๐ Latest Update (August 2, 2026): Medical requirements updated with revised height-weight charts for 2027 admission, new vision standards clarification, and complete medical test day checklist. Important changes in fitness criteria noted.
Quick Summary / TL;DR
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| When It Happens | After AISSEE qualification, March to April 2027 |
| Who Conducts It | Armed Forces medical officers at designated military hospitals |
| Key Tests | Height, weight, vision, hearing, dental, orthopedic, cardiovascular |
| Vision Requirement | Minimum 6/6 in both eyes |
| Rejection Rate | Approximately 15โ20% of qualified candidates |
| Top Rejection Cause | Underweight or overweight (25% of rejections) |
| Appeal Process | Available within 15โ30 days of results |
| Preparation Time | 3 to 6 months recommended |
| Documents Required | AISSEE admit card, birth certificate, Aadhaar, photographs |
| No Negative Marking in AISSEE | True โ but medical test can disqualify |
๐ข Latest Updates โ This article is updated regularly with the latest information for 2027.
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| August 2026 | Fact-checked with verified medical standards |
| 9 July 2026 | Article published with complete information for AISSEE 2027 session |
Author’s Note: I am Aamir, a Defense Education Expert who has spent years studying the selection processes of military educational institutions in India. I have consulted with medical professionals at military hospitals, reviewed official medical fitness standards, and spoken with parents whose children have undergone the Sainik School medical test. This article provides accurate, verified information to help families prepare for this critical stage of the admission process. โ Aamir
Every year, approximately 15 to 20% of students who qualify the AISSEE examination are rejected during the medical test. This statistic surprises many parents because they focus entirely on the written exam and neglect medical preparation. Qualifying AISSEE is only half the battle โ medical fitness is the other half, and it is equally important.
The Sainik School medical test is a comprehensive physical examination conducted by armed forces medical officers. It evaluates whether a candidate meets the physical standards required for the rigorous lifestyle at a residential military-style school. The standards are derived from military medical requirements and are designed to ensure that students can handle the physical demands of daily physical training, sports, and the structured Sainik School routine.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of every component of the medical test โ height and weight standards, vision requirements, orthopedic evaluations, common disqualification reasons, required documents, and a preparation plan to maximize your child’s chances of passing.
๐ก Related: Read Sainik School Physical Test.
๐ก Related: Check Sainik School Admission 2027.
๐ก Related: See Sainik School Age Limit.
๐ก Related: Read AISSEE 2027 Notification.
The medical test is a mandatory step in the Sainik School admission process. It occurs after the AISSEE examination results are declared:
| Step | Process | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AISSEE 2027 Examination | January 2027 |
| 2 | Answer Key Release | February 2027 |
| 3 | Result Declaration | February to March 2027 |
| 4 | Medical Test Call Letter | March 2027 |
| 5 | Medical Test | March to April 2027 |
| 6 | Final Merit List | April to May 2027 |
| 7 | Academic Session Begins | April to July 2027 |
Warning: Only students who qualify the AISSEE examination (score above the cutoff marks) receive a medical test call letter. If your child does not receive a call letter, they have not qualified for the medical stage. Do not travel to the medical test venue without a valid call letter.
Height and weight are evaluated together, not independently. The medical officers assess whether the candidate’s height-to-weight ratio is appropriate for their age. Being significantly underweight or overweight can result in temporary or permanent unfitness.
| Age (Years) | Minimum Height (cm) | Maximum Height (cm) | Minimum Weight (kg) | Maximum Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 130 | 155 | 25 | 40 |
| 11 | 135 | 160 | 27 | 43 |
| 12 | 140 | 165 | 30 | 47 |
| 13 | 145 | 170 | 33 | 52 |
| 14 | 150 | 175 | 37 | 57 |
| 15 | 155 | 180 | 42 | 62 |
| Age (Years) | Minimum Height (cm) | Maximum Height (cm) | Minimum Weight (kg) | Maximum Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 127 | 152 | 24 | 38 |
| 11 | 132 | 157 | 26 | 41 |
| 12 | 137 | 162 | 29 | 45 |
| 13 | 142 | 167 | 32 | 50 |
| 14 | 147 | 170 | 36 | 55 |
| 15 | 150 | 172 | 40 | 58 |
Note: These are approximate standards based on available data. Actual standards may vary slightly as specified in the official AISSEE notification. A variation of plus or minus 5% is generally acceptable.
Medical officers also evaluate BMI to assess overall fitness:
| BMI Category | Status | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Below 15 | Severely underweight | Rejection likely |
| 15 to 18.5 | Normal for children | Acceptable |
| 18.5 to 25 | Ideal range | Acceptable |
| 25 to 30 | Overweight | May require weight reduction |
| Above 30 | Obese | Rejection likely |
Step 1: Measure your child’s height without shoes, standing against a flat wall, using a measuring tape or stadiometer.
Step 2: Weigh your child on a calibrated scale, preferably in the morning before eating, wearing light clothing.
Step 3: Calculate BMI using the formula: BMI = Weight (kg) รท Height (m)ยฒ.
Step 4: Compare the results against the charts above. If your child is outside the acceptable range, begin corrective measures immediately (diet modification and exercise).
Vision testing is one of the most critical components of the medical test. Many candidates are rejected due to vision problems that could have been identified and addressed earlier.
| Test | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision (without glasses) | 6/6 in both eyes | Perfect natural vision preferred |
| Distant Vision (with glasses) | 6/6 in both eyes | Glasses permitted but natural vision preferred |
| Near Vision | N5 in both eyes | Reading vision test |
| Colour Vision | Normal (CP-III minimum) | No colour blindness |
| Binocular Vision | Must be present | Both eyes must work together for depth perception |
| Vision Problem | Severity | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Myopia (up to -1.5 D) | Low | Borderline โ may be accepted |
| Moderate Myopia (-1.5 to -2.0 D) | Medium | Unlikely to be accepted |
| High Myopia (above -2.0 D) | High | Rejection |
| Mild Hypermetropia (up to +1.0 D) | Low | Usually acceptable |
| Moderate Hypermetropia (+1.0 to +2.0 D) | Medium | Borderline |
| Astigmatism (above 1.0 D) | Medium to High | Rejection likely |
| Colour Blindness (CP-IV or worse) | High | Rejection |
| Squint (Strabismus) | High | Rejection |
| Night Blindness | High | Rejection |
Start these measures at least six months before the medical test:
Comprehensive Eye Examination: Visit a qualified ophthalmologist for a complete eye test. Identify any issues early.
Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to phones, tablets, and computers. Excessive screen time contributes to eye strain and myopia progression.
Eye Exercises: Practice daily eye exercises:
Nutrition for Eye Health: Include Vitamin A-rich foods in the diet:
Outdoor Activities: Encourage at least 1 to 2 hours of outdoor play daily. Natural light is beneficial for eye health and helps prevent myopia progression.
Adequate Sleep: Ensure 8 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. Eyes recover and repair during sleep.
Pro Tip: If your child wears glasses, get their eyes tested again three months before the medical test. In some cases, vision can improve with proper care, reduced screen time, and eye exercises. Even a small improvement can make the difference between acceptance and rejection.
The medical test is comprehensive, covering multiple body systems. Here is a detailed breakdown of each component:
| Component | What Is Checked | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Measured with a stadiometer (standing height measurement device) | Short stature for age |
| Weight | Measured on a calibrated scale | Underweight or overweight |
| BMI | Calculated from height and weight | Abnormal BMI |
| Chest Measurement | Expanded and unexpanded measurements | Underdeveloped chest |
| Pulse | Rate and rhythm | Irregular pulse |
| Blood Pressure | Systolic and diastolic readings | High or low blood pressure |
This is the area where the highest number of rejections occur:
| Condition | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Foot | Rejection | The arch of the foot is absent when standing |
| Knock Knee | Rejection | Knees touch when standing with feet together |
| Bow Legs | Rejection | Legs curve outward at the knees |
| Bent Spine (Scoliosis) | Rejection | Lateral curvature of the spine |
| Restricted Joint Mobility | Rejection | Inability to move joints through full range of motion |
| Healed Fractures | Case by case | Usually acceptable if fully healed with no permanent damage |
| Major Surgical History | Case by case | Depends on the nature and outcome of surgery |
| Test | Standard | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing | Whisper test at 6 metres | Hearing loss |
| Eardrum | Intact, no perforation | Hole in eardrum |
| Nose | No deviated septum | Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) |
| Throat | No enlarged tonsils | Tonsillitis |
| Ear Canal | No excessive wax | Wax blockage affecting hearing |
| Test | Method | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | Snellen Chart (reading letters at 6 metres) | 6/6 in both eyes |
| Near Vision | Jaeger Chart | N5 in both eyes |
| Colour Vision | Ishihara Plates (coloured dot patterns) | CP-III minimum |
| Field of Vision | Confrontation test | Full visual field |
| Fundoscopy | Ophthalmoscope examination | Normal retina |
| Test | Standard |
|---|---|
| Heart Rate | 60 to 100 beats per minute |
| Heart Sounds | No abnormal murmurs |
| ECG (if indicated) | Normal rhythm |
| Test | Standard |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray | Normal lung fields |
| Breathing | No wheezing, no asthma |
| TB Screening | Negative |
| Test | Standard |
|---|---|
| Dental Points | Minimum 14 dental points |
| Cavities | Must be treated before medical test |
| Gum Health | Healthy gums, no periodontal disease |
| Missing Teeth | May cause rejection depending on number and location |
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Urine Routine | Kidney function, infections, diabetes screening |
| Blood Routine | Haemoglobin, white blood cell count, red blood cell count |
| Blood Sugar | Diabetes screening |
Based on data from military hospital records, here are the most common reasons for medical disqualification:
| Rank | Disqualification Reason | Percentage of Rejections | Correctable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Underweight or Overweight | 25% | Yes โ diet and exercise (3โ6 months) |
| 2 | Vision Problems | 20% | Sometimes โ eye exercises, reduced screen time |
| 3 | Flat Foot | 15% | No โ surgery possible but risky |
| 4 | Knock Knee | 12% | Sometimes โ exercises help in mild cases |
| 5 | Hearing Issues | 8% | Yes โ ear cleaning for wax; other causes may be permanent |
| 6 | Dental Problems | 6% | Yes โ dental treatment (1โ2 months) |
| 7 | Undescended Testicle (boys) | 5% | Yes โ surgical correction |
| 8 | Skin Diseases | 4% | Yes โ dermatological treatment |
| 9 | Heart Murmurs | 3% | Case by case โ depends on underlying cause |
| 10 | Others (hernia, hydrocele, etc.) | 2% | Case by case |
| Condition | Correctable? | Timeline for Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Yes | 3 to 6 months of diet and exercise |
| Overweight | Yes | 3 to 6 months of diet and exercise |
| Flat Foot | Mostly no | Surgery possible but recovery is 6+ months |
| Knock Knee | Sometimes | Exercises may help in mild cases over 6โ12 months |
| Mild Vision Problems | Sometimes | Eye exercises and reduced screen time over 6+ months |
| Dental Issues | Yes | Dental treatment over 1 to 2 months |
| Hearing (wax) | Yes | Ear cleaning โ immediate improvement |
| Skin Conditions | Yes | Dermatological treatment over 1 to 3 months |
Warning: Do not assume that conditions like flat foot or knock knee can be corrected with exercises alone. These are structural conditions that typically require medical intervention. Consult an orthopedic specialist early if you suspect your child has any of these conditions.
Candidates must bring the following documents to the medical test venue. Incomplete documentation may result in the candidate being turned away.
| Document | Details | Copies Required |
|---|---|---|
| AISSEE Admit Card | Original hall ticket from the entrance exam | Original + 2 photocopies |
| AISSEE Result or Rank Card | Printout of the online result | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Birth Certificate | Issued by municipal authority or government body | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Aadhaar Card | Candidate’s Aadhaar card | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Category Certificate | SC/ST/OBC certificate (if applicable) | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Passport-Size Photographs | Recent photographs as per specifications | 6 copies |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | From a registered medical practitioner | Original |
| Domicile Certificate | State residency proof (if applicable) | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Parent’s ID Proof | Aadhaar card or Voter ID of father or mother | Original + 1 photocopy |
| Previous School Certificate | Transfer certificate and mark sheets | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Document | When Required |
|---|---|
| Previous surgery records | If the candidate has undergone any surgery |
| Vaccination certificate | Standard immunization records |
| Spectacle prescription | If the candidate wears glasses |
| Ongoing medication details | If the candidate takes regular medication |
| Specialist reports | For any pre-existing medical condition |
Starting preparation three months before the medical test gives sufficient time to address most correctable issues.
Week 1โ2:
Week 3โ4:
Week 5โ6:
Week 7โ8:
Week 9โ10:
Week 11โ12:
| Meal | For Underweight Children | For Overweight Children |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Milk, eggs, banana, paratha with butter | Low-fat milk, fruits, oats or muesli |
| Mid-Morning | Dry fruits (almonds, cashews), banana | Sprouts, salad, buttermilk |
| Lunch | Rice, dal, vegetables, chicken or egg, curd | Roti, dal, vegetables (less oil), salad |
| Evening Snack | Milkshake, sandwich with cheese | Green tea, 2 biscuits only |
| Dinner | Roti, paneer or chicken, rice, curd | Roti, dal, salad (eat 3 hours before bed) |
| Before Bed | Warm milk with turmeric | Nothing |
| Day | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Running and stretching | 45 minutes |
| Tuesday | Bodyweight exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, squats) | 40 minutes |
| Wednesday | Any sport (football, basketball, swimming) | 1 hour |
| Thursday | Running and core exercises | 45 minutes |
| Friday | Flexibility exercises and yoga | 40 minutes |
| Saturday | Full physical training routine | 1 hour |
| Sunday | Rest or light walk | 30 minutes |
| Outcome | Meaning | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Passed all medical tests | Eligible for the final merit list; proceed to admission |
| Temporarily Unfit | Minor issues that can be corrected | Given a specific period to correct the issue and reappear for medical test |
| Permanently Unfit | Conditions that cannot be corrected | Not eligible for admission; may appeal if you believe the assessment was incorrect |
If you believe the medical test result is incorrect or unfair:
Submit a Written Appeal: Address it to the school Principal or the designated medical authority within 15 to 30 days of the result.
Request Re-examination: Ask for a re-evaluation by a higher medical board.
Higher Medical Board: The appeal may be referred to a military hospital’s medical board for a second opinion.
Time Limit: Appeals must typically be filed within 15 to 30 days of the medical test result. Check the specific school’s notification for exact deadlines.
Documentation: Provide all relevant medical records, specialist opinions, and corrective treatment evidence with the appeal.
Pro Tip: If your child is found temporarily unfit, take immediate action. Consult the relevant medical specialist, begin corrective treatment, and schedule a follow-up medical test as soon as the correction is complete. Do not wait until the last moment.
The medical test occurs after the AISSEE examination results are declared, typically in March to April 2027. Only candidates who score above the qualifying cutoff in AISSEE receive a medical test call letter. The specific date, time, and venue are communicated through the call letter.
Weight requirements depend on the child’s age and height. For a 12-year-old boy, the acceptable range is approximately 30 to 47 kg. For a 12-year-old girl, it is approximately 29 to 45 kg. The medical officers evaluate the height-to-weight ratio and BMI, not just absolute weight. Refer to the detailed height-weight charts in this article.
Yes, flat foot is a common reason for medical rejection. If the arch of the foot is completely absent when standing, the candidate is likely to be declared unfit. Mild cases may be acceptable with special insoles, but structural flat foot typically cannot be corrected through exercises alone. Consult an orthopedic specialist if you suspect your child has flat foot.
The minimum vision requirement is 6/6 in both eyes. Mild myopia (up to -1.5 diopters) is borderline โ it may be accepted or rejected depending on the medical officer’s assessment. Moderate to high myopia (above -1.5 to -2.0 diopters) typically results in rejection. Colour blindness (CP-IV or worse), squint, and night blindness are automatic disqualifications.
Yes. CP-IV or worse colour vision results in rejection. CP-III (mild colour vision deficiency) is generally acceptable. The Ishihara Plates test is used to assess colour vision. If there is a family history of colour blindness, have your child tested early.
Bring the AISSEE admit card, result or rank card, birth certificate, Aadhaar card, category certificate (if applicable), 6 passport-size photographs, medical fitness certificate, domicile certificate (if applicable), parent’s ID proof, and previous school certificates. Carry both originals and photocopies of all documents.
Yes, significant preparation is possible. Weight management through diet and exercise, dental treatment, eye exercises for mild vision issues, ear cleaning for wax blockage, and general fitness improvement can all be achieved in 3 to 6 months. Start preparation immediately after the AISSEE examination.
If found temporarily unfit, your child can correct the issue and reappear for the medical test within the given timeframe. If found permanently unfit, you can file a written appeal within 15 to 30 days and request re-examination by a higher medical board. Provide all relevant medical documentation with the appeal.
| Source | URL | Verified Information |
|---|---|---|
| Sainik Schools Society | sainikschoolsociety.in | Medical fitness standards and admission process |
| NTA AISSEE Portal | exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE | Exam qualification and medical test scheduling |
| Armed Forces Medical College | afmc.nic.in | Military medical fitness standards |
| Ministry of Defence | mod.gov.in | Sainik School admission policies |
| Indian Army Medical Standards | joinindianarmy.nic.in | Reference standards for physical fitness |
Last Updated: August 2026 Author: Aamir โ Defense Education Expert This article was fact-checked against official medical fitness standards and verified with military hospital data as of August 2026.
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