Briefing mediapersons at the rally site, he said that a total of 3,486 tokens were issued to the candidates on January 31 and February 1 for various positions.

He remarked that the only shortage was noticed in the Sikh (Majhbi and Ramdasia) technical category. “There has been a low turnout of candidates in this category. It is possible that most candidates for these categories do not have the required educational standards, which is Class XII, with physics chemistry, maths and English.”

The recruitment rally is being organised in the city by Army Recruiting Office, Ludhiana, for candidates belonging to Ludhiana, Roopnagar and Mohali till February 8. In the technical and clerical category, candidates from the whole state are eligible.

“The turnout this year has been better than last year, when about 1,700 odd tokens were issued,” Brig DP Singh said.

The screening process consists of verification of documents, putting the candidates through physical tests to include 1.6 km run, pull ups, zig zag balance and crossing a ditch. Candidates successful in the physical tests are put through physical measurements of height, weight and chest and finally they are medically examined by a team of doctors.

Those candidates who meet laid down standards and are found fit in medical examination will appear for a CEE (Common Entrance Examination) to be held at this ground on February 24 for all categories, including the candidates from all districts of Punjab, who have qualified in recruitment rallies held earlier in Patiala and Bathinda.

Successful candidates will be inducted into the various arms and services of the Army.

Administrative support for conduct of the rally has been provided by HQ 715 (I) AD Bde for providing support for the rally team. Brig DP Singh also made special mention of Ludhiana DC Sumer Singh Gurjar and SSP R K Jaiswal for making foolproof security, crowd control and medical arrangements at the rally site.