Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 4: In a significant change to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the Centre has decided to offer an additional two-year service extension to 75 per cent of Agniveers who are not selected for permanent enrolment in the armed forces after completing their initial four-year tenure.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N S Raja Subramani announced the decision during a Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, November 4. The move is aimed at providing Agniveers with an opportunity to continue serving in the armed forces beyond their original four-year engagement.
Under the revised arrangement, Agniveers who are not selected for regular enrolment will be offered an additional two years of service, taking their total engagement period to six years. The existing provision allows up to 25 per cent of each batch to be absorbed into the regular cadre based on performance, eligibility and the requirements of the respective services.
The decision comes as the first batch of Agniveers approaches the completion of its four-year tenure. Around 24,400 personnel were recruited during the initial intake across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Of these, approximately 18,300, accounting for 75 per cent, were expected to leave the armed forces by the end of December 2026 under the existing arrangement.
The first batch of Agniveers in the Indian Navy is scheduled to complete its four-year engagement on November 21, followed by the Indian Air Force on December 21 and the Army on December 31.
The three services have reportedly expressed satisfaction with the performance of Agniveers across various operational roles. Their feedback and experience gained during the implementation of the scheme have contributed to the decision to introduce the extended engagement provision.
The government has also indicated changes to the selection process for permanent enrolment. Under the revised approach, a written examination will be conducted before the physical fitness test. Agniveers will also receive skill certificates recognising the competencies acquired during their military service, which could help them pursue further employment opportunities.
The Agnipath scheme was introduced by the Union government in June 2022 to recruit young personnel into the Army, Navy and Air Force for a four-year period. The initiative was designed to create a younger and more technologically equipped armed forces profile while providing military training and experience to young people.
Under the original arrangement, up to 25 per cent of Agniveers from each batch could be selected for permanent enrolment in the regular cadre, where they would serve for an additional 15 years, subject to prescribed conditions. The remaining 75 per cent were to complete their four-year engagement and return to civilian life with a Seva Nidhi financial package.
The Seva Nidhi package is approximately Rs 11.71 lakh, including the Agniveer's contribution, an equal contribution from the government and accrued interest. The amount is exempt from income tax. Agniveers completing the initial four-year tenure are not entitled to regular pension or gratuity benefits under the original scheme.
The latest decision marks an important development in the implementation of the Agnipath scheme, providing a larger section of recruits with an opportunity to continue their association with the armed forces while retaining the existing pathway for permanent enrolment based on merit and organisational requirements.