On 4th November (Wednesday), the Modi government has accepted a decision to grant Agniveers an additional two-year engagement period after the recommendation of the Indian Defence Forces. The move, which is accompanied by improved compensation and a better Seva Nidhi package, transpired weeks before nearly 18,000 Agniveers were scheduled to be discharged from the service.
According to General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff, they would have the chance to continue serving in the military, but the decision will be based on their performance, willingness, and based on objective selection criteria. The offer is for the 75% of Agniveers who have to exit the force after their initial four-year tenure is over.
Subramani stated, “Today is a very significant day for the Indian Defence Forces and for our Agniveers. The cabinet has created a pathway for all Agniveers to be absorbed into the Indian Defence Forces. As you are aware, the Agnipath scheme was introduced on June 14, 2022. At that time, it was stated that there would be continuous performance evaluation of the Agniveers and that the scheme would be reviewed periodically. The first batch of Agniveers is now nearing the completion of their four-year tenure.”
He emphasised that they had received excellent feedback about their performance, including “physical fitness, motivational levels, morale and technological prowess,” informing, “As you know, 25% of the Agniveers are to be enrolled into the regular forces based on merit. Previously, the provision was for 75% of the Agniveers to transition back into society as disciplined and motivated youth. However, under this updated scheme, the remaining 75% of Agniveers will now be offered an additional engagement period of two years.”
He further mentioned, “Upon completing this two-year extension, all these Agniveers will be offered the opportunity to enrol as regular soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces, contingent upon their own willingness and their ability to meet objective selection criteria.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani says, "… 25% of those (Agniveers) who complete their initial four-year engagement period will be enrolled as regular soldiers. Regarding the remaining 75%, the Indian Defence Forces have recommended—and the Cabinet has approved today—that they be granted a second engagement period of two years. Upon completing this two-year extension, all these Agniveers will be offered the opportunity to enroll as regular soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces, contingent upon their own willingness and their ability to meet objective selection criteria."
— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2026
Subramani conveyed that the decision has been taken after deliberate reasoning and review of both operational efficiency and organisational requirements, as well as the aspirations of Agniveers. He expressed, “Our recruitment network now extends to almost every district in the country, and the process has become transparent and streamlined. We now conduct written examinations before physical tests to ensure that candidates are selected effectively. We have also helped enhance their qualifications and skills; for instance, someone who has completed Class 10 has been enabled to qualify for Class 12, and so on. We have also provided skill certificates through national qualifications.”
“Many branches of the defence forces have been opened for women. All the feedback has been used to make the fresh decision. This second engagement period will give them higher remuneration and an enhanced Seva Nidhi package. The centre has created a pathway for the Agniveers to join the defence forces,” the officer highlighted.
In 2022, the Modi government introduced the Agnipath Scheme for aspirants to enlist in the Armed Forces under the respective Service Acts.
