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Agniveers’ Tenure Extended by Two Years, Cabinet Approves Move
The revised scheme gives the 75% not initially selected a two-year extension and higher pay, with regular enlistment open afterward.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved a revised pathway for Agniveers, allowing those not initially selected for regular service to extend their tenure by two years. Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani announced the decision in Delhi.
The Agnipath scheme, introduced on June 14, 2022, originally mandated that 75 per cent of Agniveers exit after four years. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the Cabinet decision, calling it a "Second Tour of Duty" for qualifying personnel.
Merit-Based selection continues for the 25 per cent of Agniveers eligible for immediate enrolment, while the remaining 75 per cent now gain a two-year extension to seek permanent absorption into the Armed Forces. This extends their total engagement from four to six years.
Agniveers serving the additional two-year period will receive higher financial compensation and an enhanced Seva Nidhi package, General Subramani confirmed. He did not specify the revised pay structure or implementation details.
By extending engagement from four to six years, the government aims to build a younger, technologically equipped Indian Defence Forces prepared for modern warfare. The changes retain experienced personnel while maintaining a youthful military profile.