The Union Cabinet has approved an additional two-year engagement for the 75 per cent of Agniveers not selected for permanent service.
The Union Cabinet has approved a two-year service extension for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, according to reports by The Times of India, Mint and The Hindu. This change applies to the 75 per cent of personnel who were previously not selected for permanent roles after their initial four-year term.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani said the decision follows positive feedback regarding the performance of Agniveers over the last four years. He noted that evaluations showed outstanding results in motivation, physical fitness, skills and technological prowess.
Under the new arrangement, these Agniveers will be offered a second tour of duty for two years. After this period, they can be considered for enrolment as regular soldiers if they wish to continue and meet the prescribed selection criteria.
The second engagement will include higher pay and benefits. General Subramani stated that remuneration will be Rs 43,500 in the first year of the extension and Rs 47,500 in the second year. The period will also feature an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.
The original Agnipath scheme was introduced in June 2022 to create a younger military workforce. While 25 per cent of each batch is absorbed into the regular cadre on merit, the remaining 75 per cent were originally required to exit after four years of service.
