Before you start preparing for NDA 2026, there is one question that can make or break your candidature — are you physically and medically fit as per UPSC standards? Thousands of aspirants clear the written exam and SSB interview, only to get rejected at the medical stage because they weren’t aware of exact requirements. This guide covers every standard in detail so you face zero surprises.
Why the NDA Medical Test Matters
The NDA Medical Examination is conducted by a Services Medical Board after you clear the SSB interview. It is non-negotiable — no relaxation, no re-test on the same vacancy cycle. If declared medically unfit, you can appeal and undergo a review medical at a higher board, but it is better to know standards upfront and fix correctable issues before appearing.
NDA Height Requirements 2026
Height is the first thing checked in the NDA physical test. The minimum heights are:
| Wing / Category | Male Minimum Height | Female Minimum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Navy Wing | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Air Force Wing | 162.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Gorkha / NE Hills / Garhwal / Kumaon (Male) | 152 cm | — |
Height is measured without shoes. Candidates close to the minimum should stand straight with heels together, chin parallel to the floor. Even 1 cm below the minimum results in rejection.
NDA Weight Standards 2026
Weight must be proportionate to height and age as per the UPSC-prescribed chart. Your BMI should ideally fall between 18.5 and 25. The table below gives approximate acceptable weight ranges for common male heights:
| Height (cm) | Acceptable Weight Range (kg) — Male |
|---|---|
| 157 | 44 – 57 |
| 160 | 47 – 61 |
| 163 | 50 – 64 |
| 168 | 54 – 70 |
| 172 | 57 – 74 |
| 175 | 60 – 77 |
Female candidates follow a similar proportionate chart. Both underweight and overweight candidates can be declared Temporarily Unfit and asked to reappear after correction. This is one of the easiest issues to fix — start now.
Chest Measurement (Male Candidates)
For male candidates, the chest is measured both unexpanded and fully expanded:
- Minimum expanded chest: 81 cm (fully expanded)
- Minimum expansion range: 5 cm (difference between unexpanded and expanded)
This means if your expanded chest is 81 cm, your unexpanded chest should be no more than 76 cm. Candidates with poor expansion are marked unfit. Regular breathing exercises, swimming, and cardio training from Class 11 itself can ensure you clear this standard comfortably.
NDA Eyesight / Vision Standards 2026
Vision is the most commonly failed criterion — especially for the Air Force. Standards differ by wing:
| Wing | Standard | Spectacles Allowed? | LASIK Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 6/6 better eye, 6/9 worse eye (correctable). Myopia max –2.5D, Hypermetropia max +3.5D | Yes | No (Radial Keratotomy permanently disqualifies) |
| Navy | 6/6 better eye, 6/9 worse eye (correctable). Myopia max –2.5D, Hypermetropia max +3.5D | Yes | No |
| Air Force (Flying) | 6/6 in both eyes uncorrected. No myopia or hypermetropia beyond limits. Colour vision CP-I required | No | No — permanent rejection |
Key point: Candidates who have undergone LASIK, Radial Keratotomy, or any refractive surgery are permanently rejected for all Services — not just Air Force. This is non-negotiable. Do not get LASIK surgery before NDA medical.
Colour Vision Requirements
Colour blindness is one of the most common hidden disqualifiers:
- Air Force (Flying): CP-I (Perfect Colour Perception) mandatory. Even mild colour deficiency = rejection.
- Army and Navy: CP-III (Colour Perception class III) acceptable for most roles.
- Test yourself early using Ishihara plates — available at any optician for free.
Hearing Standards
Candidates must be able to hear a forced whispered voice at a distance of 610 cm (6.1 metres) with each ear separately. Candidates with wax buildup, perforated eardrums, or chronic ear infections are at risk. Get your ears checked and cleaned at least 2 months before the medical.
Common Medical Disqualifications
The following conditions lead to rejection at the NDA medical board. Many of these are correctable if addressed early:
| Condition | Status | Correctable? |
|---|---|---|
| Flat feet (pes planus) | Disqualifying | Mild cases — physiotherapy helps |
| Knock knees (genu valgum) | Disqualifying | Mild cases — correctable with exercises |
| Spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis) | Disqualifying | Consult orthopaedic early |
| Vision beyond permitted limits | Disqualifying | Not correctable via surgery |
| Colour blindness (Air Force) | Permanent rejection | No |
| LASIK / Refractive surgery history | Permanent rejection | No |
| Heart murmur / cardiac conditions | Disqualifying | Depends on severity |
| Chronic skin diseases | Disqualifying | Get treated early |
| Significant dental defects | Temporary unfit | Yes — get dental work done |
| Underweight / Overweight | Temporary unfit | Yes — most common fix |
Medical Standards for Female NDA Candidates
Since the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling, female candidates are eligible for all three wings of NDA. The medical standards for females include:
- Minimum height 152 cm (162.5 cm for Air Force flying)
- Proportionate weight-to-height as per UPSC chart
- Same vision standards as male candidates by wing
- Gynaecological examination conducted at the medical board
- No gynaecological conditions that could affect field service
- Must be unmarried at the time of joining NDA
What Happens at the NDA Medical Board
Once you clear SSB, you are allotted a Services Medical Board (SMB) at a designated military hospital. The process typically takes 2–3 days and covers:
- General physical examination (height, weight, chest)
- Eye test — visual acuity and colour vision
- ENT (ear, nose, throat) examination
- Dental examination
- Orthopaedic check — flat feet, knock knees, spine
- Cardiovascular and respiratory check
- Blood and urine tests
- X-ray (chest and spine)
- Gynaecological examination (female candidates)
How to Prepare Physically for NDA Medical — Checklist
Start early — ideally from Class 10 or 11 itself. Here is a practical checklist:
- ✅ Get an eye check done and know your current power. Avoid screen strain.
- ✅ Test colour vision at any optician using Ishihara plates.
- ✅ Maintain BMI between 18.5 and 25 — track weight monthly.
- ✅ Do chest expansion exercises — pranayama, swimming, running.
- ✅ Check for flat feet by doing a wet foot test — consult a physiotherapist if needed.
- ✅ Get dental work done well in advance — fillings, extractions, braces removal.
- ✅ Get ears cleaned at an ENT clinic 6–8 weeks before your medical.
- ✅ Do NOT undergo any eye surgery (LASIK) at any point.
- ✅ Consult a doctor for any chronic skin condition, spine, or joint issue early.
Can You Appeal an NDA Medical Rejection?
Yes. If declared unfit by the primary Services Medical Board, you can appeal for a Review Medical Board (RMB). The RMB is conducted at a higher-level military hospital and its decision is final. However, conditions like LASIK surgery, colour blindness (Air Force), and LASIK are non-appealable.
Start Your NDA Journey with NCA Academy
At NCA Academy — India’s oldest NDA coaching institute since 1967 — we prepare aspirants not just academically but physically. Our faculty includes ex-Defence officers who guide students on NDA medical standards, physical fitness routines, and SSB personality development. With 39,000+ successful NDA selections, we know exactly what it takes.
Explore our NDA coaching programs or online NDA coaching to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA Physical Test 2026
Q: What is the minimum height for NDA 2026?
157 cm for male Army/Navy candidates. 162.5 cm for Air Force. 152 cm for female candidates.
Q: Can I join NDA with spectacles?
Yes, for Army and Navy — if your power is within –2.5D (myopia) or +3.5D (hypermetropia). Not for Air Force flying branch.
Q: Is LASIK allowed for NDA?
No. Any history of Radial Keratotomy or Laser surgery permanently disqualifies a candidate from all Services. Do not get LASIK if you plan to join via NDA.
Q: What if I have flat feet?
Flat feet is a disqualifying condition. Mild cases may be correctable through physiotherapy and exercises over 6–12 months. Consult an orthopaedic surgeon early.
Q: When is the NDA medical test conducted?
After you clear the SSB interview. The Services Medical Board exam is held at a designated military hospital and takes 2–3 days.
Also Read: Online vs Offline NDA Coaching 2026 | NDA GAT Preparation Strategy 2026
