Agnipath Scheme
Background and Purpose
- Traditionally, in India, defence services recruitment has been for long-term service, with a large share of the defence budget going into salaries and pensions.
- The government realised that this reduces the funds available for modernisation of weapons, equipment, and technology.
- Hence, the Agnipath Scheme was launched to introduce a short-term recruitment model (called Tour of Duty).
👉 Purpose: To reduce the pension and salary burden, and redirect resources towards military modernisation.
Eligibility
- Candidates between 17.5 years and 21 years can apply.
- For the very first year (as a one-time relaxation), the upper age limit was 23 years.
Objectives
- To give the armed forces a youthful profile.
- To attract young talent from across the country.
- To ensure that after service, these youth remain an asset for the nation with discipline, skills, and exposure.
Key Features
- Recruitment Process
- Youths selected under this scheme are called Agniveers.
- They are recruited as Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Service duration: 4 years (including 6 months of training).
- Annual intake: Around 45,000–50,000 Agniveers.
- Permanent Enrolment
- At the end of 4 years, only 25% of Agniveers will be retained for a further 15 years of service under permanent commission.
- The rest will be discharged with benefits.
- Compensation – Seva Nidhi Package
- On completion of 4 years, each Agniveer will get around ₹11.71 lakh (tax-free).
- This includes their contribution, government’s contribution, and interest.
Support Measures after Service
The government has planned multiple avenues to accommodate Agniveers after their 4-year tenure:
- Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- 10% reservation in Indian Coast Guard, Defence Civilian posts, and all 16 Defence PSUs.
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- 10% reservation in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles.
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
- Special avenues for smooth transition of Agniveers into the merchant navy.
👉 These steps ensure that Agniveers, after serving the nation, have job opportunities and career pathways in both defence-related and civilian sectors.
Benefits
- For the nation: A young, tech-savvy, and modernised armed force with more resources for equipment.
- For the youth: Exposure to military training, discipline, patriotism, and career opportunities post-service.
- For the society: Skilled youth with a strong military ethos reintegrating into civil life.
✅ In summary:
The Agnipath Scheme is a short-term recruitment model for the armed forces. It brings in young people (17.5–21 years), trains them for 4 years as Agniveers, and then allows only 25% to continue permanently. The rest get a handsome Seva Nidhi package and assured opportunities in CAPFs, Defence PSUs, Merchant Navy, etc. It reduces the pension burden, supports modernisation, and creates a disciplined, skilled workforce for the nation.