Agnipath Scheme (Agniveer)
Managed by: Ministry of Defence (Department of Military Affairs)
About the Scheme
The Agnipath Scheme is India's transformative defence recruitment pathway that enlists young citizens as 'Agniveers' for a four-year service period in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, with a competitive salary, insurance coverage, and a tax-free Seva Nidhi corpus upon completion.
Welfare Benefits & Assistance
- •Four-year service tenure in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, or Air Force) with monthly salary starting at Rs. 30,000 in Year 1, Rs. 33,000 in Year 2, Rs. 36,500 in Year 3, and Rs. 40,000 in Year 4
- •Tax-free Seva Nidhi lump sum package of approximately Rs. 11.71 Lakh upon completing the four-year term (includes 30% monthly contribution + government matching + interest)
- •Life insurance coverage of Rs. 48 Lakh during the service period
- •Up to 25% of each batch offered permanent enrollment into the regular cadre of the Armed Forces based on merit
- •Priority in recruitment for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, and state police forces after discharge
- •Skill certification upon completion to assist in civilian career transition
Eligibility Criteria
Additional Prerequisites
- Educational qualification: Class 10th or 12th pass depending on the trade and branch (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Must meet prescribed physical fitness, height, weight, and medical standards of the Indian Armed Forces
- Technical and specialized roles require 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- No prior criminal record; must clear police verification
Documents Required for Application
Tip: Keep scanned color copies of these documents ready before starting your online application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Visit the official recruitment portal based on your preferred branch: joinindianarmy.nic.in (Army), joinindiannavy.gov.in (Navy), or agnipathvayu.cdac.in (Air Force)
Register a new account using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and email address
Fill in personal, educational, physical, and preference details in the application form
Upload scanned copies of required documents and photographs
Submit the application during the notified recruitment window
Download the admit card once released; appear for written exam, physical fitness test, and medical examination at the designated rally centre
Recruitment rallies are organized at various centres across India; dates and locations are published on the official portals
Candidates report to rally centres with original documents and printed admit cards
Physical fitness tests, physical measurement tests, document verification, and medical examinations are conducted on-site
Who Should Apply?
- ✓Indian youth aged 17.5 to 21 years interested in serving in the Armed Forces
- ✓Class 10th or 12th pass candidates with good physical fitness
- ✓NCC cadets and sportspersons looking for a defence career pathway
Who Should NOT Apply?
- ✗Candidates above 21 years of age (unless specific age relaxation is notified)
- ✗Persons with permanent medical conditions or physical disabilities that do not meet armed forces standards
- ✗Candidates with criminal records or pending court cases
Common Rejection Reasons
- •Failing the physical fitness test (running, pull-ups, sit-ups) at the rally centre
- •Medical unfitness (vision, hearing, flat feet, or BMI issues)
- •Discrepancy in age or educational documents during verification
- •Providing incorrect or fraudulent information in the online application
Recent Updates & Changes
- »2026: Discussions ongoing regarding potential increase in retention percentage beyond 25%
- »2025: Second and third batches of Agniveers completed training and deployed across units
- »2024: Age relaxation of 2 years provided for the initial recruitment cycle
- »June 2022: Official launch of the Agnipath scheme by the Ministry of Defence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the monthly salary of an Agniveer?
How much is the Seva Nidhi package after 4 years?
Can Agniveers get permanent jobs in the Armed Forces?
What is the age limit for Agnipath recruitment?
Is the Agnipath scheme open for women?
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Yuvashree Prakalpa
Unemployed youth aged 18-45 registered with Employment Exchange
- •Monthly allowance of Rs. 1,500 for unemployed youth
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