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Under the original Agnipath scheme launched in 2022, only 25% of Agniveers were eligible for permanent absorption into the military after four years
A candidate gets his documents verified during a physical examination for recruitment in the Indian Armed Forces under ‘Agnipath’ scheme, in Lucknow. (PTI File)
In a major policy shift for the Indian Armed Forces, the Union Cabinet has approved a two-year extension for the 75% of Agniveers who were previously set to be demobilised after their initial four-year tenure, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Subramani announced on Wednesday.
Speaking on what he termed an “important day for Agniveers and for the armed forces”, Gen Subramani stated that the government has created a distinct pathway to absorb these soldiers into regular service.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
Under the original Agnipath scheme launched in 2022, only 25% of Agniveers were eligible for permanent absorption into the military after four years. With this latest Cabinet approval, the remaining 75% will now be offered a “second engagement period” lasting an additional two years.
“In 2022, it was decided that we would continuously evaluate the performance of the Agniveers,” Gen Subramani said, adding that the military has received highly positive feedback regarding their performance so far.
During this extended two-year periodall Agniveers will be given the opportunity to transition into regular soldiers, subject to meeting the military’s official selection criteria. Additionally, the CDS confirmed that the soldiers will receive higher remuneration and an increased Seva Nidhi package over the course of these two additional years.
THE ORIGINAL AGNIVEER SCHEME
At A Glance
The Union Cabinet approved a two-year extension for the 75% of Agniveers previously set to be demobilised after their initial four-year tenure.
Under the original Agnipath scheme launched in 2022, only 25% of Agniveers were eligible for permanent absorption into the military.
The Indian Navy’s first batch completes its service on November 21, followed by the Indian Air Force on December 21, and the Indian Army on December 31.
Exiting personnel receive an accumulated tax-free Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹11.71 lakh.
The Agnipath Scheme is a short-term military recruitment model introduced by the Government of India for the Indian ArmyNavy, and Air Force, where individuals are recruited as Agniveers for a fixed four-year contract.
Upon completion of this tenure, up to 25% of each batch is permanently absorbed into the regular military cadre based on performance and merit, while the remaining 75% return to civilian life. Candidates must be between 17.5 and 21 years old and hold a Class 10 or Class 12 qualification depending on the specific military trade.
Financially, Agniveers receive a monthly package starting at ₹30,000 in the first year and rising to ₹40,000 by the fourth year. Throughout their service, 30% of their salary is deducted and matched equally by the government into a dedicated corpus.
At the end of the four years, the exiting 75% receive this accumulated tax-free service fund package of approximately ₹11.71 lakh along with an Agniveer Skill Certificate to assist in civilian employment. Additionally, they are provided a non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh during service, though they are not entitled to traditional military pensions or gratuity benefits upon exit.
The first batch of Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath Scheme in 2022 is reaching the end of its four-year contract. The Indian Navy‘s first batch completes its service on November 21, followed by the Indian Air Force on December 21, and the Indian Army on December 31.
NEW CATEGORIES
The move creates three categories of personnel within the units: those finishing their standard 4-year tenure, those granted the 2-year extension, and the 25% absorbed into the permanent regular cadre.
Of the initial intake of roughly 24,400 Agniveers across all three services, the Air Force has already absorbed 712 personnel into its regular cadre, while the Navy has permanent spots for approximately 550 personnel from the first batch.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The Union Cabinet has approved a two-year service extension for the 75% of Agniveers who were previously scheduled to be demobilized after completing their initial four-year tenure. This second engagement period brings their total potential service duration to six years, offering them an opportunity to transition into regular military service subject to selection criteria.
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November 04, 2026, 2:56 PM IST
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