Medical Tests for Cabin Crew: What to Expect? Complete Class 2 Medical & Eyesight for Air Hostess Guide 2026
"You have cleared the interview, aced the grooming round, and impressed the panel. Then comes the final hurdle: the medical examination. Suddenly, anxiety takes over: Will my eyesight disqualify me? What is a Class 2 Medical? What tests will they conduct? For many cabin crew aspirants in Vadodara and across Gujarat, the medical assessment is the most mysterious part of the selection process. Unlike interviews where you can prepare, medical requirements feel beyond your control. But here is the truth: most candidates pass. And with proper understanding, you can prepare. After placing hundreds of students at airlines, I am sharing everything you need to know about Class 2 Medical requirements, eyesight for air hostess standards, and what to expect during cabin crew medical examinations."
What is Class 2 Medical? Understanding Aviation Medical Standards
Let us start with the basics of Class 2 Medical certification.
Aviation Medical Certificate Classes:
Aviation medical certificates are issued by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) approved doctors. There are different classes:
🏥 Class 1 Medical: Required for pilots. Most stringent standards. 🏥 Class 2 Medical: Required for cabin crew. Moderately stringent standards. 🏥 Class 3 Medical: Required for air traffic controllers.
Why Class 2 Medical for Cabin Crew:
Cabin crew are responsible for passenger safety during emergencies. They must be physically fit to: - Operate emergency exits and equipment - Assist passengers during evacuation - Perform CPR and first aid - Work in pressurised cabin environment - Handle physical demands of service
Who Conducts the Examination:
Only DGCA-approved Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) can issue Class 2 Medical certificates. Airlines will specify approved centres for your examination.
Our Air Hostess Training programme includes medical eligibility guidance. Let us explore what the examination covers.
Eyesight for Air Hostess: Vision Standards Explained
Vision requirements are among the most common concerns. Here are the eyesight for air hostess standards:
Vision Requirements:
👁️ Distant Vision: - Standard: 6/9 in each eye (correctable to 6/6) - This means: With or without glasses/lenses, you can see clearly at distance
👁️ Near Vision: - Standard: N5 at 30-50 cm - This means: You can read small text at normal reading distance
👁️ Intermediate Vision: - Standard: N14 at 100 cm - This means: You can read instrument panels at arm's length
👁️ Colour Vision: - Standard: Normal colour perception - This means: No colour blindness (red-green deficiency is disqualifying)
Correction Allowed:
✅ Spectacles (glasses) are allowed ✅ Contact lenses are allowed (with spare glasses during flight) ✅ LASIK/Laser surgery is allowed (after healing period, usually 6-12 months)
Vision Limits:
❌ Eyesight worse than -5.0 or +3.0 diopters (varies by airline) ❌ Colour blindness (complete or partial) ❌ Night blindness ❌ Progressive eye conditions
| Vision Parameter | Requirement | Correction Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 6/9 each eye | Yes (glasses/lenses) | Must correct to 6/6 |
| Near Vision | N5 at 30-50 cm | Yes | Reading small text |
| Intermediate Vision | N14 at 100 cm | Yes | Panel/document reading |
| Colour Vision | Normal | No correction possible | Ishihara test conducted |
| Refractive Error Limit | -5.0 to +3.0 diopters | Within limits | Varies by airline |
| LASIK Eligibility | Allowed after healing | N/A | 6-12 months post-surgery |
| Contact Lenses | Allowed | N/A | Must carry spare glasses |
| Night Vision | Normal | No correction | Tested in some cases |
“Excellent teaching..”
Expert Insight
"Medical Tip: If you have borderline vision, consider LASIK surgery 12 months before applying. This gives adequate healing time and eliminates concerns about glasses during interviews. Consult an ophthalmologist specialising in aviation medicine."
Complete Medical Tests for Cabin Crew
Here is what to expect during your Class 2 Medical examination:
General Physical Examination:
Physical Assessment Components
- 1Height and Weight: Verification of stated measurements. BMI assessment for fitness.
- 2General Appearance: Overall health assessment, visible abnormalities, scars, tattoos.
- 3Cardiovascular: Blood pressure (normal range 90/60 to 140/90), pulse rate, heart sounds.
- 4Respiratory: Lung sounds, breathing pattern, chest expansion.
- 5Musculoskeletal: Joint mobility, limb function, spinal alignment, posture.
- 6Neurological: Reflexes, coordination, balance, sensory function.
- 7Skin: Conditions that may worsen in cabin environment, infectious conditions.
- 8Ears, Nose, Throat: Hearing assessment, sinus health, speech clarity.
Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
Beyond physical examination, these medical tests are typically required:
Blood Tests:
🩸 Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Haemoglobin levels (12+ g/dL for women, 13+ for men) - White blood cell count - Platelet count
🩸 Blood Sugar - Fasting glucose (70-100 mg/dL normal) - Random glucose if diabetic history
🩸 Blood Group - ABO and Rh typing for records
Urine Tests:
🧪 Routine Urinalysis - Sugar (diabetes indicator) - Protein (kidney function) - Specific gravity
Imaging:
📷 Chest X-Ray - Lung condition - Heart size - Skeletal structure
📷 ECG (Electrocardiogram) - Heart rhythm - Electrical activity - May be required for candidates over 30
Audiometry:
👂 Hearing Test - Both ears tested - Range: 500-3000 Hz - Threshold requirements
| Test | Normal Range | Concern Level | Disqualifying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure | 90/60 - 140/90 mmHg | Above 140/90 | Uncontrolled hypertension |
| Haemoglobin (Female) | 12-16 g/dL | Below 10 | Severe anaemia |
| Haemoglobin (Male) | 13-17 g/dL | Below 11 | Severe anaemia |
| Fasting Blood Sugar | 70-100 mg/dL | 100-125 | Diabetes (uncontrolled) |
| BMI | 18.5-24.9 | 25-29.9 | Morbid obesity (BMI 35+) |
| Hearing | Normal at 500-3000 Hz | Mild loss | Severe hearing loss |
| Colour Vision | Normal | Any deficiency | Colour blindness |
| ECG | Normal sinus rhythm | Minor variations | Cardiac abnormality |
Common Disqualifying Medical Conditions
Let me be honest about conditions that may affect your Class 2 Medical eligibility:
Typically Disqualifying:
❌ Epilepsy/Seizure disorders — Safety-critical; cannot risk loss of consciousness ❌ Insulin-dependent diabetes — Risk of hypoglycemia during flight ❌ Severe heart conditions — Cardiac surgery, significant arrhythmias ❌ Colour blindness — Cannot distinguish safety indicators ❌ Severe hearing loss — Cannot hear announcements, emergency sounds ❌ Active tuberculosis — Infectious in cabin environment ❌ Severe psychiatric conditions — Uncontrolled depression, psychosis ❌ Uncontrolled hypertension — Stroke/heart attack risk at altitude
Potentially Concerning (Case-by-Case):
⚠️ Asthma — Depends on severity and control ⚠️ Thyroid disorders — If controlled with medication, usually acceptable ⚠️ Skin conditions — Psoriasis, eczema depend on location and severity ⚠️ Previous surgeries — Depending on type and recovery ⚠️ Allergies — Severe allergies may be concerning ⚠️ Migraines — Frequency and severity matter ⚠️ Back problems — Depends on nature and limitations
Usually Acceptable:
✅ Corrected vision (within limits) ✅ Controlled hypothyroidism ✅ Minor allergies ✅ Past surgeries (fully healed) ✅ Mild asthma (well-controlled) ✅ Minor skin conditions
Medical Examination Process: What to Expect
Here is how your Class 2 Medical examination typically proceeds:
Before the Examination:
📋 Documents Required: - Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence) - Passport-sized photographs (2-4) - Previous medical records if any - Spectacle prescription if applicable - Airline reference letter (if provided)
📋 Preparation: - Get adequate sleep the night before - Avoid alcohol for 48 hours - Stay hydrated but do not overdrink - Wear comfortable clothing - Bring any regular medications - Fasting may be required for blood tests (confirm with centre)
Day of Examination:
⏰ Duration: 2-4 hours typically
⏰ Sequence (Typical): 1. Registration and documentation 2. Vision tests (distant, near, colour) 3. Hearing tests 4. Blood and urine sample collection 5. Chest X-ray 6. ECG (if required) 7. Physical examination by AME 8. Final consultation and review
After Examination:
📄 Results Timeline: - Some results same day - Lab results: 24-48 hours - Certificate issuance: 3-7 days (if cleared)
📄 If Issues Found: - AME may request additional tests - Specialist consultation may be required - Certificate may be delayed or denied
DGCA Approved Medical Centres in Gujarat
For Class 2 Medical examinations, you must visit DGCA-approved centres. Here are options in Gujarat:
Ahmedabad:
🏥 Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad - DGCA-approved AME available - Contact hospital for appointment
🏥 Private AME Clinics - Multiple DGCA-approved doctors - Check current DGCA website for updated list
Vadodara:
🏥 SSG Hospital - Check for current AME availability
🏥 Private Practitioners - Some DGCA-approved doctors available
Important Notes:
📌 DGCA maintains current list of approved AMEs on dgca.gov.in 📌 Airlines may specify particular centres 📌 Verify AME credentials before appointment 📌 Costs range ₹2,000-5,000 depending on tests required
Wings Institute can guide you to appropriate medical examination centres in Gujarat.
Preparing for Medical Success: Practical Tips
While you cannot change your medical history, you can optimise your examination:
Physical Preparation (2-4 weeks before):
💪 Improve Fitness - Regular exercise to improve cardiovascular health - Maintain healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) - Reduce if overweight; gain if underweight
🥗 Healthy Diet - Reduce salt (lowers blood pressure) - Avoid processed foods - Stay hydrated - Limit caffeine
😴 Sleep and Rest - Regular sleep schedule - 7-8 hours nightly - Reduces blood pressure and stress
Vision Preparation:
👁️ Eye Check-Up - Get comprehensive eye exam beforehand - Update spectacle prescription if needed - Consider contact lens fitting - Discuss LASIK if borderline
Documentation:
📁 Gather Records - Any previous surgeries: Get discharge summaries - Chronic conditions: Get doctor's letters confirming control - Medications: List all current medications - Vaccination records if available
Day Before:
✅ Avoid alcohol completely ✅ Get good sleep (8 hours) ✅ Eat light dinner ✅ Prepare all documents ✅ Know the centre location and timing
What If You Fail the Medical Examination?
Not passing the Class 2 Medical is not always the end:
Temporary Deferrals:
🔄 Treatable Conditions Some conditions cause temporary deferral, not permanent rejection: - Anaemia (can be treated and retested) - High blood pressure (may need medication and monitoring) - Infections (wait until resolved) - Post-surgery healing (wait for recovery)
🔄 Specialist Consultation AME may refer to specialists for further evaluation. Getting clearance from specialist can enable certification.
Permanent Disqualifications:
❌ Non-Waivable Conditions Some conditions permanently disqualify from cabin crew: - Epilepsy - Colour blindness - Insulin-dependent diabetes - Severe cardiac conditions
Alternative Career Paths:
If cabin crew is not medically feasible, consider:
✈️ Ground Staff: Most ground roles have less stringent medical requirements ✈️ Airport Management: Operations, customer service, cargo ✈️ Travel & Tourism: No Class 2 Medical required ✈️ Hotel Management: Hospitality roles without aviation medical standards
Our Airport Management, Travel & Tourism, and Hotel Management programmes offer alternatives with strong career outcomes.
Medical Requirements by Airline
Different airlines may have slightly different medical standards:
| Airline | Medical Standard | Vision Requirements | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | Class 2 Medical | 6/9 correctable to 6/6 | Standard DGCA requirements |
| Air India | Class 2 Medical | 6/9 correctable to 6/6 | May have additional tests |
| SpiceJet | Class 2 Medical | 6/9 correctable to 6/6 | Standard requirements |
| Vistara | Class 2 Medical | 6/9 correctable to 6/6 | Premium airline standards |
| Emirates | Own medical standards | 6/9 correctable to 6/6 | Conducted in Dubai |
| Qatar Airways | Own medical standards | 6/9 correctable to 6/6 | Conducted in Doha |
| Air Arabia | Own medical standards | Standard vision | Conducted at base |
Key Insight: Indian domestic carriers follow DGCA Class 2 Medical standards. International carriers have their own medical departments but requirements are similar. Emirates and Qatar Airways conduct medical examinations after selection, at their base locations.
Medical Fitness at Wings Institute, Vadodara
At Wings Institute, we prepare students for all aspects of cabin crew selection, including medical requirements.
How We Help:
🏋️ Fitness Guidance - BMI management advice - Physical fitness preparation - Healthy lifestyle coaching
👁️ Vision Awareness - Understanding eyesight for air hostess requirements - Referral to eye specialists if needed - LASIK consultation guidance
📋 Documentation Support - What records to gather - How to present medical history - Preparing for examination
🏥 Centre Guidance - Information on DGCA-approved AMEs in Gujarat - What to expect at examination - Cost estimates
Our Location:
📍 Address: 2nd floor, RG Square 14, Nutan Bharat Society, Alkapuri, Vadodara - 390007 📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +91-8758754444 🕐 Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 📍 Directions: Open in Google Maps
For complete cabin crew preparation including medical guidance, visit our Air Hostess Training page or Contact us.
Conclusion: Preparing for Medical Success
Let me summarise what you need to know about cabin crew medical requirements:
Class 2 Medical: - DGCA-mandated certificate for cabin crew - Conducted by approved Aviation Medical Examiners - Covers physical, vision, hearing, and laboratory tests - Valid for 5 years (under 40) or 2 years (40+)
Eyesight for Air Hostess: - 6/9 in each eye, correctable to 6/6 - Glasses and contact lenses allowed - LASIK acceptable after healing period - Colour blindness is disqualifying
What to Expect: - 2-4 hour examination process - Physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, X-ray - Vision and hearing assessments - ECG for older candidates
Preparation Tips: - Maintain healthy weight and fitness - Get adequate sleep before examination - Update spectacle prescription - Gather all medical documentation - Avoid alcohol for 48 hours
If Concerns Exist: - Consult specialists beforehand - Address treatable conditions - Consider alternative career paths if needed
Ready to start your cabin crew journey?
Visit Wings Institute in Alkapuri, Vadodara for complete cabin crew training including medical eligibility guidance. We will assess your profile and help you prepare for every step of the selection process.
📞 WhatsApp: +91-8758754444 📍 Address: 2nd floor, RG Square 14, Nutan Bharat Society, Alkapuri, Vadodara - 390007 🕐 Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 📍 Directions: Open in Google Maps
Your medical fitness is part of your overall preparation. Let us help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Class 2 Medical for cabin crew?
What are the eyesight requirements for air hostess?
Can I become cabin crew with glasses?
What medical tests are done for cabin crew?
Can I become air hostess with colour blindness?
How much does Class 2 Medical examination cost?
Can I become cabin crew with asthma?
Is LASIK surgery allowed for cabin crew?
What happens if I fail the medical examination?
Where can I get Class 2 Medical in Gujarat?
“Joining Wings Institute was the best decision I ever made! The environment is so positive and encouraging. The faculty gives individual attention to every student and helps polish our personality, grooming, and interview skills. Truly the best aviation and cabin crew institute in Gujarat.”
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