Medical Test Requirements and Process at Service Selection Board (SSB)

A commissioned officer in the Indian army holds power and influence during both war and peace. An Officer holds power to order his men into situations which can be fatal. So, the process of selecting such an Officer is rigorous. The willing candidate needs to either clear his or her NDA or CDS examination.

Clearing these will render them eligible to appear for the SSB screening. To make sure that only the best get through- mentally, physically, and psychologically tough, and with a great personality, SSB screening roots out the incompetent candidates. The qualifying candidate then has to go through the Medical screening, clearing which allows them to be admitted into NDA, IMA or OTA.

Medical Test Procedure for Recommended Candidates at SSB

A candidate who clears his SSB Screening is asked to stay in the SSB camp for 5 days more for their medical examination. Candidates are required to report at the given Army Hospitals where they are examined in details to be considered fit for Indian Defense Forces. The full body checkup includes Blood Test, Urine Test, Ultrasound, Eyesight Checkup and others. The details of SSB Medical Checkup are given below.

Day 1: Blood test, Urine test, Chest x-ray, and Ultrasound

The blood test essentially looks for hemoglobin percentage and other essential minerals. To get a healthy test, avoid consuming alcohol or prescription drugs. The best way to build iron-rich blood is through exercise. You could also fast before the blood test to ensure maximum absorption of good nutrients in your bloodstream.

Urine test looks for mineral content in urine. You should drink lots of fluid before appearing for the urine test as it helps flush out toxins. Cranberry juice will also help in keeping the bladder healthy, thus helping you get a positive result in the test.

The chest x-ray looks for any irregularities in the chest area. A good amount of exercise that works the chest- push ups or pull ups, helps to keep the chest in shape.

Ultrasound looks for irregularities in the kidney and liver. To get a positive result consume high-quality protein, limit the intake of sodium, and avoid consuming alcohol as it can significantly damage the liver and kidney.

Day 2: Eye Check-up

Day 2 goes entirely for the examination of the eyes. There is a certain vision standard that every candidate is expected to have:

• Without glasses, your vision should be 6/6 or 6/9
•  A candidate who uses glasses also needs 6/6 vision after wearing the glasses. This only applies to someone with Hypermetropia and not myopia.
• The limit for myopia is +2.00 D

To get healthy eyes eat healthily, wear sunglasses outside, avoid dry eyes, and consider taking nutritional supplements.

Day 3: ENT Test

ENT, the abbreviation, means ear-nose-throat. A candidate should be free from ear wax, DNS, and tonsillitis to get a positive result in the test. You can start by improving your living habits for proper nasal hygiene.

Avoid smoking to keep both your nose and throat healthy. Gargling every night with warm water and salt will help disinfect the throat.

 

Day 4: Surgical Examination

During the surgical examination the candidate undergoes the following tests:
• Height and weight
• Blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Genitals
• Anus

Day 5: Dental Check-up

The examination seeks to look for and root out the candidates with jumbled or crooked teeth and other signs of an unhealthy mouth. Choosing the right food to put in your mouth ensures that you get a healthy one.

Avoid smoking for a healthier mouth. Consume as little sugary drinks as possible as it corrodes the enamel.

 

What if I’m declared unfit in Medicals? What to do next?

If a candidate is declared unfit by the Review Medical Board, the candidate has an option to challenge the decision and can be granted review of the medical procedure. If granted a re-examination, the candidate will have 42 days to overcome their medical problems.

The candidate will have to undergo the examination again at an Appeal Medical Board. The candidate must have a receipted copy of the MRO/TR along with them.

Don’t worry if fail in medicals, there are many instances where candidates once failed, passed in later medicals. You may also apply for these Ways to become an Officer in Indian Military.