Agniveers eligible for permanent absorption after six years, says MoD
The government clarified that the Agnipath scheme has not been rolled back following a two-year extension for 75 per cent of recruits.
The government clarified on Thursday, November 5, 2026, that the Agnipath scheme has not been rolled back and that all eligible recruits will eventually join the regular cadre of the armed forces. According to The Hindu, the revised arrangement provides a pathway for Agniveers to be absorbed after a six-year period.
Under the revised scheme, 25 per cent of Agniveers will continue to be offered regular employment on merit after their initial four-year tenure. The remaining 75 per cent will be offered an additional two-year engagement period. Air Vice Marshal G Ananth, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration at Headquarters Training Command, said there is no numerical cap on the absorption of this 75 per cent, provided they meet criteria regarding discipline, medical fitness, and performance.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh described the arrangement as a "win-win solution". He stated that the scheme allowed for a reassessment after the initial four years, where those with exceptionally good performance could be offered a second term of two years before joining the regular Army permanently.
A Defence Ministry official said the seniority of the 75 per cent who serve for six years would be protected. Upon absorption, they will be placed immediately after their batchmates who entered the regular cadre after four years, and will not be placed below personnel from subsequent batches.
During the two-year extension, Agniveers will receive a monthly pay of approximately Rs 43,500 in the first year and Rs 47,500 in the second year. Air Vice Marshal Ananth noted that Agniveers would receive a Seva Nidhi package of Rs 10.92 lakh after the two-year period.