About the Scheme
Agnipath is a transformative military recruitment scheme enabling Indian youth (17.5-23 years) to serve in the armed forces for 4 years as Agniveers. 25% are retained for permanent service after 4 years; 75% exit with ₹11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi corpus. Aims to reduce average age of armed forces and cut pension bill.
Target Beneficiaries: Indian youth 17.5-23 years; armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force); security agencies for post-retirement Agniveers
Implementing Agency: Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force (under the Ministry of Defence)
Key Features
- 4-year service as Agniveer in Army, Navy, or Air Force
- 75% Agniveers retire after 4 years; 25% offered permanent commission based on merit
- Seva Nidhi: ₹11.71 lakh corpus on exit (Agniveer''s ₹5.02 lakh + Government''s ₹5.02 lakh + interest)
- Pay: ₹30,000/month (Year 1) to ₹40,000/month (Year 4); 30% contribution to Seva Nidhi
- Special priority in CAPF, state police, and PSU recruitment for ex-Agniveers
- Age limit: 17.5-21 years (Army); 17.5-23 years (extended in 2022 for first batch)
- First batch: 40,000 Agniveers inducted in 2022; scheme continues annually
Eligibility Criteria
- Age between 17.5 years and 21 years (extended to 23 for the first batch in 2022).
- Educational qualification of 10th or 12th pass, depending on the role.
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Meet prescribed medical and physical standards.