Centre extends Agniveers' service by two years; 18,000 set to benefit

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a two-year extension of service for Agniveers, changing the original four-year engagement framework under the Agnipath scheme. The announcement comes weeks before around 18,000 personnel from the first batch were due to leave the armed forces after completing their initial tenure.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani said the extension would give Agniveers an opportunity to continue serving in the armed forces. The remaining 75% of each batch, who were earlier expected to exit after four years under the existing arrangement, will be offered an additional two-year engagement period.

Subramani said the decision followed a review of the scheme and the performance of Agniveers. Those completing the extended tenure will also have an opportunity to be considered for enrolment into the regular cadre, with selection based on merit and assessment of their performance.

"From the beginning it was clear that this scheme will be reviewed. Every year the Agniveers were reviewed and we arrived at a decision that there should be a two year extension," General Subramani said.

Changes to Agnipath scheme after review

Under the original Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022, personnel were recruited into the Army, Navy and Air Force for a four-year term. At the end of this period, up to 25% of each batch could be retained in regular service, while the remaining 75% were to be released.

The newly announced extension provides the latter group with two additional years of service. General Subramani said all Agniveers would be given an opportunity to continue their engagement, subject to their performance and its review.

The Chief of Defence Staff also announced changes to the recruitment process. The written examination will now be conducted before the physical test, reversing the earlier sequence. Agniveers will also receive skill certificates recognising the training and experience acquired during their service.

First batch was due to exit in December

The decision comes as the first batch recruited under the scheme approaches the end of its four-year tenure. Around 18,000 Agniveers were expected to leave the armed forces by December 2026 after completing their initial engagement.

The scheme has faced criticism over its relatively short service period and the uncertainty faced by personnel who are not absorbed into the regular cadre. The extension offers those personnel an additional period of service and another opportunity to qualify for regular enrolment.

Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra, have announced reservations for former Agniveers in police recruitment and other government services to support their transition into civilian employment.

What is the Agnipath scheme?

The Agnipath scheme was introduced to provide young people with an opportunity to serve the country and contribute to nation-building, while maintaining a youthful and dynamic profile in the armed forces.

Under the original arrangement, recruits served for four years, including training, with up to 25% eligible for permanent enrolment based on merit and organisational requirements. The remaining personnel were to leave service after completing their tenure.

The two-year extension marks a significant change to the original framework, giving Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after their initial four years a further opportunity to continue their careers in the armed forces.