Candidates referred to the first round as the 'personal presentation' or the 'physical appearance test.'

Applicants stood along the wall of the Santa Cruz training centre in Mumbai on the narrow road outside, awaiting their turn. They were accompanied by parents or friends till the gate, but were on their own inside.

Chintan Mevcha, 23, one of the applicants, said he actually wanted to be a pilot but had applied because he just wanted to fly.

"I don't mind standing here in the sun the whole day," he said. "I just want this job."

Also see: The Republic,54

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