Can you get drafted if you have asthma?

Yes, active asthma is a direct rejection in defense medical tests. Best to avoid military roles and look for civilian options.

My cousin applied for the army recruitment rally last year but was declared medically unfit because of his childhood asthma history. They check your breathing under extreme physical stress, and any history of inhaler use is usually a red flag for them.

For any military or defense services, severe physical fitness is mandatory. If you have any breathing difficulty, please get a proper evaluation from a pulmonologist before attempting heavy physical trials. Active asthma can be highly dangerous during intense field training.

Look, if the defense forces have rejected you due to asthma, don't get disheartened. There are so many good desk jobs in government sectors like railways or banks where minor asthma is absolutely not an issue. Focus your energy on preparing for those exams instead.

In India, we don't have a mandatory military draft, but for voluntary recruitment, asthma is a strict bar. If you have breathing issues, don't waste time trying to clear the defense medicals. Focus on corporate or general civil service roles where you can work in controlled, air-conditioned environments.

My grandfather used to say that swimming helps open up the lungs for military hopefuls. However, our family doctor advised us that modern defense medical standards are absolute and they do not compromise on asthma. It is best to respect the medical board's decision.

I used to panic during school days thinking my mild wheezing would ruin all my career options. But later I realized that except for the active combat military roles, almost all other career fields in India are completely open for us. You can live a perfectly normal and successful life!

Please don't try to hide your asthma using temporary sprays during recruitment drives. I once tried to push through a heavy running test while ignoring my breathing issues, and ended up in the emergency ward with a severe attack. Always declare your medical history honestly for your own safety.

Beta, the military life requires running with heavy loads in dust and cold, which is not good for weak lungs. To keep your breathing strong, you can drink warm ginger water with honey daily. But for defense selection, their rules are very strict and they do not allow asthma patients.