Army Recruitment Rally in UT of J&K in Kashmir region under the transformative reforms of the AGNIPATH scheme for recruitment of unmarried male candidates as AGNIVEERS into Indian Army under the modified recruitment procedure with online Common Entrance Exam as the first filter was conducted at Anantnag, High Ground, Anantnag from 16 Jun 2023 to 23 June 2023 covering the districts of Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Pulwama, Budgam, Kupwara, Shopian, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Kulgam of UT of J&K and districts of Kargil and Leh from UT of Ladakh for categories of Agniveer General Duty, Agniveer Technical Clerk/Store Keeper and Agniveer Tradesmen. Eligible candidates could register online at website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
The registration for the same was open from 16 Feb 2023 to 20 Mar 2023 and massive positive response was received from all over Kashmir. The registration dates were extended by five days on public request.
To help in the same, a massive outreach campaign in all 10 districts of Kashmir was undertaken by Army Recruitment Office, Srinagar in concert with Civil Administration. A further boost was provided by advertisements in local vernacular dailies and English newspapers published in Kashmir and Ladakh through Public Relations Officer, Srinagar. DD Kashmir and DD Leh also provided valuable publicity to the scheme and recruitment drive. AIR Kashmir and AIR Leh also advertised the campaign to increase public awareness. ARO Srinagar through official channels contacted JKBOSE, JKBOTE, School Education Department, JK Sports Council in addition to communicating to Distt Employment Officers, District Level Rally Coordination Committees, Zila Sainik Welfare Bd and NCC Gp HQ and Bns, in dissemination of the details related to the Agnipath Scheme as well as the current recruitment rally.
As a step towards increasing transparency and as first filter in the modified recruitment procedure, online Common Entrance Examination was held in 12 exam centres in UT of J&K at Baramulla, Budgam and Srinagar and Kargil & Leh at UT of Ladakh from 17 Apr to 26 Apr 2023. Results of the online exam were declared online on 20 May 2023.
Candidates shortlisted in the merit list of the online CEE were intimated via email and admit cards for stage two of recruitment rally was despatched to registered email address of candidates. Candidates were also encouraged to contact Army Recruitment Office, Srinagar through email and helpline numbers in case of any difficulty. Candidates were also advised about the documents to be carried to the second stage of physical rally by means of easily accessible barcode.
Screening of candidates in the second stage of recruitment procedure was planned district wise to facilitate their commute to the rally site and smooth return. Civil Administration has greatly helped in coordinating of transport, lodging and food for all outside candidates including those from UT of Ladakh.
Candidates were first screened for physical performance by means of a 1.6 km run to be completed in 5 minutes and 45 seconds, followed by chin up beam, zigzag balance and 9 feet ditch. After physical performance, their physical parameters were matched with the requirements of the Indian Army and those found fit were forwarded for document submission and verification.
All candidates clearing the above were then put through detailed medical examination by a set of qualified Army Medical Doctors who checked vital parameters of all candidates. Any candidate requiring detailed investigation was directed to Army hospitals with availability of specialists like 92 Base Hospital in Badami Bagh Cantt, Srinagar.
All candidates successful in their medical examination will now be shortlisted for preparation of final merit list based on performance in online Common Entrance Exam, physical rally, medical examination and documents for bonus marks submitted during rally. Selection of candidates as Agniveers will be based on overall merit in each of these tests and the overall merit based distribution to various arms and services of the Indian Army is undertaken.
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list will need to report to ARO Srinagar for final document verification through Civil Administration Officials when intimated. Unsuccessful candidates were advised to put in greater effort and prepare for the rallies in future; dates of which will be intimated by the end of the year.
The rally, conducted by Army Recruitment Office, Srinagar under aegis of Headquarters Recruiting Zone (Punjab and J&K) with assistance of Civil Administration Anantnag District under the aegis of Chinar Corps and Counter Insurgency Force (Victor). The positive and forthcoming support rendered by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag and Senior Superintendent of Police, Anantnag in terms of security arrangements, medical support by Chief Medical Officer Anantnag, document verification of candidates by Chief Education Officer, Anantnag and administrative arrangements for the candidates in concert with Commander, 1 Sector RR and CO, 1 RR have been deeply appreciated.
The recruitment was reviewed by Major General Sharad Bikram Singh, Zonal Recruiting Officer, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, Recruiting Zone. The General Officer interacted with the aspirants and highlighted the salient features of the modified recruitment procedure as well as the benefits of the Agniveer Scheme.
Lt Gen Navneet Singh Sarna, Director General, Recruitment Directorate, Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) inspected the conduct of the rally and reviewed the effectiveness of the modified recruitment procedure set in place commencing this recruiting year.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command inspected the rally site to review the progress of conduct of the rally. He complimented the Anantnag Civil Administration, Counter Insurgency Force Victor and the aspirants for an event well conducted and participated.
Army Recruitment Rallies go a long way in meeting the aspiration of youth of the area who wish to join the Army and serve the nation. Special emphasis was laid to make all candidates understand that the recruitment process is fully transparent and automated. The candidates were advised not to fall prey to touts and agents. In future, we will be conducting rallies for recruitment of women candidates also into Indian Army. Additional details of rallies are available at www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
PRO (Defence) Srinagar
