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2h ago

Cabinet Approves Two-Year Extension for Agniveers

The move keeps trained recruits in uniform longer, creating a second chance for regular enlistment after a six-year term.

The Government of India extended the service tenure of Agniveers from 4 to 6 years.
The Centre approved the revamped scheme on Wednesday, giving Agniveers who fail to make the cut after the initial four-year service the option to continue in uniform for two more years with higher salaries.
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Overview

  • The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an optional two-year extension for the 75% of Agniveers who were due to leave after their initial four-year term, the decision was announced by CDS Gen N.S. Raja Subramani and endorsed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
  • After completing the extra two years, willing Agniveers can be considered for enrolment into the regular armed forces subject to objective selection criteria such as fitness, discipline and vigilance clearance.
  • The government says pay and the Seva Nidhi lump-sum package will be increased for those who take the extension, but services have not yet published final figures or the detailed selection mechanics for the six-year route.
  • The original Agnipath design remains in place so up to 25% will continue to be absorbed at the four-year mark and those absorbed at four years will keep seniority ahead of those joining after six years.
  • About 18,000–18,300 members of the first Agniveer cohort who were due to exit by December now directly benefit from the change and the three services must issue implementation rules next, which will shape manpower planning and recruitment going forward.