Agnipath scheme revised: All Agniveers to join regular cadre after 6 yrs

New Delhi: Upon completing their two-year extended engagement, all Agniveers will be made permanent soldiers, announced senior Defence officials. The Union Cabinet has officially established a complete pathway for all Agniveers to join the Indian Defence Forces. This decision followed a thorough four-year performance assessment carried out by the Defence Forces, which showed great satisfaction regarding the overall capability, physical fitness, motivation, and technological adaptability of Agniveers.

Under the new Cabinet decision, the initially planned 25% of Agniveers will receive regular employment in the Defence Forces immediately, based on their performance and merit. The remaining 75% of Agniveers will undergo an additional two-year engagement period, contingent on their willingness and the recommendations of the Indian Defence Forces. After the conclusion of this extra two-year period, every Agniveer will be offered regular soldier status, provided they are willing and meet the necessary selection criteria.

The second engagement period includes higher pay, an improved Seva Nidhi package, and seniority benefits. An objective review of the scheme over its first four years identified significant achievements in operational efficiency and recruitment strategies. The Cabinet emphasized a broader reach and higher standards across the force. A wider recruitment footprint for Agniveers across districts nationwide was established, thanks to a more standardized and transparent recruitment process.

Agniveers have showcased outstanding physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit, discipline, and technological proficiency. The scheme also ensured ongoing skill enhancement, technological adaptability, and educational progress during service. In terms of inclusivity, there is now a wider opening of various Defence Force branches for women.

Under the revised Agniveer pathway, all recruits will serve an initial four-year term with a base stipend, Seva Nidhi accumulation, and basic military training. After Year 4, the top 25% based on merit assessment will be granted immediate regular employment in the Defence Forces under Tier 1 selection. The remaining 75% will move into Tier 2 engagement for Years 5-6, with an extended two-year service offering higher remuneration, enhanced Seva Nidhi, and seniority benefits.

After completing Year 6, 100% of the remaining cohort, subject to their willingness and meeting selection criteria, will be offered full enrolment as regular soldiers in the Armed Forces. This careful and thoughtful evaluation successfully aligns the personal aspirations of Agniveers with the overall efficiency of the organisation, ensuring the Agnipath scheme progresses with a clear, stable path towards lifelong regular military service.