In a pioneering move, the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre in Pune hosted the Agniveers recruitment rally, where the Indian Army introduced a psychometric test for prospective candidates. This marks the first instance of such a test being administered in the Agniveer recruitment process, aimed at evaluating applicants’ mental aptitude, behavior, and personality traits on an experimental basis.
A senior Indian Army official revealed that the psychometric exam, developed by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) of the DRDO, was conducted as a trial during the Agniveer rally recruitment in Pune. At present, the test is not a formal requirement but is in its early phases of exploration.
During the recruitment rallies, the Indian Army often experiments with various innovations and technologies, according to the official. In this instance, a limited number of applicants underwent a computer-based exam, responding to questions primarily focused on psychological aspects. This step was taken to gain insights into the candidates’ aptitude, with further examination and assessment by DRDO experts and officers.
The introduction of the psychometric test aligns with the demanding circumstances faced by the Indian Army, emphasizing the need for individuals who can work alone in challenging situations, exhibit mental toughness, and maintain physical fitness. Recognizing that adverse conditions can significantly impact a person’s mental health if they lack the aptitude for the force, the test aims to identify these crucial psychological components among candidates.
It is imperative for the Indian Army to understand the psychological makeup of recruits, especially considering the frontline roles and the potential impact on performance in difficult circumstances. The psychometric test, though experimental, represents a strategic initiative to ensure that individuals selected for Agniveer roles possess the necessary mental resilience and aptitude for the challenges they may face.
