Revamped Agnipath Scheme

Context: The Union Cabinet approved a landmark policy revision under the Agnipath scheme creating a structured pathway for 100% absorption of willing Agniveers into the Indian Armed Forces.

About Revamped Agnipath Scheme:

What it is?

• A human resource recruitment policy introduced by the Ministry of Defence to enlist soldiers, sailors, and airmen into the below-officer-rank (PBOR) cadres of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force for a contracted tenure as Agniveers.

Background:

• Announced and launched on June 14–15, 2022, marking a shift from legacy permanent recruitment models to a short-term, rotational enlistment structure.
• Completed four years of active operational implementation by late 2026, leading to comprehensive internal assessments regarding combat readiness, motivation levels, and technological retention.

Aim: To build a younger, fitter and tech-savvy Armed Forces, reduce the average age by 4–5 years, and develop disciplined, skilled youth.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age Bracket: Candidates aged between 5 and 21 years on the date of recruitment (with a one-time initial waiver up to 23 years during the inaugural 2022 rally).
• Educational Standards:
  • General Duty (GD): Class 10 (Matriculation) with minimum 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject.
  • Technical / Aviation / Ammunition Examiner: Class 12 (10+2) in Science (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English) with 50% aggregate and 40% in each subject.
  • Clerk / Store Keeper / Technical: Class 12 in any stream with 60% aggregate and 50% in each subject.
  • Tradesmen: Class 8 or Class 10 simple pass (with minimum 33% in individual subjects).
• Medical & Physical: Must qualify standardized Physical Fitness Tests (PFT)—including 1.6 km run, pull-ups, and obstacle navigation—alongside stringent Tri-Service medical standards.

Key Features of the Original Agnipath Scheme:

• Initial Four-Year Enlistment Period: Recruits serve on a fixed four-year contractual tenure, undergoing six months of intensive military training followed by three and a half years of active deployment across operational terrains.
• Graduated Compensation Package: Enjoys an incrementally rising customized pay scale starting at ₹30,000 per month in the 1st year and scaling to ₹40,000 per month in the 4th year, plus applicable operational allowances.
• Seva Nidhi Corpus: Agniveers contribute 30% of their monthly salary, matched equally by the Central Government, generating a tax-free lump sum exit package of roughly ₹11.71 lakh with accrued interest upon completing four years.
• Non-Combat Insurance & Death/Disability Cover: Provides ₹48 lakh non-contributory life insurance cover, alongside comprehensive ex-gratia compensation and full payout of unserved tenure benefits in the event of death or disability attributable to service.
• Gender-Inclusive Service Ranks: Formally opened non-officer cadre recruitments for women across frontline combat-support streams, expanding female enlistment in the Navy and Air Force.

Key Changes Made in Revamped Agnipath Scheme:

• Introduction of a 2-Year Second Engagement: Approved an additional two-year extension period for the 75% of Agniveers not selected in the initial merit round at year four, extending their service tenure to six years.
• Complete Absorption Route (Pathway for All): After completing the additional two-year period, all willing Agniveers who meet selection criteria will be enrolled as regular soldiers, effectively eliminating mandatory exits.
• Higher Pay Scale During Extension: The second engagement period offers higher monthly remuneration than the 4th-year slab to match the expanded experience of the serving soldiers.
• Enhanced Seva Nidhi Package: The Seva Nidhi financial corpus has been expanded for the extended tenure, ensuring larger terminal savings and matched contributions for personnel.
• Seniority Benefits Integration: Agniveers transitioning into regular service via the extended two-year route will receive seniority protection and associated career progression benefits within the permanent cadre.