But here’s the twist: passing the written exam is just the warm-up. The real test begins now; and it’s all about physical grit. Candidates must log into the UPSC portal within 15 days to update their details, or they’ll be automatically disqualified. No exceptions. The next stage; PST/PET; is handled by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the standards are non-negotiable: 165 cm height for men, 157 cm for women, and races you’ve got to finish in under 16 seconds (100m) or 3 minutes 45 seconds (800m). Even long jump counts; 3.5 metres for men, 3 for women. And yes, you get only three tries. Pregnant women? Temporarily unfit; but you get a second shot after confinement. The final list? Based on written marks + interview. Document verification happens at the end; so keep those original certificates locked, loaded, and labelled. If you’re shortlisted, don’t celebrate yet; hit the track, fix your posture, and update your DAF before September 9. Thousands started this journey. Now, only the physically and mentally prepared will make it to the final merit list.