Are You Ready to Transform Your Dream Into Reality?
Picture this: You’ve conquered the CDS written exam, your confidence is soaring, and you’re just steps away from wearing that coveted uniform. But here’s the reality check – over 40% of candidates who clear the written exam get rejected during the medical and physical standards evaluation.
Don’t let months of hard work crumble at the final hurdle. Understanding and preparing for CDS physical fitness standards for men isn’t just important – it’s absolutely critical for your success.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the physical and medical requirements for CDS 2025, helping you avoid common pitfalls that derail thousands of aspirants every year.
🎖️ Why Physical Fitness Standards Make or Break Your CDS Journey
The Indian Armed Forces don’t just need brilliant minds – they need officers who can lead from the front, endure challenging terrains, and maintain peak performance under pressure. The CDS physical fitness standards for men ensure that only the most capable candidates make it through.
Here’s what’s at stake:
- Your years of preparation could be wasted if you overlook these standards
- Physical fitness directly impacts your confidence during SSB interviews
- Medical disqualification means waiting another year to reapply
💡 Insider Tip: Start your physical preparation at least 6 months before your SSB dates. Most successful candidates begin fitness training immediately after clearing the written exam.
📏 CDS Height and Weight Requirements: The Numbers That Matter
Your physical dimensions must align with military standards. Here’s the complete breakdown of CDS height and weight requirements for male candidates:
Minimum Height Standards by Academy:
- Army (IMA): 157.5 cm
- Navy (INA): 157.5 cm
- Air Force (AFA): 162.5 cm
Weight Chart Based on Height and Age:
| Height (cm) | Age 18 (kg) | Age 20 (kg) | Age 22 (kg) | Age 24 (kg) |
| 152 | 44 | 46 | 47 | 48 |
| 157 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 |
| 162 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 |
| 167 | 57 | 59 | 60 | 61 |
| 172 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 |
| 177 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 |
| 182 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 74 |
🏔️ Special Relaxation: Candidates from hilly regions (Garhwal, Kumaon, Gorkha, North-East states) get a 5cm height relaxation.
👁️ Eyesight Criteria for CDS: See Your Way to Success
Vision requirements vary significantly between academies. Here are the precise eyesight criteria for CDS that you must meet:
| Academy | Uncorrected Vision | Corrected Vision | Color Vision |
| IMA (Army) | 6/12 in better eye, 6/24 in worse | 6/6 in both eyes | CP-II required |
| INA (Navy) | 6/12 in better eye, 6/24 in worse | 6/6 in both eyes | CP-II required |
| AFA (Air Force) | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other | 6/6 in both eyes | CP-I required |
Key Vision Facts:
- LASIK surgery is acceptable if done after age 20 and at least 6 months before medical examination
- Contact lenses are generally not preferred during medical tests
- Any form of color blindness results in automatic disqualification
⚠️ Critical Warning: Color blindness is one of the top 3 reasons for medical rejection. If you have any doubts, get tested by an ophthalmologist immediately.
🩺 Medical Standards for CDS Exam: What Doctors Really Check
The medical standards for CDS exam are comprehensive and thorough. Here’s what the Medical Board evaluates:
Primary Medical Tests:
- Cardiovascular System: ECG, blood pressure, heart murmurs
- Respiratory System: Chest X-ray, lung function tests
- Musculoskeletal System: Joint mobility, spine alignment, flat feet screening
- Neurological Assessment: Reflexes, coordination, mental alertness
- Laboratory Tests: Complete blood count, urine analysis, blood sugar
Dental Requirements:
- Minimum 14 dental points required
- No active dental infections
- Proper bite alignment
🚨 Common Disqualification Alert: These conditions lead to immediate rejection:
- Knock knees or bow legs
- Flat feet or high arches
- Hernia, hydrocele, or varicocele
- Chronic skin conditions
- History of psychiatric treatment
- Excessive weight beyond permissible limits
🧠 Beyond Physical: Mental Fitness That Counts
While there’s no separate written psychological test, your mental fitness is continuously evaluated through:
- Stress response during various tests
- Decision-making ability under pressure
- Emotional stability throughout the selection process
- Leadership potential in group activities
The medical officers are trained to spot candidates who might struggle with the mental demands of military life.
✅ Your 90-Day Physical Preparation Roadmap
Months 1-2: Foundation Building
- Start with 20-minute daily walks
- Basic bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats, planks)
- Establish proper sleep schedule (7-8 hours)
- Eliminate junk food and smoking
Month 3: Intensification
- Increase to 30-minute runs
- Add strength training exercises
- Practice stress management techniques
- Regular health monitoring
💪 Pro Tip: Focus on functional fitness rather than gym aesthetics. Military training demands endurance, flexibility, and mental resilience more than bulky muscles.
🔥 CDS Eligibility Physical Test: What Actually Happens
During your CDS eligibility physical test, expect:
- Height and weight measurement (first checkpoint)
- Visual acuity testing with and without glasses
- Blood pressure and pulse check
- Physical examination by military doctors
- Specialized tests based on your chosen academy
The entire process typically takes 2-3 days, and you’ll be constantly evaluated for your bearing, confidence, and adaptability.
❓ Quick-Fire FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can I apply if I’m slightly underweight? A: You may be given time to gain weight if you’re close to the minimum requirement. However, it’s better to meet standards before the medical exam.
Q: What if I have old injury marks or scars? A: Minor scars are usually acceptable. However, any injury that affects functionality may lead to disqualification.
Q: Is tattoo allowed in CDS? A: Small, non-offensive tattoos in non-visible areas are generally acceptable. Avoid tattoos on face, neck, or hands.
Q: Can I wear braces during the medical exam? A: Dental braces are usually acceptable, but ensure you meet the minimum dental points requirement.
🎯 Your Next Move: From Preparation to Success
You now have the complete roadmap to navigate the CDS physical fitness standards for men. But knowledge without action is worthless. Every day you delay your physical preparation is a day your competitors get ahead.
The path to wearing the uniform starts with a single step – and that step is taking your physical fitness seriously, starting today.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
- Assess your current fitness level against these standards
- Create a personalized training schedule
- Address any medical concerns immediately
- Stay consistent with your preparation
🚀 Ready to Dominate Your CDS Journey?
Don’t leave your military dreams to chance. Download our comprehensive “CDS Physical Standards Success Checklist” – a detailed action plan used by hundreds of successful candidates to ace their medical and physical evaluations.
[Click here to download your FREE CDS Success Checklist] and transform your preparation from good to exceptional!
Remember: The uniform doesn’t just represent a job – it represents your commitment to serve the nation. Make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared to honor that commitment.
Jai Hind!
