India

Agnipath Scheme Extended: 75% of Agniveers Gain Two Extra Years and Higher Pay

By HT News Desk

India’s Agnipath programme has been revised by the Union cabinet to extend the service period of 75% of Agniveers and offer them a pathway to enlist in the armed forces after the extended tenure. Originally, Agniveers were recruited for four years, after which 25% were to be enrolled for a full term in the army, navy or air force, while the remaining 75% were to be released in phases starting mid‑November. Under the new arrangement, the 75% will now serve an additional two years, bringing their total tenure to six years. After completing the extra two years, Agniveers who meet selection criteria—focused on operational skills and discipline—can be enrolled in the armed forces. The change aims to retain trained personnel longer, providing the services with greater continuity and experience while keeping the force youthful. Seniority will be such that those enrolled after the initial four‑year period will rank above those who join after the additional two years. Remuneration will increase to ₹43,500 per month in the fifth year and ₹47,500 per month in the sixth year. Currently, 300,000 Agniveers serve across the army, navy and air force under the 2022 scheme.