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CDS Medical Test 2026: Complete Medical Standards, Physical Fitness, Eye Sight, Height & Weight Requirements
CDS Medical Test 2026
CDS Medical Test 2026: Complete Medical Standards, Physical Fitness, Eye Sight, Height & Weight Requirements
The CDS Medical Test 2026 is one of the most important stages of the Combined Defence Services (CDS) selection process. Candidates who are recommended by the Services Selection Board (SSB) must undergo a detailed medical examination to determine whether they are physically and medically fit for commissioning into the Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force. The examination evaluates overall health, physical fitness, eyesight, hearing, dental health, and various medical parameters as per the standards prescribed by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
CDS Medical Test 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | CDS Medical Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) |
| Eligibility | Candidates Recommended in SSB Interview |
| Purpose | Assessment of Medical & Physical Fitness |
| Next Stage | Final Merit List |
What is the CDS Medical Test?
The CDS Medical Test is a comprehensive health assessment conducted after the SSB Interview. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that candidates are medically capable of performing demanding military duties in challenging environments. The medical board evaluates physical health, mental fitness, vision, hearing ability, cardiovascular health, respiratory function, musculoskeletal condition, and other important medical parameters before recommending candidates for final selection.
Why is the CDS Medical Examination Important?
Serving as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces requires excellent physical and mental fitness. The medical examination ensures that candidates are capable of handling intensive military training, field operations, extreme weather conditions, and operational responsibilities. Candidates who fail to meet the prescribed medical standards may be declared temporarily or permanently unfit depending on the nature of the medical condition.
- Evaluates overall physical and mental health.
- Checks medical fitness for military training.
- Assesses eyesight, hearing, and dental health.
- Identifies temporary and permanent medical conditions.
- Ensures candidates meet Armed Forces medical standards.
- Determines eligibility for inclusion in the final merit list.
CDS Medical Examination Process 2026
Candidates who receive an SSB recommendation are called for a detailed medical examination at designated Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) hospitals. A panel of military doctors evaluates every aspect of a candidate's physical and mental health to determine fitness for commissioning into the Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force. The examination generally takes a few days and includes multiple medical assessments.
| Medical Examination Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Document Verification | Verification of identity and required certificates. |
| General Physical Examination | Assessment of height, weight, body structure, and overall health. |
| Specialist Examination | Evaluation by specialists for eyes, ENT, dental, and other medical conditions. |
| Laboratory Tests | Blood tests, urine tests, X-ray, ECG, and other investigations if required. |
| Final Medical Board Decision | Declared Fit, Temporarily Unfit, or Permanently Unfit. |
Physical Standards for CDS Medical Test 2026
Candidates should possess a healthy body with no physical disabilities that could interfere with military duties. The Armed Forces evaluate posture, body symmetry, musculoskeletal health, chest expansion, skin conditions, and overall physical fitness before declaring a candidate medically fit.
Basic Physical Requirements
- Good overall physical and mental health.
- Well-developed body with normal posture.
- No permanent deformities or disabilities.
- Healthy cardiovascular and respiratory system.
- Normal musculoskeletal function.
- Adequate chest expansion as per medical standards.
- No chronic infectious or contagious diseases.
Height and Weight Standards
Candidates must meet the minimum height requirements prescribed for the respective defence academies. Weight should be proportionate to height and age according to the official medical standards. Certain relaxations may apply for candidates belonging to specific regions such as Gorkhas, the North-Eastern states, and hilly areas, as notified by the competent authorities.
| Academy | Minimum Height* |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | As per official AFMS standards. |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | As per official AFMS standards. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | As per official AFMS standards. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | As per official AFMS standards. |
*Candidates should refer to the latest official CDS notification and AFMS medical guidelines for the exact height, weight, and relaxation criteria.
Documents Required for the Medical Examination
- SSB Recommendation Letter.
- CDS Admit Card.
- Government-issued Photo Identity Proof.
- Educational Certificates.
- Passport-size Photographs.
- Medical Records (if applicable).
- Any additional documents specified by the medical board.
Eye Sight Standards for CDS Medical Test 2026
Good vision is essential for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. During the CDS Medical Examination, ophthalmologists assess visual acuity, colour perception, binocular vision, eye alignment, and overall ocular health. The eyesight standards vary slightly for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force depending on the nature of service and branch.
| Eye Examination | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Visual Acuity | Distance and near vision evaluation. |
| Colour Vision | Ability to distinguish colours accurately. |
| Binocular Vision | Proper coordination of both eyes. |
| Eye Health | Screening for cataract, glaucoma, retinal disorders and other eye diseases. |
Hearing and ENT Standards
Candidates should have normal hearing ability without significant hearing loss. The ENT specialist checks the ears, nose, throat, and related structures to ensure there are no chronic infections, deformities, or medical conditions that may affect military service.
ENT Examination Includes
- Hearing assessment.
- Ear canal and eardrum examination.
- Nasal cavity evaluation.
- Throat and vocal cord examination.
- Assessment for chronic sinusitis or infections.
- Detection of structural abnormalities.
Dental Standards
Good oral hygiene and healthy teeth are necessary for military personnel. During the dental examination, specialists assess the condition of teeth, gums, jaw alignment, and overall oral health. Severe dental diseases or untreated infections may lead to temporary medical unfitness until treated.
- Healthy gums and teeth.
- No major untreated dental infections.
- Normal jaw movement.
- Adequate chewing efficiency.
- Proper oral hygiene.
Laboratory Investigations
The medical board may recommend various laboratory investigations to evaluate the candidate's overall health. These tests help detect hidden medical conditions that may affect fitness for military service.
| Medical Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blood Test | Checks overall health and detects infections or abnormalities. |
| Urine Test | Screens for kidney disorders, diabetes, and infections. |
| Chest X-Ray | Evaluates lung and chest health. |
| ECG | Assesses heart rhythm and cardiac function. |
| Additional Tests | Conducted if any medical condition requires further evaluation. |
Common Medical Conditions That May Lead to Rejection
Certain medical conditions may result in a candidate being declared temporarily or permanently unfit, depending on their severity and the applicable Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) guidelines.
- Severe vision defects beyond permissible limits.
- Significant hearing impairment.
- Chronic respiratory diseases.
- Serious cardiovascular disorders.
- Major orthopaedic deformities.
- Neurological disorders affecting normal function.
- Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension.
- Active infectious diseases.
- Severe psychiatric illnesses.
- Chronic kidney or liver disorders.
Temporary and Permanent Medical Unfitness
After completing the medical examination, the Medical Board classifies candidates based on their overall health status. Candidates may be declared Medically Fit, Temporarily Unfit (Temporary Rejection - TR), or Permanently Unfit (Permanent Rejection - PR). Temporary unfitness generally occurs when a treatable medical condition is detected, while permanent unfitness is declared when the condition is considered incompatible with military service.
| Medical Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Medically Fit | Eligible for inclusion in the final merit list. |
| Temporary Unfit (TR) | Medical condition can be corrected or treated before review. |
| Permanent Unfit (PR) | Medical condition does not meet AFMS standards. |
Medical Appeal and Review Process
Candidates who are declared medically unfit may, where applicable under the official rules, apply for an Appeal Medical Board (AMB) or Review Medical Board (RMB). The appeal process is conducted according to the guidelines issued by the Armed Forces Medical Services and is available only for eligible cases.
- Read the medical board report carefully.
- Apply for an Appeal Medical Board within the prescribed time, if eligible.
- Carry all required medical documents and investigation reports.
- Complete treatment if the condition is temporary.
- Attend the review examination on the scheduled date.
Preparation Tips for the CDS Medical Test 2026
Candidates should focus on maintaining good physical fitness and overall health well before the medical examination. A healthy lifestyle significantly improves the chances of meeting the prescribed medical standards.
- Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Exercise regularly to improve endurance and flexibility.
- Get adequate sleep and stay hydrated.
- Follow a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Avoid smoking, tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
- Complete dental treatment before the medical examination.
- Have your eyesight checked in advance if required.
- Carry all original documents and medical records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the CDS Medical Test conducted?
The medical examination is conducted after a candidate is recommended by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
2. Can candidates appeal against medical rejection?
Yes. Eligible candidates may apply for an Appeal Medical Board or Review Medical Board according to the official AFMS guidelines.
3. Is eyesight checked during the CDS Medical Test?
Yes. Vision, colour perception, binocular vision, and overall eye health are examined during the medical assessment.
4. Are blood and urine tests compulsory?
Yes. Laboratory investigations such as blood and urine tests are generally conducted as part of the medical examination.
5. What happens after clearing the CDS Medical Test?
Candidates who are declared medically fit become eligible for consideration in the final CDS merit list, subject to vacancies and other selection requirements.
Final Thoughts
The CDS Medical Test 2026 is the final medical assessment before selection into the Indian Armed Forces. Maintaining good physical fitness, following a healthy lifestyle, and understanding the prescribed medical standards can significantly improve your chances of qualifying. Candidates should carefully review the latest UPSC CDS notification and Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) guidelines to ensure they meet all medical eligibility requirements before appearing for the examination.
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