The Ministry of Defence announced Cabinet approval for a comprehensive pathway to absorb all Agniveers into the Defence Forces following a four-year performance assessment of the Agnipath Scheme. Based on outstanding performance in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness, and technological prowess, the top 25% of Agniveers will be offered regular employment immediately based on merit as originally envisaged.
For the remaining 75% of Agniveers, the Cabinet has approved an additional two-year engagement period based on their willingness and recommendations from the Indian Defence Forces. This second engagement period will feature higher remuneration, enhanced Seva Nidhi package, and seniority benefits. After completing this two-year extension, all Agniveers will be offered enrollment as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and meeting selection criteria.
The decision follows detailed feedback about the scheme's efficacy, which revealed increased recruitment footprint across districts, more standardized and transparent recruitment process, high levels of physical fitness and discipline, enhanced skills and technological adaptability, and the opening of various Defence Forces branches for women. The Agnipath scheme will continue with these modifications, creating a definitive absorption pathway for all participants.