e-application must to join Army ranks

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 1

Effecting a major change in its recruitment process, the Army has made it mandatory for all candidates desirous of getting enrolled into the rank and file to register and apply online.

While the process of online applications existed for the officer cadre, it has now been extended to the other ranks.

The new shift in policy comes around 17 years after the Army did away with the system of candidates submitting applications to the recruitment offices and instead introduced the concept of holding open recruitment rallies to bring in more transparency and check possible connivance of insiders with touts.

The recruitment rallies were introduced after a court of inquiry held at Ambala had revealed malpractices in recruitment. Open rallies did not require prior application or registration and instead candidates assembled at designated places on pre-announced dates and were screened for eligibility and fitness on the spot and shortlisted candidates, thereafter, had to undergo documentation, written tests and medical examination.

The new online procedure will be implemented with effect from September 1.