Meeting the NDA height, weight, and chest requirements is mandatory to clear the medical examination after the written exam and SSB interview. Even a high merit rank can be rejected if a candidate fails to meet the prescribed physical standards.
This article gives a comprehensive, SEO-optimised, and easy-to-understand guide to the NDA 2026 height, weight & chest requirements for boys and girls, including relaxations, common causes of rejection, preparation tips, and FAQs.
Why NDA Physical Standards Are Important
Ensures candidates can handle rigorous NDA training
Prevents medical issues during military service
Mandatory for final merit selection
Same standards across Army, Navy & Air Force (with minor variations)
👉 Medical fitness is as important as written and SSB performance.
NDA 2026 Height Requirements (Minimum)
Minimum Height for Boys
| Wing | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Army | 157 cm |
| Navy | 157 cm |
| Air Force | 163 cm |
Minimum Height for Girls
| Wing | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Army | 152 cm |
| Navy | 152 cm |
| Air Force | 163 cm |
📌 Air Force has higher height requirements for both boys and girls.
Height Relaxation for Specific Categories
Height relaxation is allowed for candidates from hilly and tribal regions.
| Category | Height Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Gorkhas | –5 cm |
| Hill areas (J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, NE states) | –5 cm |
| Lakshadweep | –2 cm |
NDA 2026 Weight Requirements (As per Height & Age)
Weight is checked in proportion to height and age. Below is a general reference chart.
Weight Chart for Boys (Approximate)
| Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| 157 | 49–54 |
| 160 | 51–56 |
| 165 | 53–59 |
| 170 | 56–63 |
| 175 | 59–67 |
| 180 | 63–71 |
Weight Chart for Girls (Approximate)
| Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| 152 | 44–49 |
| 155 | 46–51 |
| 160 | 48–54 |
| 165 | 51–57 |
| 170 | 54–60 |
| 175 | 57–63 |
⚠️ Being overweight or underweight beyond permissible limits can lead to medical rejection.
NDA 2026 Chest Requirements (Boys Only)
Chest measurement is applicable only for male candidates.
| Requirement | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Chest (unexpanded) | 81 cm |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm |
✔️ Chest should be well-developed and symmetrical.
Chest Requirements for Girls
No chest measurement requirement
General physical fitness is assessed instead
Important Medical Fitness Points for NDA
Apart from height, weight & chest, candidates must ensure:
Normal blood pressure
No deformities (flat foot, knock knee, scoliosis, etc.)
Good eyesight (as per service standards)
No permanent tattoos on prohibited body parts
Normal hearing and speech
Common Reasons for Medical Rejection
❌ Overweight / underweight
❌ Chest expansion less than 5 cm (boys)
❌ Flat foot or knock knee
❌ Poor eyesight (beyond limits)
❌ Permanent tattoos in restricted areas
❌ Poor posture or spinal issues
How to Improve Physical Measurements Naturally
To Increase Chest Expansion
Push-ups
Pull-ups
Deep breathing exercises
Swimming
To Manage Weight
Balanced diet
Daily running
Avoid junk food
Adequate sleep
📌 Crash diets or extreme workouts are strongly discouraged.
When Is Height, Weight & Chest Checked?
After SSB interview
During military hospital medical examination
Final clearance before joining NDA
Can Rejected Candidates Appeal?
Yes. Candidates declared Temporary Unfit (TUF) can apply for an appeal medical board within the specified time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is height relaxation applicable for girls in NDA?
Yes, the same regional height relaxation rules apply to girls.
Q2. Is chest measurement compulsory for NDA girls?
No, chest measurement is only for boys.
Q3. Can I join NDA if I am slightly overweight?
A small variation may be allowed, but excess weight can cause rejection.
Q4. Are NDA medical standards the same for all wings?
Mostly yes, but Air Force standards are stricter.
Q5. Can height be increased naturally for NDA?
Height increase after a certain age is limited; focus on posture and fitness.
Conclusion
Understanding the NDA 2026 height, weight & chest requirements for boys and girls is crucial to avoid last-stage disappointment. Start monitoring your physical standards early, follow a healthy lifestyle, and prepare well in advance to ensure medical fitness along with academic success 🇮🇳.
