What are the medical fitness requirements for different services like IAS and IPS?

UPSC medical standards vary significantly between Non-Technical Services (like IAS) and Technical Services (like IPS). All candidates undergo a medical examination at designated New Delhi hospitals to ensure they can perform their duties effectively.
For the IAS, requirements are relatively flexible. There are no specific minimum height or chest girth mandates. Vision standards are relaxed; spectacles and LASIK are permitted, and certain conditions like night blindness or squints generally do not disqualify a candidate. The focus is on overall health and the absence of chronic diseases that could hinder administrative work.
In contrast, the IPS has stringent physical criteria due to the demanding nature of policing. Male candidates must be at least 165 cm tall, and females 150 cm (with relaxations for certain categories). There are specific chest expansion requirements (minimum 5 cm) and strict vision standards, including high-grade color vision. Conditions like flat feet, knocked knees, or color blindness are usually disqualifying for the IPS.
Regardless of the service, all candidates must have normal hearing, stable blood pressure, and a healthy heart.