Union Cabinet approves two-year extension for Agniveer service and 25% merit-based absorption
The cabinet approved a scheme allowing 25% of Agniveers to join regular forces after four years and extending the remaining service by two years, with further enrollment based on objective criteria.
The Union Cabinet approved on Wednesday a scheme that will extend the engagement period for Agniveers by two years and set a merit-based pathway for 25% of them to be absorbed into the regular armed forces. Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani said the extension applies to the 75% of Agniveers who are not selected after the initial four-year term, giving them a "Second Tour of Duty" of up to six years in total. Those who wish to continue will be considered for regular enlistment after the six-year period, provided they meet objective selection criteria.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the move offers all willing Agniveers a chance to become regular soldiers after either four or six years of service, subject to the same criteria. He described the decision as part of long-term structural reforms aimed at creating a younger, fitter and technologically equipped military.
Under the Agnipath scheme launched in 2022, youths aged 17.5 to 23 are recruited for short-term service in the army, navy and air force. Approximately 300,000 Agniveers are currently serving. Those not retained after the six-year period will not receive reservation for government jobs.