NEW DELHI: The army has deferred an annual promotion exam for young commanders for two months amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) following the September 29 surgical strikes.

Army sources said the exam was postponed as forward positions are commanded by young captains and majors who can not be spared at this critical juncture. Leave restrictions are already in place.

The exam, known as Part D, will be conducted from December 24-29 instead of October 19-24. Spread over six days, it tests the knowledge of officers in areas such as military history, current affairs, military law, administration and tactics.The army issued a letter on October 14, informing all its commands about the re-scheduling of the exam. However, it only mentioned “amendment in schedule” without listing out any reason. Officers can’t be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel until they clear the Part D exam.