Eyesight plays a decisive role in determining a candidate’s medical fitness in the Indian Army. It directly influences operational safety, coordination, and efficient performance. Optimal vision helps Army personnel operate in high-stress environments. It supports fast decision-making and precision in field and technical operations.
Each role within the Army demands a distinct level of visual capability. For instance, ground combat operations that require perfect visual clarity and depth perception, while high-precision technical duties demand moderate corrections. These role-based standards ensure that each soldier meets the visual demands of their duties.
The Indian Army updated its eyesight requirements in 2025 to align with current medical and operational practices.
This guide explains the Indian Army’s minimum eyesight standards and specific standards for NDA, CDS, technical and non-technical entries, and soldier roles, including GD, clerk, and tradesman. It further addresses the Indian Army colour vision and night vision criteria. Additionally, it covers the best facilities for eye testing before Army application, a downloadable PDF for eye testing, whether LASIK and other eye surgeries are allowed, the eye power limit for the Indian Army, the steps after failing the eyesight examination, and whether candidates can join the Indian Army with spectacles.
The goal of this article is to provide Indian Army aspirants with updated information on the latest eyesight standards for 2026, so they can determine which roles they are eligible for and take the necessary precautions for eye health.
What is the Minimum Eyesight Requirement for the Indian Army?
The Indian Army sets strict eyesight standards to ensure precise vision under demanding military environments. These general vision benchmarks support efficiency, accuracy, and safety:
- Unaided vision must be of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye.
- Corrected vision (with glasses) must be 6/6 in both eyes.
- Refractive errors are permitted.
- Myopia is accepted up to -2.5 dioptres.
- Hypermetropia should not be more than +3.5 dioptres.
- Astigmatism must not exceed ±2.5 dioptres in any meridian.
- Colour vision must be normal (CP-III standard or better).
- Squint, keratoconus, or progressive eye disease are not accepted.
- Clear night vision is necessary for combat and technical branches.
- Refractive surgeries such as LASIK are only permissible for certain entries after age 20 and with stable post-operative vision.
Note: The standards vary slightly between commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers, with combat arms and aviation entries requiring stricter limits.
Indian Army Eyesight Standard for NDA (National Defence Academy) & CDS (Combined Defence Services)
The Indian Army enforces stringent ophthalmic standards for NDA and CDS entry to ensure optimal visual efficiency in combat and field conditions. The eyesight requirements for each of them are shared below.
NDA (National Defence Academy)
The National Defence Academy (NDA) has a strict minimum eyesight standard. Candidates are required to meet the following visual acuity:
- A minimum distant vision of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 in both eyes in initial entry.
- Myopia must not exceed -2.5 dioptres. Limits are -3.5 dioptres and -5.5 dioptres, including astigmatism, for male and female graduate candidates, respectively.
- Hypermetropia must not be beyond +2.5 dioptres. For graduate candidates, the limit is +3.5 dioptres for males and +5.5 dioptres for females, with astigmatism included in this value.
- Congenital night blindness must not be present. Accurate perception under varying light conditions is essential.
- Colour blindness is not allowed. Colour perception of at least CP-II grade is required.
- Squint and other progressive eye diseases are disqualifying.
CDS (Combined Defence Services)
Combined Defence Services have the same eyesight standards as the NDA, but are more stringent for combat and aviation-oriented branches, such as the Infantry, Armoured Corps, and Artillery. The general requirements are listed below:
- Distance vision should be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 in both eyes in initial entry.
- Myopia should not exceed -2.5 dioptres for 10+2 entries and -3.5 dioptres and -5.5 dioptres, including astigmatism, for male and female graduate candidates, respectively.
- Hypermetropia must be within +3.5 dioptres. Male graduates cannot exceed +3.5 dioptres of hypermetropia, while female graduates cannot exceed +5.5 dioptres, with any astigmatism counted toward this limit.
- Colour perception of CP-II is required.
- Binocular vision is required.
Eyesight Requirement for Technical & Non-Technical Entries
The Indian Army defines slightly relaxed visual standards for technical entries, while non-technical entries and the aviation Army wing require much stricter standards. The distinction between these entries reflects the differing visual loads and safety implications of each role as mentioned below:
Technical Entries (Engineers, Signals, Education Corps)
Candidates entering through technical branches, such as the Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals, or Education Corps, are assessed under moderately relaxed ophthalmic criteria. These roles primarily involve analytical, instructional, and equipment-based tasks, where functional visual correction through spectacles is acceptable. The visual acuity standards are listed below:
- Minimum vision of 6/18 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 with glasses, is required. (Candidates with mild refractive errors are sometimes accepted.).
- Myopia is allowed up to -3.5 dioptres.
- Hypermetropia is accepted up to +3.5 dioptres.
- Colour perception of CP-II or better is required. It must be adequate for reading colour-coded technical charts and wiring diagrams.
- Progressive ocular pathology, night blindness, or prior corneal surgery are disqualifying conditions.
Non-Technical Entries (Infantry, Armoured Corps, Artillery)
The Army enforces stricter visual acuity standards for combat and field formations to ensure operational safety and situational precision. This is to prevent visual fatigue or error in perception that can compromise performance or safety during operations.
These branches demand rapid visual coordination, spatial judgment, and target recognition, often under low-visibility conditions. Candidates must meet these visual standards:
- Unaided vision of minimum 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other. Corrected vision must be 6/6 bilaterally.
- Myopia should not be more than -2.5 dioptres.
- Hypermetropia is accepted until +3.5 dioptres.
- Colour vision of grade CP-II or better is required. Colour perception defects are disqualifying.
Army Aviation Wing
Among all Army entries, aviation demands the highest level of visual integrity. This is because even minor concerns can endanger mission effectiveness or human life. The eyesight requirements for the Army Aviation Wing are listed below:
- Candidates must have unaided 6/6 vision in both eyes, with no refractive error.
- They must have perfect depth perception.
- Refractive surgeries (LASIK/PRK) are not permitted if performed before age 20 or beyond specified dioptre limits.
Colour perception of the highest standard, i.e., CP-I, is required.
Eyesight Standards for Army Soldiers (General Duty, Clerk, Tradesman)
The Indian Army soldiers in the general duty (GD), clerk/storekeeper technical, and tradesman categories are required to meet strict visual standards, with GD being the most difficult. The criteria for each have been detailed below for a deeper understanding:
General Duty (GD)
General duty soldiers, who serve in combat and physically intensive field roles, need optimal unaided vision. This ensures they are ready to take action, can effectively recognise the target, and have situational awareness. Therefore, these stringent standards are listed for them:
- Unaided visual acuity of 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye.
- Corrected vision (with glasses) is not permitted.
- Colour vision of CP-II or better grade is essential to distinguish signals, terrain features, and uniforms.
- Binocular vision must be normal, with no squint, nystagmus, or diplopia.
Note: Even minor myopia, hypermetropia, or astigmatism leads to rejection in GD roles.
Clerk/Storekeeper Technical
Clerical and storekeeper technical positions require precision in documentation, digital data management, and logistics handling. They demand stable near and intermediate vision, especially in low-light or computer-based settings. Long-range vision acuity is not a priority. The standards are comparatively moderate but still medically strict:
- Visual acuity of 6/6 in both eyes with or without correction.
- Mild to moderate myopia/hypermetropia is acceptable if fully correctable with lenses.
- Colour vision of grade CP-III is required for proper identification of documents, forms, and materials.
- Squint and other eye pathologies are not permitted if they interfere with reading or close work.
Tradesman
The Tradesman category encompasses a broad range of roles, from mechanical and electrical to artisan-based. While each has varying visual demands, here are the common eyesight requirements to ensure functional efficiency and occupational safety:
- Visual acuity must be correctable to 6/6 in both eyes.
- Colour vision of CP-III or better is needed to identify tools, materials, and safety signals.
- Refractive errors must be acceptable within mild limits if corrected vision meets the 6/6 standard.
- Candidates performing technical or machine-based work need to clear additional colour perception or depth judgment testing.
Additional Considerations
Besides the respective standards, all of these categories also demand these eyesight requirements:
- No night blindness.
- Fluctuating or unstable refraction is considered unfit for these entries.
- Prior refractive surgery (LASIK/PRK) is generally not accepted for soldier-level entries.
- Any degenerative eye pathology, such as retinitis pigmentosa or keratoconus, calls for disqualification.
Indian Army Colour Blindness & Night Vision Criteria
The Indian Army demands strict colour vision standards for combat and surveillance roles, and a comparatively relaxed standard for administrative roles. Night vision is a must-have for all roles.
All colour vision and night vision standards, along with testing methods, are listed in detail below.
Colour Vision Standards
Colour perception is a critical factor of fitness for Army service, particularly in combat and technical roles where accurate colour differentiation helps interpret signals, identify targets, read maps, and operate coded equipment.
Candidates are tested using standardized Ishihara plates (minimum 24-plate edition), followed by confirmation with a lantern test if required. Those who fail the screening are classified as CP-III or CP-IV, depending on severity. They are redirected to non-combatant or administrative roles only if eligible otherwise.
The acceptable grades are:
- In combat, artillery, armoured, and technical trades. CP-I/CP-II is required. Candidates must distinguish primary colours accurately and pass the Ishihara or Edridge-Green Lantern Test.
- For clerical, administrative, and support roles (e.g., Storekeeper, Tradesman, Clerk), CP-III is acceptable.
- Total or partial colour blindness is a disqualifying condition for combat and technical arms, as it poses significant risks in distinguishing uniforms, signals, or danger markings.
- In General Duty (GD), Aviation, or Engineering Corps entries, even mild anomalies are not allowed.
Night Vision Criteria
Night vision, the ability to perceive under low-light conditions, is another decisive factor in Army selection, especially for combat and surveillance duties.
Clinical assessment involves scotopic (low-light) visual testing and pupil reaction evaluation, supplemented by dark adaptation tests in specific cases.
The only criterion is that candidates must possess normal night vision. They must perceive objects and movement accurately in dim light conditions without excessive sensitivity to glare.
Any degree of night blindness is an absolute disqualifier for all Army categories. This is due to the high risk of compromised situational awareness and safety during nocturnal or low-visibility operations.
Note: Night blindness arises from congenital causes, vitamin A deficiency, or retinal degenerative conditions (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa). Candidates with these signs are declared permanently unfit for Army service.
Where to Visit to Test Your Eyes before Joining the Army?
Aspiring candidates for the Indian Army should visit a reputable eye clinic or eye hospital that specializes in defence-grade eye testing. The chosen facility must have all necessary diagnostic facilities, including Snellen and near-vision charts, refraction assessment units, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, and fundus examination equipment.
Hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), such as Eye7 Eye Hospitals in Delhi, are often selected by Army aspirants for their advanced diagnostic infrastructure and experience with military-specific screening protocols.
Note: Test at least 3-6 months before the Army medical exam. This gives candidates the time to correct any reversible issues and ensure their eyesight fully complies with Army standards.
Download Indian Army Eye Test Chart PDF
Indian Army aspirants can download this free Snellen eye test chart and assess their own vision. For self-assessment, print the chart on A4 paper, mount it on an eye-level platform in a well-lit room, and stand 6 meters away. Cover each eye and identify the line until which can be read. The visual acuity is the 6/*the value in metres of the last line clearly read line*.
Download Snellen Eye Test Chart in PDF
Is LASIK or Eye Surgery Allowed in Indian Army?
Until the mid-2010s, LASIK and other refractive eye surgeries were considered incompatible with Indian Army service due to concerns about corneal stability, glare sensitivity, and long-term eye health under extreme field conditions.
However, with advances in surgical precision and post-operative safety, the Indian Army has updated its visual eligibility norms, allowing LASIK under controlled parameters.
Current Eligibility Conditions
Under the latest medical standards, LASIK and other surface ablation procedures like PRK or LASEK are permitted for candidates for most ground and administrative roles. They must meet the following clinical and operational criteria:
- The candidate must be 20 years or older at the time of examination, and the treated eye must have achieved refractive stability before surgery.
- Vision must remain stable for at least 12 months post-surgery, certified by an ophthalmologist through consistent refraction records.
- LASIK is acceptable for prior refractive errors up to ±6.0 dioptres (spherical equivalent) only for moderate myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism.
- The cornea should have adequate thickness, no haze, no ectasia, and a regular topography on corneal tomography evaluation.
- Corrected vision must meet 6/6, 6/9 standards without residual optical distortions such as halos or ghosting.
Restrictions
LASIK remains restricted in high-performance or high-altitude environments where extreme atmospheric or acceleration conditions may compromise post-surgical corneal integrity. It’s not allowed for:
- Army aviation (pilot/aircrew duties) due to aeromedical safety concerns under fluctuating cabin pressure.
- Special forces or diver roles where rapid pressure and temperature changes could impact corneal healing and hydration.
Disqualifications
Candidates with complicated or enhancement LASIK, post-surgical corneal scars, keratectasia, or unstable refraction are considered medically unfit.
What is the Eye Power Limit for the Indian Army?
The table below summarizes the official eye power limits and associated medical standards for different categories and roles in the Indian Army:
| Parameter | Most Common Acceptable Limit |
|---|---|
| Distance Vision | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other, without glasses or contact lenses |
| Corrected Vision | 6/6 in both eyes, corrected using glasses or contacts |
| Myopia | Up to -2.5 dioptres |
| Hyprmetropia | Up to +3.5 dioptres |
| Astigmatism | Up to ±2.5 dioptres |
| Colour Vision | CP-I and CP-II, and CP-III for administrative tasks |
| Night Vision | Normal |
| Binocular Vision | Normal |
| LASIK, Refractive Surgery | Allowed if done after 20, stable correction for at least a year, no complications, and error within ± 6 dioptres. |
What Happens if You Fail the Indian Army Eyesight Test?
Candidates who fail the eyesight test are not immediately disqualified. Instead, candidates can initiate a structured re-evaluation or appeal after a negative result of the initial examination, depending on whether they have treatable conditions or permanent eye defects.
The step-by-step process is explained below:
Initial Medical Examination
During the initial medical examination, candidates are tested for visual acuity, colour vision, binocular vision, and fundus exam.
Depending on the results, those who don’t meet standards are categorised into temporarily unfit (TUF) and permanently unfit (PUF) conditions.
Re-examination for TUF
TUF candidates have treatable conditions. They undergo a re-examination after 6-12 weeks. Meanwhile, they can get treatment, optical correction, or medical review for previous eye surgery.
The second examination is the ultimate result, so candidates need to take quick action.
Appeal for PUF
Candidates declared PUF can still raise a formal appeal through the Appeal Medical Board. This must be done within 42 days of the initial result declaration, using medical evidence to confirm eye fitness. They are then re-examined with independent ophthalmologists.
Re-examination Results
If a candidate is declared unfit in the second examination, the result is binding at least for high-vision-demand and combat roles in the Army. Depending on the type of vision concern and limitation, they may still be considered for technical and non-combat roles.
Can I Join the Indian Army with Spectacles?
Yes. Candidates with spectacles are eligible if vision correction meets prescribed standards, can be fully corrected within acceptable refractive limits, and there are no associated issues.
The Army prioritizes functional visual capacity over unaided perfection, ensuring that all personnel can perform safely, efficiently, and reliably under demanding operational conditions. However, the standards are stricter for high-risk and field-intensive roles, which leads to a higher priority for those with unaided normal vision.
Resources
- https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notific-NDA-NA-I-2025-Engl-11122024F.pdf
- https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-NA-II-2025-Engli.pdf
- https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notifi-CDSE-I-2025-Engl-11122024F.pdf
- https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notifi-CDSE-II-2025-Engl.pdf
- https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/NotificationPDF/NOTIFICATION-Tes-52.pdf
- https://prepp.in/indian-army-technical-exam
- https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/BRAVO_NotificationPDF/ARO_AURANGABAD_RECRUITMENT_NOTIFICATION_AGNIVEER_MEN_2025-26.pdf
- https://www.scribd.com/document/868759048/Agniveer-Clerk-Medical-Checklist
- https://www.embibe.com/exams/indian-army-agniveer-tradesmen-8th-pass-selection-process/
- https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/BRAVO_NotificationPDF/Notification.pdf
- https://www.pw.live/defence/exams/indian-army-agniveer-eligibility-criteria
- https://indiandefenceinstitute.com/indian-army-medical-standards/