IPS 2026 Exam: Physical & Medical Standards for Indian Police Service
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Introduction
The IPS 2026 Exam (conducted via the UPSC Civil Services Examination) is one of the most prestigious yet physically demanding recruitment processes in India. Unlike administrative roles, the Indian Police Service (IPS) is classified as a "Technical Service," meaning your medical fitness is just as important as your Mains score.
As per the official 2026 notification, the medical standards have been further streamlined to ensure that the 2026 batch of officers is ready for the rigors of field duty and modern policing.
IPS 2026 Exam Highlights
Point | Details |
Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services (IPS) 2026 |
Notification Date | January 14, 2026 |
Prelims Exam Date | May 24, 2026 |
Minimum Height (Men) | 165 cm (General/OBC/SC) |
Minimum Height (Women) | 150 cm (General/OBC/SC) |
Vision Requirement | 6/6 or 6/9 (Better Eye) |
Physical Standards for IPS 2026 Exam
To be eligible for the IPS cadre in 2026, candidates must strictly adhere to the following physical measurements. Failure to meet these, even by a centimeter, can lead to disqualification from the IPS stream.
1. Height Requirements
The height standards for the IPS 2026 Exam remain non-negotiable, though relaxations exist for specific tribes and regions (Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Assamese, etc.).
Male Candidates: 165 cm (160 cm for ST).
Female Candidates: 150 cm (145 cm for ST).
2. Chest Girth and Expansion
A key indicator of respiratory health for field officers is the chest measurement.
Men: 84 cm (unexpanded) with a mandatory 5 cm expansion.
Women: 79 cm (unexpanded) with a mandatory 5 cm expansion.
Medical Standards & Vision Norms 2026
The IPS 2026 Exam medical board follows the "High-Grade" vision criteria. Since the role involves surveillance and firearm handling, the vision standards are the strictest in the civil services.
1. Vision Standards (Distant & Near)
Vision Type | Better Eye | Worse Eye |
Distant Vision | 6/6 or 6/9 | 6/12 or 6/9 |
Near Vision | J1 | J2 |
2. The "No Color Blindness" Rule
For the 2026 intake, High-Grade Color Vision is mandatory. Candidates with even minor color blindness are declared unfit for the IPS.
Binocular Vision: Mandatory.
Squint: A candidate is disqualified if a squint is present.
Lasik Surgery: Permitted, provided the candidate is above 18 years and the surgery was stable at the time of the medical exam.
3. Hearing and Speech
Hearing: Must be able to hear a "forced whisper" at 610 cm. Hearing loss in the 1000–4000 Hz range must not exceed 30 decibels.
Speech: Candidates must not have any significant speech impediment or stuttering.
Training and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Clearing the IPS 2026 Exam medical board is just the beginning. Once you join the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, you must pass the Physical Efficiency Test.
The PET usually includes:
100m Sprint.
800m Run.
High Jump and Long Jump.
Shot put.
FAQs on IPS 2026 Exam Physical Standards
Q1. Is color blindness allowed in the IPS 2026 Exam?
No. High-grade color vision is a mandatory requirement. If a candidate is found to have color blindness during the medical board evaluation, they are disqualified from the IPS and may be allocated to other services like the IAS or IRS, provided they meet those specific criteria.
Q2. Can I wear spectacles for the IPS 2026 Exam?
Yes, spectacles and contact lenses are permitted as long as the corrected vision meets the 6/6 or 6/9 standard for the better eye.
Q3. What happens if I don't meet the chest expansion requirement?
In the IPS 2026 Exam medical process, if a candidate fails the chest expansion test initially, they can appeal for a re-examination. However, if they fail the second time, they are permanently disqualified from the IPS stream.
Q4. Is there a weight limit for the IPS 2026 Exam?
There is no fixed weight limit, but your weight must be proportionate to your height and age. Extreme obesity or being underweight may lead to being declared "Temporarily Unfit."
Conclusion
Securing a rank in the IPS 2026 Exam is a double-win: you must master the UPSC syllabus and maintain peak physical health. If you are a 2026 aspirant, start your physical preparation specifically running and breathing exercises for chest expansion alongside your GS preparation.
Would you like to know more about the best books for the IPS 2026 Exam?
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