Centre May Extend Agniveer Tenure by Two Years Before November 21 Announcement
The Central government is examining a proposal to extend the service period of some Agniveers by two years, in a move that could alter the first major exit cycle under the Agnipath scheme. According to multiple media reports citing sources, and a report in Navbharat Times, an announcement on the proposed changes is likely before November 21.
The timing is significant because the first batch of Agniveers is reaching the end of its four-year contractual tenure. In the Indian Navy, the inaugural batch is scheduled to complete service on November 21, followed by the Indian Air Force batch on December 21 and the Army batch on December 31.
Launched in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme recruits personnel for a fixed four-year period. At the end of this tenure, up to 25 percent of each batch may be retained in the regular cadre, subject to performance, medical fitness and service requirements. Those not selected for permanent induction leave the armed forces with a one-time tax-free Seva Nidhi package of around ₹11.71 lakh. This includes the Agniveer’s own contribution of about ₹5.02 lakh, a matching contribution from the government and accrued interest. Personnel who exit under the scheme are not eligible for pension or gratuity.
The first recruitment cycle under Agnipath brought in roughly 24,400 Agniveers across the three services. Of these, about 19,000 joined the Army, 2,850 were recruited by the Indian Air Force and 2,550 by the Navy. Under the existing framework, around 18,300 of them are expected to leave service by the end of December. The Indian Air Force has already selected 712 personnel from its first batch of 2,850 for permanent absorption, in line with the 25 percent cap.
Sources said that high-level meetings have been held in recent days to study recommendations from the three services. If the extension proposal is implemented, it would apply to some personnel beyond those chosen for permanent enrolment. That could create three distinct categories within the force structure: Agniveers serving the original four-year term, those given a two-year extension, and those absorbed into the regular cadre. However, the exact number of personnel who could be eligible for the extension in each service, as well as the selection criteria, have not yet been finalised.
There has been no official announcement from the government or the Ministry of Defence so far. The proposal is still under consideration, and the services had earlier submitted their suggestions based on four years of experience with the scheme. The issue is being closely tracked as the first large cohort of Agniveers prepares to complete its contractual term.
