Cabinet greenlights two‑year extension for Agniveers, opening path to regular soldier slots

The Union Cabinet approved a two‑year extension for Agniveers, giving every member a chance to join the Armed Forces as a regular soldier.

Details

The extension applies to the 75 % of Agniveers who are not absorbed after their four‑year term. They may stay for another two years if they are willing and meet the objective selection criteria set by the services. Those who serve the extra period will receive a higher salary and a larger Seva Nidhi payout if they choose to exit after the two years. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Raja Subramani said the decision follows four years of evaluating Agniveers and will keep the forces youthful while adding experienced troops. Different batches of Agniveers start completing their four‑year tenure this month, with the first Navy batch doing so now. The original 2022 Agnipath scheme retained only 25 % of Agniveers, sending the rest home after four years. The services have been in talks with the Department of Military Affairs about raising the retention share, and several communications on the issue preceded today’s announcement. The extra two years will be counted as a regular engagement, and Agniveers will undergo the same training and assessment as other soldiers. Those who satisfy the selection standards will be inducted as regular troops; those who do not will leave with the improved benefits.

Context

Agnipath is the short‑term recruitment model for new soldiers. Extending contracts helps the forces balance fresh manpower with seasoned experience. The enhanced pay and Seva Nidhi package are meant to make the longer service option attractive to volunteers.