Indian Army adds psychological test to Agniveer recruitment process
Image courtesy: Screengrab from video handout by Indian Army
The Indian Army is set to introduce a mandatory psychological test for Agniveer aspirants starting August 2025, expanding its recruitment criteria beyond physical standards. The new assessment will debut at rallies held in the Gwalior, Chambal, and Bundelkhand districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Developed by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) under the Ministry of Defence, the test will evaluate candidates’ cognitive ability and stress-handling capacity. It will be the first time such screening is applied to Agniveer-level recruits.
How will the psychological test be conducted?
Candidates will first complete the standard 1600-metre race. A link to the 15-minute online psychological test will then be sent to their mobile phones. Only those who pass the psychological screening will be allowed to proceed to the next phase of recruitment.
The evaluation aims to assess mental fitness alongside physical capability. Candidates who do not clear the test will be disqualified from further stages of the selection process.
Is psychological testing new in military recruitment?
Psychological assessments have long been part of officer-level recruitment in the Indian military, including through the National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), and Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) pathways. However, this marks the first time a distinct test has been introduced for Agniveers.
The test for Agniveer candidates differs in format and duration from officer-level evaluations, offering a shorter and more targeted measure of mental aptitude relevant to this cadre.
