Lesson 9.1: Defence Physical Standards for NDA/CDS/AFCAT
Physical fitness is a key criterion for selection in NDA, CDS, and AFCAT. This lesson provides detailed standards and guidelines to help aspirants meet the required benchmarks.
1. Height & Weight Standards
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Minimum Height:
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Army/Navy: 157.5 cm (varies by region for certain categories)
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Air Force: 162.5 cm
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Weight: Proportional to height and age, maintaining BMI within normal limits
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Tip: Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise to achieve ideal height-weight ratio
2. Chest & Physical Measurements
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Chest Expansion: Minimum 5 cm difference between normal and full inspiration
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Muscle Development: Adequate muscle tone for endurance and strength tasks
3. Vision Standards
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Normal Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 for both eyes
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Colour Vision: Must be normal (especially for Air Force)
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Corrective Measures: Minor refractive errors may be allowed in some cases
4. Physical Fitness Tests
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Running: 1.6 km (1 mile) in 6–7 minutes depending on branch
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Push-ups, Sit-ups, Pull-ups: Minimum prescribed numbers per branch
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Long Jump, High Jump: Required to meet endurance and agility standards
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Swimming: Mandatory for Navy aspirants
5. Common Disqualifying Conditions
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Chronic diseases (heart, lung, kidney)
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Severe deformities or injuries
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Persistent vision or hearing defects
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Obesity or underweight beyond permissible limits
6. Preparation Tips
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Follow a daily fitness routine including running, strength training, and flexibility exercises
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Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and essential nutrients
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Practice branch-specific physical activities (swimming for Navy, aerobics for Air Force)
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Regularly monitor health parameters to avoid last-minute disqualification