Of the 1,151 engineering students who appeared for the written test of the fast-track recruitment drive at Chandigarh Engineering College today, 687 (nearly 60 per cent) were girls. They were from different engineering colleges across the region.

The IAF provides an opportunity to qualified aeronautical engineers and meteorological officers. Those who make it in the exams, will undergo training and be inducted in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch. Those with MCA/PG degrees will be inducted in Meteorological Branch of the IAF.

The officers said this year more girls had showed up for the technical branch compared to boys. “Very few women used to opt for the technical branch of IAF a few years ago. The increase in their numbers is a healthy sign for the defence services,” said an officer.

The drive will help fill the shortfall of qualified engineers and meteorological officers.

“It will curtail the lengthy recruitment procedures, which normally takes three to four months. Around 40 candidates have been asked to appear for the picture perception and discussion test on Tuesday,” said IAF officials.

Call letters will be given to all qualified candidates to appear for the second phase at the Staff Selection Board at Dehra Dun.

Richa Kapoor, an engineering student, said she wanted to be an engineer and serve the nation one way or the other. “This is the best platform to fulfil both my dreams.”

Neha Kanthwal and Sonia Shekhawat from Himachal Pradesh said it was a golden opportunity to compete with boys from their state who are serving the IAF. Satnam Singh Sandhu, chairman of CEC, said the drive provides a unique opportunity to young technocrats to serve the nation.