SSB Medical Board: Many of you want to learn about the medical procedures following the SSB interview. This holds significant importance for candidates who have participated in exams such as NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and other direct entries.
The medical examination is reserved for candidates who have received recommendations and have been shortlisted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). This process typically spans 4 to 5 days, during which candidates undergo comprehensive medical assessments at the respective Military Hospital before being discharged.
For NDA candidates, examinations cover both the Indian Army and Indian Navy unless otherwise instructed, and the fitness status endorsement is made accordingly.
Alternatively, candidates shortlisted for IMA, INA, and AFA entries, who apply through channels such as CDS, AFCAT, or any other direct entry, must undergo a fitness test tailored to the specific military branch they aspire to join.
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Medical Test After SSB Interview
After receiving recommendations from the SSB interview, candidates proceed to undergo a comprehensive medical examination, which unfolds as follows:
1. Special Medical Board (SMB):
Candidates deemed recommended are retained at the SSB centre for a week-long medical examination. During this period, they are assessed for their fitness status, categorized as Fit, Temporary Unfit, or Permanent Unfit.
Medical Examination Procedure by Day:
| Day | Tests Conducted |
| Day 1 | Blood test, Urine test, Chest x-ray, Ultrasound |
| Day 2 | Ear, Nose & Tongue (ENT), Eye |
| Day 3 | Surgical Examination |
| Day 4 | Eye & Dental |
| Day 5 | General Medical (Height, weight, blood pressure, heartbeat), Medical Conference |
Medical Standards and Vision Standards:
Medical Standards:
| Medical Standards | Criteria |
| Candidate should be free from: | Wax (EARS)DNSHydrocele/PhimosisDefective Colour VisionLASIK SurgeryOver/Under WeightUnder ChestPilesGynecomastiaTonsillitisVaricoceleAids |
| Dental Examination: | Minimum 14 Dental Points with Sound Teeth |
Vision Standards:
| Vision Standards | Criteria |
| Uncorrected without glass: | 6/6, 6/9 |
| Corrected with glass (only for Hypermetropia): | 6/6 |
| Nil limits for myopia | |
| Limits for Hypermetropia: | +2.00 D |
After completing the medical conference, candidates are either declared fit to proceed or advised to apply for the AMB (Appeal Medical Board) to address specific medical concerns such as being overweight/underweight. After 42 days, candidates undergo a re-evaluation at their chosen military hospital to address any persisting medical issues.
2. Appeal Medical Board (AMB)
Candidates who receive a permanent unfit status from the Special Medical Board have the option to appeal through the Appeal Medical Board by paying a fee of Rs. 40. No fee is required for candidates placed under a temporary rejection (TR).
The Appeal Medical Board is conducted at one of the designated hospitals, including:
- Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.
- Command Hospital, Southern Command, Pune.
- Command Hospital, Eastern Command, Kolkata.
- Command Hospital, Central Command, Lucknow.
- Command Hospital, Western Command, Chandimandir.
- Command Hospital, Air Force, Bangalore.
- Command Hospital, Northern Command, C/o 56 APO.
- INHS, Ashvini, Mumbai.
Candidates must appear for the medical examination within 42 days from their last examination date, as directed by the President Medical Board, along with the received copy of the MRO/TR. The entire Medical Board process is typically completed within a single day.
3. Review Medical Board (RMB)
If a candidate is deemed unfit by the Medical Board of Appeal, they have the option to contest the decision and may request a review of the proceedings based on the merits of their case. To initiate a review, the candidate must submit a formal request to the Recruitment Directorate (Personnel & Coord), Army Headquarters, West Block III, RK Puram, New Delhi within one day of the Medical Board of Appeal session. Review Medical Boards (RMBs) are conducted at R&R Hospital, Delhi Cantt, and AFMC, Pune.
Note: Maintaining discipline during the medical examination process is of paramount importance for recommended candidates during their stay at Selection Centers. Candidates are required to wear their medical Chest Number (with Red Cross) whenever they are present on the premises of Selection Centers.
Physical Fitness Standards at IMA/OTA:
- Running: 2.4 KM in 15 minutes
- Push-ups: 13 repetitions
- Sit-ups: 25 repetitions
- Chin-ups: 6 repetitions
- Rope climbing: 3-4 meters
Candidates are strongly advised to engage in physical training, sports, running, swimming, etc., to ensure they meet these fitness standards successfully.
Ideal Age, Height, and Weight for Males:
The ideal age, height, and weight for males should fall within permissible limits, with variations of up to ±10% of the ideal weight as per the correlation table below. When recording weights, fractions lower than 0.5 kg will be noted, while 0.5 kg and above will be recorded as 1 kg:
Height and Weight Standards for Males
| Height (in cm) | Weight (in kg) for Age Range (in years) |
| Age 15-17 | |
| 152 – 158 | 46 – 49 |
| 159 – 165 | 50 – 53 |
| 166 – 171 | 54 – 56 |
| 172 – 178 | 57 – 60 |
Height and Weight Standards for Females
| Height (in cm) | Weight (in kg) for Age Range (in years) |
| Age 20-25 | |
| 148 – 151 | 43 – 45 |
| 152 – 155 | 46 – 48 |
| 156 – 160 | 49 – 51 |
| 161 – 165 | 52 – 54 |
| 166 – 171 | 55 – 58 |
| 172 – 176 | 59 – 61 |
| 177 – 178 | 62 – 63 |
These standards provide guidelines for ensuring optimal male health and fitness levels, with variations permitted within the specified ranges.
Medical Disqualification
Certain significant factors contributing to medical disqualification include:
- Perspiring Palms
- Fallen Arches (Flat Feet)
- Genu Valgum (Knock Knees)
- Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones)
- Color Vision Deficiency
- Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest)
- Color Perception CP2 and CP3 (Flying Branch) and CP3 (CDS entry)
- Cubitus Valgus (Carrying Angle of Elbow)
SSB Medical Board FAQs
Q.1. What is the SSB Medical Board?
Ans. The SSB Medical Board is a medical examination conducted after a candidate has been recommended by the SSB interview board. It’s designed to assess your physical and mental fitness for military service.
Q.2. Do all SSB candidates appear for the Medical Board?
Ans. Only candidates recommended by the SSB interview board undergo the Medical Board.
Q.3. What happens during the Medical Board?
Ans. The Medical Board is a comprehensive examination that includes:
- Physical examination: This checks your height, weight, vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health.
- Investigation of medical history: You’ll be asked about any past illnesses, surgeries, or allergies.
- Review of documents: Bring any medical certificates or reports related to past conditions.
- Additional tests: Depending on your situation, X-rays, blood tests, or other tests might be required.
Q.4. What are the common reasons for medical rejection?
Ans. Some common reasons for rejection include:
- Not meeting vision or weight standards
- Certain chronic health conditions
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Mental health conditions
Q.5. Can I appeal a medical rejection?
Ans. Yes, there’s a process for appealing a medical rejection. This usually involves a Review Medical Board (RMB).
Q. 6. What is a Review Medical Board (RMB)?
Ans. The RMB is a chance to contest the initial medical board’s decision. It involves senior medical professionals re-evaluating your case based on your records and potentially new examinations.
Q. 7. How do I apply for a Review Medical Board?
Ans. If you’re declared unfit, you typically have a short window (often one day) to request an RMB review. Contact the concerned authorities for specific instructions on applying.
Q.8. What are my chances of getting a medical waiver through RMB?
Ans. The success rate for RMB appeals varies depending on the case. It’s important to have a strong justification for the review.
Q.9. Are there any resources to help me prepare for the Medical Board?
Ans. While there’s no specific preparation required, you can ensure you have all your medical documents in order. Maintaining good physical fitness can also be beneficial.
Q.10. Where can I find more information about the SSB Medical Board?
Ans. The official website of the Indian Army or recruitment agencies might have information about the SSB Medical Board process.
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Summary
In summary, understanding the medical procedures post-SSB interview is crucial for candidates aspiring to join the armed forces. The medical examination, conducted for recommended candidates by the SSB, spans over 4 to 5 days at Military Hospitals. NDA candidates undergo examinations for both the Army and Navy, while others are tested as per their chosen branch. Those declared unfit have options for review through the Appeal Medical Board (AMB) or the Review Medical Board (RMB). Discipline during this process is vital, and candidates should adhere to guidelines diligently. For more information and preparation tips, candidates should consult official resources and recruitment agencies.