Complete Guide to CDS medical test standards for eyesight 2026

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) medical examination mandates strict visual acuity standards: 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye for Army/OTA, while the Air Force requires uncorrected 6/6 vision for pilots. Refractive surgery (LASIK) is permitted for certain entries if performed 12 months prior.

What is the Exam?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a prestigious, bi-annual national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as the gateway for commissioning officers into the Indian Armed Forces through the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and the Officers Training Academy (OTA). Beyond the written assessment, the selection process includes a rigorous five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and a comprehensive medical examination. As experts at Exam Bhai, we emphasize that medical fitness is non-negotiable; even the most brilliant candidates can be disqualified at the final stage due to vision standards that do not align with service requirements.

Key Highlights 2026

• Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• Frequency: Twice a year (CDS I & CDS II).
• Selection Process: Written Examination → SSB Interview → Medical Examination → Merit List.
• Primary Medical Hurdles: Vision, weight, flat feet, and varicocele.
• Vision Correction Status: LASIK is permitted for IMA and OTA (subject to strict post-operative conditions and a 12-month cooling-off period), but remain highly restrictive for AFA pilot entries.

Syllabus 2026

The written exam tests your intellectual aptitude and decision-making skills. The syllabus is structured as follows:

Exam Pattern

The CDS exam follows an objective-type pattern. To stay ahead of the competition, we recommend that you consistently practice free mock tests for CDS 2027 on Exam Bhai to familiarize yourself with the time-pressured environment.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official UPSC portal, eligibility is categorized by age, education, and physical standards. Vision standards specifically are as follows:

• IMA & OTA: Distant vision (corrected) should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye. Myopia should not exceed -3.5D, and Hypermetropia should not exceed +3.5D (including astigmatism).
• INA (Executive): Stricter standards apply. Uncorrected vision of 6/6 and 6/9 is often required.
• AFA: Pilot roles require 6/6 uncorrected vision in both eyes. LASIK is generally not accepted for flying branch entry.

Source: Official recruitment notifications published on upsc.gov.in.

Application Process

Candidates must apply online through the UPSC website. Ensure your details match your Aadhar and educational documents. During the medical phase, you will need to provide full disclosure regarding any past surgeries, including laser vision correction.

Preparation Strategy

Strategic preparation is the hallmark of a successful candidate. We advise students to start by assessing their baseline knowledge. You can practice free mock tests for CDS 2027 on Exam Bhai to identify your weak areas in Mathematics and English. Consistent revision and practicing previous years' papers are essential. For medical readiness, we suggest conducting a pre-medical checkup with a civil ophthalmologist 6–8 months prior to your expected SSB date to detect any hidden vision issues.

Cut-Off Trends

Cut-offs are determined by the UPSC and vary based on the difficulty level of the paper and the number of vacancies. Historically, OTA cut-offs typically hover around 90–110 marks, while IMA/INA/AFA scores are generally higher due to the inclusion of Mathematics. Always track the final merit lists on upsc.gov.in to understand the shifting trends for your specific academy of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is laser surgery (LASIK) allowed for CDS? Yes, for IMA and OTA, but only if performed at least 12 months before the medical exam with stable post-operative results.

2. Can I wear spectacles to the medical test? Yes, for IMA and OTA, provided your vision is correctable to the required 6/6 standard within the allowed dioptre limits.

3. Is color blindness a permanent rejection? Yes, color perception (CP-II/CP-I) is a strict requirement for all branches, and color blindness generally leads to permanent medical disqualification.

4. What is the difference between 6/6 and 6/18 vision? 6/6 is standard vision (normal). 6/18 means you must be at 6 meters to see what a person with normal vision sees at 18 meters.

5. Does the Air Force allow LASIK? No, the Flying Branch of the Air Force strictly prohibits refractive surgeries. Ground duty branches may have some flexibility, but this is rare.

6. Where can I find the official medical guidelines? The official medical and physical standards are published in the detailed UPSC CDS Notification available on upsc.gov.in. Always refer to the latest notification for your specific exam cycle.

CDS Vision Standards Explained

This video provides a concise overview of LASIK eligibility and the importance of choosing the right vision correction procedure for defense aspirants.