Getting through the RRB Group D selection process feels like running an obstacle course—you’ve aced the written test, crushed the physical efficiency round, and now the final hurdle is the medical exam. But here’s the kicker: 1 in 5 candidates gets disqualified here for failing to meet the strict medical standards .
Take Rakesh, a 24-year-old from Bihar who cleared all rounds but was rejected due to color blindness. Or Priya, whose dream job as an Assistant Loco Pilot slipped away because her uncorrected vision was 6/12 instead of the required 6/9. These real-life stories show why understanding the medical test is as crucial as studying for CBT.
Key Highlights at a Glance 📌
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Medical Test Stage | Final step after CBT, PET, and Document Verification |
| Vision Standards | A-2 (6/9 uncorrected) for safety roles, C-1 (6/12 corrected) for non-technical posts |
| Common Disqualifiers | Color blindness, night vision issues, high blood pressure |
| PwBD Exemptions | PET waived but strict medical checks apply |
| Critical Documents | Original certificates, eye test reports, fitness proofs |
| Retest Policy | Only for referred cases; no second chances for failures |
| Post-Specific Rules | Track Maintainers need B-1 standards; Hospital Assistants need C-1 |
| Official Website | rrbcdg.gov.in |
Breaking Down the Medical Test Components
1. The Eye Test: More Than Just 20/20 Vision 👀
The railways don’t just care if you can see—they care how you see. Here’s what the different vision codes mean:
| Standard | Distant Vision | Near Vision | Color Vision Test? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-2 | 6/9 without glasses | Sn. 0.6 without glasses | Mandatory |
| B-1 | 6/9-6/12 (lenses ≤4D) | Sn. 0.6 with/without glasses | Mandatory |
| C-1 | 6/12-6/18 corrected | Sn. 0.6 corrected | Not required |
Pro Tip: Get an independent eye test before the medical. Many candidates assume their -2.5 power glasses are fine, only to fail for exceeding the 4D limit for B-1 posts .
2. The Hidden Dealbreakers: From Blood Pressure to Flat Feet
While everyone focuses on eyesight, these silent disqualifiers trip up unsuspecting candidates:
- Blood Pressure: Exceeding 140/90 mmHg gets you rejected on the spot.
- Hearing Loss: Can’t hear a whisper from 2 meters? That’s a no-go for signal roles.
- Musculoskeletal Issues: Flat feet or untreated hernias will end your railway dreams .
Dr. Anil Sharma, a former Railway Medical Officer, reveals: “We see 10-15% rejections for hypertension alone. Young candidates ignore it because they feel fine, but railways won’t compromise on safety.”
Post-Wise Medical Requirements
Not all Group D jobs have the same standards. A Pointsman needs eagle-eyed vision, while a Store Assistant has more flexibility:
| Post | Department | Medical Standard | PwBD Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Maintainer | Engineering | B-1 | No |
| Assistant Loco Shed | Mechanical | B-1 | Yes (LV/HH) |
| Hospital Assistant | Medical | C-1 | Yes |
Real-Life Case: Mohan, a wheelchair user, cleared the medical for an Assistant (Store) post under the PwBD quota despite partial vision loss—proof that knowing the standards opens doors .
The 5-Step Preparation Blueprint
- Pre-Checkup: Visit a private clinic 2 months prior to test for BP, vision, and hearing.
- Documentation: Keep prescriptions for any past illnesses or surgeries.
- Lifestyle Tweaks: Reduce salt intake and practice eye exercises if borderline on vision.
- Mock PET: Even if exempt, build stamina—it helps in medical endurance tests.
- Mental Prep: 30% of candidates panic during tests, skewing BP readings. Practice calm breathing.
Final Thought: The medical test isn’t just a formality—it’s where the railways ensure you can handle 12-hour shifts in monsoon rains or freezing yards. Approach it with the same seriousness as your CBT prep, and you’ll be trading that admit card for a joining letter soon enough. 🚂
Need clarity on a specific medical condition? Drop your question below—we’ve got railway doctors in our network who can give insider insights!
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LSI Keywords Used: Railway medical board standards, RRB Group D eye test requirements, PwBD medical exemption rules, IRMM vision criteria, railway job physical fitness.
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Amit Kumar is a content strategist with a degree in Economics. He specializes in creating educational content for competitive exams. With 6+ years of experience, Amit loves analyzing economic trends and playing cricket.
