IPS Physical Eligibility 2026: Height, Chest & Eye-Sight Standards

Introduction to IPS Course and Stream Details 2026

Entering the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2026 is a journey that begins long before the training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). While most students focus on the UPSC syllabus, the IPS Physical Requirements 2026 represent a critical "technical" qualifying course that every aspirant must pass. Unlike the IAS, which accepts a broad range of medical conditions, the IPS is a specialized technical stream that demands specific physical attributes to ensure officers can handle law enforcement, field operations, and tactical drills.

For students planning their higher education, choosing a stream that allows for a balanced lifestyle—combining academic excellence with physical conditioning—is vital. Whether you are from a Science, Commerce, or Arts background, the UPSC 2026 notification remains the gold standard for these eligibility criteria.

Not sure which graduation stream helps most with UPSC? Check out the UPSC Optional Subject Course Selection 2026 on CollegeSimplified.in to align your degree with your IPS goals.

IPS Physical Requirements 2026: Height Standards

The most fundamental filter in the IPS Physical Requirements 2026 is the height measurement. This is a non-negotiable criterion, though the UPSC provides certain relaxations for candidates from specific geographical regions and categories to ensure inclusive representation.

Height for Male Candidates

For the 2026 intake, male candidates must meet the following height standards:

• General/OBC/SC: Minimum 165 cm.

• ST and Scheduled Tribes (Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Assamese, Kumaonis, etc.): Relaxable to 160 cm.

  
  

Height for Female Candidates

The IPS has seen a surge in female applicants, and the 2026 standards remain supportive yet stringent:

• General/OBC/SC: Minimum 150 cm.

• ST and specified tribal races: Relaxable to 145 cm.

Chest Girth and Expansion Standards

Beyond height, the IPS Physical Requirements 2026 place significant emphasis on lung capacity and upper-body robustness, measured through chest girth and expansion.

Category	Minimum Chest Girth	Minimum Expansion
Male Candidates	84 cm	5 cm
Female Candidates	79 cm	5 cm

If a candidate fails the chest expansion test during the initial medical board, they are typically allowed one appeal. For students in their final year of college, incorporating breathing exercises (Pranayama) and swimming into their daily routine can help in achieving the required expansion.

IPS Eye-Sight Standards 2026

The vision requirements for the IPS are among the strictest in the Indian Civil Services. Since the role involves field surveillance, firearm handling, and night patrolling, the IPS Physical Requirements 2026 mandate high-grade color vision and specific refractive limits.

Distant and Near Vision

• Better Eye (Corrected Vision): 6/6 or 6/9.

• Worse Eye: 6/12 or 6/9.

• Near Vision: J1 (Better eye) and J2 (Worse eye).

  
  

Critical Ocular Criteria

1. Color Blindness: Candidates with High-Grade Color Blindness are strictly disqualified from the IPS.

2. Night Blindness: This is a disqualifying condition for the IPS technical stream.

3. Refractive Errors: Myopia (including cylinder) and Hypermetropia are permitted within limits, provided they do not exceed $\pm 4.00D$.

4. Correction: Spectacles, LASIK, ICL, and IOL surgeries are generally permitted, provided they meet the post-operative stability criteria defined by the UPSC Medical Board.

Detailed Medical Fitness Standards 2026

Physical eligibility isn't just about measurements; it’s about internal health. The IPS Physical Requirements 2026 include a comprehensive medical screening conducted after the Personality Test.

• Hearing Standards: Candidates must have "Good" hearing. Loss in the 1000–4000 Hz frequency range must not exceed 30 decibels.

• Blood Pressure: For candidates under 25, the systolic range should be 100-130 mm Hg. For those above 25, 110-140 mm Hg is acceptable. Diastolic should stay below 90 mm Hg.

• Speech: Stammering or significant speech impediments are considered a disqualification for the IPS stream.

• General Health: No signs of flat feet knocked knees, or varicose veins, as these can interfere with the rigorous 20km cross-country runs during training.

Success in the IPS depends on more than just physical fitness. Read the Best Books for IPS Preparation 2026 to master the academic side of the exam.

IPS Training and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Once you clear the medical board, the real "course" begins at SVPNPA, Hyderabad. The IPS Physical Requirements 2026 during training include:

1. Running: 10km run within 60 minutes.

2. Obstacle Course: Clearing various PT obstacles.

3. Special Skills: Horse riding, swimming, and unarmed combat.

FAQ: IPS Physical Requirements 2026

Q1: What is the minimum height for female candidates in the IPS Physical Requirements 2026?

A1: The minimum height for female candidates under the General/OBC category is 150 cm. However, under the IPS Physical Requirements 2026, there is a relaxation for ST candidates and specific tribal races, bringing the requirement down to 145 cm.

Q2: Is LASIK surgery allowed under the IPS Physical Requirements 2026?

A2: Yes, LASIK and other refractive surgeries are permitted under the IPS Physical Requirements 2026, provided they meet the UPSC’s specific criteria regarding the age of the candidate and the stability of the vision post-surgery.

Q3: Does the IPS Physical Requirements 2026 allow candidates with color blindness?

A3: No, the IPS Physical Requirements 2026 strictly mandate high-grade color vision. Candidates with color blindness are generally deemed unfit for the IPS and may be allocated to non-technical services like the IAS or IFS.

Q4: Are there specific chest expansion rules in the IPS Physical Requirements 2026 for men?

A4: Yes, according to the IPS Physical Requirements 2026, male candidates must have a minimum chest girth of 84 cm with a mandatory expansion of at least 5 cm.

Q5: What happens if I fail the medical test for IPS Physical Requirements 2026?

A5: If a candidate fails to meet the IPS Physical Requirements 2026, they are declared unfit for the IPS. However, if they meet the general medical standards for non-technical services, they can still be considered for the IAS, IRS, or other civil services based on their rank.

Conclusion

The IPS Physical Requirements 2026 are designed to select candidates who possess the stamina, vision, and physical resilience required for high-stakes law enforcement. While the academic journey requires months of library hours, your physical preparation must happen in parallel. Understanding these standards early in your graduation stream allows you to address any remediable medical issues and build the necessary fitness.

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