IPPT reduced to 3 stations – 2.4km run, sit-ups and push-ups: Ng Eng Hen, Defence Minister

Shohib Marican of RI is the 2014 A Division individual champion with a timing of 14min 2.8sec for a 4.3km distance. That pace would see him run a 2.4km in about 7min 50sec. (Photo © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

Singapore, Wednesday, July 23, 2014 – National Servicemen (NSmen) will now have to clear just three stations to pass the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). The three stations are the 2.4km run, sit-ups, and push-ups. Standing broad jump, chin-ups, and the 4x10m shuttle run have been dropped.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen made the announcement on his Facebook page. This is the first change to the IPPT since 1982.

There is also new scoring format for the new system. Servicemen need to get at least 50 out of a maximum 100 points to pass. You can achieve a maximum of 25 points each for the sit-up and push-up stations, while 50 points is the maximum achievable for the 2.4km run. The points awarded vary by age categories. MINDEF will pilot the new scheme from September 1, 2014.

“This new format will make it simpler for NSmen to train for IPPT, and for more to pass. Many other militaries use 3-station tests to keep their forces fit,” wrote the Minister on his Facebook page.

“We will also have more age bands and a new scoring system. Instead of a pass mark for each station, points will be awarded and the combined points from the 3 stations will be used. This way, soldiers can make up through more sit-ups, if they are weak in push-ups and running, or vice versa,” he added.

The Minister also said the pass mark for NSFs, Regulars and awards will be “about the same as before”. There will be some adjustments for NSmen.

For a 30-year-old NSman, he will need to do at least 27 sit-ups in one minute (13 points), 21 push-ups in one minute (13 points), and run 13min 50sec (25 points) for the 2.4km to pass the new IPPT standard.

“Even though the new IPPT is simpler to train for, it will still take effort and regular exercise to pass. We expect more to pass the new IPPT, as a result,” said the Minister.

For an NSman who is a fast runner and under 22 years of age, an under 8min 50sec 2.4km run (50 points), 26 push-ups (15 points), and 33 sit-ups (16 points) will see him get IPPT gold.

Seven in 10 NSmen fail the IPPT under the current five-station system, reported todayonline.com. NSmen struggle with standing broad jump, chin-ups, and the 2.4km run.

New IPPT Scoring System
Sit-Ups – 25 points (maximum achievable)
Push-Ups – 25 points (maximum achievable)
2.4km Run – 50 points (maximum achievable)
Total – 100 points

New IPPT Standards
Pass (NSmen) – more than 50 points
Pass with incentive (NSMen) – more than 60 points
Pass (Active) – more than 60 points
Silver – more than 70 points
Gold – more than 80 points
Gold (Commando/Diver/Guards) – more than 85 points

Examples for a minimum pass of 51 points
NSman under 22 years of age
29 sit-ups in 1min – 13 points
24 push-ups in 1min – 13 points
Run 13:10 for 2.4km – 25 points
Total – 51 points

25-year-old NSman
16 push-ups in 1min – 13 points
30 sit-ups in 1min – 13 points
Run 12:40 for 2.4km – 25 points
Total – 51 points

30-year-old NSman
27 sit-ups in 1min – 13 points
21 push-ups in 1min – 13 points
Run 13:50 for 2.4km – 25 points
Total – 51 points

35-year-old NSman
19 push-ups in 1min – 13 points
24 sit-ups in 1min — 13 points
Run 14:20 for 2.4km – 25 points
Total – 51 points

Examples to hit 81 points to get Gold
NSman under 22 years of age
50 push-ups in 1min – 22 points
50 sit-ups in 1min – 22 points
Run 10:50 for 2.4km – 37 points
Total – 81 points

25-year-old NSman
48 push-ups in 1min – 22 points
46 sit-ups in 1min – 22 points
Run 11:20 for 2.4km – 37 points
Total – 81 points

30-year-old NSman
46 push-ups in 1min – 22 points
46 sit-ups in 1min – 22 points
Run 11:30 for 2.4km – 37 points
Total – 81 points

35-year-old NSman
45 push-ups in 1min – 22 points
44 sit-ups in 1min – 22 points
Run 12:00 for 2.4km – 37 points
Total – 81 points

Push-Up Scoring Table
Sit-Up Scoring Table
2.4km Run Scoring Table

For more information, you can read the official MINDEF press release.

Story updated on July 25, 2014.

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