RRB NTPC Medical Rejections: Medical fitness is one of the most crucial, yet often underestimated. Many candidates successfully clear CBT-1, CBT-2, typing or aptitude tests, but are later declared “unfit” during the medical examination. Understanding the RRB NTPC medical rejections reasons can help candidates prepare early, take preventive steps, and avoid last-minute disqualification. This article takes a deep look at why medical rejections occur, what the Railway medical standards mean, and how candidates can improve their chances of being declared medically fit for their desired post.
Understanding the RRB NTPC Medical Examination
Before diving into rejections, it’s important to understand how the RRB NTPC medical test works.
1. Purpose of the Medical Test
The Railway medical examination ensures that candidates are physically and medically capable of performing the duties associated with their respective posts. Railways involve safety-sensitive, technical, and outdoor roles, where even a minor health issue can compromise safety.
2. Conducting Authority
Medical tests are conducted in Railway Hospitals or Railway Health Units by authorized medical officers only after candidates clear the document verification (DV) stage.
3. Medical Classification System
RRB NTPC medical fitness is categorized into different classes (A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1, B-2, C-1, and C-2) depending on the nature of the job.
| Medical Category | Posts | Vision Standard Required |
| A-2 | Station Master, Traffic Assistant | Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/9 (with/without glasses); Near Vision: 0.6, 0.6 |
| A-3 | Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice | Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/9 (with/without glasses); Near Vision: 0.6, 0.6 |
| B-1 | Junior Accounts Assistant, Senior Clerk | Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/12; Near Vision: 0.6, 0.6 |
| B-2 / C-1 | Typist, Junior Clerk | Distant Vision: 6/12, 6/18; Near Vision: 0.6, 0.6 |
Major Reasons for Medical Rejections in RRB NTPC Recruitment
There are various reasons for medical rejections in RRB NTPC Recruitment process. The key reasons are given below:
1. Poor Vision (Uncorrected or Partially Corrected)
Vision standards are one of the most common reasons for disqualification. Railways maintain strict eyesight requirements because many NTPC roles involve visual monitoring (signals, screens, and instruments). Some of the reasons for rejection include:
- Uncorrected distant vision worse than 6/9 (for A-category posts)
- High myopia or hypermetropia even after correction
- Colour blindness (especially in safety-related roles)
- Squint or lazy eye conditions
Tip: Undergo an eye test from an ophthalmologist before the DV/medical round. Even minor refractive errors can be corrected with timely treatment or prescription glasses.
2. Colour Blindness
Colour vision deficiency is a significant disqualifier for posts under categories A-1, A-2, and A-3, where distinguishing signal lights or coloured indicators is crucial. Railways use the Ishihara Test to detect colour blindness.
- Candidates unable to distinguish red and green shades are declared “Unfit for A-category posts.”
- However, they may still qualify for B-2 or C-1 level posts, depending on vacancy and eligibility.
3. Hearing Impairment
Hearing capacity is critical for communication in railway environments.
Disqualifying conditions:
- Partial or complete hearing loss in one or both ears
- Requirement of hearing aids for basic hearing thresholds
- Repeated ear infections leading to fluid or pressure imbalance
Test Conducted: Audiometry test (measures hearing across different frequencies).
4. Obesity and BMI-Related Issues
Although obesity is not a direct disqualifier, extreme cases can result in rejection under “unfit for railway duty” if associated with other health risks like:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea
- Poor stamina or inability to perform physical duties
Tip: Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and fitness routine before the exam can help avoid rejections due to secondary health complications.
5. Diabetes and Hypertension
Railways classify uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure as risk factors for posts involving mental alertness or operational stress. Candidates with:
- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
- Dependence on high-dose insulin
- Persistent hypertension not stabilized with medication
may be declared temporarily or permanently unfit, depending on the post category.
6. Orthopaedic or Musculoskeletal Problems
Conditions affecting movement or posture can disqualify candidates, especially for posts requiring mobility or prolonged standing. The common causes of rejection are:
- Limb deformities or restricted joint motion
- Severe arthritis or past fractures with limited recovery
- Spinal deformities affecting balance or flexibility
However, mild conditions with full functionality may still be accepted for clerical (C-category) posts.
7. Heart and Respiratory Conditions
Candidates with known heart diseases or chronic respiratory issues may face rejection due to safety considerations in strenuous environments.
Examples include:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats
- Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The medical board ensures that the candidate’s cardiovascular endurance meets the job’s physical demands.
8. Neurological and Psychological Disorders
Any diagnosed neurological or psychiatric condition may lead to disqualification if it affects alertness, judgment, or coordination.
Conditions like epilepsy, frequent fainting, or severe depression are red flags for A and B-category roles.
9. Substance Dependence (Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco)
RRB medical boards are strict about substance dependence. Signs of chronic alcoholism, drug addiction, or tobacco-related lung damage can lead to medical rejection. Blood and urine tests may be conducted to confirm dependency in suspicious cases.
10. Infectious or Chronic Diseases
Certain diseases can cause temporary or permanent rejection depending on severity and curability, such as:
- Tuberculosis (active cases)
- Hepatitis B or C (chronic stage)
- HIV/AIDS (if immunocompromised)
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
In many cases, temporary unfitness may be declared with an option to reappear after recovery.
Tips to Avoid Medical Rejection
Some of the tips to avoid medical rejections in the RRB NTPC Selection Process are given below:
- Get a pre-medical checkup before document verification – including vision, hearing, BP, and sugar tests.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle – balanced diet, exercise, and regular sleep.
- Avoid last-minute weight fluctuations that may trigger abnormal readings.
- Carry all medical documents if you have pre-existing conditions.
- Avoid self-medication or temporary fixes (like stopping medication suddenly before tests).
Key Points
Candidates can follow the table given below for a quick overview of the main points:
| Reason for Rejection | Category Affected | Prevention Tip |
| Poor vision or colour blindness | A-1, A-2, A-3 | Get early eye testing and correction |
| Hearing loss | All | Undergo ear health checkups |
| Diabetes / Hypertension | All | Keep blood sugar and BP controlled |
| Obesity / Low stamina | B & C posts | Exercise and maintain fitness |
| Orthopaedic issues | All | Strengthen mobility and consult a physiotherapist |
| Heart or respiratory problems | A & B posts | Regular cardiac and lung checkups |
| Substance dependence | All | Maintain clean lifestyle |
| Infectious diseases | All | Get treatment before appearing |
Medical fitness is as important as written or computer-based tests in RRB recruitment. Most cases of RRB NTPC medical rejections occur due to preventable health conditions – poor vision, untreated hypertension, obesity, or lack of awareness of the required standards.
FAQs
Yes. Candidates declared “Unfit” during the RRB NTPC medical examination can appeal for a re-medical test within a specified time (usually 1–2 weeks). The appeal must be made to the concerned Railway Recruitment Board with supporting medical certificates from a recognized government hospital. The appeal is then reviewed by a higher medical authority in the Railways, whose decision is considered final.
Candidates found temporarily unfit (for example, due to high BP, recent surgery, or infection) are usually given a time period to recover. After recovery and obtaining a fitness certificate from a government-approved doctor, they can undergo a re-examination at a later date. If found fit then, they are considered eligible for appointment.
Colour blindness is a disqualifying condition for A-1, A-2, and A-3 categories, where signal and indicator recognition are critical (like Station Master, Traffic Assistant, or Goods Guard). However, candidates with mild colour vision defects may still be eligible for B-2 or C-1 level clerical posts, depending on the visual requirement of the job.
Maintain controlled blood sugar and blood pressure levels well before the medical exam. Avoid self-medication or skipping prescribed medicines before the test day. Regular exercise, low-sodium diet, adequate sleep, and hydration help stabilize readings. Carry relevant medical history and prescriptions during the examination for reference if required.
No. The Railway Medical Standards are uniform and mandatory for all candidates. There are no relaxations based on category (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) or gender. However, candidates declared unfit for one category (e.g., A-2) may still qualify for a lower medical category post (like B-1 or C-1) if they meet those standards and vacancies exist.
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Hello! This is Arijit Dutta. I am a skilled Content Writer at Oliveboard with nearly 3+ years of experience in crafting engaging, informative, and exam-focused content for the Railways Domain. With a strong command of language and a keen understanding of learner needs, I contribute significantly to Oliveboard’s mission of delivering high-quality educational resources. Passionate about clear communication and continuous learning, I consistently create content that helps government job aspirants achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and listening to music, which helps me stay balanced and creative in my professional journey.