Introduction – Why Medical Fitness is Essential for NDA
Passing the NDA written exam marks just the beginning. Your final selection hinges just as much on your ability to pass the medical test for NDA and the NDA physical tests that the Armed Forces Medical Board conducts. A defence officer’s job requires physical endurance, sharp mental focus, and sound health, as cadets go through one of the world’s most challenging training programs.
Each year many candidates who succeed in the written exam and even the SSB interview don’t make it through the medical test for NDA. So, being fit isn’t just a box to tick — it can make or break your chances of joining the Indian Armed Forces.
This blog explores key medical test for NDA requirements. We’ll look at height and weight rules, eye tests, ear/nose/throat and teeth exams, physical challenges at SSB, typical disqualification causes, and advice to help candidates get ready.
How Medical Fitness Affects NDA Selection
Has an Influence on Operational Readiness – The military needs people who can handle tough physical and mental pressure during fighting and practice.
Cuts Down on Training Deaths – Those who are healthy can make it through NDA’s hard training at Khadakwasla.
Ability to Serve for a Long Time – The armed forces want officers who can work for many years without big health problems.
Just and Standard Way – The NDA health check uses set rules to make sure all people are judged the same way and without favoritism.
To put it simply, if you don’t pass the medical test for NDA, you can’t become an officer, no matter how smart you are in school or in your mind.
Main Parts of NDA Health Test
The medical test for NDA takes a close look at a candidate’s physical and medical state. It covers:
Anthropometric Standards (Height, Weight, Chest)
Vision Tests (far sight, close-up vision, color perception, limits on vision correction)
ENT Check (ears, nose, throat, and how well you hear)
Dental Check
Heart, Lungs, and Nervous System Exam
Skin, Bones and Joints (How well your muscles and skeleton work)
Lab Tests (blood, urine, X-rays, ECG if needed)
NDA Physical Standards in Detail
1. Height and Weight Rules
Minimum height changes based on Army, Navy, and Air Force. Usually, about 157 cm to 162.5 cm is the least height allowed, depending on which branch you join.
Weight needs to match height according to the standard Armed Forces chart. Candidates who are too light or too heavy might not qualify in the medical test for NDA.
2. Chest Measurement
Smallest chest size: 77 cm (when not expanded).
Chest should grow at least 5 cm when breathed in.
Strong chest muscles are needed.
3. Vision Standards
Distant Vision: One eye should have 6/6 vision and the other 6/9, with glasses fixing any issues.
Colour Vision: The Air Force and Navy don’t accept people who can’t see colors.
Myopia/Hypermetropia limits: They should fall within set ranges; big problems mean you can’t join.
Night Blindness or Squint: These will keep you out.
4. ENT and Hearing Standards
You need to hear well without help.
Your sinuses, ears, and nose should be healthy and normal-shaped.
If your eardrum has a hole or your ears often leak, you can’t join.
5. Dental Standards
Healthy gums and teeth.
At least 14 dental points are needed for selection.
Severe bite issues or missing front teeth might lead to rejection in the medical test for NDA.
6. General Health
No heart problems, high/low blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, or long-term skin issues.
No history of mental health problems or seizures.
Bones and joints should have no deformities or old breaks that limit movement.
NDA Physical Tests During SSB
Along with the medical test for NDA, candidates go through several NDA physical tests as part of the SSB process. These include:
Running: 2.4 km in a set time.
Push-ups and Sit-ups: At least 15–20 reps expected.
Chin-ups and Rope Climbing: These check upper-body strength.
Balancing and Obstacle Tests: These look at agility and coordination.
Endurance Tasks: Carrying weights, long jumps, and group activities that test stamina.
These tests don’t just measure strength — they also show stamina, determination, and the ability to push past comfort zones.
NDA Physical Tests Summary
| Physical Test | Requirement / Expectation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Running (2.4 km) | To be completed within 15 minutes | Tests cardiovascular endurance |
| Push-ups | 15–20 reps minimum recommended | Builds upper body strength |
| Sit-ups | 20 reps minimum recommended | Strengthens core muscles |
| Chin-ups / Pull-ups | 6–8 reps | Assesses upper-body stamina |
| Rope Climbing | 3–4 meters | Tests grip strength & coordination |
| Balance Beam / Obstacles | Completing within given time | Agility, coordination, and courage |
| Long Jump / Broad Jump | 3–3.5 meters | Explosive strength and leg power |
| Endurance / Group Tasks | Lifting, crawling, obstacle runs | Tests teamwork and overall stamina |
Common Reasons for NDA Medical Rejection
Many candidates don’t pass the medical test for NDA due to issues they could have avoided or existing health problems. Some frequent reasons include:
Serious eye problems (including color blindness).
Bowlegs, flat feet, backbone issues (like scoliosis).
Long-lasting ear, nose, or throat troubles.
Tooth decay, missing teeth, or gum problems.
Being too heavy, too thin, or having poor chest expansion.
Skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo.
Old breaks that didn’t heal right.
How to Get Ready for NDA Medical Test & Physical Tests
To Be Medically Fit
Get a Pre-Medical Check – See a trusted defense doctor 6–8 months before the medical test for NDA.
Maintain Ideal Weight – Match your height and weight through good food and workouts.
Eye Check-up – If you have vision issues, make sure they fall within allowed ranges.
Dental Hygiene – Take care of cavities, missing teeth, or gum issues ahead of time.
Posture and Spine – Stretch, do yoga, and build strength often to avoid bad posture.
For Physical Standards
Running Routine – Do 2–3 km runs often to boost your stamina.
Strength Training – Do push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and planks to enhance your muscle endurance.
Breathing Exercises – These help to expand your chest capacity.
Flexibility Training – Stretch to avoid injuries and become more agile.
Mock SSB Training – Sign up for a coaching or training camp to practice obstacle courses hands-on.
Medical Examination Process – What You’ll Go Through
The medical test for NDA is conducted at Armed Forces Medical Board hospitals.
The process involves a physical check-up, X-ray, ECG, eye/ENT/dental evaluations, and laboratory tests.
Candidates labeled “Temporary Unfit” might get a chance to appeal after they receive treatment.
Those deemed “Permanent Unfit” can’t go any further in the process.
Conclusion
NDA success doesn’t just depend on being smart — it needs total physical and medical fitness. The medical test for NDA and the NDA physical tests aim to make sure that the healthiest candidates, in body and mind, become officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Kicking off prep well in advance — building endurance, looking after eyesight, taking care of teeth, and staying healthy overall — can help candidates avoid getting turned down for small issues. Keep in mind, NDA opens the door to a lifelong journey of pride, self-discipline, and dedication to the country. Being fit is crucial to turn this dream into reality.
If you are looking for the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, Doon Defence Dreamers is the perfect choice. With experienced faculty, structured courses, and excellent hostel facilities, they provide complete guidance for NDA aspirants. Their rigorous physical training and personalized mentorship ensure that students are well-prepared for both written exams and SSB interviews. Join Doon Defence Dreamers to turn your NDA dream into reality.
