By Vicky Khati | Last updated May 13, 2026
A WB Police Constable job means a uniform, a government salary, and a career track that can take you from constable to officer over time. But the selection process has four distinct stages and each one eliminates candidates. Understand what each stage tests, prepare accordingly, and you give yourself a genuine shot. This guide breaks down the WB Police Constable selection process for 2026 in full detail.
Overview of the WB Police Constable Selection Process
The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) conducts the constable recruitment. The process has four stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Written Examination
- Stage 2: Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
- Stage 3: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Stage 4: Final Written Examination and Medical
Not every recruitment cycle follows this exact order. Check the Police Jobs in West Bengal hub for the specific sequence listed in the current year’s notification. The WBPRB sometimes combines or reorders stages based on vacancy volume.
Stage 1: Preliminary Written Examination
The preliminary exam is an objective-type test of 90 marks, typically 90 minutes. It covers:
- General Awareness: 35 marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 25 marks
- Reasoning: 15 marks
- English or Bengali language: 15 marks
The cutoff for the written exam determines who is called for PMT and PET. Only candidates above the cutoff advance. The cutoff varies each year based on the number of applicants and vacancies.
Stage 2: Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
PMT checks your height and chest measurement (for male candidates). This stage is qualifying: you pass or fail. There are no marks.
PMT Standards for Male Candidates
- Height: Minimum 167 cm (General, SC, OBC)
- Height: Minimum 160 cm (ST candidates)
- Chest (unexpanded): Minimum 79 cm
- Chest (expanded): Minimum 84 cm
PMT Standards for Female Candidates
- Height: Minimum 160 cm (General, SC, OBC)
- Height: Minimum 155 cm (ST candidates)
- Weight: Minimum 45 kg
Measurements are taken by a medical board. Candidates who do not meet the minimum standard are eliminated at this stage. There is no re-measurement or appeal for borderline cases in most cycles.
Stage 3: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
PET tests your physical fitness through timed events. This stage is also qualifying, not scored. Pass all events to advance.
PET Events for Male Candidates
- 1600 metres run: Must be completed in 6 minutes 30 seconds
- High Jump: Minimum 1.2 metres
- Long Jump: Minimum 3.5 metres
- Shot Put (7.26 kg): Minimum 4.5 metres
PET Events for Female Candidates
- 800 metres run: Must be completed in 4 minutes
- High Jump: Minimum 0.9 metres
- Long Jump: Minimum 2.5 metres
- Shot Put (4 kg): Minimum 3 metres
Train specifically for these events for at least 8 weeks before the test. The 1600-metre run is where most male candidates stumble. Build your base running fitness first, then work on the field events.
Stage 4: Final Written Examination
Candidates who clear PMT and PET appear in the final written exam. This exam is more detailed and carries higher marks than the preliminary. It covers:
- General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Science): higher difficulty than prelims
- Arithmetic and Reasoning
- Bengali or Hindi language paper
- English
The final written exam score directly determines your rank on the merit list. This is where the constable recruitment is actually won or lost. Physical tests are gates; the written test is the scale.
Medical Examination
Candidates on the final merit list are called for a detailed medical examination. The medical tests vision (both eyes should meet minimum standards), hearing, and overall fitness. Candidates with flat feet, color blindness, or certain chronic conditions may not be selected for field posting roles.
How to Prepare for WB Police Constable 2026
Start physical training 12 weeks before the expected exam date. Run 5 km daily to build your base. Add interval training from week 6 onward to improve your 1600-metre time. Practice high jump and long jump technique on alternate days.
For the written exam, focus on General Awareness and Mathematics. West Bengal current affairs get more weightage in police recruitment than in WBPSC exams. Know the district headquarters, superintendents of police, and recent law-and-order developments in WB.
Also see the WBPRB Recruitment hub for Sub-Inspector and other police post notifications, which have different selection criteria.
FAQ
What is the age limit for WB Police Constable 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 27 years for general category candidates. SC and ST candidates get 5 years of relaxation (up to age 32). OBC-A and OBC-B candidates get 3 years of relaxation (up to age 30). Check the current notification for the exact cutoff date.
What is the minimum educational qualification for WB Police Constable?
Madhyamik (Class 10) pass or equivalent from a recognized board. No graduation required for constable posts.
Can female candidates apply for WB Police Constable?
Yes. Female candidates are recruited for Lady Constable posts. The physical standards differ from male candidates as listed above.
How many attempts are allowed?
There is no limit on attempts. You can apply every time a new recruitment cycle opens, as long as you are within the age limit.
Is there an interview for WB Police Constable?
No interview is held for constable posts. Selection is based entirely on written exam score and qualifying physical tests.
Sources
- West Bengal Police Recruitment Board: wbpolice.gov.in/WBPRB
- WBPRB constable recruitment notifications: wbpolice.gov.in
- West Bengal Police official site: wbpolice.gov.in