Agniveers: Indian Army Adopts Digital Technology For Recruitment With A New Online Common Entrance Exam

The Indian Army has adopted digital technology in the recruitment process of Agniveers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). The process has been changed from the earlier pen and paper based test to a new computer based Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE).

This change in the recruitment procedure comes weeks after the first batch of 2,585 Agniveers graduated from INS Chilka after the completion of their four-month long training.

The Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar inspected the passing-out parade of the first batch of the Agniveers and urged them to develop a strong foundation of knowledge, willingness to learn and commitment to excel in their careers.

The online test for the eligoble registered candidates will continue till 26 April at 375 examination centres in 176 pan-India locations.

The Indian Army released a statement stating that, "the decision to conduct the online exam was taken to keep up with the pace of technology and fulfil the spirit of Digital India".

"The technological threshold of youth in the nation has improved significantly and with enhanced network connectivity and the proliferation of smartphones, the youth is now empowered to undertake an online exam instead of traveling long distances to appear for physical exams," the Army said.

"The changed methodology will ensure an increased focus on the cognitive aspect during selection and prevent chances of malpractice. It will have wider outreach across the country and also reduce the large crowds seen during recruitment rallies to make them more manageable & easier to conduct," the Army added.

Starting this year, recruitment would involve a three-stage process. Stage one entails an online common entrance exam (CEE) to be taken by all candidates.

Stage two is set up for shortlisted candidates, who will take part in recruitment rallies across various locations where they will undergo physical fitness and measurement tests, set by their respective Army Recruitment office.

Finally, in stage three the selected candidates will undergo a Medical Test. Thereafter, the final merit list of the successful candidates will be declared, the press release added.

The modified recruitment system will make the recruitment process more streamlined, transparent and is designed to optimally exploit the latest IT infrastructure available in the nation.