Indian scientists have not yet used 20-meter multi stage shuttle run test (20-m MST) and studies on the validity of the test for use with any of the Indian population are scanty. The purpose of the study was to validate the applicability of the 20-m MST in trainee badminton players of Kolkata, India. For application of direct method cross over design (random sequencing) was followed. For validity of the results repeatability was used. 32 trainee badminton players (age range 12∼17 years, sex- male) from different sports academies of Kolkata were recruited for the study. Direct estimation of Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) comprised of treadmill exercise followed by expired gas analysis by scholander micro-gas analyzer, whereas VO2 max was indirectly predicted by 20-m MST. The difference between the mean (± Standard Deviation) VO2 max values of direct measurement (VO2 max = 46.90 ± 4.13 ml/kg/min) and the 20-m MST (SPVO2 max = 46.21 ± 3.94 ml/kg/min) was statistically significant (p<0.01). The results suggest that the application of the present form of 20-m MST be not justified in the studied population. For better prediction of VO2 max a new equation has been developed based on present data. © Publication of Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists.