✅ Eligibility Criteria
AFMS 2026 Eligibility — Who Can Apply for SSC Medical Officer?
AFMS has relatively relaxed eligibility compared to UPSC CMS. The key requirements are an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognised institution, completed internship, valid NMC/State Medical Council registration, and age below 45 years. No minimum MBBS percentage is specified.
Eligibility Criteria — Army AMC
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Education | MBBS from MCI/NMC-recognised institution (India or abroad) |
| Registration | Valid registration with NMC or State Medical Council |
| Internship | Must be completed before joining date |
| Age (General) | Up to 45 years as of last date of application |
| Age (PG degree holders) | Age relaxation of up to 5 years for MD/MS/DNB holders |
| Gender | Male and Female both eligible |
| Minimum MBBS % | Not specified — academic record evaluated at interview |
| Marital status | No restriction |
| Foreign MGs (FMGE) | Must have passed FMGE and obtained NMC registration |
Medical Fitness Requirements
Candidates must be medically fit as per armed forces medical standards. Key requirements include:
- Height (Male): Minimum 157.5 cm; Army may specify 162.5 cm for some branches
- Height (Female): Minimum 152 cm
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age (BMI 18.5–30 generally)
- Vision: 6/12 correctable to 6/6 in both eyes (spectacles permitted)
- Hearing: Normal hearing without hearing aid
- No colour blindness
- No major physical deformity
- No significant chronic illness (diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, psychiatric history may be disqualifying)
- Dental fitness as per military standards
A formal medical board examination is conducted during the selection process. The final medical fitness decision rests with the armed forces medical board.
Branch-wise Eligibility Differences
| Branch | Age Limit | Gender | Additional Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army (AMC) | Up to 45 years | Male + Female | Largest intake, most vacancies |
| Navy (NMS) | Up to 45 years | Male + Female | Seagoing fitness may be required for certain postings |
| Air Force (IAF Medical) | Up to 45 years | Male + Female | Aviation medicine interest beneficial |
Important: Eligibility criteria may vary slightly with each recruitment notification. Always verify with the official notification on joinindianarmy.nic.in, nausena-bharti.nic.in, or careerindianairforce.cdac.in before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can final year MBBS students apply for AFMS?
Some AFMS notifications allow final year MBBS students to apply provisionally. However, you must complete internship before the joining date. Check the specific notification for this provision.
Can foreign medical graduates (FMGE passers) apply for AFMS?
Yes. Foreign medical graduates who have passed FMGE and obtained valid NMC registration are eligible to apply for AFMS SSC Medical Officer posts, subject to meeting other eligibility criteria.
Is there a bond period in AFMS?
Yes. SSC MOs serve an initial tenure of 5 years. Breaking the bond before completion requires payment of a penalty. The bond terms are specified in the offer of commission letter. The tenure is extendable up to 14 years for SSC officers.