Patiala Army recruitment rally to select Agniveers sets a model for the country

Patiala Army recruitment rally to select Agniveers sets a model for the country

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ August 9,2025

The 8-day Army Recruitment Rally in Patiala for the selection of Agniveers has been hailed as a model event, thanks to seamless coordination between the Indian Army and the district administration. Youth from Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Mansa, Barnala, and Malerkotla—who had cleared the written examination—participated in large numbers, with over 10,000 candidates registering this year. The pass rate in the physical test rose to around 65%, significantly higher than previous years.

The rally, organized by the Zonal Recruiting Office (ZRO) Jalandhar with support from Kharga Corps, Airawat Division, and local administration, also received appreciation from senior Army officials. Chief of Staff, Western Command, Lt. Gen. Mohit Wadhwa and Maj Gen Birender Singh Bisht GOC, AIRAWAT DIVISION

reviewed the arrangements, motivated the candidates, and thanked the civil administration and police for their cooperation.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, after inspecting the arrangements with Director, Recruiting, Army Recruitment Office Patiala, attributed the rally’s success to the Army’s transparency and professionalism, along with full youth participation. She commended the spirit of the candidates and reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to extend all support for youth employment in defence services.

Director, Recruiting, Army Recruitment Office Patiala, said the rally reflected the growing interest of Indian youth in joining the Armed Forces, aided by the impact of recent Operation SINDOOR. He praised the Patiala administration for ensuring a smooth, fair, and transparent process, highlighting the provision of breakfast, lunch, tea, and water to all participants.

The rally has set a benchmark in recruitment efficiency, youth enthusiasm, and Army–civil coordination, reinforcing the readiness of Punjab’s youth to serve the nation, he added.