New Delhi, — The Union Cabinet has approved major changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, giving Agniveers who were previously expected to leave after four years an opportunity to continue serving in the Indian Armed Forces for an additional two years.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting. Under the revised arrangement, Agniveers will have another opportunity to join the regular forces after completing six years of service, subject to their willingness and selection criteria.
Revised Agnipath Service Structure
Under the original Agnipath scheme, introduced on June 14, 2022, Agniveers were recruited for four years. After completing their tenure, 25 per cent were eligible for enrolment into the regular forces based on merit, while the remaining 75 per cent were expected to return to civilian life.
The revised framework introduces a second engagement period:
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First 25 per cent: Will continue to be enrolled into the regular forces after four years based on merit.
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Remaining 75 per cent: Will be offered an additional two-year service period.
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After six years: Agniveers who are willing to continue will be offered enrolment into the Armed Forces, subject to objective selection criteria.
General Subramani said the Cabinet had created a pathway for all willing Agniveers to join the regular Armed Forces. However, permanent enrolment will not be automatic and will depend on the prescribed selection standards.
Higher Salary and Enhanced Seva Nidhi
The additional two-year engagement will also include improved financial benefits. During the fifth year, Agniveers will receive approximately Rs 43,500 per month, increasing to around Rs 47,500 per month in the sixth year.
Those who complete the extended engagement but choose not to continue will receive an enhanced Seva Nidhi package, linked to their additional service period. The revised arrangement also provides seniority-related benefits.
First Batch to Benefit From the Changes
The decision comes as the first batch of approximately 18,000 to 18,300 Agniveers approaches the completion of its four-year service period in December 2026. These personnel were previously scheduled to leave the Armed Forces after completing their initial engagement, except those selected for regular enrolment.
The revised arrangement gives the remaining personnel an opportunity to extend their service and compete for regular enrolment after six years.
Decision Follows Performance Review
General Subramani said the performance feedback received from the three services over the initial four years had been positive. The assessment covered areas including skills, motivation, physical fitness, technological adaptability and discipline.
The revised arrangement follows recommendations from the three services after a review of the scheme, aimed at balancing the career aspirations of Agniveers with the operational and organisational requirements of the Armed Forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the additional two-year engagement as a Second Tour of Duty. The original Agnipath scheme will continue, with the new arrangement providing an additional service and regular-enrolment opportunity for Agniveers who are not selected during the initial four-year period.
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