You cleared the NDA written exam. You sailed through your SSB. Five days of psychology tests, GTO obstacles, and a personal interview — all cleared. And then, at the final hurdle, the medical board sends you home. For thousands of NDA aspirants every year, this is not a hypothetical nightmare — it is a real outcome that could have been prevented with the right information, prepared for years in advance.
NDA medical standards are among the most stringent physical qualification criteria in India’s entire civil service and defence recruitment system. The Indian Armed Forces need officers who can perform under extreme physical and mental stress — in high altitudes, extreme temperatures, combat situations, and prolonged field deployments. The medical examination is not a bureaucratic formality. It is the Armed Forces’ way of ensuring every officer they commission is physically capable of delivering on that standard throughout a 20–30 year career.
The good news is that most NDA medical disqualifications are not surprises — they are conditions that candidates can identify years before their medical examination and, in many cases, actively address. This complete 2026 guide covers every NDA medical requirement, height and weight standards, eyesight criteria, common rejection reasons, the difference between temporary and permanent disqualification, and exactly what you should do if you face a medical challenge.
Why NDA Medical Standards Matter More Than Most Aspirants Realise
Most NDA aspirants spend 90% of their preparation time on the written exam and SSB — and almost no time understanding medical requirements. This is a strategic error. Here is why:
- The NDA medical examination is conducted after SSB — meaning candidates who fail medical have already invested 1–2 years of preparation, cleared a competitive written exam, and survived 5 days of SSB
- Medical rejection at this stage means restarting the entire NDA process — a loss of 6 months to 1 year at minimum
- Many disqualifying conditions — poor eyesight, flat feet, underweight or overweight body composition — are detectable years before the exam and can often be corrected or managed with early intervention
- For Air Force Flying Branch, medical standards are the most stringent of all three services — and rejections here are disproportionately high among otherwise excellent candidates
The smartest NDA aspirants treat medical fitness as a year-round preparation discipline — not a checklist to review 30 days before the exam.
Overview: Who Conducts the NDA Medical Examination?
After a candidate is recommended at the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) or Services Selection Board (SSB), they are sent to a designated Military Hospital or Medical Board for a comprehensive medical examination.
The medical examination is conducted by a Board of Military Doctors — typically 3–5 medical officers — who examine the candidate across multiple parameters over 1–3 days. Their findings are recorded, reviewed, and used to issue one of three medical verdicts:
| Verdict | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fit | Candidate meets all medical standards — cleared for training |
| Temporary Unfit (TU) | A correctable condition exists; candidate given 6 months to 1 year to rectify and re-appear |
| Permanent Unfit (PU) | A permanent disqualifying condition exists; candidate cannot join this entry |
Complete NDA Medical Requirements 2026
Physical Build and Anthropometric Standards
A candidate’s NDA height weight combination is the first parameter checked at the medical board. Both extremes — underweight and overweight — are disqualifying.
Height Standards (Minimum)
| Service Wing | Male (Minimum) | Female (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Army | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Indian Navy | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Indian Air Force (Flying Branch) | 162.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Indian Air Force (Ground Duty) | 157 cm | 152 cm |
💡 Height Relaxation: Candidates from Gorkha communities, hills regions, and specific Scheduled Tribe groups may receive a relaxation of up to 5 cm in the minimum height requirement.
Weight Standards (Male — Ages 16–19)
| Height (cm) | 16 Years (kg) | 17 Years (kg) | 18 Years (kg) | 19 Years (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | 42.5 | 44.0 | 45.0 | 46.0 |
| 157 | 44.0 | 45.5 | 47.0 | 48.0 |
| 160 | 46.0 | 47.5 | 49.0 | 50.5 |
| 165 | 50.0 | 52.0 | 53.5 | 55.0 |
| 170 | 53.0 | 55.5 | 57.0 | 58.5 |
| 175 | 56.5 | 59.0 | 61.0 | 62.5 |
| 180 | 60.0 | 62.5 | 65.0 | 67.0 |
💡 Weight Flexibility: A weight tolerance of ±10% from the standard is generally acceptable. Both significantly underweight and significantly overweight candidates are assessed carefully — extreme cases in either direction lead to rejection.
Chest Measurements (Male)
| Height | Minimum Chest (Unexpanded) | Minimum Expansion Required |
|---|---|---|
| 152–162 cm | 77 cm | 5 cm |
| 163–172 cm | 79 cm | 5 cm |
| 173 cm and above | 81 cm | 5 cm |
NDA Eyesight Requirements 2026
Vision is among the most rigorously enforced NDA medical standards — and among the most common reasons for disqualification, particularly for the Air Force Flying Branch.
Vision Standards by Service Wing
| Service Wing | Better Eye (Unaided) | Worse Eye (Unaided) | Corrected Vision | Myopia Limit | Hypermetropia Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 6/6 | 6/9 | 6/6 (both) | ≤ −3.5D (corrected) | ≤ +3.5D |
| Navy | 6/6 | 6/9 | 6/6 (both) | ≤ −2.5D | ≤ +3.5D |
| Air Force (Flying) | 6/6 | 6/9 | 6/6 (both) | NIL for Pilots | Minimal |
| Air Force (Ground Duty) | 6/6 | 6/9 | 6/6 (both) | ≤ −3.5D | ≤ +3.5D |
Key Eyesight Rules
- Colour Vision: Normal colour vision (CP-III or better on the Martin-Lantern Test) is mandatory for Navy and Air Force Flying Branch. Colour blindness of any degree is disqualifying for these wings
- Night Blindness: Disqualifying for all service wings
- Squint: Manifest squint is disqualifying for Air Force (Flying) and Navy entries
- Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses at the time of the medical examination is not permitted. All vision assessments are done without any visual aids
- Binocular Vision: Required for Air Force (Flying Branch) — stereopsis (depth perception) must be normal
LASIK and Refractive Surgery
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in NDA medical preparation:
- LASIK surgery is permitted for NDA entry — but only after a waiting period of at least 12 months post-surgery before appearing for the medical examination
- The surgery must have been performed for myopia correction only (not hypermetropia correction)
- Post-LASIK, the residual power must be within permissible limits and there must be no complications
- For Air Force Flying Branch: LASIK-corrected candidates are generally considered on a case-by-case basis. Consult the official IAF medical guidelines before making any surgical decision
⚠️ Critical Advice: If you currently use spectacles or contact lenses, get a formal eye examination by an ophthalmologist now — not 30 days before your medical. Know your exact power, and understand whether it falls within the service wing you are targeting. Plan LASIK surgery (if needed) at least 18 months before your expected medical examination date.
Other Medical Parameters Examined
Beyond height, weight, and vision, the NDA medical test is a comprehensive multi-system examination:
Cardiovascular System
- Blood pressure must be within normal range — approximately 120/80 mmHg
- No congenital heart defects, murmurs, or arrhythmias
- Normal ECG and exercise tolerance
Musculoskeletal System
| Condition | Status |
|---|---|
| Flat feet (pes planus) | Disqualifying |
| Knock knees (genu valgum) | Disqualifying |
| Bow legs (genu varum) | Disqualifying |
| Scoliosis (curvature of spine) | Disqualifying if significant |
| Hallux valgus (bunion) | Disqualifying if causing pain/disability |
| Missing digits or limbs | Disqualifying |
Hearing and ENT
- Normal hearing in both ears — tested with tuning fork and audiometry
- No significant conductive or sensorineural hearing loss
- No active ear disease, perforation of ear drum, or chronic sinusitis
Nervous System
- No history of epilepsy, seizures, or fits — permanent disqualification
- No history of psychiatric illness or mental health disorders
- Normal reflexes and coordination
Dental Health
- Adequate number of functional teeth — minimum dental fitness standards must be met
- No severe periodontal disease or active untreated infections
Skin Conditions
- Active psoriasis, severe eczema, vitiligo, or any chronic skin disease affecting function is disqualifying
- Extensive tattoos — particularly on visible areas (face, neck, hands) — may be flagged
Other Conditions
- No hernia of any type
- No varicose veins
- No hydrocoele or varicocoele (severe cases)
- No history of prolonged mental illness requiring hospitalization
- Blood haemoglobin — within normal range
Medical Investigations Conducted
During the NDA medical test, candidates undergo the following investigations:
- Complete Haemogram (CBC)
- Urine Routine Examination
- Chest X-Ray (PA View)
- USG of Abdomen and Pelvis
- Blood Glucose
- HIV test
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Common Reasons for NDA Medical Rejection
Based on patterns observed across NDA medical boards, these are the most frequent disqualifying findings:
- Poor eyesight beyond permissible limits — particularly for Air Force (Flying Branch)
- Colour blindness — disqualifies from Navy and Air Force Flying Branch entirely
- Flat feet — extremely common in the NDA aspirant age group; detected in thousands of candidates each year
- Underweight or overweight — both outside the height-proportionate weight standards
- Insufficient height — particularly for Air Force Flying Branch (minimum 162.5 cm)
- Below-standard chest expansion — less than 5 cm expansion
- Knock knees or bow legs — structural musculoskeletal deformities
- Dental unfitness — missing teeth or severe untreated dental disease
- Hearing impairment — even mild, undetected loss in one ear
- Deviated nasal septum with symptoms — can impair high-altitude breathing
Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification: A Critical Distinction
Understanding this difference can save your entire defence career:
Temporary Unfit (TU) — Conditions That Can Be Corrected
| Condition | Corrective Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Diet, nutrition, and supervised weight gain programme | 3–6 months |
| Low haemoglobin / Anaemia | Iron supplementation and dietary correction | 2–3 months |
| Dental issues (treatable) | Dental treatment, extractions, root canals | 1–3 months |
| Minor ENT infections | Medical treatment | 4–6 weeks |
| Wax impaction in ears | Syringing / ENT procedure | Days |
| Correctable vision within surgical limits | LASIK (with 12-month waiting period) | 12–18 months |
| Hydrocele (minor) | Surgical correction | 1–3 months |
Candidates declared Temporary Unfit are typically given 6 months to 1 year to address the condition and re-appear before the medical board.
Permanent Unfit (PU) — Non-Correctable Conditions
| Condition | Reason for Permanent Rejection |
|---|---|
| Epilepsy or seizure disorder | Safety risk in operational environment |
| Colour blindness | Cannot be corrected; critical for navigation and signals |
| Congenital heart defect | Structural, not correctable to military standard |
| Severe scoliosis | Permanent structural limitation |
| Below minimum height (no relaxation applicable) | Cannot be increased |
| Psychiatric history (hospitalised) | Risk to self and unit in operational deployment |
| Missing limbs or digits | Permanent functional limitation |
Tips to Stay Medically Fit for NDA: Year-Round Strategy
The best time to prepare for the NDA medical test is not 30 days before the exam — it is 2 years before. Here is how:
Nutrition and Body Composition
- Maintain your weight within the height-proportionate standard — avoid both crash dieting and unhealthy weight gain
- Eat iron-rich foods (spinach, jaggery, pomegranate, dates) consistently to prevent anaemia — a common and fully preventable rejection reason
- Include calcium-rich foods (milk, ragi, sesame seeds) for strong bone density
- Drink 3–4 litres of water daily — hydration supports virtually every medical parameter
Eyes
- Reduce prolonged screen time — extended phone and laptop use accelerates myopia progression in teenagers
- Get a formal eye examination every 6 months starting from Class 10
- If your power is borderline, consult an ophthalmologist about whether LASIK is appropriate and plan the timing carefully
- Never wear contact lenses to the medical examination
Feet
- Flat feet is one of the most common rejection reasons and can be managed (though not cured) with arch-strengthening exercises:
- Toe curls: Scrunch a towel with your toes — 3 sets of 20 reps daily
- Short foot exercises: Draw your arch up without curling toes — 3 sets of 15 reps
- Calf raises: Strengthen the plantar fascia and intrinsic foot muscles
- Walk barefoot on uneven natural surfaces (grass, sand) regularly
- For candidates with significant flat feet, consult an orthopaedic surgeon early — some cases benefit from structured physiotherapy
Hearing
- Protect your hearing — avoid prolonged exposure to loud music through headphones
- Get ears cleaned periodically by an ENT doctor to prevent wax impaction
- Have a hearing test annually if you have any family history of hearing problems
Chest Expansion
- Improve chest expansion through swimming, deep breathing exercises, and cardiovascular training
- Practise diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing: inhale fully for 4 seconds, hold 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds — 20 cycles daily
Dental Health
- Visit a dentist every 6 months starting from Class 10
- Address cavities, gum disease, and dental infections early — untreated dental conditions worsen and become rejection-level issues by the time of your medical
What to Do If You Are Rejected at the NDA Medical
A medical rejection — especially after clearing SSB — is one of the most emotionally difficult moments in any aspirant’s defence journey. Here is how to respond strategically:
Step 1 — Get Full Written Medical Board Findings
Request the complete written findings from the medical board. You are entitled to know exactly which condition caused your rejection and whether it is classified as Temporary Unfit (TU) or Permanent Unfit (PU).
Step 2 — Seek a Second Specialist Opinion
Military medical boards are authoritative but not infallible. For conditions like flat feet, borderline eyesight, or chest expansion — consult a qualified civilian specialist (orthopaedic surgeon, ophthalmologist, pulmonologist) for an independent assessment. Discrepancies between military and civilian medical findings can sometimes be challenged through the appeal process.
Step 3 — File an Appeal If Justified
Every candidate declared medically unfit has the right to appeal to a higher medical board — the Review Medical Board (RMB) or the Appeal Medical Board (AMB). If you genuinely believe the finding is incorrect or that you have successfully corrected a Temporary Unfit condition, file the appeal with supporting medical documentation.
Step 4 — Address TU Conditions Immediately
If declared Temporary Unfit, begin addressing the condition on the same day you receive the finding. Do not wait for the appeal or the re-examination date. Six months passes faster than aspirants expect — every week matters.
Step 5 — Explore Alternative Defence Entries
A medical rejection from one service or branch does not necessarily mean rejection from all defence entries. Evaluate whether the disqualifying condition applies to your specific desired entry or whether alternative entries (e.g., Army Ground Duty instead of Air Force Flying) have different permissible standards.
Pre-Medical Checklist: 3 Months Before Your NDA Medical
Use this checklist to identify and address potential issues before your formal medical board:
- Get a comprehensive eye examination — record exact power in both eyes for all conditions
- Get a formal hearing test (audiometry)
- Visit a dentist — treat all active conditions
- Check haemoglobin levels through a blood test — supplement if below 13.5 g/dL (male)
- Measure your height accurately and ensure weight is within the standard range
- Measure chest expansion with a tape measure — work toward 5+ cm expansion
- Have your feet assessed for arch structure by a physiotherapist
- Check blood pressure — normal range 110/70 to 130/90 mmHg
- Review all past medical history — surgeries, hospitalisations, prescriptions
Conclusion
Understanding NDA medical standards is not just pre-examination administration — it is an integral part of your defence preparation strategy. The candidates who arrive at the medical board fully prepared are those who started monitoring and managing their medical fitness years before their examination date.
Know your eyesight. Know your weight. Know your feet. Know your dental health. Start addressing any borderline condition today — not after SSB, not after NDA results, and certainly not on the day before your medical.
You have already done the hard work of clearing the NDA written exam and SSB. The medical board is the final gate between you and the uniform. Walk through it prepared, healthy, and confident.
Jai Hind. 🇮🇳
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