Is LASIK Allowed in Para SF?

LASIK is allowed if you enter through the right route and meet strict medical standards, but it isn’t accepted for all types of Army entries.

Your eligibility hinges on your entry route into the Indian Army and how well you meet the strict medical criteria for vision correction.

If you’re aiming for the elite Para Special Forces (SF) of the Indian Army and have had LASIK surgery—or you’re thinking about getting it—the rules can feel confusing. This guide breaks down what’s allowed, what’s not, and how LASIK can affect your chances depending on when and how you join the Army. Let’s clear up the details.

How Entry Route into the Indian Army Affect LASIK Eligibility for Para SF?

Not all paths into the Indian Army treat LASIK the same way.

There are multiple entry routes to become an Army officer or soldier. These fall into three broad categories:

1. 10+2 Level Entries (e.g., NDA, TES)

LASIK is not allowed for candidates entering through these routes. That means if you’re applying to the National Defence Academy (NDA), Technical Entry Scheme (TES), or similar, having undergone LASIK will disqualify you at the medical stage.

2. Graduate-Level Entries (e.g., IMA, OTA, CDSE, NCC, TGC)

LASIK is allowed, if certain conditions are met (listed below). These candidates are often considered for officer roles post-commissioning and may apply for Para (SF) after joining the Army.

3. Postgraduate or Equivalent Entries (e.g., JAG, AEC, RVC, TA, AMC, SL)

Same as graduate entries—LASIK is allowed with conditions.

Bottom line:

• If you’re joining the Army via NDA or TES: LASIK disqualifies you.

• If you’re joining through CDSE, OTA, or other graduate/postgraduate routes: LASIK is allowed, but the timing and type of surgery matter.

Medical Standards for LASIK Candidates Joining Para SF

Even if your entry route permits LASIK, you still need to meet the Army’s strict post-surgery requirements.

Here are the main medical benchmarks you must meet if you’ve had LASIK or any other corneal refractive surgery:

LASIK Eligibility Checklist:

• You must have been over 20 years old at the time of surgery.

• At least 12 months must have passed since the surgery at the time of your medical exam.

• Corneal thickness must be 450 µm or more.

• Axial length (measured by IOL Master) must be ≤ 26 mm.

• Residual refractive error must be ±1.0 D or less, including any cylinder.

• Retina must be healthy and normal.

• You must provide medical documentation: This includes an operative certificate from the surgeon or clinic stating the date and type of surgery.

Without documentation, the medical board can declare you unfit, regardless of your actual eye health.

Not allowed at all: Radial keratotomy (an older form of eye surgery) results in permanent disqualification.

What Happens During the Army Medical Exam (Including Eye Checks)?

If you’ve cleared your SSB interview and are headed for medical screening, here’s what to expect:

What is the Special Medical Board (SMB)?

Once your SSB is done, you’ll be referred to a military hospital for medical evaluation by a Special Medical Board. This board consists of various specialists—including ophthalmologists—who examine your eligibility for Army service.

For LASIK candidates, the key parts include:

• Detailed eye examination

• Review of your LASIK surgery records

• Corneal topography (to rule out any abnormalities)

• Axial length and corneal thickness measurement

If the board finds any issue or if your documentation is missing, they can declare you unfit.

However, you can appeal. If declared unfit, you’re allowed to request an Appeal Medical Board (AMB), which is a second medical review.

Joining Para (SF) After Entry: How LASIK Fits into the Process?

Here’s where it gets specific. If you’re already in the Indian Army and wish to volunteer for the Para SF, your LASIK history may not disqualify you outright, assuming your vision is within limits and properly documented.

Pathways into Para (SF):

1. Direct Entry (for soldiers during recruitment)
   • These are fresh recruits who volunteer for the Para Regiments during or right after their basic training.

   • There is no official mention of whether LASIK is allowed for direct soldier-level entries, so it’s unclear based on the current guidelines.

2. Voluntary Transfer from Regular Army
   • Soldiers and officers already serving in regular units can volunteer to undergo probation for Para (SF).

   • Here, LASIK is allowed if your medical records support your eligibility and your vision meets the required standards.

If you’ve had LASIK and want to aim for Para (SF), the safest route is through graduate or postgraduate-level officer entries like CDSE, NCC, AMC, ADC, etc. These paths allow LASIK under specific conditions, and you can volunteer for Para (SF) after joining the Army as an officer.

Visual Standards for Para SF Eligibility: Where LASIK Can Help (or Hurt)?

Here’s how the Army defines acceptable visual standards based on your entry route:

If You’re Considering LASIK Before Applying: Read This First

If you haven’t had LASIK yet but are thinking about it before joining the Army or Para SF, timing is critical.

Here’s what you should do:

• Wait until after you’re 20 years old.

• Give yourself a 1-year buffer post-surgery before applying.

• Keep every piece of medical documentation from your eye clinic.

• Stick to standard LASIK or PRK—avoid experimental or outdated surgeries.

• Avoid radial keratotomy completely.

Tip: Don’t rush LASIK if you plan to join through NDA or TES. You’re better off correcting vision with glasses or lenses until you enter through a route that permits LASIK.

Serving in Para SF with LASIK: Is It Worth the Risk?

Joining the Para SF means passing some of the most intense physical and mental tests in the Indian Army. If you qualify medically—including your vision—you’ll go through a grueling probation, followed by specialised training in areas like:

• Combat free fall

• Underwater diving

• Sniping and demolitions

• Combat survival and language skills

You’ll also earn elite status, a maroon beret, and extra allowances like:

• ₹17,300/month (Special Forces Allowance)

• ₹6,000/month (Para Battalion Pay)

So yes, if your LASIK meets the standards and you’re medically cleared, it won’t hold you back. But the process is strict, and skipping even one requirement can disqualify you.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get LASIK If You Want to Join Para SF?

LASIK is allowed if you enter through the right route and meet strict medical standards. But it’s not a shortcut. The decision should be timed carefully, documented properly, and backed by good medical judgment.

If you’re under 20 or aiming for NDA/TES, skip it for now.

If you’re entering through CDSE, OTA, or similar, you can consider LASIK, as long as you follow all the rules and plan ahead.

The key takeaway: Don’t let LASIK trip up your dream of joining Para SF. But don’t treat it casually either. One wrong move with the timing or paperwork, and your shot at the maroon beret could vanish.

Still not sure about your specific case? Reach out to a qualified military doctor or eye specialist familiar with Army medical standards before making any decisions.