Cabinet extends Agniveer service by 2 years

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a two-year extension for Agniveers who were earlier set to exit after four years. Briefing media after the Union Cabinet meeting in New Delhi, CDS General N S Raja Subramani said the Cabinet has created a pathway for all Agniveers to be absorbed. He stated that the first batch of Agniveers is now nearing the completion of their four-year tenure. He said that earlier, 25 percent of the Agniveers were to be enrolled into the regular forces based on merit. General  Raja Subramani said that under this updated scheme, the remaining 75 percent of Agniveers will now be offered an additional engagement period of two years. 

VIDEO | At a Cabinet briefing, Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani says, “Today is a very important day for the Indian Armed Forces and our Agniveers. The Cabinet has approved a pathway for Agniveers to be absorbed into the Indian Armed Forces...The Agnipath scheme was introduced on June 14, 2022. At the time, it was decided that Agniveers would undergo continuous performance evaluations and that the scheme would be reviewed periodically. The four-year tenure of the first batch of Agniveers is now nearing completion. During these four years, we have received positive feedback on their performance. As you know, 25 per cent of Agniveers are enrolled in the regular forces based on merit. Earlier, the remaining 75 per cent were to exit the forces and enter civilian life as disciplined and motivated young people. Under the revised scheme, however, the remaining 75 per cent will be offered another engagement period of two years. On completion of this additional two-year period, all Agniveers who are willing to continue will be enrolled in the Armed Forces, subject to objective selection criteria. These are the four major aspects of the scheme.”

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 4, 2026

The CDS said performance and achievements would remain important considerations in deciding the future engagement of Agniveers. Those completing the additional two years would be assessed again for possible enrolment into the regular forces, according to the proposed selection process.Gen Subramani also said the armed forces were opening opportunities for Agniveers across different branches. Physical fitness, adaptability, technological understanding and the ability to take up different responsibilities would form part of their training and assessment. First batch from the 2022 scheme was due to leave this December this year..