LASIK is generally not allowed for most Indian special forces direct entry posts, especially in frontline combat roles.
However, there are exceptions for certain officer-level entries and specific units, provided strict medical criteria are met.
If you’re aiming for India’s elite special forces—like Para SF, MARCOS, Garud Commandos, NSG, SFF, or COBRA—this blog will clarify where LASIK is accepted, where it’s not, and what you need to know before planning your career or surgery.
Understanding India’s Special Forces and Their Recruitment Paths
The Major Special Forces Units
- Para SF (Army)
- MARCOS (Navy)
- Garud Commandos (Air Force)
- National Security Guard (NSG)
- Special Frontier Force (SFF)
- Special Group (SG)
- COBRA (CRPF)
Each unit has unique recruitment processes and medical standards, especially regarding vision and LASIK.
LASIK and Para SF: What Are the Rules?
Entry Pathways and LASIK Policy
Para SF recruits through two main routes:
- Direct entry as a rookie (10+2, NDA, TES): LASIK is NOT permitted.
- Transfer from regular Army units (graduate/postgraduate entries): LASIK is permitted, but with strict conditions.
LASIK Criteria for Para SF (Graduate & Postgraduate entries):
- Surgery after age 20
- At least 12 months post-LASIK
- Central corneal thickness ≥ 450 microns
- Axial length ≤ 26 mm
- Residual refraction ≤ ±1.0 D (including cylinder)
- Normal, healthy retina
- Corneal topography and ectasia markers may be checked
- Radial keratotomy (RK) is a permanent disqualification
Documentation: You must provide a certificate or operative notes specifying the date and type of surgery. Without this, you may be declared unfit due to undocumented visual acuity correction.
Medical Board Process
Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a Special Medical Board (SMB) at an Armed Forces Medical Services Hospital. If declared ‘Unfit’ by the SMB, you can appeal to an Appeal Medical Board (AMB), following detailed procedures.
LASIK and MARCOS: What’s Allowed?
MARCOS (Navy’s Marine Commandos):
- LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are NOT allowed for the MARCO cadre.
- These surgeries are permitted for other Navy branches (except submarine and diving cadres).
If you aspire to join MARCOS, any history of LASIK or similar refractive surgery will make you ineligible for selection.
LASIK and Garud Commandos: What’s the Policy?
Non-Commissioned Posts
- Direct recruitment via Airmen Selection Centres
- LASIK/PRK/corneal surgery is NOT acceptable
- Candidates must bring a recent prescription if using spectacles
Commissioned Posts
- Commissioned officers for the Garud are selected from Air Force Academy cadets
- For all branches, keratorefractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, SMILE) is allowed only if:
- Surgery was after age 20
- At least 12 months post-surgery
- Corneal thickness ≥ 450 microns
- Axial length ≤ 26 mm
- Residual refraction ≤ ±1.0 D (Sph or Cyl)
- No complications or high refractive error (>6 D) before surgery
- Radial keratotomy is NOT allowed
Summary: For Garud, LASIK is not allowed for non-commissioned posts, but may be allowed for officers if all criteria are met.
LASIK and National Security Guard (NSG): What’s the Rule?
NSG selection depends on your parent force (Army, CAPFs, State Police), so LASIK eligibility follows those rules:
- Army: Same as Para SF—allowed for officer-level entries, not for direct 10+2 entries.
- CAPF: LASIK is permitted with specific criteria (see below).
- State Police: Increasingly accepting LASIK, subject to medical standards and legal precedents.
LASIK and Special Frontier Force (SFF) & Special Group (SG)
- SFF recruits primarily from Tibetan refugees and elite Indian military personnel, especially those with Para SF or airborne experience.
- SG draws from all branches of the Indian Armed Forces, with a focus on those from Special Forces.
- LASIK acceptance depends on the rules of the parent unit. If you’re eligible in the Para SF or Army, you may be eligible for SFF/SG.
LASIK and COBRA (CRPF): What’s the Standard?
- COBRA commandos require natural vision—no correction allowed, not even glasses.
- Minimum distant vision: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other, unaided.
- LASIK is NOT permitted for COBRA selection.
LASIK and CAPF/State Police: A Quick Overview
CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces)
- LASIK is permitted if you meet these criteria:
- Age: 18–35 years
- Axial length: 21–26 mm
- Corneal thickness: ≥ 425 microns
- Pre-LASIK error: ≤ 6 D
- At least 6 months post-surgery
- Stable vision, healthy retina
State Police
- Many state police forces (e.g., Delhi Police) now accept LASIK, provided you meet vision standards.
- Judicial rulings have upheld eligibility for candidates with LASIK if they meet all other criteria.
- Standards may vary by state, but the trend is toward acceptance.
Why Are LASIK Restrictions So Strict for Special Forces?
Special forces operate in extreme environments—high altitudes, underwater, deserts, jungles—where eye health and vision stability are critical. Risks include:
- Corneal flap dislocation (rare, but possible in trauma)
- Night vision issues or glare (potential LASIK side effects)
- Difficulty managing complications in remote or combat settings
These risks explain why frontline combat roles are cautious about accepting candidates with LASIK, especially for direct entry.
LASIK Eligibility by Special Forces
| Special Force | LASIK Allowed? | Notes |
| Para SF (10+2/NDA) | No | Not allowed for direct entry |
| Para SF (Graduate+) | Yes (with criteria) | Allowed for officer-level entries with strict medical standards |
| MARCOS | No | Not allowed for MARCO cadre; allowed in other Navy branches |
| Garud (Non-Comm.) | No | Not allowed for direct airmen entry |
| Garud (Officer) | Yes (with criteria) | Allowed for officers via AFCAT, if meeting Air Force standards |
| NSG | Depends | Follows parent force’s LASIK policy |
| SFF/SG | Depends | Follows parent force’s LASIK policy |
| COBRA | No | No correction allowed, not even glasses |
| CAPF | Yes (with criteria) | Allowed with specific age, thickness, and vision standards |
| State Police | Yes (varies) | Increasing acceptance, depends on state and post |
What Should Aspirants Do If Considering LASIK?
- Check the latest recruitment notifications for your target force and post.
- Consult an ophthalmologist familiar with defence medical standards.
- Keep all surgery records and documentation.
- Time your surgery: Allow at least 12 months (or 6 months for CAPF) before applying.
- Understand that even with LASIK, you must meet all other vision and eye health criteria.
Major Highlights and Your Path Forward
LASIK is not a blanket disqualification for all Indian special forces, but it is not accepted for most direct combat roles, especially in Para SF, MARCOS, Garud (non-commissioned), and COBRA. Officer-level entries and some CAPF or state police roles may allow LASIK if you meet strict medical standards.
If you’re passionate about joining special forces and considering LASIK, plan carefully. Research your target unit’s latest rules, consult medical professionals, and keep your options open.
Have questions about a specific force or want advice on medical standards? Reach out to recent recruits, defence doctors, or check official notifications for the most current information. Your journey to the special forces starts with clarity—in your vision and your planning.