India

Revised Agnipath Scheme Applies Only to Current 300,000 Agniveers

By Rahul Singh

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani announced a revised Agnipath framework on Wednesday, which will apply only to the 300,000 Agniveers currently in service. The Cabinet cleared the changes, and senior officials said the provisions will be reviewed before being extended to future batches. The next batch of Agniveers, set to begin training early next year, will complete its four‑year tenure in 2031. Under the earlier scheme, 75% of the first batch would have been released after four years, with only 25% retained for a 15‑year career. The new reboot extends the remaining 75%’s service by two years, after which they will be absorbed as regular soldiers. Officials said the model is seen as the best fit at this stage and will undergo periodic reviews to meet the military’s needs. The extension also addresses seniority concerns, ensuring that the 75% who become regulars will be placed immediately after their own batchmates who joined the regular cadre after four years, preventing them from becoming junior to subsequent batches. The decision follows a four‑year review of Agniveers’ performance, highlighting their skills, motivation, physical fitness and technological capabilities. The changes effectively roll back the contentious scheme that was first announced in June 2022 and sparked protests. The scheme’s short‑term service and wage and pension bill controls are now under pressure due to the additional two‑year engagement period.