UPSC Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026 for IAS, IPS, and IFoS Officers

Are you dreaming of donning the uniform or leading a district as a civil servant? While written exams test your intellect, the UPSC physical eligibility criteria determine if you are fit for the field. For the 2026 session, knowing these medical benchmarks is vital, as standards differ significantly between administrative and police roles.

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Physical Eligibility Criteria for UPSC 2026

The Union Public Service Commission classifies services into two main groups: Technical and Non-Technical. The UPSC physical eligibility criteria for non-technical roles like the IAS focus on basic health and stamina. These officers must be fit enough for administrative duties and rural tours without specific height or chest constraints.

In contrast, Technical Services like the IPS, IFoS, and RPF demand higher physical fitness levels. These officers often work in challenging environments, requiring specific physical attributes. Candidates undergo a detailed medical examination at designated New Delhi hospitals after the interview stage to verify these benchmarks.

UPSC Physical Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

For many, height is the biggest concern. While the UPSC physical eligibility for IAS has no minimum height, technical roles are rigid. The table below breaks down the specific measurements required for the IPS and other technical services.

Key Relaxation Rules: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes and races such as Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Assamese, and Kumaonis get specific relaxations in height to ensure diverse representation in the forces.

Check Out: UPSC Previous Year Papers

Comparison Table: IAS vs IPS vs IFoS

Choosing the right service requires matching your physical profile with the mandatory requirements. This comparison table highlights the major differences between the most sought-after All India Services.

Medical Standards and Vision Requirements

Vision is a massive component of the UPSC physical eligibility criteria. Standards are split between "Better Eye" and "Worse Eye."

• For IPS and IFoS: Vision must be sharp. Myopia (including cylinder) should not exceed minus 4.00D, and Hypermetropia should not exceed plus 4.00D.

• For IAS: Rules are relaxed; spectacles and LASIK are permitted.

• Colour Blindness: High-grade colour blindness disqualifies candidates from technical services like IPS and IFoS, but they remain eligible for the IAS.

Hearing is also tested. Candidates must hear a "forced whisper" from 610 cm in a quiet room. Temporary hearing loss is usually treatable and won't lead to permanent disqualification.

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UPSC Physical Eligibility for Female Candidates

The commission has defined clear UPSC physical eligibility for female applicants. While height requirements are lower than for men, the expansion of the chest remains mandatory to check lung capacity for technical roles. Female candidates are eligible for all services, provided they meet the specific UPSC physical eligibility criteria for that branch.

Physical Fitness for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS)

The IFoS is physically demanding. The physical eligibility for IFoS includes a specific walking test:

1. Men: Must cover 25 km in 4 hours.

2. Women: Must cover 14 km in 4 hours.

Height for IFoS:

• Men: Minimum 163 cm (152 cm for ST/hilly areas).

• Women: Minimum 150 cm (145 cm for ST/hilly areas).

Summary of the Medical Board Decision

After the exam, the board classifies candidates as:

• Fit: Meets all UPSC physical eligibility standards.

• Temporarily Unfit: Conditions like being overweight or having a treatable infection are found. Time is given to recover and re-test.

• Permanently Unfit: Conditions like organ transplants (except cornea) or high-grade colour blindness for technical roles result in disqualification.

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Final Thoughts

Clearing the UPSC exam is not only about marks and rank. The UPSC physical eligibility criteria play a decisive role in determining your final service allocation. While IAS offers more flexibility, technical services like IPS and IFoS demand higher physical standards.

Understanding these benchmarks early helps you choose your service preference wisely and prepare both mentally and physically for the journey ahead.

With the right awareness and preparation, meeting these standards is absolutely achievable.

Read more: UPSC Prelims Subject-wise Weightage Syllabus and Strategy

UPSC Physical Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Q1: What is the minimum height for IPS?

Under the UPSC physical eligibility for IPS, the minimum height for men is 165 cm and for women is 150 cm, with 5 cm relaxations for ST candidates.

Q2: Is there a weight limit for UPSC? 

There is no fixed weight, but it must be proportionate to your height. If significantly overweight, you may be declared "temporarily unfit" until you reach a healthy BMI.

Q3: Can someone with spectacles join the IAS? 

Yes, the UPSC physical eligibility for IAS allows spectacles, contact lenses, and LASIK, provided your vision is corrected to the required standard.

Q4: Does colour blindness affect eligibility? 

It depends. High-grade colour blindness disqualifies you from technical roles like IPS/IFoS but is acceptable for the UPSC physical eligibility for IAS.

Q5: What are the chest expansion rules for women? 

The UPSC physical eligibility for female candidates in technical roles requires a 79 cm chest girth with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.