Agneepath Scheme – Considering the ever-increasing unemployment rate, the Government of India has launched the Agneepath Scheme for recruitment of non-commissioned posts into various Armed Forces. The Government of India approved the scheme in June 2022. This scheme brought a good opportunity for young Indians to serve our nation. In this article, you will get all the useful information about the Agneepath Scheme/Agnipath Scheme.
What is Agneepath Scheme
Agneepath scheme is a recruitment scheme for non-commissioned posts in the Indian Armed Forces. Under this scheme, every year, 46000 soldiers will be recruited into the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force for a tenure of 4 years. In these four years, the first 6 months will be of training, and then 3.5 years will be of active service.
All the candidates selected under this scheme will be called Agniveer. This scheme will provide young individuals an opportunity to serve the Indian Armed Forces with attractive salary benefits.
Agneepath Scheme Details
| Name of post/ designation | Agniveer |
| Organizations | Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force |
| Age Criteria | 17.5-21 years |
| Period of Service | 4 years |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application Fee | Rs. 250 only |
| Salary benefits | 30,000-40,000 per months |
| Retirement Benefit | Lumpsum amount of 11 Lakh |
Key Features of Agneepath Scheme
- Four-year service in the Armed forces.
- Great opportunity of employment to youth aged 17.5 to 21 years.
- Compulsory retirement to 75% Agniveers.
- Permanent enrollment to 25% Agniveers in Armed Forces Cadre after 4 years of service.
- Selected candidates get an attractive Sewa Nidhi Package.
- Priority recruitment in other services after retirement.
Why did the Government of India launch the Agneepath scheme?
The Government of India has launched the Agneepath scheme for two major reasons. First, to maintain age balance in the armed forces. At present average age of army officers is around 32 years, which would be much less after the implementation of Agneepath scheme. More than half of the army personnel would be young.
The second reason for implementing the Agneepath scheme is to reduce pensions laid on the Armed Forces. The current defense budget is around 5.25 trillion, out of which 55% goes into salary and pension only. 1.2 trillion is spent on pensions only. The main purpose is to cut out the pension expenses.
Agneepath Scheme Recruitment Wings
Recruitment under the Agneepath Yojana shall be made for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The eligibility age criteria, educational qualification criteria, and other terms and conditions are almost similar for all the Armed Forces. Interested candidates will have to apply separately for any of their recruitment.
Under the Agnipath scheme, Agniveers shall be recruited for the following Armed Forces:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
Agneepath Scheme Indian Army / Indian Army Agneepath Scheme
Agneepath scheme aims at attracting young and talented individuals to the Indian Army. These Agniveers will serve the nation for 4 years. After this period, all the candidates will get a chance to apply for permanent enrollment in the Indian Army. The Indian Army will select up to 25% of candidates for permanent Duty, and the rest 75% will be released with a Sewa Nidhi Package.
The recruitment under the Agneepath scheme for the Indian Army shall be made for the following posts:
- Agniveer (General Duty)
- Agniveer (Tradesman)
- Agniveer (Technical)
- Agniveer (Technical- Aviation and Ammunition Examiner)
- Agniveer (Clerk and Storekeeper)
Agneepath Scheme Indian Army selection process
The recruitment process for Agniveers will be conducted in two phases.
Phase I- Phase I of the selection process will consist of an Online Common Entrance Exam at Computer Based Test Centres spread across India.
Phase II- In Phase II of the selection process, the candidates have to go through a Physical Fitness Test consisting of a 1600-meter run, push-ups, pull-ups, long jump, high jump, etc.
Agneepath Scheme Indian Air Force
Recruitment of young male and female candidates through the Agnipath scheme to the Indian Air Force is a great initiative by the Government of India. This scheme will provide them an opportunity to learn about various aspects of the Indian Air Force, including fighter squadrons, transport squadrons, and helicopter squadrons. These Agniveers will be trained in a variety of aviation skills, such as aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and flight operations.
The recruitment under the Agnipath Yojana for the Indian Air Force shall be made for the following posts:
- Airman
- Airman Tradesman
- Airman Nursing Assistant
The list of specific trades that Agniveers may be trained for in the Indian Air Force is as follows:
- Aircraft Technician
- Avionics Technician
- Electrical Technician
- Mechanical Technician
- Armament Technician
- Communication Technician
- Air Traffic Controller
- Firefighter
- Medical Technician
- Administrative Assistant
- Logistics Assistant
Agneepath Scheme Indian Air Force selection process
Candidates who have successfully registered for recruitment in the Indian Air Force through Agneepath Recruitment will have to go through a two-phase selection process.
Phase I- Physical Fitness Test- This test will consist of a 1600-meter run, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. After that, Physical Fitness and medical examinations will be held.
Phase II- Phase II of the selection process will consist of an Online Entrance Exam at Computer Based Test Centres spread across India.
Agneepath Scheme Indian Navy
Recruitment of Agniveers under the Agneepath scheme in the Indian Navy is a great opportunity for young and talented minds to serve their country by joining the Indian Navy, with a possibility of permanent enrollment after a tenure of 4 years. Under the Agneepath scheme, Agniveers in the Indian Navy will be trained in a variety of naval skills, including seamanship, navigation, and weapons handling.
The recruitment under the Agneepath scheme for the Indian Navy shall be made for the following posts:
- Sailor
- Sailor Tradesman
- Sailor Nursing Assistant
Agneepath Scheme Indian Navy selection process
Candidates who want to join the Indian Navy through Agneepath Recruitment will have to go through a two-phase selection process.
Phase I- Physical Fitness Test- This test will consist of a 1600-meter run, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. After that, Physical Fitness and medical examinations will be held.
Phase II- Phase II of the selection process will consist of an Online Entrance Exam at Computer Based Test Centres spread across India.
Agneepath Scheme Eligibility Criteria
A candidate who wants to apply for recruitment under the Agniveer Scheme must meet these general eligibility criteria for different posts as given below:
Agniveer Education Qualification
Education Qualification Agniveer in Indian Army
| Category | Educational Qualification |
| Agniveer (Tradesman) | Class 8th passNo stipulation in aggregate percentage, but should have scored at least 33% in each subject |
| Agniveer (General Duty) | Class 10th pass with minimum 45% marks in aggregate and 33% in each subjectCandidates with valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Licence will be given preference for driver requirements |
| Agniveer (Technical) | Class 12th pass in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 40% in each subject |
| Agniveer (Technical) (Aviation & Ammunition Examiner) | Class 12th pass from a recognised institution with minimum 50% marks in aggregateITI course of minimum one year in required field with NSQF level 4 or above |
| Agniveer Clerk/ Store Keeper | Class 12th pass in any stream (Arts/ commerce/ science) with minimum 60% marks in aggregate and minimum 50% in each subject |
Education Qualification Agniveer in Indian Air Force
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
| Air Force Agniveer | 10+2 with 50% Marks from a Recognized Board OR 2 Years Vocational Course from recognized board. |
Education Qualification Agniveer in Indian Navy
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
| Agniveer (MR) | 10th Pass from a Recognized Board |
| Agniveer (SSR) | 12th Pass with Physics, Maths, and One of the Subject Chemistry/ Biology/ Computer |
Note:- Candidates who have appeared in class 10th or 12th Board exams and are awaiting declaration of results are also eligible to apply, provided they fulfill all other qualifications required. Such candidates, however, shall only be selected when they produce the original mark sheet during Phase II of the recruitment process.
Agneepath Scheme Age Limit
Only unmarried male or female candidates who are between the age group of 17.5 to 21 years are eligible to apply under the Agneepath scheme.
Agnipath Scheme Salary | Agniveer Salary
Agniveers shall be given a one-time Seva Nidhi package comprising their monthly contribution along with a matching contribution by the Government on completion of their engagement period, as indicated below:-
| Year Customized Package (Monthly) | In Hand (70%) | Contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund (30%) | Contribution to Corpus Fund by GoI All figures in Rs (Monthly Contribution) |
| 1st Year | 30000 | 21000 | 9000 |
| 2nd Year | 33000 | 23100 | 9900 |
| 3rd Year | 36500 | 25550 | 10950 |
| 4th Year | 40000 | 28000 | 12000 |
| Total in Agniveer Corpus Fund | 5.02 Lakh | 5.02 Lakh |
Agneepath Scheme Application fee
Applicants will have to pay Rs. 250/- to Apply online for Agniveer Vacancy in all 3 Armed Forces of India.
Agneepath Scheme Pros And Cons
There are various advantages as well as disadvantages associated with the Agnipath Yojana:
Agneepath Scheme Advantages
- Opportunity of employment to 46000 youths every year
- Job at the early age of 17.5 years
- A handsome amount of salary
- Various skills will be taught during the service period.
- Certificate of Service/ Agniveer Skill Certificate
- A lump sum amount of around 11 Lakhs on retirement
- Non-contributory insurance cover of Rs. 48 Lakh
- Up to 25% of Agniveers will be enrolled in the regular cadre of Armed forces.
- Retired Agniveers can get bank loans under a special scheme, which will be beneficial for them to pursue further studies or start a business, etc.
Agnipath Scheme Disadvantages | Agneepath Scheme Issues
- Service period of only four years/ compulsory retirement after four years
- No gratuity or regular pension benefits
- No job security after four years of service
- After retirement, they will have to search for a new job again
- It will not be easy for them to compete with fresh graduates for jobs in technical fields
- A person who has dropped his studies at the age of 17-21 will not be qualified enough for other jobs, so he will have to complete his higher education first
- Martyr’s families would not get the same security as that of the Commissioned Officers
- After retirement, when an Agniveer applies for another job, he will have to face the question of why he could not manage to be among those 25% who were enrolled in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces
Agneepath Scheme After Retirement
Agniveers have to leave their jobs after four years of service. When Agneepath soldiers leave their jobs after four years, they will get a lump sum amount of around 11 Lakhs from the Government’s Seva Nidhi Scheme. 30% of this amount shall be deducted from the monthly salary of Agniveers. No regular pension shall be provided to them.
Agneepath Scheme For Girl
The Agneepath scheme launched in the year 2022 is also applicable to female candidates who are interested in joining the Armed Forces.
Agneepath Scheme Apply Online
Young Boys and Girls who are interested in Agnipath Scheme can Apply online for it by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit Army/Air Force/Navy Official website, for which you want to apply.
Step 2: In the ‘Main Menu’ go to “Agnipath/AgniveerVayu/Become an Agniveer” option.
Step 3: Now register for Agnipath Scheme on related site.
Step 4: Fill in all the required information correctly in registeration form and Create Password also.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents, Photo and Signature.
Step 6: Now “Preview” Your registration and submit it.
Step 7: After registration you can apply for your desired Agniveer post by loging in your account.
Agneepath Scheme Notifications
To check official notifications for Agniveer Recruitment through the Agneepath scheme, visit the following listed official websites of the Indian Armed Forces:
Indian Army- www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Indian Navy- www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
Indian Air Force- https://agnipathvayu.cdac.in
Latest Updates regarding Agneepath Scheme
- 26 February 2023: A division bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramanium Prasad of the Delhi High Court has upheld the validity of the Agneepath scheme. The bench dismissed the pleas seeking the resumption of the previous recruitment scheme. It held that the Agneepath scheme was formulated in the national interest and to ensure that the Armed Forces were better equipped.
- First batch of Agniveers to be inducted in December 2023: The first batch of Agniveers is expected to be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces in December 2023.
- The Indian Army has revised the upper age limit for recruitment under the Agneepath scheme to 23 years for recruitment of 2023-24 only. /this step has been taken keeping in mind the gap of two years in the recruitment process.
- The Indian Air Force has received over 7.5 lakh applications for recruitment under the Agneepath scheme.
Agneepath Scheme Controversy
The biggest controversy associated with the Agneepath scheme is that it provides employment for four years only. 75% of Agniveers from every batch will have to leave their jobs after four years of service, and only up to 25% of them shall be enrolled in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces. Thus, the Agnipath Yojana provides no job security, and people who served as Agniveers will have to search for a job again. Moreover, they will not get any regular pension.
Agneepath Scheme Protest Reason/ Why Protest Against Agneepath Scheme?
There have been countrywide protests against the Agnipath scheme because, on the pretext of providing employment, the Government has come up with a temporary solution. There is no job security and no pension benefits associated with this scheme. However, the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have announced that they will give preference to Agniveers in government employment. But there is no guarantee of such preference in employment.
FAQs
Q 1: What is the fixed service period under Agneepath scheme?
Ans: The Agniveers appointed under the Agneepath scheme will have a fixed period of service of four years. Thereafter, 75% of them will have to retire, and only up to 25 of them will be enrolled in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces.
Q 2: What is the salary of an Agniveer under Agneepath scheme?
Ans: The approximate salary of an Agniveer shall be around Rs. 30,000 per month in the first year of service. It will go up to Rs. 40,000 in the fourth year of service.
Q 3: What are the retirement benefits provided under Agneepath scheme?
Ans: Agniveers will get a lump sum amount of around 11 Lakhs at the time of retirement. However, they will not get any regular pension.
Q 4: What is the application fee for Agneepath scheme?
Ans: The application fee for Agneepath Recruitment is only Rs. 250.
Q 5: What is the benefit of Agneepath scheme?
Ans. There are several benefits of Agneepath scheme, such as Agniveers will get an attractive Salary in the 4 Years service period. At the time of retirement, Agniveer will get a 12 Lakh rupee lump sum amount to start their new life. If an ex-againer wants to start a business, they will get help with a Business loan. Retired Agniveers will also get priority in the IT, Security, and Engineering sectors.