The Agnipath Scheme is a short-term recruitment scheme introduced in 2022 for the Indian Armed Forces. It allows young people to serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force as Agniveers for four years. The Union Cabinet has now approved an additional two-year engagement period for Agniveers who are not selected for regular enrolment after their initial service.

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet, on November 4, 2026, approved a two-year Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme.

  • The decision was announced by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani.
  • 25% of Agniveers will be enrolled in the regular armed forces after completing four years of service, based on merit.
  • The remaining 75% will be offered an additional engagement period of two years.
  • After completing six years, willing Agniveers will be considered for regular enrolment, subject to objective selection criteria.
  • Agniveers who are not retained even after six years will not receive any reservation in government jobs.
  • According to the report, around 3 lakh Agniveers are currently serving in the defence forces.

About the Agnipath Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Agnipath Scheme on June 14, 2022, as a major reform in the recruitment policy of the three armed services. It aims to create a younger and more technically skilled military while providing young people an opportunity to serve the country.

  • Ministry: Ministry of Defence
  • Services Covered:
    • Indian Army
    • Indian Navy
    • Indian Air Force
  • Recruitment: Selected candidates are known as Agniveers.
  • Initial Service Period: Four years.
  • Recruitment Basis: All India, all-class basis.
  • Distinct Rank: Agniveers form a separate rank in the armed forces.

Key Features of the Agnipath Scheme

The Agnipath Scheme has introduced a new way of recruiting young people into the Indian Armed Forces. It allows them to serve the country, gain military experience and develop useful skills.

Service Period and Regular Enrolment

Agniveers are initially enrolled for a period of four years under the respective Service Acts. After completing four years, they can apply for permanent enrolment in the armed forces.

  • Applications are considered through a centralised process based on objective criteria, including performance during the service period.
  • Up to 25% of each batch can be enrolled in the regular cadre, depending on organisational requirements.
  • Those selected for regular enrolment must serve for a further minimum period of 15 years.
  • Their service will be governed by the applicable terms and conditions for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs) in the Army and equivalent personnel in the Navy and Air Force.

Recruitment Process and Eligibility

Recruitment is conducted through a centralised online system for all three services. Specialised recruitment rallies and campus interviews are organised at recognised technical institutions.

  • Institutions include Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and those associated with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
  • Candidates must meet the prescribed medical eligibility conditions.
  • Educational qualifications depend on the recruitment category and trade. For example, the minimum educational qualification for a General Duty (GD) soldier is Class 10.

Age Limit: The original scheme details provided by the PIB mention an age range of 17.5 to 21 years. The November 2026 report mentions the age group as 17.5 to 23 years.

Benefits to Agniveers

The Agnipath Scheme offers several benefits to Agniveers during their service. These include a monthly salary, financial support, insurance and skill training. These benefits also help them prepare for future career opportunities.

Financial Package

Agniveers receive a customised monthly package along with applicable Risk and Hardship Allowances. They contribute 30% of their monthly package to the Agniveer Corpus Fund, while the Government makes an equal contribution.

YearMonthly PackageIn-hand AmountAgniveer Contribution
First Year₹30,000₹21,000₹9,000
Second Year₹33,000₹23,100₹9,900
Third Year₹36,500₹25,580₹10,950
Fourth Year₹40,000₹28,000₹12,000

Seva Nidhi Package

On completion of four years, Agniveers receive a one-time Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹11.71 lakh. It includes the Agniveer's contribution to the Corpus Fund, the matching Government contribution, and applicable accumulated interest.

  • The total contribution by the Agniveer and the Government is approximately ₹5.02 lakh each.
  • The Seva Nidhi package is exempt from Income Tax.

Other Benefits

Non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh during the engagement period. Risk and Hardship Allowances are provided as applicable in the three services. Skill Development Training in military skills, discipline, physical fitness, leadership, courage and patriotism.

  • Skill Certificate: Skills gained during service are recognised through a certificate that can form part of an Agniveer's resume.
  • Pension and Gratuity: Agniveers are not entitled to gratuity or pensionary benefits during the four-year engagement period.

Objectives of the Agnipath Scheme

The scheme aims to bring a structural change in the human resource policy of the three armed services.

  • Younger Armed Forces: It is expected to reduce the average age profile of the armed forces by around 4–5 years.
  • Technological Advancement: It aims to attract young people who are more familiar with contemporary technological trends.
  • Military Preparedness: It seeks to maintain a balance between youthful and experienced personnel.
  • Disciplined Workforce: It aims to develop skilled, disciplined, and motivated youth.
  • Nation Building: Trained Agniveers can contribute to other sectors after completing their military service.
  • National Security: Trained personnel can support national security during external threats, internal threats, and natural disasters.

Significance of the Two-Year Extension

The new decision provides an additional opportunity for Agniveers to continue serving in the armed forces.

  • The remaining 75% of Agniveers can serve for an additional two years.
  • Willing Agniveers can be considered for regular enrolment after completing four or six years, subject to selection criteria.
  • Retention of Trained Personnel allows the armed forces to retain trained and experienced personnel for a longer period.
  • Defence Reforms support the development of a younger, fitter and technologically equipped military.
  • Future-Ready Military aims to prepare India's armed forces for the changing character of warfare.

Conclusion

The Agnipath Scheme is a major reform in the recruitment policy of India's armed forces. It aims to create a younger and technically skilled military while providing training and experience to young people. The two-year Second Tour of Duty offers an additional opportunity for Agniveers to continue their service and seek regular enrolment in the armed forces.