Physical Fitness & Medical Standards for CDS 2026

Passing the CDS exam is just the first step. To actually join the Armed Forces and take up the service of the nation with valour and pride, you must clear the physical and medical standards. This includes proper height, the weight ratio, perfect vision, healthy BMI, stamina, and overall medical health.

Many aspirants got rejected because of poor eyesight, flat feet, or weight issues. But with the right preparation, regular exercise, and health check-ups at the proper time, candidates may overcome this and take a step forward toward the goal of wearing the uniform.

Why Medical & Physical Fitness Standards Matter

Life in the Army is hard. As an officer, you will be in charge of your teams, work in rough environments, and make quick decisions at key times.

To do that well, you will need both a healthy body and mind. The medical and fitness rules are not meant to trouble you, but to ensure that you can perform the role well and be free from health issues for many years.

General Medical Requirements

Here are the baseline medical standards every CDS aspirant should know:

Height & Weight

Age (Years)	Minimum Height (Male)	Minimum Height (Female)	Ideal Weight (Male)	Ideal Weight (Female)
18–20	157.5 cm	152 cm	47–52 kg	42–48 kg
21–23	157.5 cm	152 cm	50–55 kg	45–50 kg
24–26	157.5 cm	152 cm	52–58 kg	47–52 kg

Note: Gorkhas, along with aspirants from North Eastern states, Kumaon, and Garhwal regions, see that they have a 5 cm relaxation in height.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Should be within the normal range.
Being at either extreme of weight may cause disqualification.

Vision Standards

Service	Vision Requirement	Additional Notes
Indian Army	In one eye, 6/6, in the other, 6/9 (corrected with glasses).	Colour vision CP-III
Indian Navy	Unaided 6/12, correctable to 6/6	Strict checks for colour vision
Indian Air Force	Unaided 6/6 in both eyes	Myopia ≤ -2.5D, Hypermetropia ≤ +3.5D

Other General Requirements

Hearing: Must be able to hear a whisper from 6 meters out.
Dental: At least 14 dental checkups with no cavities or gum disease.

Detailed Medical Tests

Medical evaluation is a very in-depth process which goes over your full health picture. What doctors typically check is:

ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat): No chronic issues, perforated eardrums, or long-term problems.
Eyes: Vision, squint, and colour blindness are evaluated. (Lasik surgery is okay if it was over a year ago, but not for flying roles.)
Chest & Lungs: Chest x-rays and breathing tests. You may be disqualified if you have asthma or TB.
Heart: ECG is used to identify typical heart rhythms and past issues.
Abdomen: Checked for signs of hernia, large organs, or previous surgeries.
Bones & Joints: No scoliosis, knock knees, or flat feet. Spine posture and joint health are examined carefully.
Nervous System: Epilepsy or any nerve-related issues can cause disqualification.
Blood & Urine Tests: Check for diabetes, infections, and other health issues.
Psychological Evaluation: Assesses mental health and resilience.

Physical Fitness Benchmarks

While officially there is no CDS fitness test prior to SSB, you are expected to show up in good health and fit for the upcoming training. Here’s what you should aim for:

Running: 4 km in under 15 minutes.
Push-ups: 20-25 in one go.
Sit-ups: 30-40 continuously.
Chin-ups: At least 6-8 proper ones.
Skipping & Squats: To develop leg strength and endurance.
Swimming: Not required for selection, but very useful.

The emphasis is on stamina, endurance, and overall strength instead of looking purely muscular or having a six pack.

Service-Specific Medical Standards

Army: No issues with flat feet, knock knees, or varicose veins. What is important is endurance.
Navy: Special attention to hearing and eyesight.
Air Force: Very particular with regard to eyesight, spine, and total limb health, in particular for flying roles.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Candidates often get rejected for small, avoidable reasons like:

Being overweight or underweight.
Eye problems beyond the acceptable limit.
Flat feet or knock knees.
Untreated dental cavities.
Skin issues like eczema.
Past fractures that didn’t heal properly.
Hernia or varicocele.

How to Prepare Yourself

Start early: Give it a full 6 to 8 months for stamina and fitness.
Daily exercise: Go out each day for a run, do push-ups, and improve your endurance.
Balanced diet: Eat healthy based on your BMI. Go for proteins instead of junk.
Medical check-up: Get a health screening early, which includes dental issues.

Final Thoughts

Clearing the CDS 2026 exam is a great step, but it is only the beginning. What follows, the SSB, physical fitness, and medical tests, is just as important, which is to say many candidates are eliminated at this stage.

The Armed Forces are looking not only for smart individuals but also for leaders who are physically strong, mentally tough, and ready to put themselves forward in the face of challenge. Procrastinating on health and fitness will put your dream at risk.

Start early with your preparation, run regularly, build your stamina up, eat healthily, and see to regular check-ups. In uniform health is not just for the individual but for the team you will lead and the nation you serve.