The Indian Railway Recruitment 2016 for 18000 NTPC posts has been announced by zonal RRBs.Hence different eligibility conditions are specfied for each job & candidates must fulfil it inorder to apply for them.Visual Acuity Standard is one important criteria wherein you must posses a certain eyesight vision (with or without spectacles) to apply for this RRB NTPC vacancies.
As part of railway recruitment 2016, jobs that to be filled are: Goods Guard, Traffic Assistant, Senior Time Keeper,Traffic Apprentice, Commercial Apprentice, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Assistant Station Master, Enquiry cum Reservation Clerk, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist.
Railway Recruitment Eye Sight & Vision Rules
Medical fitness is very much necessary for appointment to the above posts.Therefore, RRBs have specified visual standards for eyesight/ vision under two different categories.
As you can see from the images, all candidates must ensure they posses the above mentioned vision (distance & near).
An applicant shall be considered ineligible for the recruitment if he/she does not fulfil any of the prescribed medical standards.
What is 6/9, 6/9, 6/12, 6/18?
These measurements are called Visual Acuity Standard that are measured using Snellen`s chart.The chart consists of letters printed in different font sizes which a person has to read standing at a particular distance.
The image on the right is of Snellens chart.Most of us would have seen this hanging in clinics of opthalmologist (eye doctor) & optical shops.
When you visit to test your eyes, you will be asked to read the letters in each row from a distance of 6 metres.
If you score 6 / 6, it means you are able to see things located 6 metres away.This is considered to be the normal condition.
6 / 9 denotes that you are seeing objects from 6 mtrs, which are normally seen by a person who is at 9 mtrs.It implies that your vision is slightly below the normal condition.
6 / 12 & 6 / 18 – It means you are able to read letters at 6 mtrs, what a normal person can read at 12 mtrs & 18 mtrs.This is also not a normal condition.
What is the purpose of these VA standards for jobs in railways?
ASM, Goods Guard & Traffic apprentice job involves spotting incoming/ outgoing trains, obstacles etc from a long distance.Based on what they see, proper signals should be given immediately.
That is the reason why candidates applying for these 3 posts should have 6/6 or 6/9 (distance vision) without glasses.
All other positions are primarily desk jobs wherein you will only have to look at files or computers placed nearby.So RRBs have prescribed 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses for them.
I am wearing spectacles & my eyepower is –2.5.How to check 6/9, 6/12 & 6/18?
– 2.5 is the power of your spectacle lens which is set for a person to get a clear vision.
6/9, 6/12 & 6/18 indicates the visual acuity (vision) standard or the ability to read letter on a Snellen chart.
| Eyepower (specs power) & Visual acuity are 2 completely different terms.Most of you might know only about your lens power (-0.5, -1.5, -2) but that is not required. You will need to visit an eye specialist to check for 6/9, 6/12 or 6/18. |
Can I check visual standards myself at home?
You will require a snellen chart to check standards.Although it can be downloaded from the internet, there are other rules to be followed.
The distance between a person & chart, angle of placement, lighting, height of the person etc have to be calculated before finalising the VA standards.
Without proper guidance or supervision it will be difficult to arrive at the correct readings.
So we advise you to visit an eye doctor (opthalmologist) along with the snellen chart readings for distance & near vision prescribed by railways.
Do I Need Certificate from Eye Specialist?
Vision certificate from an Eye specialist is compulsory for candidates who are shortlisted for the post of Assistant Station Master & Traffic Assistant only.
They have to bring it while appearing for Aptitude test after clearing the initial common computer based test (CBT).
The proforma of vision certificate (format) certificate is given on Page 10 of notification under annexure-IX
| For other posts, this certificate is not required.But we would advise you consult an eye doctor & check your vision to confirm your eligibility. |
Railway authorities will any how conduct a medical test for all selected cadidates before appointment.And incase you dont fulfil the vision requirements for any post, you may be disqualified.
For more details check out our other latest articles that are helping candidates
- Railway Recruitment 2016 Notification
- Your eligibility doubts answered
- How to fill post preferences along with list of preference for male & female
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