Agnipath Scheme: Check Age, Eligibility, Salary & Other Details About the New Military Recruitment Scheme

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on 14 June 2022 launched the Agneepath or Agnipath Recruitment Scheme. The Agneepath scheme, which promises radical changes in recruitment for the Indian Armed Forces, would add 46,000 soldiers to the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The scheme was announced in a press conference shortly after the cabinet committee approved it.

"The Agnipath recruitment scheme is a transformative initiative that will provide the armed forces with a youthful profile," Rajnath Singh said. After lengthy discussions with the armed forces, the step was approved, promising a paradigm shift. 

What is the Agnipath scheme?

Agnipath or Agneepath is a recruitment scheme for Indian youth who want to join the Armed Forces. The entry would be made for a period of four years at first. During these four years, recruits would be trained in the necessary skills by the armed forces. Agniveers are recruits hired through the scheme.

Every year, 46000 soldiers would be recruited. Around 25% of these would be retained for an additional 15-year term for permanent commission. The others would be allowed to leave and would be given a Seva Nidhi – a one-time sum of Rs. 11.71 lakh plus interest. This sum is tax-free and can be used by the individual to further their education.

The individuals, selected for enrolment in the Armed Forces as regular cadre, would be required to serve for a further engagement period of minimum 15 years and would be governed by the existing terms and conditions of service of Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks in Indian Army and their equivalent in Indian Navy and Indian Air Force and that of Non-Combatant enrolled in the Indian Air Force, as amended from time to time.

Age limit, Required Educational Qualification for Agnipath Scheme

The armed forces would soon hold recruitment rallies and special rallies on various campuses. Enrolment in all three services would be done through a centralised online system. Specialized rallies and campus interviews would be held at recognized technical institutes such as Industrial Training Institutes and the National Skills Qualifications Framework.

Age Limit Details

Enrolment will be on a 'All India All Class’ basis, with eligible ages ranging from 17.5 to 21 years.

Educational Qualification

Agniveers' educational qualifications will remain the same for enrollment in various categories. For example, the educational requirement for entry into the General Duty (GD) soldier is Class 10.

• Soldier General Duty: SSLC/Matric with 45% marks in aggregate. No% required if higher qualification.

• Soldier Technical: 10+2/Intermediate exam passed in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English. Now eight ages for higher qualification.

• Soldier Clerk / Store Keeper Technical: 10+2/Intermediate exam passed in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) with 50% marks in aggregate and min40% in each subject. Weight age for higher qualification.

• Soldier Nursing Assistant: 10+2/Intermediate exam passed in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with min 50%-mark sin aggregate and min40% in each subject. Now eight ages for higher qualification.

Soldier Trades man                        

• General Duties: Non-Matric

• Specified Duties: Non-Matric

According to current Indian Army Recruitment rules. The educational requirements for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force may differ.

Other Requirements

Recruits must meet the medical eligibility requirements for enlistment in the armed forces as they apply to their respective categories/trades.

Salary of Agniveers under Agneepath Scheme

Agniveers will be given an appealing monthly package, along with Risk and Hardship allowances for each of the three services. Agniveers will be paid a one-time 'Seva Nidhi' package upon completion of the four-year engagement period, which will include their contribution plus accrued interest and a matching contribution from the government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution plus interest, as shown below:

Income Tax will not be levied on the 'Seva Nidhi.' There will be no entitlement to gratuities or pensions. Agniveers will be provided with non-contributory Life Insurance Coverage in the amount of Rs 48 lakhs for the duration of their service in the Indian Armed Forces.

By ensuring a fine balance of youthful and experienced personnel in the Armed Forces, the scheme will result in a much more youthful and technically adept war fighting force.

Agniveers – a younger, skilled and technologically advanced forces

With Agniveers being produced every four years, the Indian forces are expected to become much younger and more "technologically savvy." The goal is to recruit "young talent from society who are more in tune with current technological trends and plough back skilled, disciplined, and motivated manpower into society."

The two-pronged approach would train the country's youth, provide a younger armed force, and aid the country. Patriotism, teamwork, physical fitness enhancement, and ingrained loyalty to the country would be instilled in the youth. Aside from that, it would increase the availability of trained personnel in times of external threats, internal threats, and natural disasters.'

According to the Union Minister, "It would help to prepare them for new technologies while also improving their health. This program will increase job opportunities for people with new skills in a variety of industries."