The Indian Army places a high emphasis on the physical and medical fitness of its personnel. Aspiring candidates and serving soldiers alike must meet stringent standards to ensure they are capable of performing their duties effectively in diverse and challenging environments. These requirements encompass physical fitness tests, vision standards, and overall health criteria.
Physical Fitness Standards
Physical fitness is a cornerstone of military readiness. The Indian Army assesses candidates and soldiers through a series of physical tests designed to evaluate their strength, endurance, and agility. These tests vary slightly depending on the entry category (officer or other ranks) and age group. However, the core components remain consistent.
- Running: A 1.6-kilometer run is a standard component used to measure cardiovascular endurance. Candidates must complete the run within a specified time, which may vary based on their category and age. For instance, soldiers aiming to maximize their Physical Test (PT) scores need to complete the run in 5 minutes 30 seconds, while the minimum qualifying time is 5 minutes 46 seconds.
- Pull-Ups: This exercise evaluates upper body strength. The number of pull-ups required to pass the test differs.
- Obstacle Course: Includes a 9-feet ditch jump and zig-zag balance, testing the candidate's ability to overcome obstacles and maintain balance.
The Indian Army is set to implement a new Combined Physical Test (CPT) effective April 1, 2026. This test will be conducted twice a year for all personnel, from Agniveers to senior officers up to age 60. The CPT aims to streamline fitness assessments and ensure that all ranks maintain a high level of physical readiness. The new CPT merges the Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET) and the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) into a single, structured test, with the aim of applying one standard across ranks and genders.
The specific components of the CPT vary based on age:
- Personnel under 45 years: The test includes a 3.2-kilometer run, push-ups, sit-ups, and vertical rope climbing.
- Personnel aged 35 to 50 years: The requirements involve a 3.2-kilometer run, push-ups, and sit-ups.
- Personnel aged 50 to 60 years: The test includes a 3.2-kilometer brisk walk, along with push-ups and sit-ups, adjusted according to age.
Vision Standards
Clear vision is critical for soldiers to perform their duties effectively. The Indian Army has specific vision standards that candidates must meet to be eligible for recruitment.
- Visual Acuity: Candidates should be able to read 6/6 in a distant vision chart with each eye, with or without glasses. For women candidates, the minimum acceptable visual acuity is 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye (corrected).
- Refractive Error: Myopia (nearsightedness) should not exceed -3.5D, and hypermetropia (farsightedness) should not exceed +3.5D, including astigmatism.
- Color Vision: Candidates must have normal color vision and be able to identify red, green, and white colors accurately.
- LASIK Surgery: Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery may be considered if the procedure was performed after the age of 20, with stable refraction for at least six months after the procedure. The corrected vision should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye, with a maximum residual refraction of +1.50 in any meridian for myopia or hypermetropia.
Health Standards
In addition to physical fitness and vision, overall health is a crucial factor in determining a candidate's eligibility for the Indian Army. Candidates must be free from any medical conditions that could hinder their ability to perform military duties. Specific medical standards are detailed in the official recruitment notifications.
The Indian Army's comprehensive physical, vision, and health standards reflect its commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and ensuring that its personnel are capable of meeting the demands of military service. These standards are periodically reviewed and updated to align with evolving operational requirements and medical advancements.
