Under the earlier rules, only 25% of Agniveers were eligible for permanent induction into the armed forces after completing four years of service, while the remaining 75% were required to leave the military and return to civilian life.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, 25% of Agniveers will continue to receive regular employment in the defence forces based on merit, as stipulated under the existing provisions. The remaining Agniveers will be offered an additional two years of service, depending on their willingness to continue.
The ministry further stated that after completing the additional two-year service period, all Agniveers willing to continue will be considered for induction as regular soldiers, subject to fulfilling the prescribed selection criteria.
The Union Cabinet approved the changes on Wednesday under a revised arrangement described as the 'Second Tour of Duty'.
During the Cabinet briefing, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani said that 25% of Agniveers would be inducted into the armed forces based on merit. Under the original scheme, the remaining 75% were required to return to civilian life after completing their four-year tenure.
However, explaining the revised arrangement, General Subramani said the remaining 75% of Agniveers would now be offered an additional two years of service under the scheme. After completing this extended period, all interested Agniveers would be considered for induction into the armed forces following selection based on the prescribed criteria.
Following the Cabinet's decision, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed the development in a post on X. He said the decision would provide all interested Agniveers who fulfil the selection criteria with an opportunity to join the armed forces as regular soldiers after completing four or six years of service.
Rajnath Singh said the decision was part of a series of long-term structural reforms in the defence forces. According to him, the objective is to develop a younger, fitter military force prepared to meet future challenges.
He further described the decision as more than just a recruitment policy, calling it an important step towards preparing India's armed forces for the changing nature of warfare.
The revised arrangement significantly changes the service structure under the Agnipath scheme, expanding the period during which eligible Agniveers can serve and be considered for regular military recruitment.
What Is the Agnipath Scheme?
The Agnipath scheme was introduced by the Defence Ministry around four years ago for recruiting personnel into the three branches of the Indian armed forces: the Army, Air Force and Navy. Under the scheme, recruits are appointed as soldiers in the Army, airmen in the Air Force and sailors in the Navy.
Under the existing arrangement, only 25% of Agniveers are selected for permanent employment in the armed forces based on merit after completing four years of service. The remaining 75% are released from service.
Following Wednesday's announcement, the service tenure of Agniveers has been extended from four years to six years under the revised provision.
Candidates aged between 17.5 and 21 years are eligible to apply for recruitment under the scheme.
Are Officers in the Three Armed Forces Also Recruited Under the Agnipath Scheme?
No. The Agnipath scheme does not cover recruitment at the officer rank. Officers in the three branches of the armed forces are recruited through separate recruitment procedures.
Are the Service Conditions and Allowances for Agniveers Different from Those of Other Soldiers?
The three armed services have stated that the working conditions and various allowances provided to Agniveers remain the same as before. Agniveers are entitled to allowances related to rations, uniforms, travel and other applicable provisions.
However, Agniveers are not entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA) or Military Service Pay (MSP).
Will Agniveers Leaving the Army After Six Years Receive Pension, Gratuity, Canteen or Medical Benefits?
The armed forces have announced that Agniveers will receive medical and canteen facilities during their period of service.
However, after completing six years of service and leaving the armed forces, they will not be entitled to any pension or gratuity. They will also not be eligible for the medical and canteen facilities available to ex-servicemen.
The revised Agnipath arrangement therefore provides an extended service opportunity to 75% of Agniveers while retaining merit-based selection as the condition for permanent induction into the armed forces.
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