AGNIPATH SCHEME REVISED: TWO-YEAR EXTENSION FOR AGNIVEERS EXPLAINED

Why In News?

The Union Cabinet has approved a major overhaul of the Agnipath Scheme, allowing the 75% of Agniveers not absorbed after four years to serve an additional two-year engagement.

What Are The Key Changes Introduced?

Two-Stage Selection

• Stage 1 (After Four Years): The top 25% of Agniveers will continue to be absorbed into the regular cadre on merit, as in the original scheme.  

• Stage 2 (Second Tour Of Duty): The remaining 75%, who would earlier have exited, will be offered an additional two years of service if they are willing.  

• Path To Regular Service: After six years, those meeting the selection criteria, including adaptability, discipline and no vigilance cases, can join as regular soldiers.  

• Seniority: The 25% absorbed after four years will be senior to those absorbed after six years.  

Pay And Benefits

Better Seva Nidhi: For those who exit after the extended term, the government's contribution to the Seva Nidhi exit package rises to 70%, from the earlier 50:50 split with the Agniveer.

Scheme Continues: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) clarified that the Agnipath scheme has not been discontinued, and the four-year initial engagement remains. 

Basis Of Decision: The change followed annual performance reviews of Agniveers through a centralised database across all three services. 

No Need For Reservation Elsewhere: The CDS said reservation for Agniveers in paramilitary forces is no longer needed, since the revised scheme offers enough opportunity within the Armed Forces.

Scale

• Large Numbers: More than three lakh Agniveers are in service or training across the three services, including about 2.8 lakh in the Army. 

• First Exits Due: The Navy's first batch completes four years in November 2026, followed by the Army and IAF at the end of December 2026. 

What Was The Original Agnipath Scheme?

• Launch: Announced on 14 June 2022 for the Army, Navy and Air Force.  

• Age Group: Recruitment of youth aged 17.5 to 21 years, with a one-time relaxation to 23 in the first year.  

• Four-Year Tenure: Service of four years, including training.  

• Limited Retention: Only 25% of each batch was to be retained for a further 15 years in the regular cadre. 

• Seva Nidhi: Exiting Agniveers receive a tax-free lump sum built from equal contributions by the Agniveer and the government.  

• No Pension: Agniveers who exit are not entitled to pension or gratuity. 

Objectives

• Younger Forces: Lower the average age of soldiers.  

• Tech-Savvy Soldiers: Build a fitter, technologically skilled military. 

• Reduce Pension Burden: Control the rising defence pension bill so more money can go to modernisation.  

• Skilled Youth For Society: Return disciplined, trained youth to civilian life. 

Origins

• "Tour of Duty" Idea: The scheme grew out of the Army's 2020 "Tour of Duty" proposal for short-term service. 

Why Was The Scheme Revised?

Performance Feedback

• Strong Performance: The services reported outstanding performance by Agniveers in physical fitness, motivation, morale and technological proficiency. 

• Retain Trained Manpower: Releasing 75% after four years meant losing trained soldiers just as they gained experience.  

Concerns Over The Original Design

• Job Insecurity: Most Agniveers faced uncertain futures after four years.  

• Example: Over 18,000 first-batch Agniveers were due to exit by the end of 2026, raising concerns about their re-employment prospects. 

• Unit Cohesion: Critics argued that short tenures could weaken regimental bonding and experience levels.  

• Services' Push: The services had earlier discussed sharply raising the retention percentage with the Department of Military Affairs. 

What Are The Benefits Of The Revision?

For The Armed Forces

• Retain Skills: Experienced, trained soldiers stay longer, improving operational efficiency.  

• Still Youthful: The scheme keeps the forces young, since entry remains through Agnipath.  

For Agniveers

• Career Security: All willing Agniveers who meet the criteria can eventually become regular soldiers. 

• Better Pay And Exit Package: Higher pay in the extension years and a larger government share in Seva Nidhi.  

What Are The Key Challenges?

Fiscal Impact

• Rising Costs: Absorbing more soldiers into the regular cadre may increase future salary and pension costs, partly offsetting the scheme's original savings goal.  

Policy Uncertainty

• Frequent Changes: Major revisions within four years may raise questions about long-term planning. 

Selection Fairness

• Transparent Criteria: Objective and transparent assessments are needed so that selection is seen as fair.  

Impact On Other Commitments

• Paramilitary Reservation: The Ministry of Home Affairs had announced 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs. With the CDS saying such reservation is no longer needed, clarity is required for those who still exit.  

Way Forward

Balanced Manpower Planning

• Review Ratios: Periodically review the retention ratio based on operational needs and budget.  

• Fund Modernisation: Balance manpower costs with investment in technology and equipment. 

Support For Exiting Agniveers

• Skills And Jobs: Provide certified skills, education credits and job linkages for those who leave.  

• Example: IGNOU offers a skill-based degree programme for Agniveers that recognises their military training, helping them gain a qualification during service. 

Transparency

• Clear Criteria: Publish clear selection standards and timelines for both stages.  

Conclusion

The revised Agnipath scheme keeps the forces young while offering every willing Agniveer a path to a permanent career. Its success will depend on transparent selection, careful fiscal planning and strong support for those who still choose to leave.

Source: INDIANEXPRESS