Prison officers in western India have come up with a novel way for convicts to secure early release - master some yoga poses and pass an exam, an official said Wednesday.

Inmates at Yerwada Central Jail in Maharashtra state can cut their sentences by up to three months if they impress wardens in the ancient Indian practice, said the prison chief responsible for the program.

"There's a written and physical exam and those who excel will be given remission with respect to their performance," Bhushankumar Upadhya of the Maharashtra prison department said.