Candidates preparing for the National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination 2027 must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards to qualify for admission to the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force through the NDA and Naval Academy entry routes. Clearing the written examination and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is not enough; candidates must also satisfy the medical fitness requirements applicable to their chosen service.

The NDA physical requirements include minimum height, weight proportionate to height and age, acceptable eyesight, hearing, dental health and overall physical fitness. Certain branches, particularly Air Force flying roles, have additional standards.
This guide explains the NDA physical and medical requirements for 2027, including height, weight, eyesight, common medical concerns and practical fitness preparation. The final eligibility decision depends on the applicable official UPSC notification and military medical board assessment.

NDA Physical Requirements 2027: Overview
Candidates should review the following physical and medical criteria before applying for the NDA examination.
| Physical or medical criterion | What candidates should know |
|---|---|
| Height | Minimum height depends on the service, role and applicable regional relaxation |
| Weight | Must be proportionate to height and age under the prescribed standards |
| Chest | Chest development and expansion may be assessed under the applicable medical standards |
| Eyesight | Vision requirements vary between the Army, Navy and Air Force |
| Colour vision | Must meet the colour perception standard for the relevant service |
| Hearing | Hearing must satisfy the prescribed medical requirements |
| Dental health | Teeth and oral health are examined |
| General fitness | Candidates must be physically and mentally fit for military training |
| Medical examination | Conducted by the authorised military medical board after the applicable selection stages |
Meeting one physical requirement does not automatically establish medical fitness. Each candidate is assessed against the complete set of standards for the relevant entry.
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NDA Height Requirements 2027
Height is an important physical eligibility criterion for NDA candidates. The minimum requirement may differ according to the service or role, and certain regional or community-related relaxations may apply under official rules.
The following figures are commonly referenced in previous NDA standards. Candidates must confirm the applicable 2027 requirements before relying on them.
| Service or entry | Commonly referenced minimum height |
|---|---|
| Army wing | 157 cm for male candidates |
| Navy wing | 157 cm for male candidates |
| Air Force ground duty | 157 cm for male candidates |
| Air Force flying roles | Higher minimum; the applicable flying standards must be checked |
For female candidates, previous NDA standards have commonly specified a minimum height of 152 cm for several entries, subject to applicable service-specific conditions and relaxations. Flying roles may have separate anthropometric requirements.
Height Relaxation for NDA Candidates
Previous standards have included height relaxations for certain candidates from specified regions or communities, including some Gorkha, northeastern, hilly-region and island categories. The exact relaxation depends on the service and the conditions listed in the applicable notification.
Candidates should not assume that a relaxation automatically applies to every wing. Verify the relevant category and supporting-document requirements in the official rules.

How to Measure Your Height Correctly
Height measurements taken at home are useful for preliminary screening but do not replace the official medical measurement.
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NDA Weight Requirements 2027
There is no single weight figure that applies to every NDA candidate. The prescribed weight depends on height, age and the applicable medical standards.
Candidates who are significantly underweight or overweight may face medical concerns during the selection process. Previous UPSC NDA medical guidance has specifically advised candidates to address weight-related issues before the medical examination.
How to Check Your Weight Eligibility
- Measure your height and weight accurately.
- Compare your measurements with the official height-weight standards applicable to your age and entry.
- If you are substantially underweight or overweight, consult a qualified medical professional.
- Avoid crash diets, extreme bulking plans or rapid weight-loss methods before the medical examination.
Remember: A general BMI calculator cannot determine NDA medical eligibility. The authorised medical board applies the prescribed military standards.
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NDA Chest Measurement and Physical Development
Chest development may be assessed as part of the physical examination. The medical board checks whether the candidate’s physical development meets the applicable standards.
Candidates should avoid relying on a single chest-expansion figure found on coaching websites unless it is confirmed in the current official rules for their entry.
To support healthy physical development, candidates can focus on regular exercise, appropriate strength training, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep.
NDA Eyesight Requirements 2027
Eyesight is an important part of the NDA medical examination. The applicable standards vary according to service and role, with flying duties generally involving more stringent visual requirements.
The medical board may examine:
Previous official NDA medical standards have included specific visual-acuity and refractive-error limits. The precise permissible limits should be checked in the current notification rather than assumed to be identical across all three services.
Can Candidates with Spectacles Apply for NDA?
Wearing spectacles does not lead to the same outcome for every service or role. Eligibility depends on the degree of refractive error, visual acuity and the standards applicable to the chosen entry.
Air Force flying roles generally have stricter eyesight requirements than many other roles. Candidates who wear spectacles should obtain an eye examination and compare the findings with the relevant official medical standards.

Is LASIK Surgery Allowed for NDA?
Do not assume that LASIK, PRK or another refractive procedure is accepted for every NDA entry. The rules can differ by service and role, and some entries have specific restrictions.
Candidates who have undergone eye surgery should obtain their medical records and check the current official rules before applying. The final decision rests with the authorised medical board.
NDA Medical Standards 2027: What Is Examined?
The medical examination assesses whether a candidate is medically fit for the demands of military training and service.
1. General Physical and Medical Health
The medical board evaluates the candidate’s overall health and relevant medical history. Conditions that affect physical performance, training or service requirements may need further assessment.
2. Hearing and Ear Health
Hearing is assessed against the prescribed standards. Ear conditions, including excessive wax or certain structural problems, may require treatment or additional evaluation.
Candidates should not attempt to treat ear problems themselves using unsafe methods. Consult a qualified healthcare professional when necessary.
3. Dental Health
Dental fitness may be evaluated through an examination of the teeth, gums and oral health. Untreated dental problems should be assessed by a dentist before the medical examination.
4. Heart, Lungs and General Medical Examination
The medical board may assess cardiovascular health, respiratory function and other relevant body systems. Further investigations may be requested where clinically necessary.
5. Bones, Joints and Posture
The examination can include the spine, limbs, joints, feet and other aspects of the musculoskeletal system. The relevance of a condition depends on the applicable standards and the medical board’s findings.
6. Skin and Other Medical Conditions
Skin conditions, hernias, varicose veins and other medical concerns may be assessed under the applicable rules. Their impact on eligibility depends on the condition, its severity and the entry-specific medical guidelines.
No general online list can conclusively determine whether an individual candidate will be accepted or rejected.
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Common Medical Issues NDA Candidates Should Check Early
Previous UPSC NDA medical guidance has identified issues such as the following as potential concerns during examination:
This is not a definitive list of automatic disqualifications. Some conditions may be treatable, may require further assessment or may be judged according to the applicable medical standards.
If you have a known medical concern, seek advice from a qualified doctor well before the selection medical examination. Do not delay treatment or attempt to conceal a condition.

NDA Physical Fitness Preparation 2027
Physical preparation helps candidates develop stamina, strength, mobility and healthy exercise habits. Although physical training is important, it does not replace the official medical examination.
1. Build Cardiovascular Endurance
Begin with manageable brisk walking, jogging or other aerobic exercise. Increase duration and intensity gradually as your fitness improves.
2. Develop Strength
Bodyweight exercises such as squats, push-ups and core exercises can help develop general strength. Use correct technique and adjust the workload to your current ability.
3. Improve Mobility and Flexibility
Include gentle mobility exercises and stretching as part of your routine. Avoid forcing painful movements or training through an injury.
4. Follow a Balanced Diet
Eat a balanced diet containing suitable sources of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables. Maintain hydration and avoid unverified supplements or extreme diets.
5. Maintain a Healthy Sleep Routine
Adequate sleep supports recovery, concentration and training performance. Keep a consistent sleep schedule, particularly during periods of intensive NDA preparation.
6. Increase Training Gradually
Do not suddenly increase running distance, training volume or exercise intensity. If you experience chest pain, fainting, unusual breathlessness or a significant injury, stop exercising and seek medical advice.
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NDA Physical Test vs Medical Examination
Candidates often confuse physical fitness preparation with the official medical examination.
| Stage or activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Personal fitness training | Helps build stamina, strength and exercise habits |
| Written examination | Tests academic knowledge under the UPSC examination scheme |
| SSB selection process | Assesses suitability for a career as an officer |
| Medical examination | Determines whether the candidate meets the prescribed medical standards |
| Final selection and admission | Depends on the applicable merit, vacancies, eligibility and other official conditions |
Do not assume that passing a running session or meeting a self-assessed fitness target guarantees medical fitness. Similarly, physical fitness alone does not guarantee selection.
How to Prepare for the NDA Medical Examination
Candidates can take a few practical steps before their medical assessment:
- Read the official UPSC notification for the relevant NDA examination.
- Check the height, weight, eyesight and other medical standards for the service you intend to join.
- Get your eyesight checked by a qualified eye-care professional.
- Address known dental, ear or other treatable health concerns with qualified professionals.
- Keep records of relevant medical treatment or previous surgery.
- Maintain regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep.
- Follow the instructions given by the authorised medical board.
Candidates should be truthful about their medical history and follow official instructions throughout the selection process.

Official Sources for NDA Physical and Medical Standards
For the most reliable information, use official sources rather than relying solely on coaching websites or social media posts.
The 2027 examination notification and the applicable medical standards take precedence over older articles. Recheck the official requirements when the notification for your examination cycle becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum height for NDA 2027?
Previous standards commonly reference 157 cm for male candidates in the Army and Navy wings and for Air Force ground duty, while flying roles may require a greater height. Female candidates and candidates eligible for specified relaxations must check the applicable entry rules. Confirm all figures in the official 2027 notification.
What is the required weight for NDA 2027?
There is no single weight requirement for all candidates. The prescribed weight depends on height, age and the applicable military medical standards.
Can I join NDA if I wear spectacles?
Possibly, depending on your visual acuity, refractive error and the service or role you select. Air Force flying duties have stricter eyesight standards, so check the relevant official rules.
Is colour blindness accepted in NDA?
Colour perception requirements vary by service and role. A candidate who has a colour-vision deficiency should obtain a proper assessment and review the relevant official medical standards.
Can a candidate with flat feet qualify for NDA?
Eligibility depends on the medical findings and the applicable standards. A candidate should obtain a professional assessment rather than assuming that every case is automatically accepted or rejected.
Are tattoos allowed for NDA candidates?
Previous official guidance has restricted permanent tattoos to specified areas, with provisions for certain tribal customs and case-by-case consideration. The applicable 2027 rules should be checked before applying.
What happens if a candidate is declared medically unfit?
The next steps depend on the official medical board’s findings and the applicable review or appeal procedure. Candidates should follow the instructions and deadlines communicated by the authorities.
Does clearing the NDA written exam guarantee admission?
No. Candidates must satisfy the other applicable selection, eligibility, medical fitness, merit and vacancy requirements.
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Conclusion
Understanding the NDA Physical & Medical Requirements 2027 helps candidates identify the standards they need to review before beginning the selection process. Height, weight, eyesight, hearing, dental health and overall medical fitness can all affect eligibility, and the exact requirements vary according to the entry and service.
Start by checking the official notification, measuring your height and weight accurately, and addressing any known health concerns with qualified professionals. Consistent physical training and informed preparation can help you approach the NDA selection process with greater confidence.
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