Russian Army Medical Exam in 2026: Doctors, Tests and What to Bring

Why the VVK matters and how it works

The military medical commission (VVK) is a mandatory step before signing a contract. Its job is to determine the fitness category for military service and clear the candidate for a specific position. Without a positive VVK conclusion, the contract will not be signed.

The commission is held at the selection point (for CIS candidates — most often Moscow, 8 Yauzskaya St.) or at an attached military clinic. Total duration — 1–3 days.

1. Which doctors you need to see

Mandatory set of 7 specialists:

Doctor	What they check
Therapist	General condition, blood pressure, lungs, heart
Surgeon	Posture, joints, post-surgical scars
Neurologist	Reflexes, coordination, head injuries
Ophthalmologist	Visual acuity, colour vision, visual field
ENT	Hearing, eardrums, sinuses
Psychiatrist	Mental health, addictions
Dentist	Oral health, absence of acute infections

An endocrinologist, cardiologist or dermatologist may be added by referral.

2. Mandatory tests and studies

• Complete blood and urine tests.
• Blood biochemistry.
• Blood type and Rh factor.
• Resting ECG.
• Chest X-ray.
• HIV, hepatitis B/C and syphilis tests.
• Drug test (in selected cases).

Some tests can be brought pre-completed — if fresh and from a licensed lab (see FAQ above).

3. Military fitness categories

Category	Meaning	Contract
A	Fit	Any position, including special units
B	Fit with minor restrictions	Most positions
V	Limited fitness	Not accepted in peacetime (exceptions: specific specialties)
G	Temporarily unfit	Deferral of 6–12 months for treatment
D	Unfit	Complete rejection

According to 2025 statistics, ~78% of foreign candidates receive category A or B.

4. What to bring — checklist

Documents:

• Passport + notarised Russian translation.
• Migration card.
• Registration at place of stay.
• Criminal record certificate (from your home country, with apostille).
• Medical records or extracts from your history (if you have chronic conditions).
• Chest X-ray from the past year.
• 4 photos 3×4 cm.

Personal items:

• Sportswear and sneakers — for the physical fitness check.
• Indoor shoes.
• Towel.
• Still water and a light snack (exam is on an empty stomach in the morning).
• Pen and notebook.

For the full pre-contract documents checklist see Russian army recruitment requirements.

5. How to prepare in a week

• Sleep at least 3 nights in a row, 7–8 hours each.
• Avoid alcohol and energy drinks for 72 hours — they distort ECG and test results.
• Do not overeat before blood tests (fasting 8–12 hours).
• Get your teeth checked in advance — otherwise the dentist will not clear you.
• If you wear glasses — bring them and the prescription.

6. What to do if the category is disputed

If category B or V was given because of a borderline result:

1. Ask the VVK chairman for a re-examination.
2. Undergo additional examination (inpatient, 5–10 days).
3. If the decision is still negative — appeal to a higher-level VVK within 30 days.
4. For chronic conditions — provide the medical history confirming remission.

7. What's next

After a positive VVK conclusion, the candidate is cleared to sign the contract — usually the same or the next day. Submit an application — a coordinator will arrange the medical exam appointment, accommodation and end-to-end support.

Book the medical exam in Moscow →

See also: 4 steps from application to contract, Moscow recruitment point, what happens after signing.