Army warns aspirants of scams targeting Agniveer recruitment

The Indian Army has warned potential recruits about scams by touts who try to deceive them during Agniveer recruitment rallies. These touts often instruct candidates to wear specific clothing, like certain colors of vests or shorts, to be easily recognized. They also suggest that candidates touch the feet of the recruiting officer during interviews. The Army has been alert since the registration for Agniveer recruitment began on March 12. An official noted that these middlemen often present themselves as former service members to gain the candidates' trust. They manipulate this trust to persuade candidates that they can help them succeed in the selection process. Some touts target physically fit candidates who are likely to pass the tests on their own. They promise assistance, saying things like, "You pass the run. I will handle the rest." If a candidate is accepted, the tout takes credit. If they are rejected, the tout might return some of the money, claiming to have given the rest to an officer. Recent years have seen scandals involving leaks of exam papers. In 2022, some officers were arrested for their roles in a recruiting scam. In response, the Army has implemented a new computer-based entrance exam to make recruitment more transparent and reduce malpractice. The Army emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. They have improved the recruitment process, ensuring it runs smoothly and fairly. Those who pass the online entrance exam are invited to recruitment rallies, which makes the process more efficient. The Army is keen to provide a better experience for all candidates and prevent past issues from recurring.