Thousands of men swarmed a military camp hoping to join the military reserve force in India.

Footage shows the chaos as some 20,000 hopefuls jostled on a congested road during the Territorial Army recruitment drive in Pithoragarh town in Uttarakhand state on November 20.

The nearby hillsides were also crowded with young men who reportedly camped out on the army grounds due to lack of lodging. Officers were said to have used batons to marshal the crowd into order.

Authorities said the surge of people was caused by the recent postponement of the enlistment in Bihar state.

Local media reported that the applicants had complained of inadequate lodging and transportation. However, Pithoragarh District Magistrate Vinod Giri Goswami said 'adequate' arrangements were made to accommodate them.

He said: 'Arrangements were made for the stay of these young men in 30 schools in Pithoragarh. Community kitchens were set up at 18 places where free food was being distributed to the candidates. More than 100 Uttarakhand Roadway buses along with around 250 taxis have been deployed to bring in and drop them from the plains.'

Schools in the town were closed from November 20 to 22 for the recruitment drive.

The Territorial Army of India is a volunteer reserve force that supports and augments the regular Indian Army during emergencies, natural disasters, or when required for operational duties.

Established on August 18, 1948, it allows civilians to serve the nation in a part-time capacity while continuing their regular professions.