Failed IPPT 3 times already, will I really get charged or sent for RT? NSman kancheong

Question

35 this year, ORD long ago, working full time and honestly my fitness dropped a lot. Got my IPPT window notification and I already failed to book in time last cycle. Now I'm worried, do they actually take action against NSmen who cannot pass or don't do IPPT? Heard stories about RT (remedial training) and even charges. What actually happens ah, and how strict is it really?

Pharmacist Hui Min · Accepted Answer

Here's how it actually works based on my own experience as a 30-something NSman. Each work year you get an IPPT window. If you don't pass IPPT, you are required to serve RT (Remedial Training), which is typically 20 sessions you must complete within the window; each session is about an hour of guided exercise you book via the NS portal. If you fail to attempt IPPT AND fail to complete your RT within the deadline without valid reason, that's when you can be charged under the Enlistment Act, fined, or in serious repeat cases face stiffer action. But realistically, MINDEF wants you to just do the RT, not punish you. Book your RT sessions early, complete them, and you're compliant even if you never pass the actual IPPT.

Data Analyst Wei Ling · Answer

Relax lah, they are not going to throw you in jail for being unfit. The system is: pass IPPT and you're done (plus you earn the 200 or 500 dollar incentive award). Don't pass, you do RT. Ignore everything and don't turn up for RT either, THEN you get into trouble. I've defaulted attempts before out of laziness and the consequence was just being scheduled for RT, which honestly is not bad, it's a decent workout and you get paid the make-up pay. The charge thing only kicks in for people who repeatedly ignore all notifications.

Grab Uncle Raju · Answer

One thing to add: if you have a genuine medical reason you can't do IPPT or RT, go see the MO or get an appropriate medical status update, don't just silently default. I had a knee issue and got my status adjusted, which changed my IPPT/RT obligations legitimately. Defaulting because 'no time' or 'lazy' is what gets you charged; having a documented valid reason and informing them is completely different. Communicate through the proper channels and you won't kena.

Trader Boy Sheng · Answer

Practical tip: if your fitness really dropped and you know you'll fail, just accept RT and book the 20 sessions early in your window. The mistake most people make is procrastinating until the window is almost closing, then they can't fit 20 sessions in time and THAT is what gets them flagged as a defaulter. RT sessions are at various FCC (Fitness Conditioning Centres) islandwide, quite flexible timing including evenings and weekends. Spread them out, treat it as free personal training, and you'll be compliant with zero drama.

Trader Boy Sheng · Answer

At 35 you should also check your IPPT age band, the standards are more lenient the older you get. For your age group the timing for the 2.4km run and the reps needed for push-ups and sit-ups are relaxed compared to a 20-year-old. Many older NSmen actually find they can pass again once they train specifically for the 3 stations. Download the NS portal app, look at your exact scoring table, and you might realise passing is more achievable than you think, avoiding RT altogether.

Failed IPPT 3 times already, will I really get charged or sent for RT? NSman kancheong

5 contributors answered

Answer this

Related terms

Related questions

How do you actually make sense of all the government schemes for a young family, are they worth the effort to apply?

Why do Singaporeans still buy cars when the COE is insane? Is owning one ever worth it?

Is switching from a big telco to an MVNO like Circles or Giga actually worth it in SG? Any downsides?

What are the underrated local spots Singaporeans actually go to when they need a break but can't fly off?

What's it really like going through NS BMT as someone who was super unfit before enlistment?

What actually happens if you dispute your security deposit with a landlord in Singapore, and can you win?