Updated 2026 | By Droneshwar Defence Academy
Medical fitness is one of the most decisive stages in the NDA and CDS selection process. Many candidates clear the written exam and even get recommended in SSB, yet face rejection during the medical examination due to not meeting prescribed physical standards. Among all medical parameters, height, weight, and BMI play a critical role.
This article explains the medical criteria for NDA, CDS medical fitness standards, height–weight eligibility, and BMI requirements in a clear and factual manner.
The armed forces require candidates who can withstand long training hours, physical stress, and operational challenges. Medical standards ensure that selected candidates can adapt to military life without health risks.
Failure to meet medical criteria can lead to:
Understanding the standards early helps candidates prepare correctly.
The medical criteria for NDA are set by defence medical authorities and apply uniformly across services. These criteria assess whether a candidate is physically and medically fit for training at the National Defence Academy.
Key medical areas include:
Among these, height and weight are evaluated first.
NDA height and weight standards are designed to ensure balanced physical development. Height is measured without shoes, and weight must be proportionate to height as per official charts.
One of the most common questions is:
What is the minimum height required for NDA?
The minimum height required for NDA is 157 cm for most candidates.
Candidates below the minimum height are declared medically unfit, regardless of other qualifications.
The CDS height weight eligibility standards are similar to NDA but applied to older candidates. Since CDS aspirants usually belong to a higher age group, maintaining weight becomes more important.
Medical officers check:
Any significant deviation from prescribed limits may lead to rejection.
NDA BMI requirements are assessed to determine whether a candidate falls within a healthy weight range.
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated using:
Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m²)
BMI helps medical officers identify:
Candidates with extremely high or low BMI may be declared unfit or advised review.
The CDS medical fitness standards focus on long-term service suitability. Apart from height and weight, doctors also assess:
Even if height is acceptable, excess or insufficient weight can affect final medical clearance.
The armed forces height weight rules are not random figures. They are based on:
Medical officers strictly follow official charts. Visual fitness or athletic appearance alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Most of these issues can be corrected with early awareness and proper guidance.
Medical fitness is a long-term process, not a last-minute adjustment.
Height, weight, and BMI are fundamental parameters in NDA and CDS medical examinations. Understanding NDA height and weight standards, CDS height weight eligibility, and BMI requirements helps aspirants prepare realistically and avoid unnecessary rejection.
Medical fitness is as important as academic and SSB preparation. Early awareness ensures smoother progress in the selection process.
1. What is the minimum height required for NDA?
The minimum height required for NDA is generally 157 cm, measured without shoes, subject to branch-specific standards.
2. What are the NDA height and weight standards?
NDA height and weight standards require candidates to maintain weight proportional to height as per official defence medical charts.
3. What is the CDS height weight eligibility?
CDS height weight eligibility depends on the candidate’s height, age, and branch, with weight needing to fall within prescribed limits.
4. What are the NDA BMI requirements?
NDA BMI requirements ensure candidates fall within a healthy BMI range. Extremely high or low BMI can lead to medical rejection.
5. Are armed forces height weight rules the same for all candidates?
No, armed forces height weight rules may vary slightly based on branch, age, and category, but minimum standards remain strict.
6. Can a candidate be rejected only for weight?
Yes, candidates can be rejected if their weight is significantly above or below the allowed limit for their height.
7. Is BMI calculated during NDA or CDS medical examination?
Yes, BMI is calculated during the medical examination to assess overall physical health.
8. Can height or weight issues be corrected before medical tests?
Weight-related issues can often be corrected with time and discipline, but height cannot be changed.
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