The Agnipath Yojana is an innovative recruitment initiative launched by the Government of India to enlist young individuals into the Indian Armed Forces. This scheme is designed to modernize the armed forces by bringing in fresh talent and reducing the average age profile of the forces. The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on June 14, 2022, and aims to engage patriotic and motivated youth in the service of the nation for a short-term period of four years. Those selected under this scheme are known as Agniveers.
The primary objective of the Agnipath Yojana is to enhance national security and offer career opportunities to the youth, thereby building a disciplined and skilled workforce. The scheme focuses on utilizing contemporary technology, conducting specialized recruitment rallies, and organizing campus interviews at recognized technical institutes. This approach ensures that Agniveers are recruited from all parts of the nation, fostering unity and diversity.
Once enrolled, Agniveers undergo rigorous military training and are governed by the respective Service Acts for their four-year tenure. This period allows them to develop qualities such as discipline, courage, and teamwork. Upon completing their service, Agniveers have the opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the armed forces. However, only up to 25% of each specific batch may be selected for permanent roles based on merit and performance.
Agniveers do not have any automatic right to be selected for further enrolment; the decision rests solely with the government. Those who are not selected for permanent roles will return to civilian life with valuable skills and experiences that enhance their employability and contribute to nation-building.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name of the Yojana | Agnipath Yojana |
| State | Pan-India |
| Initiated By | Government of India |
| Yojana Overview | The Agnipath Yojana is a short-term service youth recruitment scheme for the Indian Armed Forces. Recruits, known as Agniveers, will serve for four years and receive military training. After this period, they can apply for permanent enrolment, with up to 25% being selected based on merit and performance. |
| Beneficiaries | Youth aged 17.5 to 21 years, including both men and women in the future. |
| Registration Process | Online only |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in joinindiannavy.gov.in careerindianairforce.cdac.in |
Table of Contents
Objectives of Agnipath Yojana
The Agnipath Yojana has several key objectives aimed at transforming the Indian Armed Forces and providing valuable opportunities for the youth:
- Recruitment of Young Talent: The primary goal is to enlist young individuals between the ages of 17.5 and 21 years for a four-year service period in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This helps in maintaining a youthful and dynamic profile within the armed forces.
- Rigorous Military Training: The scheme aims to provide comprehensive military training to the recruits, developing their skills, discipline, courage, and teamwork. This training ensures that Agniveers are well-prepared to handle modern technological advancements and security challenges.
- National Security Enhancement: By creating a youthful and dynamic force, the Agnipath Yojana enhances the operational effectiveness and readiness of the armed forces, contributing to national security.
- Career Opportunities for Youth: The scheme offers young individuals a chance to serve their nation and gain valuable experiences. After their four-year service, they have the opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment, providing a pathway to a career in the armed forces.
- Skill Development and Nation Building: The scheme promotes the development of various skills and attributes such as discipline, dynamism, and motivation. These qualities make the Agniveers valuable assets to society, contributing to nation-building efforts.
Registration Process
The registration process for the Agnipath Yojana is conducted entirely online, making it accessible and convenient for applicants across the country. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to the registration process:
- Visit Official Recruitment Websites: Interested candidates should visit the official recruitment websites of the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The links are as follows:
- Indian Army: joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Indian Navy: joinindiannavy.gov.in
- Indian Air Force: careerindianairforce.cdac.in
- Fill Out the Online Application Form: On the respective websites, candidates need to fill out the online application form with accurate and complete details. This includes personal information, educational qualifications, and other relevant data.
- Upload Required Documents: Applicants must upload the necessary documents as specified, such as proof of identity (Aadhaar Card), proof of address, highest educational qualifications, medical category certificate, passport-size photograph, and domicile certificate.
- Submit the Application: After completing the form and uploading the documents, candidates should carefully review their application to ensure all information is correct. Once satisfied, they can submit the application online.
- Meet Eligibility Criteria: It is crucial for applicants to meet the eligibility criteria, including age, educational qualifications, and physical and medical standards. Only those who meet these criteria will be considered for recruitment.
Benefits of this Yojana
The Agnipath Yojana offers several benefits to the Agniveers and the nation as a whole:
- Financial Package: Agniveers receive an attractive customized monthly package starting at Rs 30,000, which increases each year up to Rs 40,000 by the fourth year. Additionally, they receive Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services.
- Seva Nidhi Package: Upon completion of their four-year service, Agniveers are entitled to a one-time Seva Nidhi package, which includes their contribution and a matching contribution from the government, amounting to approximately Rs 11.71 lakh.
- Skill Development: The training and experience gained during their service period equip Agniveers with valuable skills, enhancing their employability and contributing to their personal and professional development.
- Non-Contributory Life Insurance: Agniveers are provided with a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period.
- Opportunity for Permanent Enrolment: After completing their four-year service, Agniveers have the opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the armed forces. Up to 25% of each batch may be selected based on merit and performance.
Year Customized Package (Monthly) In-Hand (70%) Contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund (30%) Contribution to Corpus Fund by GoI
1st Year ₹30,000 ₹21,000 ₹9,000 ₹9,000
2nd Year ₹33,000 ₹23,100 ₹9,900 ₹9,900
3rd Year ₹36,500 ₹25,580 ₹10,950 ₹10,950
4th Year ₹40,000 ₹28,000 ₹12,000 ₹12,000
Total Contribution in Agniveer Corpus Fund after four years ₹5.02 Lakh ₹5.02 Lakh Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the Agnipath Yojana, candidates must meet the following criteria:- Age Range: Candidates must be between 17.5 and 21 years of age. For the 2022 intake, the upper age limit was temporarily extended to 23 years.
- Educational Qualifications:
- General candidates: Must have passed the matriculation exam with at least 45% marks.
- Technical candidates: Must have passed the intermediate exam with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English.
- Technical storekeepers: Must have passed the intermediate exam with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 40% marks in each subject.
- Nursing assistants: Must have passed the intermediate exam with Science subjects, securing at least 40% marks in each subject and a minimum of 50% in aggregate.
- Physical and Medical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards set by the respective armed forces.
- Proof of Identity and Address: Candidates need to provide proof of identity (Aadhaar Card) and proof of address.
- Written Pledge: Applicants must submit a written pledge that they were not involved in any violent protests against the Agnipath scheme.
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Address
- Highest Educational Qualifications
- Medical Category Certificate
- Passport-size Photograph
- Domicile Certificate
- Written Pledge: A declaration that the applicant was not involved in any violent protests against the Agnipath scheme.
