Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model for fitness evaluation and to determine fitness index using fuzzy methods. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual model for fitness evaluation was developed by literature review. The case study was conducted in an Indian pump manufacturing company. The assessment of fitness index was done using multi-grade fuzzy and fuzzy logic approaches. The fitness index was computed. The obstacles were identified and analysed for improvements. Findings – The fitness index was found to be 6.8724 which revealed that the organization was fit. Euclidean distance method was used to match fitness index with fitness level. The weaker attributes were identified and proposals were derived for improvements. Research limitations/implications – The developed model was test implemented in a single manufacturing organization. The study could be extended for other organizations in future. Practical implications – The case study was conducted in an Indian pump manufacturing organization. The insights derived from the study have practical propensity. Originality/value – The model for fitness evaluation and assessment of fitness index were original and novel contributions of the authors.