RRB ALP Medical Test 2026 – A1 Vision Standards

RRB ALP medical test runs on the A-1 standard — the strictest classification in Indian Railways, and the stage that eliminates prepared candidates who never checked their eyes. Every ALP selected under CEN 01/2026 must clear it after document verification. Here is exactly what gets tested and what disqualifies. Last updated: 11.07.2026.

Why ALP Needs A-1 Medical Standard

An Assistant Loco Pilot reads signals at distance, at night, in rain and fog, at speed. Railway medical classifications run from A-1 down to C-2 by safety criticality, and the running staff who drive trains sit at the top. There is no relaxation in A-1 for any category — the standard is about signal visibility, not competition.

RRB ALP Vision Standards – A-1

The fogging test deserves attention: the examiner places plus-power lenses in front of your eyes to catch candidates who memorised the chart or have latent hypermetropia. If your vision “improves” past a threshold under fogging, you fail even with 6/6 on the plain chart.

LASIK and Eye Surgery – Disqualified

LASIK, PRK, ICL or any refractive surgery leads to rejection in the A-1 medical, and railway doctors can detect it in a corneal exam. Candidates who got surgery years ago and now test 6/6 are still rejected. This rule regularly ends selections at the final stage — if you have had refractive surgery, ALP is unfortunately not the post to pursue; several other railway posts with B or C classifications remain open.

General Fitness Checks

• Blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, hearing test
• Blood and urine screening (diabetes and related conditions matter for running staff)
• No colour blindness, no night blindness, no squint
• General physical examination — knock knees, flat foot and similar conditions are evaluated for running duty

There is no minimum height requirement for ALP. Fitness, not build, is the bar.

When and Where the Medical Happens

The medical examination follows document verification, usually within days, at a railway hospital attached to your RRB zone. Candidates pay a small medical fee at the venue. Fail the medical and the selection ends there — which is why an A-1 standard eye test at a decent hospital now is the cheapest insurance in this whole recruitment. The full stage-by-stage selection flow is on the RRB ALP 2026 main page, and the DV checklist is here.

FAQs

Can I clear the ALP medical with glasses?

No. A-1 requires 6/6 distant vision in both eyes without glasses. Spectacle wearers do not qualify for ALP, regardless of power.

Is there a height or weight requirement for ALP?

No specific height minimum. General fitness, vision and hearing are the tested parameters.

I had LASIK five years ago and my vision is 6/6. Will I pass?

No. Refractive surgery of any kind is disqualifying for A-1, and the corneal examination detects it.

What happens if I fail the medical?

The ALP candidature ends; there is no re-test or appeal for vision standards. Candidates sometimes get considered for alternative posts with lower classifications if the CEN provides for it — CEN 01/2026’s provisions are in the notification PDF on the main recruitment page.

Written By: GD Sarkari Naukri Desk

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