In a significant reform aimed at enhancing operational readiness, the Indian Army has announced the implementation of a new Combined Physical Test (CPT) that will be mandatory for all personnel, including senior officers, from April 2026. This initiative consolidates the existing Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET) and Physical Proficiency Test (PPT), extending the fitness age limit to 60 years and ensuring that even the highest ranks, such as Lieutenant Generals, must demonstrate physical fitness biannually. The CPT will include various assessments such as a 3.2-km run, push-ups, and vertical rope climbing, with a minimum qualifying grade affecting promotion prospects. This overhaul reflects the Army’s commitment to maintaining high fitness standards across ranks, crucial for contemporary multi-domain operations and the evolving security landscape. By promoting a culture of fitness among all ranks, the initiative not only aims to reduce injury rates and enhance recovery times but also reinforces the Army’s ethos of continual readiness, potentially inspiring similar reforms across other branches of the armed forces. Overall, the CPT represents a crucial step towards fostering a more resilient and cohesive military force capable of responding effectively to hybrid threats and operational challenges.