New Delhi, September 11: The Indian Army has released a new tattoo policy for the Agniveer recruitment rally, detailing where candidates can and cannot have tattoos on their bodies. As part of the recruitment process, candidates undergo a thorough physical examination, which includes scrutiny of any tattoos, as the Army has strict regulations regarding them.
Any tattoos located in areas deemed restricted by the Army’s policy will render candidates ineligible for recruitment.
However, certain exemptions have been made for tattoos, provided candidates submit the necessary certificates. The Directorate General of Recruitment of the Indian Army recently clarified these guidelines.
Permissible Tattoos in the Indian Army
Tribal Community:
Candidates from tribal areas who have permanent tattoos in accordance with their customs will be allowed to participate. They must submit a self-certification certificate (Appendix E-I) and a Tribal Tattoo Permission Certificate (Appendix E-II) signed by the DC/DM/SDM.
Religious Tattoos:
In addition to tribal tattoos, certain religious tattoos will be permitted on specific parts of the body, such as from the elbow to the wrist and on the back of the hand.
The Army’s policy also specifies the content of tattoos. Indian soldiers may have traditional tattoos, religiously significant tattoos, names, or symbols associated with their community’s traditions.
Tattoo Rules for the Indian Navy:
For general candidates in the Indian Navy, permanent tattoos are typically only allowed on the inner surface of the elbow to the wrist and on the back of the hand. Tattoos on other body parts are not permitted, although tribal communities may receive special allowances based on tradition.
Tattoo Rules for the Indian Air Force:
According to the recruitment rules of the Air Force, permanent tattoos are generally not allowed. However, tattoos on the inner surface of the elbow to the wrist, on the back of the hand, and traditional tattoos of tribal candidates may be accepted. The final decision rests with the selection center of the Indian Air Force.
Candidates preparing for Agniveer, NDA, CDS, Army recruitment rallies, Indian Navy, or Agniveer Air should not hide existing tattoos but provide accurate information during the recruitment process.
Each recruitment notification may have different tattoo policies based on entry and service, but the final decision lies with the medical board or selection authority.
Tattoo Regulations Introduced in 2022:
Guidelines related to tattoos in the Indian Armed Forces have been in effect since May 11, 2015. Following the approval of the Agnipath scheme on June 14, 2022, the existing tattoo rules were incorporated into the recruitment conditions for Agniveer recruitment that began in 2022.
Reservation for Agniveers in Fire Services and Jail Department:
The first batch of Agniveers has not yet completed their training, yet the government has announced reservations and other benefits for them in various sectors. Recently, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, approved a 20% reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment for two major departments of the Delhi government. This decision is part of the policy created by the Government of India for the rehabilitation of former Agniveers.
The Delhi Home Department has also issued a notification regarding this. This decision will not only provide permanent government jobs in Delhi for youth transitioning from the Army but will also offer special concessions in the age limit and physical efficiency tests during the recruitment process, as stipulated under Article 309 of the Constitution.
50% Reservation Announced in CAPF:
Last month, the central government announced a 50% reservation for former Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles for the positions of Constable (GD) and Rifleman (GD).
Additionally, several state governments, including Haryana, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, have also announced special reservations and age limit concessions for Agniveers in their police and other security services.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, former Agniveers will also be exempt from the Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and written examinations, making their recruitment process easier than before.