UPSC Physical Eligibility Criteria is necessary for candidates likely to join the IAS, IPS, and IFoS positions through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). The UPSC ensures that candidates are not only mentally active and fit but also meet the required physical standards.
Each UPSC position has its own set of specific physical eligibility requirements, especially for the roles in the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS), which usually demand a higher level of physical fitness as compared to other civil services. We have created this guidepost, to help aspiring candidates with the UPSC Physical Eligibility standards, medical tests, and specific requirements for various services.
The UPSC Physical Eligibility generally refers to the set of physical standards that is necessary for the candidates to meet to become eligible for certain services in the UPSC exam. Intellectual knowledge and skills can be evaluated through written exams and interviews of the candidates, but to measure and assess the level of physical fitness it is necessary to ensure that officers can perform their duties effectively.
Overview of UPSC Physical Eligibility | ||||||
Service | Height Requirement (Male) | Height Requirement (Female) | Chest (Male) | Chest (Female) | Vision | Other Physical Requirements |
IAS | No specific requirement | No specific requirement | No specific requirement | No specific requirement | General medical test | Candidates must pass a general health examination. Disabilities are allowed under the Disability Act. |
IPS | 165 cm (160 cm for SC/ST) | 150 cm (145 cm for SC/ST) | 84 cm (with 5 cm expansion) | 79 cm (with 5 cm expansion) | 6/6 or 6/9 (better eye), 6/12 or 6/9 (worse eye) | No colour blindness, night blindness, or squint. No flat feet, knocked knees, or varicose veins. |
IFoS | 163 cm (152 cm for hilly areas) | 150 cm (145 cm for hilly areas) | 84 cm (with 5 cm expansion) | 79 cm (with 5 cm expansion) | 6/6 or 6/9 (better eye), 6/12 or 6/9 (worse eye) | No colour blindness or night blindness. Should be able to handle difficult outdoor work. |
General Medical Test | Applicable for all services | Applicable for all services | Not applicable | Not applicable | General health test | Candidates are tested for general physical health, hearing, eyesight, and other fitness-related factors. |
For candidates who aspire to become an IAS Officer after clearing the UPSC Exam, it is essential for them to know that the UPSC Physical Eligibility for IAS Officer is relatively easier than the other civil services positions. IAS aspiring candidates must pass a general medical test, which will ensure that the candidates are free from any serious issue or disease that would create difficulty for them while performing their desk-based duties.
Now if we talk about, UPSC Physical Eligibility for IPS Officer, the eligibility standard for IPS job position is one of the most strict and difficult standards in the UPSC Civil Services. An IPS Officer candidate needs to engage in active fieldwork and law enforcement for which a higher level of physical standard is needed.
For the candidates who are strategically preparing for the IFoS job position, it is very much necessary for them to understand the UPSC Physical Eligibility for IFoS Officer , the physical standards for IFoS are similar to the standards of the IPS job role with the demanding nature of the job in forests and wildlife conservation areas. Physical fitness is a vital aspect here to outlast the fieldwork and physical work in challenging environments.
Books for UPSC Exams Preparation
The UPSC medical test is generally conducted when the candidate has successfully cleared the UPSC Mains and the interview stage. This UPSC physical eligibility test ensures that, is the candidate physically fit or not, for the services they have applied for. Candidates undergo the test of general health, vision, hearing, and physical attributes like height and weight:
In conclusion, The UPSC Physical Eligibility is an essential aspect for candidates aiming for services like IPS and IFoS, where physical fitness is essential for performing duties. Each service has specific requirements, especially in terms of height, weight, vision, and general physical health.
Looking for guidance in UPSC preparation? Enroll in the courses offered by Physics Wallah!