilience of the Indian soldier have played a decisive role in operational success.

To cultivate these attributes, the Army developed structured systems of training and evaluation such as the Physical Proficiency Tests (PPT) and the Battle Physical Efficiency Tests (BPET). These systems evolved over time through operational experience and advances in sports science.

The proposed Combined Physical Tests – 2026 (CPT–26) represents a significant effort to modernize this framework. As per the implementation schedule, the system is presently undergoing Phase III – Shadow Tests, with full implementation proposed from 01 April 2026.

While modernization is essential, changes to a system that shapes the physical character of the entire force must be examined carefully to ensure that they strengthen—

rather than inadvertently dilute—the enduring attributes that define the Indian soldier.

Three Non-Negotiable Principles of Military Physical Fitness

Any military fitness system must remain anchored to certain foundational principles.

Endurance as the Foundation of Combat Fitness

Combat operations demand sustained physical effort under conditions of fatigue, stress, and environmental hardship. Tasks such as long-distance

movement, patrols, and load carriage rely primarily upon aerobic endurance.

A physical evaluation system must therefore ensure that endurance remains the central pillar of soldier fitness assessment.

Progressive Development of Physical Capability

Military conditioning must follow a structured progression:

General Fitness → Functional Military Fitness → Operational Endurance

Historically, the PPT → BPET

framework followed this progression by first developing basic human fitness and then translating it into military-specific performance.

Any evaluation system that weakens this progression risks undermining the long-term physical development of soldiers.

Integration of Physical and Psychological Conditioning

Military training must also strengthen the psychological resilience of soldiers.

Obstacles such as ditch jumps,

trench crossings, and rope climbing challenge soldiers to overcome perceived risk and hesitation. These activities cultivate confidence and decisiveness—qualities essential in combat situations.

Observations on CPT–26

Age Group Classification

The CPT–26 framework proposes a single age group of 18–35 years for physical evaluation.

This grouping spans nearly 17 years of physiological variation. Exercise physiology research

indicates that performance parameters decline gradually after the age of 20, including:

reduction in cardiac performance

decline in voluntary muscle strength

reduced pulmonary elasticity

Earlier evaluation systems addressed this variation by maintaining 10-year age group classifications, which allowed more equitable assessment.

Removal of Physical Proficiency Tests

The Physical Proficiency Tests (PPT) currently assess

fundamental fitness components such as endurance, strength, speed, agility, and coordination.

These attributes form the foundation of physical capability upon which military functional fitness is built.

The removal of PPT from the proposed framework may therefore weaken the foundational stage of the Army’s physical conditioning system.

Aerobic Endurance Assessment

A key change in CPT–26 is the replacement of the 5 km run in

Field Service Marching Order (FSMO) Scale B with a 3.2 km run.

The earlier 5 km run assessed endurance in a manner that relied predominantly on aerobic energy systems, which support prolonged physical performance.

Reducing the distance while maintaining demanding timing standards may shift emphasis toward anaerobic performance, which may not fully reflect the endurance requirements of sustained military operations.

Redundancy in Strength

Assessment

Certain elements of the proposed test battery appear to evaluate similar physiological components.

For example:

Rope climbing and push-ups both assess upper body strength

Toe-touch activities and sit-ups both evaluate core strength

Such duplication may expand the testing framework without significantly enhancing assessment accuracy.

Psychological Conditioning

Traditional obstacles such as

the 8’/9’ ditch jump have historically served both physical and psychological training purposes.

Beyond physical ability, such activities encourage soldiers to overcome hesitation and perceived risk, thereby strengthening confidence and decisiveness under stress.

Strategic Risks

Changes in physical testing systems influence the training culture of the entire force. The following potential risks may therefore merit consideration:

Reduced emphasis on endurance-based conditioning Weakening of foundational fitness evaluation Redundancy and complexity in testing systems Increased training load and risk of overtraining Reduction in psychological conditioning opportunities

Lessons from Global Military Fitness Systems

Modern militaries have also revised their fitness systems, but certain principles remain consistent.

United States Army

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) includes multiple strength tests and recognizes the importance of aerobic endurance.

British Army

The British Physical Employment Standards link physical tests directly to battlefield tasks, ensuring operational relevance.

Canadian Armed Forces

The FORCE Test evaluates functional performance through activities such as sandbag lifts

and casualty drags, emphasizing strength under operational load.

Across NATO militaries,physical conditioning systems generally recognise three stages:

General physical fitness

Military functional fitness

Operational endurance

This progression closely resembles the traditional PPT → BPET structure historically followed in the Indian Army.

Conclusion

The proposed Combined Physical Tests – 2026 represents an important

initiative aimed at revising the Army’s physical evaluation system.

However, certain aspects of the framework may benefit from further empirical validation and professional review before full implementation.

The objective of these observations is not to resist reform but to ensure that the evolution of the Army’s physical evaluation system continues to strengthen the enduring attributes that define the Indian soldier:

endurance

strength

courage

resilience

A scientifically grounded and operationally relevant fitness framework will ensure that soldiers remain physically prepared to meet the demanding realities of modern warfare.

References

US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine – Studies on Military Endurance Performance

NATO Military Physical Fitness Doctrine and Standards British Army Physical Employment Standards Documentation Canadian Armed Forces FORCE Test Guidelines Principles of Exercise Physiology and Military Physical Training Manuals

Author’s Note:

Brigadier Sarvesh Dutt Dangwal, VSM served in the Indian Army for over 37 years and has extensive experience in military

training and physical conditioning. He writes on issues related to military leadership, training doctrine and institutional development within the Armed Forces.