NDA 2025: Physical Fitness Guidelines and Standards

Aspiring Candidates for NDA (National Defense Academy) need to be physically fit to succeed in the selection process.  In the NDA 2025 selection process, there are certain criteria for medical and physical standards, which candidates must pass to qualify for the final selection. In this blog, we will give you insights into the physical fitness requirements, guidelines and preparation tips to help you prepare effectively for the selection process of NDA 2025.

NDA 2025 Physical Fitness Requirements

To qualify for the NDA 2025, candidates must meet physical tests of strength, agility, and overall health. The physical fitness tests are carried out during the SSB interview (Services Selection Board), which happens after the written examination.

Check in-depth – NDA 2025 Exam Pattern and Syllabus: All you need to know about NDA exam topics

General Physical Standards for NDA 2025 candidates:

Height and Weight:

  For the Army and Air Force–

• Males- The minimum height requirement is 5 cm (5 feet 2 inches)
• Females- the minimum height is 152 cm (5 feet).
• Females – BMI should be below 25.
• Females- Waist-to-hip ratio should be less than 0.8.

Vision Standards:

• Army and Air Force: 6/6 or 6/9 vision for both eyes {with or without glasses}.
• Navy: 6/6 vision is required for both eyes.
• Candidates with colour blindness are not eligible for some branches like the Navy and Air Force.

 

Physical Endurance:

• Running is a crucial component in physical fitness tests. Candidates must be able to run 2.4 km in 15 minutes.
• You must be able to do 20 push-ups.
• 25 sit-ups are required.
• A minimum of 6 chin-ups must be done to pass this test.

 

Other Tests:

• Candidates must be able to do a minimum of 10 pull-ups.
• Candidates must achieve a standing broad jump of 7 feet or more.
• You should be able to complete a shuttle run in 5 seconds.

 

Must Check – NDA 2025: Application, Exam Dates, Syllabus, Preparation Tips and More

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NDA 2025 Physical test preparation tips

Agility and Flexibility

• Shuttle Run: Improve your agility by doing cone drills, ladder drills, or shuttle runs. These exercises help improve coordination and the ability to move quickly.
• Broad Jump: Practice broad jumps regularly to develop explosive leg power. Start with shorter jumps and gradually increase the distance.

 

Strength Training

• Push-ups: Focus on building upper body strength. Practice push-ups regularly to build upper body strength.
• Sit-ups: Improve your core strength by doing sit-ups regularly. Include Leg raises and planks into your workout to strengthen your core.
• Pull-ups: Begin with assisted pull-ups or use resistance bands to help you build strength. Then try to do full without any assistance.

 

Running and Stamina

Running is a key part of the NDA physical test. To prepare for the 2.4 km run, build up your stamina and start with shorter runs to increase your speed. Try to cope up with the given timing.

Balanced Nutrition and Hydration

Maintaining a balanced diet is the key to building strength and endurance. Include rich protein foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products to help with muscle repair. Stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks.

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Guidelines for Physical Standards of the Selection Process by NDA Officials

Medical examination of male candidates

Candidates must be physically and mentally fit according to the prescribed physical standards. The medical fitness criteria given below are as per existing guidelines;

1. Candidates are also advised to rectify minor defects/ailments to speed up the finalization of a medical examination conducted at the Military Hospital after being recommended at the SSB.
2. A few of such commonly found defects/ailments are listed below:

• Wax (Ears)
• Deviated Nasal Septum
• Hydrocele/Phimosis
• Overweight/Underweight
• Under Sized Chest
• Piles
• Gynecomastia
• Tonsillitis
• Varicocele

 

NOTE: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm. Tribes with tattoo marks on the face or body as per their existing custom and traditions will be permitted on a case-to-case basis.

3. Civilian candidates appearing for all types of commission in the Armed Forces will be entitled to outpatient treatment from service sources at public expense for injuries sustained or diseases contracted during their examination by the Selection Board. They will also be entitled to in-patient treatment at public expense in the Officer’s ward of a hospital provided.
4. Candidates declared unfit during the Appeal Medical Board will be intimated about the provision of the Review Medical Board.
5. Medical Standards and procedures for the Army, Navy and Air Force (Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branch) are given in Annexure ‘A’. Annexure ‘B’ and Annexure ‘C’ respectively visit the official website for more knowledge.

 

Medical examination of female candidates

1. General methods and principles of medical examination of female candidates will be the same as for male candidates. However, special points about the Medical Examination of female candidates are given in succeeding paragraphs.
2. A detailed menstrual, gynaecological and obstetric history in the form of a questionnaire is to be obtained from the candidate.
3. A detailed physical and systemic examination will be carried out of the candidate and she should be examined by a Lady Medical Officer or a Lady Gynaecologist only.
4. The examination must include the following inspections:

• External genitalia.
• Hernial orifices and the perineum.
• Any evidence of stress urinary incontinence or genital prolapse outside introitus.
• Evidence of lump breast and galactorrhoea

5. In all unmarried female candidates, speculum or per vaginal examination will not be carried out.
6. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis is mandatory in all female candidates during the initial Medical Examination.
7. Any abnormality of external genitalia will be considered on the merits of each case. Significant hirsutism especially with male pattern of hair growth along with radiological evidence of PCOS, will be a cause for rejection.
8. The following conditions will entail female candidates being declared unfit:
   • Primary or secondary amenorrhoea
   • Severe Menorrhagia or/ and severe dysmenorrhea.
   • Stress urinary incontinence
   • Congenital elongation of cervix or prolapsed which comes outside the introitus even after corrective surgery.
   • Pregnancy will be a cause of rejection for NDA entry.
   • Complex ovarian cyst of any size.
   • Simple ovarian cyst more than six cm.
   • Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
   • Submucous fibroid of any size.
   • Broad ligament or cervical fibroid of any size causing pressure over the ureter.
   • Single fibroid uterus more than three cm in diameter; fibroids more than two in number (each fibroid not more than fifteen mm in diameter) or fibroids distorting endometrial cavity.
   • Congenital uterine anomalies except arcuate uterus.
   • Acute or chronic pelvic infection.
   • Disorders of sexual differentiation.
   • Any other condition will be considered on the merits of each case by the Gynaecologist.
9. The following conditions will be declared as fit: –
   • Unilocular clear ovarian cyst up to six cm.
   • Minimal fluid in the pouch of Douglas.
10. Medical fitness after laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. Candidates reporting after undergoing cystectomy or myomectomy will be accepted as fit if she is asymptomatic, ultrasound pelvis is normal, histopathology of tissues removed is benign and per operative findings are not suggestive of endometriosis. Fitness will be considered twelve weeks after laparoscopic surgery and when the wound has healed fully. The candidate will be considered FIT after laparotomy one year after the surgical procedure.

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Conclusion

Physical fitness is a crucial part of the NDA 2025 selection process. It makes sure candidates are fit for tough after-selection training. Candidates must train hard to meet the physical standards of the selection process. A balanced routine of strength, exercise, and flexibility training is the best way to build a good fitness level to excel in the NDA 2025. With dedication and focus, you will be physically and mentally ready for the NDA 2025. So, let’s get started.

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