The NDA Medical Test assesses the physical and medical fitness of candidates who have cleared the written examination and personal interview by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Conducted at Armed Forces Medical Examination Centers, the results are crucial for final selection for NDA training. The test includes various medical examinations and physical assessments to ensure candidates meet the health standards of the Indian Armed Forces, identifying potential health issues that may disqualify them from military service.
NDA Medical Test Procedure
- Registration: Candidates who pass the NDA written exam must register for the NDA Medical Test by completing a medical examination form and providing their personal and medical history.
- Medical Examination: The NDA Medical Test has two stages. In stage one, candidates undergo a preliminary examination, including a physical check-up, urine analysis, and blood tests. Those who pass advance to stage two, which involves a comprehensive examination, vision and hearing tests, a chest X-ray, and other specialized assessments.
- Physical Fitness Test: Candidates must undergo a physical fitness test that includes running, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups.
- Medical Report: After the medical examination, a report is created for each candidate, detailing their physical and mental health, medical history, and any identified conditions.
- Medical Review: The Medical Board, composed of qualified professionals, evaluates the medical report to determine if a candidate is fit to serve as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates may be deemed unfit for NDA admission if they have disqualifying medical conditions.

NDA Medical Test
Height and Weight
- Height and Weight: Candidates must meet specific height and weight requirements based on sex and age. The minimum height is 157.5 cm for males and 152 cm for females, with minimum weight varying by height and age.
Chest Measurement
- Well-developed chest
- Minimum expansion of 5 cm
Eye and Vision Standards
Vision requirements differ for each wing:
- Army & Navy:
- Distant vision: 6/6 or 6/9 (better eye), 6/9 or 6/12 (worse eye)
- Correctable vision within permissible limits
- Air Force:
- Very strict vision standards
- No color blindness
- No refractive errors beyond specified limits
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Color blindness
- Squint
- High myopia or hypermetropia
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Examination
- Normal hearing ability
- No chronic sinusitis
- No deviated nasal septum causing obstruction
- No perforation of the eardrum
Dental Examination
- Minimum 14 dental points
- Healthy gums and teeth
- No severe malocclusion
- No extensive dental caries
Internal Organ and System Examination
Doctors examine:
- Heart and cardiovascular system
- Lungs and respiratory system
- Abdomen and digestive system
- Nervous system
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- X-rays
- ECG
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A few of such commonly found defects/ailments are listed below:
- (a) Wax (Ears)
- (b) Deviated Nasal Septum
- (c) Hydrocele/Phimosis
- (d) Overweight/Underweight
- (e) Under Sized Chest
- (f) Piles
- (g) Gynaecomastia
- (h) Tonsillitis
- (i) Varicocele
Tattoo Policy
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-by-case basis. Comdt Selection Centre will
be competent auth for clearing such cases.
Appeal Medical Board (AMB)
Candidates declared unfit may appeal within the specified period:
- Re-examination is conducted by a different medical board
- The decision of the AMB is usually final
Summary
The NDA Medical Test is not merely a formality but a decisive stage that ensures only the fittest candidates join the prestigious National Defence Academy. Aspirants should maintain good physical fitness, undergo regular medical checkups, and address minor health issues well in advance. Proper preparation and awareness of medical standards can significantly improve the chances of final selection.
