Is LASIK Allowed in Central Bureau of Narcotics?

Understanding Recruitment for Central Bureau of Narcotics

The Central Bureau of Narcotics operates under the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance. It enforces drug laws and supervises the legal trade of narcotics and psychotropic substances. Recruitment for Inspector and Sub‑Inspector roles happens through the Staff Selection Commission’s Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam—one of India’s most competitive government examinations.

The SSC establishes uniform medical and vision standards for all posts under its purview. While the CBN does not publish separate medical guidelines, it follows the SSC’s prescribed fitness rules. Candidates who clear the CGL exam undergo a detailed medical examination to ensure they are physically fit for enforcement duties that include inspection, fieldwork and surveillance.

Vision Standards Required for CBN Posts

Vision requirements are a critical part of the SSC CGL medical evaluation. For Inspectors and Sub‑Inspectors, including those in the CBN, the eyesight criteria are:

• Distant vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, with or without glasses.
• Near vision: 0.6 in one eye and 0.8 in the other, with or without glasses.

These standards ensure officers can perform tasks such as document verification, surveillance and field inspections effectively. LASIK or other refractive surgeries are acceptable as long as the corrected vision meets these benchmarks. Medical examiners may check for stability of vision to ensure the correction is permanent and safe.

What SSC Says About LASIK in Eligibility Criteria

The SSC CGL notification does not include any clause disqualifying candidates who have undergone LASIK or similar surgery. It specifies only the required range of vision, with or without corrective lenses. Therefore, candidates who have had LASIK remain eligible for CBN posts provided the surgery is successful and the vision standards are met.

Applicants should ensure there are no complications or corneal abnormalities after surgery, and they should be able to provide medical proof of stable vision from a certified ophthalmologist. Most experts recommend undergoing LASIK at least six to twelve months before the medical exam to allow complete healing. Failing to disclose recent surgery could lead to disqualification during the medical review.

Medical Examination for Central Bureau of Narcotics Officers

After clearing the SSC CGL exam and document verification, shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive medical test at government‑authorized facilities. The examination includes checks for vision, hearing, blood pressure and overall fitness.

For the eye assessment, candidates are tested for:

• Distant and near vision (with or without glasses) to ensure they meet the prescribed 6/6–6/9 and 0.6–0.8 standards.
• Colour perception and night vision.
• Eye muscle balance and the absence of squint, progressive eye disease or other anomalies.

A candidate who has undergone LASIK and satisfies these conditions is considered medically fit. If any complications such as glare sensitivity or unstable vision persist, the candidate may be declared temporarily unfit until recovery is demonstrated with appropriate documentation.

Can LASIK Affect Selection in CBN?

In most cases, LASIK does not affect selection if visual acuity meets the SSC norms. The key consideration is functional vision rather than the procedure itself. Candidates with corrected vision of 6/6 and 6/9 and a healthy eye condition generally pass the medical test without issue.

Enforcement roles with heavy combat requirements—such as positions in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or National Crime Bureau (NCB)—may involve stricter fitness evaluations. Because CBN duties involve less direct combat, LASIK usually presents minimal concern as long as vision is normal and stable.

Common Myths About LASIK and Government Jobs

There are several misconceptions about LASIK and government service eligibility:

• Many believe LASIK automatically disqualifies candidates from government jobs. This is false; there is no SSC rule banning LASIK.
• Colour blindness and certain progressive eye diseases—not LASIK—are disqualifying factors.
• Paramilitary or defence roles sometimes restrict LASIK due to combat readiness standards, but civil enforcement agencies like the CBN have no such blanket ban.

Candidates applying to CBN or other SSC CGL posts can safely undergo LASIK if needed, provided they meet the required vision standards and obtain a stability certificate from a registered eye specialist.

How to Ensure LASIK Eligibility for SSC Medicals

To avoid medical complications or disqualification during the SSC medical exam, candidates who have undergone LASIK should follow these guidelines:

• Choose a qualified ophthalmologist for pre‑surgery consultation to determine suitability for LASIK.
• Wait at least six months after surgery before applying or appearing for the medical examination to allow your eyes to stabilize.
• Retain all medical documents showing surgery details, correction level and confirmation of stable vision.
• Undergo a vision check‑up before the SSC medical exam to confirm compliance with the 6/6–6/9 distant vision and 0.6–0.8 near vision standards.
• Do not conceal the surgery during the medical evaluation—examiners can detect it through corneal scans, and hiding it could lead to disqualification.