Women could be allowed to serve in British infantry units for the first time by 2016.
An Army review of the ban on women serving in close combat has concluded the change would not have an "adverse effect" on troop cohesion.
But further research is needed to assess the "physiological demands", the Ministry of Defence (MoD) review said.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said roles "should be determined by ability and not gender".
He said he hoped to introduce the change "subject to some final research over the next year or so".
BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said military sources have told the BBC there is now a "real desire" among ministers to end the restrictions.
He said the review on women serving in the infantry, commissioned in May, has put to rest some of the old arguments that barred them, such as that women lack the killer instinct and could undermine a unit's cohesion, affecting its ability to fight.
Kevan Jones, Labour's shadow armed forces minister, welcomed the move.
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Navy
3,000 (9%)
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Army
8,010 (9%)
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Royal Air Force
4,910 (14%)
Women by service
MOD
Currently women can serve on the front line, but not where the primary aim is to "close with and kill the enemy".
This means women are not permitted to serve in the infantry or armoured corps where they could be involved in close combat.
Female aircrew have been flying combat missions over Iraq, and this year the Royal Navy allowed women to serve on submarines for the first time.
Women soldiers have also been on the frontline in Afghanistan although in support roles, such as medics and bomb disposal experts.
To join an infantry unit at recruitment level, men have to complete run of 1.5 miles in at least 12 minutes 45 seconds.
They then have to complete an annual fitness assessment which involves carrying 25kg, plus a rifle and helmet, over a distance of just under eight miles in a time of two hours, the MoD said.
Analysis: Jonathan Beale, BBC defence correspondentThis is a signal of intent, but not a done deal.
The fact that the review did not lift the ban on women serving in close combat roles shows there are still issues to be resolved - most importantly, how will a woman's body stand up to the huge physical demands of being an infantry soldier?
Those against lifting the ban will also be worried that standards will be weakened for women. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has talked of the need to "improve" training if the infantry is opened up to women. What exactly does that mean?
With so many allies, including the US, now allowing women to carry out close combat roles, it will be increasingly hard for the British Armed Forces to keep the ban in place. Times have changed and there is political pressure for the Army to change too.
But in reality even in those countries that have lifted the ban, women are still in a significant minority. Few may want to join the infantry and even fewer are likely to meet the physical demands.
Maj Judith Webb, the first woman to command an all-male field force squadron in the Army, told the BBC's Radio 4's Today Programme women are "physically different" to men and the presence of weaker soldiers over an extended period "could create an effect on our combat effectiveness".
But Brig Nicky Moffat, until recently the most senior female officer serving in the Army, has described caution as "sexism dressed up as concern".
Maj Gen Patrick Cordingley, a former commander of the 7th Armoured Brigade - known as the Desert Rats, said the move would be a "mistake".
He added: "The practicalities of women in the infantry and armoured corps are considerable and should not be overlooked."
A defence source told the BBC the wellbeing of British personnel is of the utmost importance.
Are you a woman who would like to join the infantry in a close combat role? What is your view of the ending of this ban? Email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
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