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NDA 2026 Physical & Medical Test Standards for Male and Female Candidates

Q: Is there any physical/medical test for the NDA Exam?

Yes, the physical and medical tests are an important part of the NDA selection process and candidates are required to take them during the SSB stage.

Q: Can a candidate be rejected on medical grounds even though he/she has cleared the written exam?

There are certain medical standards that you must meet to qualify for the NDA Exam. Candidates must meet these criteria to be accepted during the SSB interview process.

Q: Is the NDA physical test very tough?

The physical exams are relatively easy. With regular practice and strategy, you can easily clear the physical rounds of the SSB.

Q: What are some grounds for rejection in the NDA physical test?

Musculoskeletal deformities of the spine, substandard hearing capability, vitiligo, hernia, etc. are some examples of conditions that lead to rejection in the NDA physical test.

Q: Are height and weight important to qualify for the NDA physical test?

Yes, appropriate height and weight standards as per age are very important to qualify for the NDA physical test.

Q: Which medical investigations are done during the NDA physical test?

Following medical investigations are done to determine a candidate’s fitness- Complete haemogram Urine RE Chest X-ray USG abdomen and Pelvis, etc.

NDA 2026 comprises a written exam and an SSB interview process. SSB is conducted over 5 days and the NDA physical test and medical standards are an important component of the SSB. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. To qualify for the NDA Exam, you must meet the set height, weight standards, and other physical and medical requirements.

Once you clear the physical tests and are recommended by the SSB, you’ll also have to undergo a medical examination conducted at the Military Hospital. Only upon clearing all these tests, you’ll be sent for the training. Keep reading this article to find out the standards required to clear the NDA 2024 physical and medical tests.

Major Highlights:

There are different weights, heights, and vision standards for candidates joining the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Candidates must get common ailments rectified before appearing for SSB.
Candidates have to undergo medical tests like ultrasound, blood tests, etc. during the medical examination of SSB.
Some conditions related to vision, hearing, spine, etc. can lead to rejection.

Table of Contents

Physical Standards for Army
Physical Standards for Indian Navy
Physical Standards for Air Force
Rectification of Common Ailments Before Medical Exam
NDA Guidelines for Permanent Tattoos
Conditions Considered Unfit for Female Candidates
How to Qualify for NDA Physical Test?

What are the NDA Physical Standards for the Army?

There are certain height and weight standards that you must meet to qualify for the NDA physical test. The requirements are different for male and female candidates. Refer to the tables below to find out what weight you should have as per your age and height.

Height and Weight Standards for Male Candidates Joining NDA (Army):

Age (yrs)	Minimum weight for all ages	Age: 17 to 20 yrs	Age: 20+01 day - 30 yrs	Age: 30 + 01 day - 40 yrs	Age: Above 40 yrs
Height (cm)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47	49
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45	47	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.8
145	37.8	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
146	38.4	46.9	49	51.2	53.3
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54	56.3
151	41	50.2	52.4	54.7	57
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64
161	46.7	57	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4
164	48.4	59.2	61.9	64.6	67.2
165	49	59.9	62.6	65.3	68.1
166	49.6	60.6	63.4	66.1	68.9
167	50.2	61.4	64.1	66.9	69.7
168	50.8	62.1	64.9	67.7	70.6
169	51.4	62.8	65.7	68.5	71.4
170	52	63.6	66.5	69.4	72.3
171	52.6	64.3	67.3	70.2	73.1
172	53.3	65.1	68	71	74
173	53.9	65.8	68.8	71.8	74.8
174	54.5	66.6	69.6	72.7	75.7
175	55.1	67.4	70.4	73.5	76.6
176	55.8	68.1	71.2	74.3	77.4
177	56.4	68.9	72.1	75.2	78.3
178	57	69.7	72.9	76	79.2
179	57.7	70.5	73.7	76.9	80.1
180	58.3	71.3	74.5	77.8	81
181	59	72.1	75.4	78.6	81.9
182	59.6	72.9	76.2	79.5	82.8
183	60.3	73.7	77	80.4	83.7
184	60.9	74.5	77.9	81.3	84.6
185	61.6	75.3	78.7	82.1	85.6
186	62.3	76.1	79.6	83	86.5
187	62.9	76.9	80.4	83.9	87.4
188	63.6	77.8	81.3	84.8	88.4
189	64.3	78.6	82.2	85.7	89.3
190	65	79.4	83	86.6	90.3
191	65.7	80.3	83.9	87.6	91.2
192	66.4	81.1	84.8	88.5	92.2
193	67	81.9	85.7	89.4	93.1
194	67.7	82.8	86.6	90.3	94.1
195	68.4	83.7	87.5	91.3	95.1
196	69.1	84.5	88.4	92.2	96
197	69.9	85.4	89.3	93.1	97
198	70.6	86.2	90.2	94.1	98
199	71.3	87.1	91.1	95	99
200	72	88	92	96	100
201	72.7	88.9	92.9	97	101
202	73.4	89.8	93.8	97.9	102
203	74.2	90.7	94.8	98.9	103
204	74.9	91.6	95.7	99.9	104
205	75.6	92.5	96.7	100.9	105.1
206	76.4	93.4	97.6	101.8	106.1
207	77.1	94.3	98.6	102.8	107.1
208	77.9	95.2	99.5	103.8	108.2
209	78.6	96.1	100.5	104.8	109.2
210	79.4	97	101.4	105.8	110.3

Height and Weight Standards for Female Candidates Joining NDA (Army):

Age (yrs)	Minimum weight for all ages	Age: 17 to 20 yrs	Age: 20 +01 day-30 yrs	Age: 30 + 01 Day- 40 yrs	Age: Above 40 yrs
Height (cm)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47.0	49.0
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45.0	47.0	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.8
145	37.8	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
146	38.4	46.9	49.0	51.2	53.3
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54.0
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40.0	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54.0	56.3
151	41.0	50.2	52.4	54.7	57.0
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56.0	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64.0
161	46.7	57.0	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63.0	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4

NDA Visual Standards for Army

Visual standards are also an important part of the NDA physical test for the Army. The table below lists all the details about it:

Parameter	Standards : 10+2 entries, NDA(Army), TES and equivalent	Graduate & equivalent entries: CDSE, IMA, OTA, UES, NCC, TGC & equivalent	Postgraduate & equivalent entries: JAG, AEC, APS, RVC, TA, AMC, ADC, SL & equivalent
Uncorrected vision(max allowed)	6/36 & 6/36	6/60 & 6/60	3/60 & 3/60
BCVA	Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6	Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6	Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6
Myopia	< -2.5 D Sph ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)	< -3.50 D Sph ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)	< -5.50 D Sph (including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)
Hypermetropia	<+2.5 D Sph, ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)	<+3.50 DSph ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)	<+3.50 D Sph (including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)
Lasik/equivalent surgery	Not Permitted	Permitted	Permitted
Colour perception	CP-II	CP-II	CP-II

Other Physical Standards for the Army:

Minimum height for females: The minimum height required for entry into the Armed Forces for female Candidates is 152 cm. Gorkhas and candidates belonging to the Hills of the North Eastern region of India, Garhwal and Kumaon are accepted with a minimum height of 148 cm.
Minimum height for males: The minimum height required for male candidates for entry into the Armed Forces is 157 cm. Gorkhas and candidates belonging to the Hills of North Eastern region of India. Garhwal and Kumaon are accepted with a minimum height of 152 cm.
Height for male candidates below 18 years: An allowance for growth of 02 cm will be made for candidates below 18 years at the time of examination.
Standards for candidates below 17 years: The height and weight of candidates below 17 years will be followed as per guidelines by ‘The Indian Academy of Paediatrics growth charts for height, weight, and BMI for 05 Years to 16 Years children’ amended from time to time.

Know the NDA Physical Standards for the Indian Navy For Males & Females

The height and weight standards are different for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The table below provides the height-weight chart for the Indian Navy for both male and female candidates.

Height in Mtrs	Up to 17 yrs (Min-Max)		17 yrs + 1 day to 18 yrs		18 yrs + 1 day to 20 yrs		20 yrs + 1 day to 30 yrs
Height in Mtrs	Min Weight (Kg)	Max Weight (Kg)	Min Weight (Kg)	Max Weight (Kg)	Min Weight (Kg)	Max Weight (Kg)	Min Weight (Kg)	Max Weight (Kg)
1.47	37	45	40	45	40	48	40	50
1.48	37	46	41	46	41	48	41	50
1.49	38	47	41	47	41	49	41	51
1.5	38	47	42	47	42	50	42	52
1.51	39	48	42	48	42	50	42	52
1.52	39	49	43	49	43	51	43	53
1.53	40	49	43	49	43	51	43	54
1.54	40	50	44	50	44	52	44	55
1.55	41	50	44	50	44	53	44	55
1.56	41	51	45	51	45	54	45	56
1.57	42	52	46	52	46	54	46	57
1.58	42	52	46	52	46	55	46	57
1.59	43	53	47	53	47	56	47	58
1.6	44	54	47	54	47	56	47	59
1.61	44	54	48	54	48	57	48	60
1.62	45	55	49	55	49	58	49	60
1.63	45	56	49	56	49	58	49	61
1.64	46	56	50	56	50	59	50	62
1.65	46	57	50	57	50	60	50	63
1.66	47	58	51	58	51	61	51	63
1.67	47	59	52	59	52	61	52	64
1.68	48	59	52	59	52	62	52	65
1.69	49	60	53	60	53	63	53	66
1.7	49	61	53	61	53	64	53	66
1.71	50	61	54	61	54	64	54	67
1.72	50	62	55	62	55	65	55	68
1.73	51	63	55	63	55	66	55	69
1.74	51	64	56	64	56	67	56	70
1.75	52	64	57	64	57	67	57	70
1.76	53	65	57	65	57	68	57	71
1.77	53	66	58	66	58	69	58	72
1.78	54	67	59	67	59	70	59	73
1.79	54	67	59	67	59	70	59	74
1.8	55	68	60	68	60	71	60	75
1.81	56	69	61	69	61	72	61	75
1.82	56	70	61	70	61	73	61	76
1.83	57	70	62	70	62	74	62	77
1.84	58	71	63	71	63	74	63	78
1.85	58	72	63	72	63	75	63	79
1.86	59	73	64	73	64	76	64	80
1.87	59	73	65	73	65	77	65	80
1.88	60	74	65	74	65	78	65	81
1.89	61	75	66	75	66	79	66	82
1.9	61	76	67	76	67	79	67	83
1.91	62	77	67	77	67	80	67	84
1.92	63	77	68	77	68	81	68	85
1.93	63	78	69	78	69	82	69	86
1.94	64	79	70	79	70	83	70	87
1.95	65	80	70	80	70	84	70	87

NDA Visual Standards For Navy

Check out the NDA SSB visual standards for the Navy below:

NDA Physical Test

Other Physical Standards for the Navy:

Minimum height for males: The minimum acceptable height for male candidates is 157 cm.

Minimum height for females: The minimum height required for female candidates is 152 cm.

Relaxation in height: Relaxation in height is permissible to candidates holding domicile of areas as mentioned below:

Category	Minimum Height for Male Candidates	Minimum Height for Female Candidates
Tribals from the Ladhakh Region	155 cm	150 cm
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands	155 cm	150 cm
Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni and Uttarakhand	152 cm	147 cm
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region	152 cm	147 cm

Note: The above relaxation in height does not apply to candidates seeking entry as officers into the Navy in Pilot/ Observer specialisations of the Executive branch.

What are the NDA Physical Standards for the Air Force?

The physical standards for the Air Force are checked to determine whether the candidate is fit to join the flying branch or the ground duty branch of the Indian Air Force. Check out the tables below to know whether you fall in the correct weight range as per your height and age.

Height & Weight Standards for Males in the Air Force:

Height (in cm)	Age Range (in Years) / Weight (in Kgs)
Height (in cm)	15-16	16-17	17-18	18-19
152	41	42.5	44	45
155	42	43.5	45.3	47
157	43	45	47	48
160	45	46.5	48	49
162	46	48	50	51
165	48	50	52	53
167	49	51	53	54
170	51	52.5	55	56
173	52.5	54.5	57	58
175	54.5	56	59	60
178	56	58	61	62
180	58.5	60	63	64.5
183	61	62.5	65	66.5

Height & Weight Standards for Females in the Air Force:

Height (in cm)	Age Range (in Years) / Weight (in Kgs)
Height (in cm)	15-16	16-17	17-18	18-19
147	38	40	41	42
148	39	40	42	43
149	39	41	42	43
150	40	41	43	44
152	41	42.5	44	45
155	42	43.5	45.3	47
157	43	45	47	48
160	45	46.5	48	49
162	46	48	50	51
165	48	50	52	53
167	49	51	53	54
170	51	52.5	55	56
173	52.5	54.5	57	58
175	54.5	56	59	60
178	56	58	61	62
180	58.5	60	63	64.5
183	61	62.5	65	66.5

Visual Standards in Air Force for Males:

Med Cat	Branch	Maximum Limits of Refractive Error	Visual Acuity (VA) with limits of maximum correction	Colour Vision
A1G 1	F (P) including WSOs, Flying Branch Candidates at NDA and AFA	Hypermetropia: + 1.5D Sph Manifest Myopia: Nil Astigmatism: +0.75D Cyl (within +1.5 D Max) Retinoscopic myopia: Nil	6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia	CP-I
A4G 1	10+2/ND An Entry to Ground duty branches of IAF (AE(L), Adm, Lgs)	Hypermetropia: + 2.5D Sph Myopia: -2.5D Sph Astigmatism: +/- 2.0D Cyl	Uncorrected VA 6/36 & 6/36 Best Corrected VA 6/6 & 6/6	CP II for AE(L)/ Adm CP III only for Lgs

Visual Standards in Air Force for Females:

Branch	Maximum Limits of Refractive Error	Visual Acuity (VA) with limits of maximum correction	Colour Vision
Flying Branch	Hypermetropia: + 1.5D Sph Manifest Myopia: Nil Astigmatism: +0.75D Cyl (within +1.5 D Max) Retinoscopic myopia: Nil	6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia	CP-I
Ground Duty Branch	Hypermetropia: + 2.5D Sph Myopia: -2.5D Sph Astigmatism: +/- 2.0D Cyl	Uncorrected VA 6/36 & 6/36 Best Corrected VA 6/6 & 6/6	CP II for AE(L)/ Adm CP III only for Lgs

Other Physical Standards for Air Force:

Minimum height for ground duty branch: The minimum height for entry into Ground Duty branches is 157.5 cm. For Gorkhas and individuals belonging to the Northeastern regions of India and the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, the minimum acceptable height is 152.5 cm. In the case of candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum acceptable height is 155.5 cm.
Minimum height for flying branch: The minimum height requirement for the Flying Branch is 162.5 cm.
Other acceptable measurements for flying branch: The acceptable measurements of leg length, thigh length, and sitting height for aircrew are as follows:

Particulars	Minimum Required Height	Maximum Required Height
Sitting Height	81.5 cm	96.0 cm
Leg Length	99.0 cm	120.0 cm
Thigh Length	-	64.0 cm

What Common Ailments Can Be Rectified Before the NDA Medical Examination?

If you’ve any of the below-mentioned common ailments, you must get them rectified/treated. Rectifying these ailments will speed up the finalisation of your medical examination process at the Military Hospital. The common ailments include:

Wax (Ears)
Deviated Nasal Septum
Hydrocele/Phimosis
Overweight/Underweight
Under Sized Chest
Piles
Gynaecomastia
Tonsillitis
Varicocele

NDA Guidelines for Permanent Tattoos

Permitted areas for body tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm and the reverse side of the palm or back of the hand. Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body are not accepted.
Exception for tribes: Tribes with tattoo marks on the face or body as per their existing custom and traditions are permitted on a case-to-case basis.

What Conditions Are Considered Unfit for Female Candidates?

There are certain conditions that may lead to rejection of female candidates. Refer to the list below to know the specific conditions:

Conditions Considered Unfit for Female Candidates
Amenorrhoea, Menorrhagia Dysmenorrhea Hirsutism, radiological evidence of PCOS Stress urinary incontinence Congenital elongation of the cervix or prolapsed which comes outside the introitus even after corrective surgery Pregnancy Endometriosis and Adenomyosis	Fibroid: Submucous fibroid of any size & broad ligament or cervical fibroid of any size causing pressure over the ureter. Single fibroid uterus more than three cm in diameter; fibroids more than two in number (each fibroid not more than fifteen mm in diameter) or fibroids distorting endometrial cavity.
Congenital uterine anomalies except arcuate uterus Acute or chronic pelvic infection. Disorders of sexual differentiation.	Ovarian cyst: Complex ovarian cysts of any size & simple ovarian cysts more than six cm

How to Qualify for the NDA Physical Test?

You must begin your preparation early to qualify for the NDA physical fitness test. Here are some training tips that can help you get success in the NDA 2024 physical test:

- Maintain the right weight: If your weight does not fall in the right weight range as per your height and age, then you must try and bring it to the required weight range before the exam.
- Get mentally prepared: The NDA physical test demands a lot of patience and mental strength. Your resilience and willpower will be tested as you qualify in different rounds. So, prepare yourself for these challenges well in advance!

Maintain an exercise routine: Doing various types of flexibility exercises, such as skipping, running, push-ups, cycling, etc. will help you build endurance and stamina and prepare you well.

NDA Physical Test 2026 FAQs

Ques. Is there any physical/medical test for the NDA Exam?

Ans. Yes, the physical and medical tests are an important part of the NDA selection process and candidates are required to take them during the SSB stage.

Ques. Can a candidate be rejected on medical grounds even though he/she has cleared the written exam?

Ans. There are certain medical standards that you must meet to qualify for the NDA Exam. Candidates must meet these criteria to be accepted during the SSB interview process.

Ques. Is the NDA physical test very tough?

Ans. The physical exams are relatively easy. With regular practice and strategy, you can easily clear the physical rounds of the SSB.

Ques. What are some grounds for rejection in the NDA physical test?

Ans. Musculoskeletal deformities of the spine, substandard hearing capability, vitiligo, hernia, etc. are some examples of conditions that lead to rejection in the NDA physical test.

Ques. Are height and weight important to qualify for the NDA physical test?

Ans. Yes, appropriate height and weight standards as per age are very important to qualify for the NDA physical test.

Ques. Which medical investigations are done during the NDA physical test?

Ans. Following medical investigations are done to determine a candidate’s fitness-