New Delhi, Nov 4:Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after completing their initial four-year tenure will get an opportunity to serve for an additional two years, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani said on Wednesday.
Clarifying the government's decision, Subramani said the four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme would remain unchanged, but those not selected in the first phase would have the option of extending their service by another two years.
The decision was taken at a Union Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, months before the first batch of around 18,000 Agniveers is scheduled to complete its tenure in December 2026.
Under the existing arrangement, up to 25 per cent of Agniveers are selected for regular service after completing four years, while the remaining 75 per cent are released.
The new provision will allow those not selected initially to continue serving for two more years. Their performance during the extended period will subsequently be assessed for possible induction into regular service, the CDS said.
He said the selection would be based on objective criteria, including physical fitness, motivation, morale, discipline and technical proficiency, besides the operational and organisational requirements of the armed forces.
Subramani clarified that failure to secure selection during the initial four-year period should not be viewed as a reflection of an individual's capability, as the process is strictly merit-based.
The additional service period would enable Agniveers to enhance their military skills and gain further experience, while helping the armed forces retain trained manpower for a longer duration.
Those opting for the extended tenure will also receive higher remuneration and increased service fund benefits, he said.
The CDS further clarified that Agniveers selected for regular service after completing the additional two years would be placed below those inducted during the initial selection phase in terms of seniority.
Under the existing pay structure, an Agniveer receives a monthly salary of Rs 30,000 in the first year, which increases to Rs 43,500 in the second year and Rs 47,500 in the third year.
Subramani said the government would continue its contribution towards the Agniveers' service fund, adding that the total financial package for those completing the extended two-year tenure would be around Rs 10.92 lakh.
Launched in 2022, the Agnipath scheme introduced short-term recruitment into the Army, Navy and Air Force with the objective of reducing the average age profile of the armed forces.
The latest decision seeks to provide greater continuity of service to Agniveers while balancing manpower requirements and operational preparedness, he said.
