A medical examination is mandatory for most government jobs before the final appointment letter is issued. Failing the medical can disqualify you even after clearing all exam stages. Know the standards in advance.
Which Jobs Require Medical Examination?
Almost all government jobs require at least a basic medical check. Strict physical standards apply to:
- Indian Army / Navy / Air Force - Most stringent
- Paramilitary Forces (CISF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP)
- Indian Railways - All posts including Group D and NTPC
- Delhi Police / State Police
- SSC CGL Inspector posts (Income Tax, Customs, CBI)
Lighter checks apply to desk/clerical posts like SSC Clerk, Banking, etc.
Vision Standards
| Post Category | Standard |
|---|---|
| IAS/IPS (UPSC) | Near vision N6, Distant 6/6 (with glasses allowed) |
| Indian Army Officer | 6/6 distant (correctable to 6/6 with specs) |
| Indian Air Force (Pilot) | 6/6 without glasses mandatory |
| Railway Group D | Distant: 6/9 unaided or 6/6 with glasses |
| SSC Inspector (IT/Customs) | N6 near vision minimum |
| Police Constable | 6/6 or correctable to 6/9 |
Colour Blindness: Disqualifying for many posts including railways, army, and aviation.
Height and Weight Standards
Height requirements vary by post and category (SC/ST candidates get 2-5 cm relaxation in most).
| Post | Male Height | Female Height |
|---|---|---|
| Army GD | 170 cm (General) | - |
| CISF Constable | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Delhi Police Constable | 170 cm (General), 165 cm (SC/ST/OBC) | 157 cm |
| RPF Constable | 165 cm | 157 cm |
Weight: Should be proportional to height. BMI standards apply for many posts.
Common Disqualifying Conditions
- Colour blindness (for most technical and field posts)
- Flat feet (for army and police - check by X-ray)
- Knock knees (genu valgum) beyond permissible angle
- Hearing impairment beyond acceptable decibel loss
- Untreated hernia, hydrocele, varicocele (correctable before joining)
- Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension
- Tattoos (some posts do not allow visible tattoos - check notification)
Correctable vs Disqualifying Conditions
Many conditions are correctable before joining:
- Hernia, hydrocele, varicocele - surgical correction accepted
- Dental issues - corrected teeth are acceptable
- Refractive errors - glasses/contact lenses allowed for many posts
If you are called for medical with a potentially disqualifying condition, consult a specialist immediately. Some conditions declared “temporarily unfit” give you time to complete treatment.
Tips for Medical Preparation
- Get a pre-medical check at least 6 months before your expected DV date
- Eye care: If below standard, consult ophthalmologist early
- Fitness training: Build endurance and maintain healthy BMI
- Avoid alcohol/smoking in the weeks before medical - affects liver and lung tests
After document verification comes medical, then joining. Stay informed via Telegram channel.
See also: Document Verification Guide | Defence Jobs India | Latest Govt Job Notifications