A week-long Army recruitment drive for candidates from 11 districts began at MGR Stadium at Race Course here on Monday.
On the first day, 2,268 job aspirants turned up for selection to the posts of nursing assistants and soldiers (technical). After a height check and certificate verification, 1,990 candidates were shortlisted for a physical test to be held on Tuesday, Personal Assistant (Agriculture) to Collector A. Jeyasingh Gnanadurai, who is coordinating the exercise, said.
The physical tests include endurance test, pull-ups, long jump and other skills. Personnel from the Army Recruiting Office, Coimbatore, and officials from the departments of Revenue, Education and Police were verifying the certificates.
Candidates from Dindigul, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Theni, Namakkal, Tirupur, Coimbatore, Erode and the Nilgiris participated.
The district administration and the Madurai Corporation provided drinking water, shelter with adequate lighting and other facilities at the ground.
A medical team was deployed at the venue.
The recruitment is to the posts of soldiers (general duty and technical), tradesmen, clerks and nursing assistants.
The exercise will be over by May 11, but the medical tests for the candidates who meet all the physical standards will continue for a couple of days at the same venue, said Colonel Tarun Madan, Director (Recruitment), Army Recruiting Office, Coimbatore.
Banners warning the job aspirants against falling prey to touts were put up in and around the ground.
