This can be broken down into two stages for simplicity; however, there is no such official classification. The first stage is the Computer-Based Test, and the second one is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).

1) Computer-Based Test Structure

It is a 60-minute test that assesses the basic understanding of mathematics, reasoning, general knowledge, and language proficiency. There is an option to select the language between English and Hindi. This paper is the deciding factor in the selection of the candidate, as the merit list is created solely based on this test.

The paper pattern is as follows:

2) Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Candidates who clear the merit list of the Computer-Based Test have to appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which is qualifying in nature. In this test, candidates have to complete a race within a stipulated time. The stipulated time varies for different categories, as follows:

Important Notes

Ex-servicemen are generally exempted from the PET (the race) but must appear for the PST to have their height, chest, and weight recorded.

Candidates who clear the merit list of the Computer-Based Test are invited for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and the Physical Standards Test (PST). After that, they must undergo a medical examination and document verification.

All these stages are preliminary in nature and do not affect the final selection, provided that the candidate qualifies in them.

Candidates who have NCC certificates receive an added advantage in the form of extra marks based on the type of certificate they hold, which is as follows:

Further, based on the candidates who have qualified in the PET, PST, Medical Test, and completed document verification, and after adding the extra marks for NCC certificates, a final post-allotment list is released by the SSC.

One important point to note is that candidates must fill out the preference form for the preferred armed forces during the application stage itself.