CDS Physical Standards
UPSC CDS Examination II – CDS Exam 2017 Physical Standards
Guidelines with regard to Physical Standards for Candidates for Combined Defence Services Examination.
Note I : Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards. The standards of medical fitness and the guidelines for the same are given below.
A Number of qualified candidates are rejected subsequently on Medical Grounds. Candidates are therefore advised in their own interest to get themselves medically examined before submitting their applications to avoid disappointment at the final stage.
Note II : Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on inner face of forearm i.e. from inside of elbow to the wrist and on the reverse side of palm / back ( dorsal ) side of hand. Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body are not acceptable and candidates will be barred from further selection. Tribes with tattoo marks on the face or body as per their existing custom and traditions will be permitted on a case to case basis.
A candidate recommended by the Services Selection Board will undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers. Women candidates will undergo Medical Examination by a Medical Board comprising Male / Female Doctors / Specialists / Gynaecologist. There will be a lady Medical Officer as member of Board. Only those candidates will be admitted to the Academy who are declared fit by the Medical Board. However, the candidates declared unfit will be intimated by the President of the Medical Board and procedure for request for an Appeal Medical Board ( AMB ) will also be intimated to the candidate.
Candidates who are unfit may apply for Appeal Medical Board ( AMB ) to be completed within 42 days of SMB and may request for Review Medical Board ( RMB ) within one day of completion of Appeal Medical Board. Candidates declared unfit by AMB will be intimated by the President AMB about procedure of challenging the findings of AMB. The candidates will also be intimated that holding Review Medical Board ( RMB ) will be granted at the discretion of DGAFMS based on the merit of the case and that RMB is not a matter of right. The candidate should address the request for RMB if he / she so desires to ADG Rtg. ( CDSE ) Army HQ, West Block-III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110 066 and DMS ( MB ) / DGMS ( Air ) / Air HQ, R.K. Puram in case of AF candidates and a copy of the same is handed over to the President of AMB. The O/o the DGAFMS will inform the date and place ( Delhi and Pune only ) where the candidate will appear for a RMB.
The candidate must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards which are summarized below :
- The candidate must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease / disability which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of duties.
- There should be no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects or over weight.
- The minimum acceptable height for male candidates is 157.5 cms. ( 157 cms for Navy and 162.5 cms for Air Force ). For Women candidates minimum acceptable height is 152 cms. For Gorkhas and individuals belonging to hills of North Eastern region of India, Garhwali and Kumaon, the Minimum acceptable height will be 5 cms less. In case of candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum acceptable height can be reduced by 2 cms. These concessions are not applicable for Navy and Air Force. Height and weight standards are given below for Army and Navy only. Interpolation for weights against height not mentioned may be done.
Height and Weight Standards ( Males ) Height in Centimetres ( Without shoes ) Weight in Kgs. 18 years 20 years 22 years 152 44* 46 47 155 46 48@ 49 157 47 49 50 160 48 50 51 162 50 52 53 165 52 53 55 168 53 55 57 170 55 57 58 173 57 59 60 175 59 61 62 178 61 62 63 180 63 64 65 183 65 67 67 185 67 69 70 188 70 71 72 190 72 73 74 193 74 76 77 195 77 78 78 
*45 for Navy @ 47 for Navy : A ± 10% ( for Navy ) departure from the average weight given in the Table above is to be considered within normal limit. However, in individuals with heavy bones and broad built as well as individuals with thin built but otherwise healthy this may be relaxed to some extent on merit.
Height and Weight Standards (Females) Height in Centimetres (Without shoes) Weight in Kgs. 20 years 25 years 30 years 148 39 41 43 150 40 42 43.5 153 42 43.5 45 155 43 44 46 158 45 46 48 160 46 47 49 163 47 49 51 165 49 51 53 168 50 52 54 
The acceptable weight for Air Force candidates will be ± 10% of the average weight given below : Male ideal weights in KG for different age groups and heights for fat% ( <20 ) of normal individuals for Air Force.
Ht in mm Age Range 15-17 18-22 23-27 28-32 33-37 38-42 43-47
>48 1520 46 47 50 54 54 54 55 54 1530 47 47 51 55 55 54 56 54 1540 47 48 51 56 55 55 57 55 1550 48 49 52 56 56 56 57 56 1560 48 49 53 57 57 56 58 56 1570 49 50 54 58 58 57 58 57 1580 49 50 54 58 58 58 59 58 1590 50 51 55 59 59 59 60 58 1600 51 52 56 59 60 59 60 59 1610 51 52 56 60 60 60 61 60 1620 52 53 57 61 61 61 62 60 1630 52 54 58 61 62 61 62 61 1640 53 54 59 62 63 62 63 62 1650 53 55 59 63 63 63 64 62 1660 54 56 60 63 64 64 64 63 1670 54 56 61 64 65 64 65 64 1680 55 57 61 65 65 65 65 65 1690 55 57 62 65 66 66 66 65 1700 56 58 63 66 67 67 67 66 1710 56 59 64 66 68 67 67 67 1720 57 59 64 67 68 66 68 67 1730 58 60 65 68 69 69 69 68 1740 58 61 66 68 70 69 69 69 1750 59 61 66 69 71 70 70 69 1760 59 62 67 70 71 71 71 70 1770 60 62 68 70 72 72 71 71 1780 60 63 69 71 73 72 72 71 1790 61 64 69 72 73 73 73 72 1800 61 64 70 72 74 74 73 73 1810 62 65 71 73 75 75 74 73 1820 62 66 72 74 76 75 74 74 1830 63 66 72 74 76 76 75 75 1840 64 67 73 75 77 77 76 75 1850 64 68 74 75 78 77 76 76 1860 65 68 74 76 78 78 77 77 1870 65 69 75 77 79 78 77 77 1880 66 69 76 77 80 80 78 78 1890 66 70 77 78 81 80 79 79 1900 67 71 77 79 81 81 80 79 1910 67 71 78 79 82 82 80 80 1920 68 72 79 80 83 82 81 81 1930 68 73 79 81 83 83 81 82 SD 6.0 6.3 7.1 6.6 6.9 6.8 5.8 7.26 - In your own interest you are advised to undergo a preliminary medical check up for wax in ears, refractory error of eyes, fungal infection of skin etc. before reporting for the SSB interview.
- Chest should be well developed. The minimum range of expansion after full inspiration should be 5 cms. The measurement will be taken with a tape so adjusted that its lower edge should touch the nipple in front and the upper part of the tape should touch the lower angle of the shoulder blades behind. X Ray of the chest is compulsory and will be taken to rule out any disease of the chest.
- There should be no disease of bones and joints of the body.
- A candidate should have no past history of mental breakdown or fits.
- The hearing should be normal. A candidate should be able to hear a forced whisper with each ear at a distance of 610 cms. in a quiet room. There should be no evidence of present or past disease of the ear, nose and throat.
- There should be no sign of functional or organic disease of the heart and blood vessel. Blood pressure should be normal and candidates be free from AIDS.
- The muscles of abdomen should be well developed and there should be no enlargement of liver or spleen. Any evidence of disease of internal organs of the abdomen will be a cause for rejection.
- Un-operated hernias will make a candidate unfit. If operated, this should have been done at least Six Months prior to the present examination and healing is completed.
- There should be no hydrocele, varicocele or piles.
- Urine examination will be done and any abnormality, if detected will be a cause for rejection.
- Any disease of the skin which is likely to cause disability or disfigurement will also be a cause for rejection.
- For a male candidates the minimum acceptable visual acuity are distant vision ( corrected ) better eye 6/6 and worse eye 6/18. ( For Air force without glasses only ) Myopia of not more than minus 3.5D and Manifest hypermetropia of not more than plus 3.5D including astigmatism. For women candidates the minimum acceptable visual acuity are distant vision ( corrected ) better eye 6/6, worse 6/18, Myopia of not more than minus 5.5 D including astigmatism. Manifest hypermetropia of not more than plus 3.5D including astigmatism. Internal examination of the eye will be done by means of ophthalmoscope to rule out any disease of the eye. A candidate must have good binocular vision. The colour vision standard will be CP-II for army. A candidate should be able to recognise red and
green colours. - Visual Standards for Navy
- Uncorrected without glass 6/12
- Corrected with glass 6/6
- Limits of Myopia -1.5
- Limits of Hypermetropia +1.5
- Binocular vision III
- Limits of Colour Perception I
- For women candidates if pregnancy is detected at any stage after selection at SSB or during training will debar the candidates from grant of commission and cost recovered from the date of joining OTA till the date of debar on confirmation of pregnancy from Military Hospital Authorities.Radial keratotomy and Laser Surgery : Candidates who have undergone or have the evidence of having undergone Radial Keratotomy, to improve the visual acuity, will be permanently rejected for all the three services. In order to detect PRK / LASIK all the candidates at SMB will be subjected to the measurement of Axial length by A-Scan biometer. Candidates who have undergone LASER Surgery for correction of refractive error will be considered for commission in Army if they fulfil following criteria :
- Age more than 20 years
- Uncomplicated stable LASIK / Excimer ( PRK ) laser procedure done for Myopia or Hypermetropia, with stable refraction for a period of six months after the procedure.
- A healthy retina.
- Corrected vision should be 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye, with maximum residual refraction of ± 1.50 in any meridian for myopia or hypermetropia.
- Axial length within permissible limits.Notes :
The candidates will be asked to declare at the time of medical examination that he / she has undergone LASER procedure as above. He/she will be subjected to a thorough corneal and retinal evaluation by the ophthalmologist. However, he/she will be declared unfit at the SMB and those found to be within the acceptable limits for approval as above will be advised to undergo an Appeal Medical Board. During AMB he / she will be subjected to a thorough corneal and retinal evaluation as also scrutiny of the records by a Senior Adviser in Ophthalmology.
- The candidates should have sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. A minimum of 14 dental points will be acceptable. When 32 teeth are present, the total dental points are 22. A candidate should not be suffering from severe pyorrhoea.
- X-Ray examination of the chest will include the lower part of cervical spine for presence of cervical ribs. X-Ray examination of other parts of spine will be taken if the SMB considers it necessary.
- Carrying angle of elbow should not be more than 15° and 18° among males and females respectively.
CDS Medical Standards
In addition to the above, the following medical standards will be applicable in respect of Air force candidates only :
- Anthropometric measurements acceptable for Air Force are as follows :
Height : 162.5 cms.
Leg Length : Min. 99 cms. & Max. 120 cms.
Thigh Length : Max. 64 cms.
Sitting Height : Min. 81.5 cms. & Max 96 cms. - X-Ray of Chest is compulsory.
- Visual Standards for Air Force :Candidates who habitually wear spectacles are not eligible for Air Force. Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia. Colour Vision CP-1
- Hypermetropia : +2.0 D Sph
- Manifest Myopia : Nil
- Retinoscopic Myopia : -0.5 in any meridian permitted
- Astigmatism : +0.75 Cyl ( with +2.0 D- Max ) Maddox Rod Test.
-
- at 6 metres : Exophoria 6 prism dioptres, Esophoria 6 prism dioptres, Hypo-phoria / Hyperphoria 1 Prism Dioptres.
- at 33 cm : Exophoria 16 prism dioptres, Esophoria 6 prism dioptres; Hypophoria / Hyperphoria 1 prism Dioptres / Hyperphoria 1 prism Dioptres.
Hand held stereoscope – All of BSV grades
Convergence – upto 10 cm.
Cover test for distant and near – Lateral / divergence / convergence recovery rapid and complete Redial Keratotmy ( RK ) and Photo Refractive Keratotomy ( PRK ) surgery for correction of refractive errors are not permitted for any air force duties. Candidates having undergone cataract surgery with or without IOL implants will also be declared unfit.
Binocular vision – Must possess good binocular vision ( fusion and stereopsis with good amplitude and deapth. )
Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery are not considered fit for permanent commission in flying branch in IAF.
- Hearing Standards
- Speech test : Whispered hearing 610 cms. each ear.
- Audiometric Test : Audiometric loss should not exceed +20 db in frequencies between 250 Hz and 8000 Hz.
- Routine ECG should be within normal limits.
The following conditions detected on X-ray examination will be disqualifying for entry to Armed Forces :
- Granulomatous disease of Spine.
- Arthritis / spondylosis.
- Scoliosis more than 10° degree as measured by Cobb’s Method.
- More than mild Kyphosis / Lordosis.
- Spondylolisthesis / Spondylosis.
- Herniated nucleus pulposes.
- Compression fracture of Vertebra.
- Sacaralisation Disease.
- Cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or Circulatory deficit.
- Presence of Schmorl’s node at more than one level.
- Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial anomalies.
- Incomplete Sacralisation Unilateral or Bilateral.
- Spinabifida other than SV 1 and LV 5.
- Any other abnormality, if so considered by specialist.
The Medical standards for candidates of Naval Aviation Branch will be the same as for flying duties of Air Force. Except limit of myopia is -0.75D and limits of hypermetropia is +1.5D.
Detection of any disability in the course of a special test carried out prescribed for one service, may render the candidate unfit for any other service(s), if so considered as disqualifying by Medical Board.
Physical Conditioning : Prospective candidates are advised to keep themselves in good physical condition by following the under mentioned routine :
- Running : 2 to 4 Km. in 15 minutes.
- Skipping.
- Pushups & Sit-ups : Minimum 20 each.
- Chin ups : Minimum 08.
- Rope Climbing : 3 to 4 meters.
I had a tattoo and i want to know if i can apply for air force.
sir my knee is joint in standing position so pls give me suggestion about this for cdse exam
i am student be 3rd year student mere liye ye exam kesa rahega
Hi
Pls visit : http://upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-II-Eligibility.html
Regards.
i m having glass with no. -3.5 and -4.0 and while standing in attention situation my knee touches each other can i give cdse n goin IMA …
after the cdse exam how to process jion the army what is the methed of cds?
Hi
Pls visit these webpages :
http://upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-I-Application-Last-Date.html
http://upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-I-Acknowledgement.html
http://upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-I-Results.html
Hoping you may get the details.
Can a person who has done appendix operation can apply for CDS exam?
I have a fracture in my left arm(Plate still persist),will i be considered medical fit,if i clear all the physical tests?
Hello Sir/Ma’am,
What are the Physical standards for OTA candidates? Are they same as NAVY and AIR FORCE?
Is there any Physical Standards for OTA candidates? Are they equal to other academies?
i got my galbladder operated.wil this pose a problem for my selection??
hii..m doing b.pharm n ryt nw m in 3rd yr-6th sem..i want to knw that after completing my graduation in pharmacy hw can i apply to defence services..
Hi
You can apply after completing your graduation, for more detail visit :
http://www.upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-II-Eligibility.html
i want to join indian airforce give me suggestion.i doing b.e 2nd year i m a sports person n national player
Hi
In the final year of your B.E course, you can apply. More details visit : http://upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-II-Eligibility.html
Sir i have sight with these specifications
i.e for left eye -0.75 and -0.5 right eye
can i eligible for CDS EXAM
My height is 168cm and weight is 77 can i eligible with these ?
please try to help me out from this questions?
Hi
Limits of Myopia is – 3.5. So you can apply for the CDS Exam II 2012.
My teeth are slightly unalined and 27 and one teeth filled. Is this acceptable.
m in the third year of my engi. cource ..can i appear in cds examination !!!!!asking for only appearing
Hi
Please visit for Eligibility of CDS Exam 2012 details : http://www.upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-II-Eligibility.html
Sir,
I have a problem that, my uvula is just bifurcate,but I never feel oppose to speak. Sir pl z tell me can I select for CDS .
Sir i have tatoo on my arm and i have filled teeth.whether m fit for cds.
sir, graduate 70 percent b.sc(pcm) and want to know what are upsc exam. for me…… please
Hi
You can apply for CDS Exam. The application for CDS Exam issues on 02.06.2012. For more details visit : http://www.upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-I-Eligibility.html
hello,
i got the problem of my teeth it does matter please reply me . and also give the information regarding upsc medical test.
sir, i have a bend in my middle two left side rib, does this bend cause disqualify me in CDS medical test, i have no problem from this bend, plz tell n help me.
this is just a small projection in left side then right rib.
thanx,
yogesh
I am an international gymnast. will i get preference in Combined Defence Services examination as a sports women?
i want to know any relaxation in age i was born in feb 1986 can i aplly
respected sir ,
my query is that i have got eye power of =2.5, so may i knw do i have any chance of getting selected in the medical of cds or technical entry??
1.I have flat foot and knock knees,but i have no problem in running or walking.Am I fit for the armed forces?
2.Are aspirants who have undergone Laser surgery for correcting myopia eligible? The article mentioned above does not give a clear picture about it.
Hoping to hear a reply from you soon.
Sir,
i had an accident about 3 and a half years ago, in which i got hairline fracture in my 3-4 ribs, which have never ever caused me any problem after healing, i do a lot of walking and running, push ups etc n never ever faced any sort of problem. Can i apply for Indian ARMY OR NOT??? Please clear my doubt as i am immensely confused with this question right now..
i have distance vision problem.. its -4 in both eye .. am i eligible or ll i be rejected under physical qualification grounds?
i have vision problem,its -5,i’ve applied for cds 2 2012, am i eligible for this regarding medical standards, pls infrm us
whether syllabus of NDA and CDS are same ?
No.
Please verify with these webpages :
http://upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/national_defence_academy_nda/NDA-NA-Examination-II-Syllabus.html
http://upscexam.com/upsc_examinations/combined_defence_services_cds/UPSC-CDS-Exam-II-Syllabus.html
Is hepetitis b positive and filled teeth candidate is eligible
Is protruded tooth is a physical disability for the CDS (II) for OTA ?
sir
i have -3.5 D astigmatism in left eye. right eye is 6/6. i am going for the ssb for technical course. please tell me what is the eye standard for astigmatism?
Hi
Yes you can apply for CDS Exam.
Sir
my i am suffering from astigmatism in the left eye with -3.5 D and right eye is 6/6. i am going for the ssb for technical course, will there be any problem in the medical?
how big a problem is knock knees?
Sir, my right arm and right leg are fractured one time in accident but i am fit now so am i eligible for the CDSE.
my height 5 foot 6 inches. am i be a part of indian army??
What happens if the knee bones of both legs touch eachother while standing in attention position altough they don’t give any problem while running or walking
Hope my question would be well understood and answered.
i have 31 teeth . is it a problem while facing medical test for cds or cpf
sir,i have problem with my teeth….will it be problematic during selection….
how can we examine our medical standard and from where we can examine and how much it costs
i have rt eye 6/60 without correctable and lt eye is 6/6 so can i join the indian services plese tell me in which way
i m having glass with no. -3.5 and -4.0 and while standing in attention situation my knee touches each other can i give cdse n goin IMA ……..
i have glasses of power of -3.5 and -4.0 and my knee touch each other while standing in attention position……
m i eligible for cds or not
My eye power is -2.0 so can selected for IMA/OTA.
sir, my height is 172 cms nd weight is 75 ,,but my age is 18 i born in 1994 may 26 th can i eligible for army
my left eye uncorrected is 6/18 plz do let me know whether i m eligible to appear for commission in the army as an officer
i have glasses of power of -3.0 and -3.0 and my knee touch each other while standing in attention position……
m i eligible for cds or not
My height is 145cm. Can i apply for cds exam.plz reply
Am having an eyesight of -3.25 in both eyes.
Will i be eligible for cds 2015 ??
Dear Sir,
I am having a hole in my ear drum,but I can listen properly.. Can I apply for cdse exam for naval academy.
i have only one ear… but my hearing is normal. Am i eligible or not???
Hi Swati,
Hearing Standards for CDS Exam 2016 :
The hearing should be normal.
Speech test : Whispered hearing 610 cms. each ear.
Audiometric Test : Audiometric loss should not exceed +20 db in frequencies between 250 Hz and 8000 Hz.