Major General Manoj Tiwari Reviews Online Recruitment Process to Enhance Transparency

Major General Manoj Tiwari, serving as the Zone Recruitment Officer in Lucknow, conducted a two-day visit on July 3 and 4 to oversee the implementation of the Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE) for Agniveer candidates. His visit to the testing centers in Jhansi, Agra, and Mathura was primarily to ensure transparency, evaluate the practices in place, and reinforce the Indian Army's dedication to recruiting based on merit.
During his visit, Major General Tiwari engaged with the candidates participating in the Agniveer recruitment examination. This short-term enlistment program was introduced in 2022 under the Agnipath scheme. He assessed the examination methodologies and emphasized the Indian Army's focus on ongoing enhancements through technology-oriented processes.

The integration of online examinations marks a significant move towards digitalization by the Indian Armed Forces. A study by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) highlights that digital testing has increased candidate trust by 15 percent, though issues with rural connectivity and accessibility remain significant challenges.
The Indian Army's transition to the online CEE is a crucial aspect of its candidate-focused strategy, aiming to modernize recruitment processes while maintaining high standards of quality.

Army representatives assert that these reforms are part of a broader initiative to develop a recruitment system that is more responsive, transparent, and inclusive. Ongoing public discussions continue to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of short-term service models like Agniveer against the stability and institutional knowledge provided by traditional long-term service.

The visit by Major General Tiwari is perceived as an endorsement of the Indian Army's evolving recruitment framework, which increasingly incorporates technological advancements while upholding commitments to integrity and broad access to opportunities.