Centre extends tenure of Agniveers by 2 years, gives chance to join forces as regular troops

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 4, 2026: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved significant changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, opening up a fresh opportunity for Agniveers to join the Army, Navy and Air Force as regular personnel.

Under the revised framework, 75 per cent of Agniveers, who were earlier required to leave service after completing their four-year tenure, will be offered an additional two years of engagement. During this extended period, they will have another opportunity to qualify for regular service, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of selection criteria.

The remaining 25 per cent will continue to be selected as regular personnel based on their performance during the initial four-year service period.

"After two years, all of them will be given an opportunity to be recruited as regular troops if they are willing to continue and match the selection criteria. They, however, will be considered junior to the 25 per cent who are first chosen to continue as regular soldiers," Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani said after the Cabinet meeting.

The first batch of more than 18,000 Agniveers, recruited in 2022, is nearing the completion of its four-year tenure between December and January. Under the revised provisions, those who would otherwise have exited the armed forces will get a second opportunity to continue serving.

During the extended engagement period, Agniveers will receive monthly remuneration of Rs 43,500 in the fifth year and Rs 47,500 in the sixth year. Their Seva Nidhi package will also be enhanced.

The modifications come ahead of Assembly elections in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, three states that contribute a significant number of personnel to the armed forces.