Physical and Medical Standards

Physical and Medical Standards:

The basic requirements of medical fitness are essentially the same for all branches, except for aircrew in whom the parameters for visual acuity, anthropometry and certain other physical standards are more stringent. A candidate will not be assessed physically fit unless the examination as a whole show that he is physically and mentally capable of withstanding severe physical and mental strain for prolonged periods in any climate in any part of the world.

General Medical and Surgical Assessment: Every candidate to be fit for the Air Force must conform to the minimum standards laid down in the following points. The general build should be well developed and proportionate.

a) The residual effects of fractures/ old injuries are to be assessed for any functional limitation. If there is no effect on function, the candidate can be assessed fit. Cases of old fractures of spine are unfit. Any residual deformity of spine or compression of a vertebra will be cause for rejection. Injuries involving the trunks of the larger nerves, resulting in loss of function, or scarring, which cause pain or cramps, indicate unsuitability for employment in flying duties. The presence of large or multiple keloids will be a cause for rejection.

b) Asymmetry of the face and head, which will interfere with proper fitting of oxygen mask and helmet, will be a cause for rejection for flying duties.

c) A candidate who has undergone an abdominal operation, other than a simple appendicectomy, involving extensive surgical intervention or partial or total excision of any organ is unsuitable for flying duties. Operation involving the cranial vault (e.g. trephining), or extensive thoracic operations make the candidate unfit for flying.

Guidelines with regard to physical and medical standards for candidates are as follows: -

I. Chest: The chest should be well proportioned and well developed with the minimum range of expansion of 5 cm.

II. Height, Sitting Height, Leg Length and Thigh Length:

(a) The minimum height for entry into ground duty branches will be 157.5 cm. Gorkhas and individuals belonging to North Eastern regions of India and hilly regions of Uttarakhand, the minimum acceptable height will be 5 cm less (152.5 cm). In case of candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum acceptable height can be reduced by 2 cm (155.5 cm).

(b) Minimum height for Flying Branch will be 162.5 cm. Acceptable measurements of leg length, thigh length and sitting height for such aircrew will be as under (No concession for age/ sex/ region).: -

Note: You will be screened for your height and weight at AFSB. In case you do not meet the height criterion when you report to AFSB, you may not be tested. Overweight/obese candidate would be issued with a letter of caution and advised to reduce weight within the specified limits before reporting for medicals. Maximum permissible weight deviation is 01 Standard Deviation (SD) as per the height and weight standards for men and women.

Height and Weight standards for men and women are given below for Indian Air Force. Interpolation for weights against height not mentioned may be done.

Height and Weight Standards for Male:

Height and Weight standards for Female:

IMP NOTE: There are many more MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR AFCAT, it is advice to you refer notification for full details, before final conclusion.

These are under the following headings:

1. Cardiovascular System
2. Respiratory System
3. Gastrointestinal System: Liver, Gall Bladder, Urogenital System, Scrotum and Testis.
4. Urogenital System
5. Endocrine System
6. Dermatological System
7. Musculoskeletal System and Physical Capacity
8. Central Nervous System
9. Ear, Nose and Throat
10. Ophthalmic System
11. Haemopoietic System

Assessment for women candidates: -

(a) Any lump in the breast will be a cause for rejection. Cases of Fibroadenoma breast after successful surgical removal may be considered fit with the opinion of a surgical specialist and a normal histopathological report.

(b) Galactorrhoea will be cause for temporary unfitness. Fitness after investigation/ treatment may be considered based on merits of the case and opinion of the concerned specialist.

(c) Any abnormality of external genitalia will be considered on merits of each case. Significant hirsutism especially with male pattern of hair growth will be a cause for rejection.

Following conditions will not be a cause for rejection: -

(i) Small fibroid uterus (3 cm or less in diameter) without symptoms.

(ii) Small ovarian cyst (6 cm or less in diameter) as such cysts are invariably functional.

(iii) Congenital elongation of cervix (which comes up to introitus).

(d) Congenital uterine anomalies such as bicornuate uterus, uterus didelphys and arcuate uterus. Acute or chronic pelvic infection and Endometriosis will be causes for rejection.

(e) Severe menorrhagia will entail rejection.

(f) Complete prolapse of uterus will be a cause for rejection. Minor degree, after surgical correction, may be considered for fitness on merits.

(g) Any other gynaecological condition not covered above will be considered on merits of each case by Gynaecologist.

(h) Pregnancy will be a cause for rejection.

 Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on inner face of forearm (from

inside of elbow to the wrist) and on the reverse side of palm/ back (dorsal) side of hand. Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body are not acceptable. Tribes with tattoo marks on the face or body as per their existing customs and traditions will be permitted on a case to case basis.

Narcotics: Use/possession of narcotics is banned. Candidate may be tested for presence of drugs in the body during Medicals and subsequently during training/ service career as an officer. If candidate is found to be using/ in possession of narcotics during any time of training/service career, candidate would be debarred from joining the Indian Air Force or be removed from service if already joined.