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 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 last 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.
'Killer instinct'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.
Continue reading the main storyAll services
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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
There are some concerns that if women become injured, this could lead to claims for compensation.
However, a defence source told the BBC the wellbeing of British personnel is of the utmost importance, but there is now genuine hope that all areas of the armed forces will be opened up to women, following further research conducted as part of the Army review.
Major Judith Webb, the first woman to command an all-male field force squadron in the Army, said woman are "physically different".
She told the BBC's Radio 4's Today Programme the presence of weaker soldiers over an extended period "could create an effect on our combat effectiveness."
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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