Agniveer scheme gets 2-year extension as Centre increases service period from 4 to 6 years

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: The Centre has extended the service period of Agniveers by two years, potentially increasing their tenure under the Agnipath scheme from the existing four years to six years. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani announced the development on Wednesday, describing it as a significant decision for the Indian Armed Forces and Agniveers.

According to General Subramani, the Cabinet has introduced a new provision allowing Agniveers to continue their association with the armed forces beyond their initial four-year service period.

Explaining the decision, the CDS said the Agnipath scheme, launched on June 14, 2022, included provisions for continuous performance evaluation and periodic reviews. With the first batch of Agniveers nearing the completion of its four-year tenure, the feedback on their performance has been very positive, he added.

Under the revised arrangement, the 25% of Agniveers selected on the basis of merit will continue to be absorbed into the regular armed forces, as per the existing provision.

Meanwhile, the remaining 75%, who were earlier expected to return to civilian life after completing four years of service, will now have the opportunity to serve for an additional two years.

General Subramani further clarified that after completing the extended two-year service period, Agniveers interested in continuing their military careers will be considered for enrolment into the armed forces based on objective selection criteria.