Medical Standard FAQs

Important Disclaimer:

This FAQ provides a general guide based on official notifications and past medical standards. Medical policies are subject to change and final eligibility is determined by the Service Selection Board (SSB) Medical Officers. Candidates with specific health conditions should consult the latest official bulletins or seek a pre-screening opinion from a medical professional familiar with military standards

Vision & Eyesight Standards

Army & Navy (General Service): 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6.

Air Force (Flying & Technical Branches): 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable with glasses. Uncorrected vision must not be worse than 6/36. Stricter norms apply for Fighter Pilots.

For Other Branches/Relaxations: Some branches (e.g., Logistics, AEC) may have slightly relaxed standards.

Note: The standards mentioned are for most entries. Specific entries may have different requirements.

No for most combat arms. CP-I (Normal) is required for Army/Navy/AF flying branches.

CP-II (Mild Green Deficiency) may be acceptable for certain technical and non-technical branches in the Army.

CP-III (Red-Green Deficiency) is typically a disqualification for most entries.

Yes, for correction. However, high myopia/hypermetropia beyond permitted limits is disqualifying even with correction.

Contact lenses are usually not permitted during the medical examination at SSB. You must bring your glasses for the vision tests.

Yes, if certain conditions are met:

A stable result (usually after 3-6 months post-surgery)
No complications during or after surgery
Meeting the post-operative vision standards
You must provide pre and post-operative documentation from the hospital
Important: Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery is generally not acceptable.

Generally no. Manifest squint is a disqualification. History of cataract (even if operated) or glaucoma is typically not acceptable for candidates in the age group of defence exams.

Minor, non-progressive conditions may be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the medical board.

Height, Weight & BMI Standards

  • For Males: Generally 157.5 cm (varies; 152.5 cm for Gorkhas, some tribal areas)
  • For Females: 152 cm
  • Air Force (Flying): Minimum 162.5 cm with correlated leg length, sitting height, etc.

Weight must be proportionate to height and age as per the Armed Forces’ height-weight charts.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is also used. For most entries, the acceptable range is 18.5 to 25.

Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height in m)²

Use the BMI calculator in the sidebar to check your BMI.

Yes, for candidates from certain regions (e.g., North-East, hilly areas) and for Gorkhas as per official notifications.

The specific relaxations are mentioned in the official exam notifications for each entry.

Army & Navy (General Service): 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6.

Air Force (Flying & Technical Branches): 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable with glasses. Uncorrected vision must not be worse than 6/36. Stricter norms apply for Fighter Pilots.

For Other Branches/Relaxations: Some branches (e.g., Logistics, AEC) may have slightly relaxed standards.

Note: The standards mentioned are for most entries. Specific entries may have different requirements.

Underweight: Candidates with BMI below 18.5 may be given time to gain weight and appear for a review medical examination.

Overweight: Candidates with BMI above 25 may be given time to reduce weight and appear for a review medical examination.

Note: The medical board may declare you Temporarily Medically Unfit (TMU) and give you time (usually 3-6 months) to meet the required standards.

Ear, Nose, Throat & Dental Standards


Must have normal hearing thresholds on audiometry. Chronic ear discharge or hearing loss is disqualifying.

For Air Force flying branches, hearing standards are more stringent.

 

Chronic conditions like sinusitis or enlarged tonsils causing issues can be a problem.

If you have a history of recurrent tonsillitis, it is advisable to get a tonsillectomy done well before the SSB medicals.

Must have a minimum of 14 dental points (healthy, functional teeth).

Severe pyorrhea (gum disease) is disqualifying. Dental cavities should be filled before the medical examination.

Wisdom teeth, if impacted and causing issues, may need to be removed.

Stammering that affects clarity of speech is a disqualification.

Minor speech impediments that don’t affect communication may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Skin & Systemic Diseases

Chronic Skin Diseases such as:

Psoriasis
Vitiligo (leukoderma)
Chronic eczema
Extensive fungal infections

Minor, localized skin conditions that are not progressive may be considered by the medical board.

Permitted only on the inner side of the forearm or the reverse side of the palm/hand.

Not permitted on any other part of the body.

Content must not be indecent, racist, or anti-national. Tattoos depicting religious symbols or names of relatives are generally acceptable if they meet the location criteria.

Systemic autoimmune diseases like SLE (Lupus), Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc. are disqualifying.

Any chronic disease requiring long-term medication or that may impair military service is generally not acceptable.

Bones, Joints & Spinal Conditions

Healed, well-united fractures with no impairment of function are usually acceptable.

Fractures with implants (plates, screws) may be acceptable if they don’t impair function and are not in locations that would interfere with military equipment.

Full range of motion is required in all major joints. Limitation is disqualifying.

Minor limitations that don’t affect military duties may be considered by the medical board.

Scoliosis, kyphosis (hunchback), or other spinal deformities are not allowed.

Minor postural issues that don’t have an underlying structural problem may be acceptable.

Note: The standards mentioned are for most entries. Specific entries may have different requirements.

Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Mild flat feet are generally acceptable. Severe, symptomatic flat feet are not.

Bunions (Hallux Valgus): If they impair the wearing of military footwear or cause pain, they are disqualifying.

Note: The standards mentioned are for most entries. Specific entries may have different requirements.

Army & Navy (General Service): 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6.

Air Force (Flying & Technical Branches): 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable with glasses. Uncorrected vision must not be worse than 6/36. Stricter norms apply for Fighter Pilots.

For Other Branches/Relaxations: Some branches (e.g., Logistics, AEC) may have slightly relaxed standards.

Note: The standards mentioned are for most entries. Specific entries may have different requirements.

Things to remember:

  • Final authority rests with SSB Medical Officers
  • Standards vary between Army, Navy & Air Force
  • Temporary Unfitness allows for review after treatment
  • Declared unfit candidates can appeal
  • Document all medical history accurately
  • Some conditions have regional relaxations
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