In a move to bolster officer performance and professional development, the Indian Army today announced a revamped incentive program for promotion exams. The new policy, replacing a decade-old system deemed overly stringent, aims to motivate officers through achievable goals and rewards.
Under the revised scheme, officers who excel in specific subjects during their promotion exams will earn bonus marks applicable to those same subjects in their subsequent exams. This tiered system awards bonus marks based on performance, ranging from 20 marks for 60-65% to 40 marks for 70-75%.
The change comes after an internal review attributed subpar exam performance to factors such as operational deployments and a lack of direct career impact tied to exam results. The Army hopes the new incentives will encourage better preparation and lead to higher first-attempt pass rates, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of its officer corps.
The revised policy, set to roll out next year, is projected to benefit around 1,000 officers annually. This number is expected to increase over time, further strengthening the Army's professional capabilities and readiness for future challenges.
In addition to the bonus marks, the Army will publish a distinguished list of high performers, further recognizing and incentivizing excellence among its officers.
