Gaganpreet Singh Gaganpreet Singh Asked 6 months ago

Can you be drafted if you have one kidney?

My younger brother was born with only one kidney, which has always been a concern for our family. We were discussing future career options, including the armed forces. Can you be drafted if you have one kidney?

12

12 answers

Sneha Patel Sneha Patel Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago
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I am not very sure about military rules, but is it safe for someone with one kidney to do such heavy training? I mean, what if they get hurt during the physical exams? Does anyone here know if they allow desk jobs in the forces for this?

Abhishek Kapoor Abhishek Kapoor Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Man, having one kidney means you have to be super careful with your diet and water intake. I can't imagine surviving military food and extreme heat on just one kidney! I'd rather stay home, enjoy my butter chicken, and keep my single kidney happy and hydrated.

Rashmi Sharma Rashmi Sharma Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I panicked so much when I first found out my son was born with a single functioning kidney, but the doctor reassured us that people live perfectly normal lives with one. However, when it comes to the military, they have strict rules against it because of the high risk of injury to your only kidney. It's just a safety measure, so don't worry about it too much.

Amit Shah Amit Shah Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

Instead of spending money on coaching classes and physical training for military exams, it is better to get a proper ultrasound and KFT test done first. Those tests will cost you around 1500 to 2000 rupees but they will give you a clear picture of your health. Plan your career practically so you don't waste your hard-earned money.

Vivek Murthy Vivek Murthy Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

According to the medical standards of most military forces, a solitary kidney—whether congenital or due to surgery—is a disqualifying condition. My nephrologist friend explained that if your one kidney gets damaged during physical combat, it leads to immediate acute kidney injury. It is a strict policy meant to prevent life-threatening emergencies in the field.

Shweta Kadam Shweta Kadam Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

Just like how I have to get my thyroid levels and kidney function checked every six months, a person with one kidney needs regular creatinine tests to ensure everything is functioning well. Because of this need for constant monitoring and medical follow-ups, the military won't clear you for active duty.

Preeti Saxena Preeti Saxena Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

It really hurts when your medical condition gets in the way of your dreams, and I completely feel your pain. I had to let go of a highly active career path because of my health issues, and it was emotionally draining. Give yourself some time to accept this, your health is your real wealth.

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Consult a nephrologist

Devendra Singh Devendra Singh Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

I was rejected during my physicals years ago for having a single kidney, so I know how it goes. My advice is to stop stressing over the military entry and focus on civilian govt jobs if you want to serve. Keep your hydration levels high, avoid high-protein gym supplements without a doctor's advice, and live a normal, happy life.

Gopal Joshi Gopal Joshi Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

Having one kidney is a sign that you must treat your body like a temple. Gentle yoga and drinking plenty of warm water keep the system clean. The intense physical strain of the army is not suitable for a single kidney, as it can cause dehydration and strain the organ. Focus on a peaceful, healthy lifestyle instead.

Manju Warrier Manju Warrier Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

It is always better to be safe than sorry. My uncle lived his whole life with one kidney by avoiding heavy salt and drinking barley water regularly to keep infections away. The army life is way too harsh for such a delicate situation, so it is completely understandable why they have this rule.

Rahul Verma Rahul Verma Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Straight up, no, they won't take you. I tried for physical selections and got rejected because of a congenital single kidney. They told me any major abdominal trauma during combat or training could fail my only kidney, which is too risky. It sucks but it's for our own good.

Arjun Das Arjun Das Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Look, I know you might really want to serve, but defense forces require absolute physical perfection to withstand combat. Having one kidney is a automatic medical disqualification because protecting your remaining kidney is the top priority. There are so many other wonderful ways to serve the country without putting your life at risk.

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