Height Required for Indian Army: Complete Eligibility Guide

Height Required for Indian Army

Joining the Indian Army is a dream for many young Indians who want to serve the nation with pride. However, to make this dream a reality, candidates must meet specific physical standards, including the height required for the Indian Army. If you’re preparing for a career in the Indian Army, understanding these requirements is crucial. In this blog, we’ll break down the height criteria for different roles in the Indian Army, explain why they matter, and share tips to prepare for the selection process. This guide is brought to you by the Indian Defence Institute, the best NDA coaching in Dehradun.

Why Height Required for Indian Army Matters?

The Indian Army sets physical standards like height, weight, and chest measurements to ensure candidates are fit for the demanding tasks of military service. Height is particularly important because it reflects overall physical development and the ability to handle rigorous training and operational duties. Different roles in the Indian Army, such as soldiers, officers, or technical staff, have specific height requirements based on the nature of the job.

Meeting the height criteria is just one part of the selection process, but it’s a critical step. If you don’t meet the minimum height standards, you may not qualify for certain positions, even if you excel in other areas like written exams or physical tests. Let’s dive into the details of the height required for Indian Army for various categories.

Height Required for Indian Army (Men)

The height requirements for men in the Indian Army vary depending on the role, region, and category of the candidate. Below is a clear breakdown:

1. Soldier (General Duty)
  • Minimum Height: 157 cm to 170 cm (varies by region).
  • Region-Based Variations:
    • Western Himalayan Region (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand): 163 cm
    • Eastern Himalayan Region (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, etc.): 160 cm
    • Western Plains (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh): 170 cm
    • Eastern Plains (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal): 169 cm
    • Central Region (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh): 168 cm
    • Southern Region (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka): 165 cm
  • Special Categories:
    • Gorkhas and candidates from the Northeastern states: 157 cm
    • Tribals of recognized tribal areas: 162 cm
2. Soldier (Technical/Clerk/Tradesman)
  • Minimum Height: Similar to General Duty, with regional variations as mentioned above.
  • Note: For technical roles, height requirements may be slightly relaxed for candidates with exceptional skills or qualifications, but this is rare.
3. Officer Entry (NDA, CDS, AFCAT, etc.)
  • Minimum Height: 157 cm (for NDA and CDS entries).
  • Exceptions: For certain branches like the Indian Air Force (flying branch), the minimum height is 162.5 cm.
  • Relaxation: Candidates from hilly areas or specific communities (e.g., Gorkhas) may get a relaxation of 2-5 cm.
4. Special Forces and Para Commandos
  • Minimum Height: 165 cm (stricter standards apply due to the elite nature of these roles).
  • Candidates must also meet higher fitness and endurance standards.

Important Note: The Indian Army may offer a relaxation of up to 2 cm in height for candidates from specific regions or communities, such as those from Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, or Scheduled Tribes. Always check the official recruitment notification for the exact criteria.

Height Required for Indian Army (Women)

Women can join the Indian Army through entries like the Short Service Commission (SSC), Military Nursing Service (MNS), or NDA (for officer roles). The height requirements for women are slightly different:

1. Officer Entry (NDA, SSC, etc.)
  • Minimum Height: 152 cm.
  • Relaxation: 147 cm for candidates from Gorkha communities or hilly regions.
2. Military Nursing Service (MNS)
  • Minimum Height: 152 cm.
  • Relaxation: 147 cm for specific categories like tribals or candidates from the Northeast.
3. Other Roles
  • For roles like Soldier (General Duty) in the Corps of Military Police, the minimum height is 152 cm, with relaxations for certain regions or communities.

Pro Tip: Women candidates should focus on maintaining overall fitness, as height is just one part of the physical standards. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help you meet other criteria like weight and endurance.

How to Measure Your Height Correctly

To ensure you meet the height required for Indian Army, measure your height accurately. Here’s how:

  1. Stand Straight: Stand against a flat wall without shoes, with your heels, back, and head touching the wall.
  2. Use a Measuring Tape: Place a ruler or book on top of your head, parallel to the floor, and mark the spot on the wall.
  3. Record the Height: Use a measuring tape to measure from the floor to the marked spot.
  4. Measure Twice: Take two measurements to confirm accuracy.

If you’re close to the minimum height, don’t worry! The Army’s medical board will measure your height during the selection process, and they may consider slight variations or relaxations.

What If You Don’t Meet the Height Required For Indian Army?

If you fall short of the height required for Indian Army, here are some steps you can take:

  • Check for Relaxations: Confirm if you qualify for any height relaxations based on your region, community, or category.
  • Focus on Other Entries: Some technical or administrative roles may have slightly relaxed height criteria.
  • Improve Overall Fitness: Even if height is non-negotiable, excelling in physical tests, written exams, and interviews can make you a strong candidate for roles where height is less critical.
  • Consult Experts: Reach out to coaching institutes like the Indian Defence Institute for guidance on alternative career paths in the Indian Army or other defence forces.

Unfortunately, there are no guaranteed ways to increase height after a certain age (usually 18-21). However, maintaining good posture and a healthy lifestyle can help you maximize your natural height.

Other Physical Standards to Meet

Apart from height, the Indian Army evaluates candidates based on other physical parameters to ensure they are fit for service. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Weight: Your weight should be proportionate to your height and age. The Army uses a height-weight chart to assess this. For example, a male candidate who is 157 cm tall should ideally weigh between 50-60 kg, depending on age.
  • Chest (For Males): The minimum chest measurement is 77 cm (unexpanded) with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.
  • Vision: Candidates must have a minimum vision of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other without glasses for most entries. Color blindness is not allowed for combat roles.
  • Physical Fitness: Candidates must pass physical tests like running (1.6 km in 5-6 minutes), push-ups, sit-ups, and chin-ups.

At Indian Defence Institute, the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun, we provide specialized training to help candidates meet these physical standards through regular fitness programs and mock tests.

How to Prepare for Indian Army Physical Tests?

Meeting the height requirement is just the first step. To succeed in the Indian Army selection process, you need to prepare for the physical fitness tests (PFT) and medical examinations. Here are some tips from Indian Defence Institute:

  1. Regular Exercise: Start a fitness routine that includes running, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Focus on building stamina and endurance.
  2. Balanced Diet: Eat a nutritious diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins to maintain a healthy weight and build muscle.
  3. Practice for PFT: Train for the 1.6 km run, push-ups, sit-ups, and chin-ups. Time yourself to improve your speed and performance.
  4. Posture Training: Stand tall and maintain good posture to ensure accurate height measurement during the medical test.
  5. Mock Tests: Join a reputed coaching institute like Indian Defence Institute to practice mock physical tests and get expert feedback.
Why Choose Indian Defence Institute?

At Indian Defence Institute, we take pride in being the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun. Our experienced faculty, comprehensive study material, and dedicated physical training programs help candidates excel in the Indian Army selection process. Here’s why we stand out:

  • Expert Guidance: Our trainers are ex-defence personnel who understand the Army’s selection criteria.
  • Physical Training: We offer specialized fitness programs to help candidates meet height, weight, and fitness standards.
  • Mock Tests: Regular mock tests for written exams and physical tests ensure you’re well-prepared.
  • Personalized Support: We provide one-on-one mentoring to address each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re aiming for NDA, CDS, or direct Army entries, Indian Defence Institute is your trusted partner in achieving your defence career goals.

Common Questions About Height in the Indian Army
1. Can I join the Indian Army if I’m slightly below the height requirement?

No, the height required for Indian army is strictly enforced. However, relaxations are available for candidates from specific regions or categories. Check the official notification for your eligibility.

2. Is height measured with shoes during the medical test?

No, height is measured barefoot to ensure accuracy.

3. Can I increase my height to meet the requirement?

Height is largely genetic, but maintaining good posture and a healthy lifestyle during adolescence can help maximize your height potential. After adulthood, significant height increase is unlikely.

4. What happens if I meet the height but fail other physical tests?

Meeting the height requirement is not enough. You must pass all physical, medical, and written tests to qualify for the Indian Army.

Final Thoughts

The height required for Indian Army is a key eligibility criterion that varies based on region, gender, and role. By understanding these requirements and preparing well, you can take the first step toward a rewarding career in the Indian Army. At Indian Defence Institute, the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun, we are committed to helping you achieve your dream of serving the nation. Join us today and start your journey to success!

For more information on our coaching programs or to enroll, visit our website or contact us. Let’s work together to make your Indian Army dream a reality!

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