India’s Cabinet approved an optional two-year second term for 75% of Agniveers, allowing recruits who miss regular-service selection after four years to remain in the armed forces, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Nov. 4.
Under the new arrangement, merit will determine the initial regular-service offers, set at 25% after four years, the ministry said. Agniveers outside that group may choose a second engagement lasting two years. The added period is optional, giving the remaining recruits a decision on whether to stay in service beyond their first four years.
For those who take the second term, the service period would reach six years before the next enrolment decision. They may then be offered regular enrolment if they want to continue and meet selection criteria. The ministry’s announcement does not make enrolment automatic or detail how those criteria will be applied.
The ministry said the second engagement would bring higher remuneration, a larger Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits. It did not provide amounts for the pay or package, or specify how selection after the second term would work. The announcement also gave no implementation date.
Agnipath recruits personnel for India’s three armed services under the Agniveer designation. The original Cabinet decision in 2022 established a four-year service term and allowed up to 25% of each batch to enter the regular forces. The latest announcement sets the initial regular-service offer at 25% and adds another service option for recruits who do not receive one at the four-year point.
According to the MoD, the recommendation followed an assessment of Agniveers’ performance and the services’ organisational requirements. It also said the Agnipath scheme would continue. The release did not name a next decision date or provide a timetable for introducing the added term.
