Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani on November 4 announced a two-year extension in the service tenure of 75% of Agniveers who are not selected for regular enrolment after completing their initial four years. The extension will take their total engagement in the armed forces to six years, after which they will get another opportunity to be considered for regular service, subject to performance evaluation and selection criteria.
Speaking at a press conference, Gen Subramani said the first batch of Agniveers was nearing the completion of its four-year tenure and that feedback on their performance had been positive.
He said the armed forces had recommended the extension and the Cabinet had approved the proposal.
PERFORMANCE TO DETERMINE FURTHER SELECTION
The CDS said performance and achievements would remain important considerations in deciding the future engagement of Agniveers. Those completing the additional two years would be assessed again for possible enrolment into the regular forces, according to the proposed selection process.
Addressing questions on the future of the Agnipath scheme, he said its implementation would be guided by the prescribed rules and that the arrangements were not "set in stone".
The scheme would need to be reviewed in the light of experience, he indicated.
Gen Subramani also said the armed forces were opening opportunities for Agniveers across different branches. Physical fitness, adaptability, technological understanding and the ability to take up different responsibilities would form part of their training and assessment.
FOCUS ON SKILLS AND EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The CDS said the training of Agniveers was not limited to physical fitness but also covered moral values, technological knowledge and skill enhancement. He also referred to opportunities for personnel to improve their educational qualifications, including progression from Class 10 to Class 12 and from Class 12 to graduation.Remuneration, promotions and service conditions were also discussed during the interaction. The figures cited included Rs 43,500 in the first year and Rs 47,000 in the second year.
The Seva Nidhi package, provided under the existing scheme, will continue. Further details on pay and roles under the extended engagement will be governed by the applicable guidelines.
WHAT THE AGNIPATH SCHEME PROVIDES
Launched in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme provides for the recruitment of young personnel into the Army, Navy and Air Force for an initial period of four years.
Under its original provisions, up to 25 per cent of each batch could be selected for permanent enrolment in the regular cadre, based on performance, organisational requirements and other prescribed criteria.
Those not selected were to leave service after four years and receive a one-time Seva Nidhi package. The original scheme also provided skill certificates to help them pursue employment outside the armed forces.
The first batch is now approaching the end of its engagement period.
The Navy's first cohort is due to complete its tenure on November 21, followed by the Air Force on December 21 and the Army on December 31. More than 18,000 personnel from the first batch were expected to complete their four-year service by the end of 2026. The latest decision introduces an additional period of service for those not selected for regular enrolment, while retaining performance-based assessment as a key part of the selection process.
