Indian Army Medical Standards: The Ultimate Detailed Guide to Medical Eligibility
For millions of aspirants, the dream of joining the Indian Army is a calling. It’s a journey of immense dedication, involving rigorous preparation for written exams and the formidable SSB Interview. However, standing as the final, unyielding gatekeeper to the Olive Green uniform is the Service Selection Board (SSB) Medical Examination.
Many candidates, despite possessing exceptional academic and physical prowess, find their journey cut short at this stage. Why? A lack of awareness about the comprehensive Indian Army Medical Standards.
This is not just a routine check-up; it’s a meticulous assessment designed to ensure that every officer is a bastion of health, capable of leading from the front in the world’s most demanding conditions. As the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun, the Indian Defence Institute is committed to holistic preparation. This in-depth guide will demystify every aspect of the army medical test, ensuring you are prepared for every hurdle.
The Philosophy: Why are the Indian Army Medical Standards So In-Depth?
Before we delve into specifics like height, weight, or eyesight, it’s crucial to understand the ‘why’. An Indian Army officer’s life is one of extreme physical and mental stress. From the oxygen-deprived peaks of the Himalayas to the blistering heat of the Thar Desert, their bodies and minds must be resilient.
The medical standards are scientifically designed to:
Ensure Peak Performance: Select individuals who can perform optimally in any climatic or geographical condition without their health becoming a constraint.
Prevent Future Complications: Identify and screen out conditions that could be aggravated by the intense physical training and service life.
Guarantee Team Integrity: In a military unit, every soldier depends on the other. A medically unfit officer can become a liability, jeopardizing the safety and success of their team and the mission.
Decoding the Official Indian Army Medical Standards: A Detailed Breakdown
The medical examination is conducted by a board of specialists. While the specifics can slightly differ based on the entry (NDA, TES, CDS, TGC), the core parameters remain consistent.
1. Anthropometric Standards: Height, Weight, and Chest
This is the first physical benchmark. The Army seeks a well-proportioned and physically robust candidate.
Height: The minimum acceptable height for male candidates is 157 cm. For the Air Force and Naval Academy wings of the NDA, it is 162.5 cm and 157 cm respectively.
Relaxations: Important height relaxations are provided for candidates from specific regions:
Individuals from hilly regions of North-East India, Garhwal, and Kumaon: 5 cm relaxation.
Candidates from Lakshadweep: 2 cm relaxation.
Weight: Weight must be proportionate to height according to the standard Height-Weight chart provided in the official notification. A deviation of ±10% is generally acceptable. Candidates who are severely underweight or obese will be rejected.
Chest: The chest must be well-developed. The minimum chest measurement should not be less than 81 cm, with a mandatory expansion of at least 5 cm upon full inspiration.
2. Ophthalmic Standards: The All-Important Eyesight Criteria
Eyesight is one of the most common grounds for medical rejection. The standards are precise and non-negotiable.
Uncorrected Vision (Without Glasses): 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye.
Corrected Vision (With Glasses): Must be correctable to 6/6 in both eyes.
Myopia (Nearsightedness): Should not exceed -2.5 Dioptres.
Hypermetropia (Farsightedness): Should not exceed +3.5 Dioptres, including Astigmatism.
Colour Vision: This is critical. A candidate must have CP-II (Colour Perception level II). Candidates with any degree of colour blindness (CP-III or worse) are permanently rejected. The Ishihara plates are used for this test.
LASIK/PRK Surgery: Candidates who have undergone corrective eye surgery like LASIK or PRK are acceptable, provided:
The surgery was performed at least 6 months prior to the medical exam.
The candidate is at least 20 years of age.
A healthy retinal condition is verified.
Pre-surgery refractive error limits are met.
3. Dental Standards: More Than Just a Smile
Healthy teeth and gums are essential for overall health.
Dental Points: A candidate must have a minimum of 14 dental points. A full, healthy set of teeth typically confers 22 points.
Common Issues: Severe conditions like advanced pyorrhea, multiple cavities, or jaw deformities that affect chewing can lead to rejection.
4. Hearing and ENT Standards
Hearing: Normal hearing in both ears is required. The candidate must be able to hear a “forced whisper” from a distance of 610 cm (20 feet) with each ear separately.
Nose: A Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) that obstructs breathing or requires surgery is a cause for rejection.
Throat: Any chronic throat conditions will be evaluated.
5. The Indian Army Tattoo Policy: Know Before You Ink
The policy on tattoos is very clear and strictly enforced.
Permitted Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are only allowed on the inner face of the forearms (from the elbow to the wrist) and on the reverse side of the palm/back of the hand.
Forbidden Tattoos: Tattoos on any other part of the body, including the face, neck, chest, back, or legs, are grounds for permanent rejection.
Tribal Exemption: Candidates from tribal communities where tattoos are part of their traditions may be granted an exemption on a case-by-case basis, supported by documentary proof.
6. Common Grounds for Rejection: Skeletal & Systemic Issues
Beyond the above, the medical board checks for any functional or structural abnormalities.
Knock Knees: The knees should not touch when standing at attention. A gap of more than 5 cm is ideal.
Flat Feet: The arch of the foot must be normal.
Carrying Angle: The angle of the elbow should be within normal limits (up to 15° for males and 18° for females).
Spinal Deformity: Any degree of Scoliosis, Kyphosis, or Lordosis is a cause for rejection.
Systemic Issues: Chronic skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema), cardiovascular issues (high blood pressure), Hydrocele, Varicocele, Piles, and Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of palms) can all be grounds for rejection.
Understanding Medical Rejection: Temporary (TR) vs. Permanent (PR)
If found unfit, a candidate is declared either Temporarily Rejected or Permanently Rejected.
Temporary Rejection (TR): This is for issues that are curable. The candidate is given a period of 42 days to get the condition treated and reappear before an Appeal Medical Board (AMB).
Examples: Being underweight/overweight, ear wax, DNS, Hydrocele, Piles, uncontrolled blood pressure, some skin conditions.
Permanent Rejection (PR): This is for conditions that are considered incurable or would pose a risk to the individual or the service.
Examples: Colour blindness, flat feet, knock knees, major physical deformities, poor eyesight beyond correctable limits, hearing loss.
Your Proactive Guide to Medical Preparedness
Knowledge is power. Now that you understand the Indian Army Medical Standards, you can prepare proactively.
Get a Pre-emptive Medical Check-up: This is the most important step. Visit a qualified doctor and get a thorough examination based on the military’s criteria. This will reveal any potential issues well in advance.
Cultivate a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular cardiovascular exercise (running, swimming), strength training, and adequate sleep can resolve minor issues like being overweight and help maintain ideal physical parameters.
Address Correctable Issues Immediately: Don’t wait for the official medicals. If you have dental cavities, ear wax, or a minor skin infection, get it treated by a specialist right away.
Practice Good Posture: Be mindful of your posture while sitting, standing, and walking to avoid any postural deformities.
Navigate Every Hurdle with Indian Defence Institute
The journey to becoming an officer is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands comprehensive preparation that goes beyond textbooks. At the Indian Defence Institute, we pride ourselves on being the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun because we mentor our students for the entire selection process.
Our seasoned faculty, including ex-defence officers, provide critical counselling on physical fitness, lifestyle discipline, and a deep understanding of the Indian Army Medical Standards. We conduct mock interviews and medical orientations that prepare you not just to pass, but to excel with confidence. We help you build the physical robustness and mental fortitude that the Indian Army seeks in its future leaders.
Don’t let a preventable medical issue stand in the way of your dream. Build a foundation of excellence for your defence career with us.
Are you ready to wear the uniform with pride? Connect with the Indian Defence Institute today and take the definitive step towards your goal!
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