New Delhi, October 13, 2026 — The Indian Air Force (IAF) has retained 712 personnel out of the first batch of 2,850 Agniveer Vayu recruits for absorption into the regular cadre, sources informed India Today. This selection, representing approximately 25 per cent of the batch, is consistent with the provisions of the Agnipath scheme.
Under the scheme, introduced by the Union Cabinet in June 2022, Agniveers are recruited for a fixed four-year engagement. Up to 25 per cent of each batch may be enrolled in the regular cadre on the basis of prescribed criteria, including performance during the engagement period and organisational requirements.
The remaining personnel complete their tenure and exit the service. Sources stated that Agniveers in the first cohort have been individually informed of the selection outcome. Although the IAF has not issued a formal public announcement of the figures, the process is nearing completion ahead of the end of the four-year tenure.
The first Agniveer Vayu batch was inducted into the IAF on 30 December 2022. Training of approximately 2,850 personnel commenced at the Airmen Training School (ATS), Belagavi, with 2,675 completing the 22-week ab-initio course and passing out in early June 2023. The completion window for the Navy and Air Force first batches falls in October–November 2026.
Those not selected for regular service will receive the tax-free Seva Nidhi package upon completion of the four-year engagement. The package comprises the Agniveer’s monthly contribution (30 per cent of the customised package), an equal contribution by the government, and accrued interest, and is commonly reported at approximately ₹11.71 lakh. During service, Agniveers are covered by a non-contributory life insurance of ₹48 lakh. Exiting personnel do not receive pension or gratuity benefits for the four-year term. They are also issued skill certificates recognising training and competencies acquired.
The government has introduced several resettlement measures. In July 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced a 50 per cent reservation in vacancies for Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman posts in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles for eligible ex-Agniveers.
Provisions include a three-year relaxation in the upper age limit (with an additional five years for the first batch) and exemptions from the Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test, and written examination. A dedicated ex-Agniveer wing under the Ministry of Home Affairs coordinates these opportunities. Separately, the Ministry of Defence has approved a 10 per cent reservation for eligible Agniveers in specified vacancies in the Indian Coast Guard, defence civilian posts, and 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings. Certain states, including Chhattisgarh and Assam, have announced reservations in police and allied posts.
The completion of the first engagement cycle coincides with a review of the Agnipath scheme. The Army, Navy, and Air Force have submitted recommendations to the Department of Military Affairs based on their implementation experience since 2022. Details of the recommendations have not been disclosed, and the existing 25 per cent retention ceiling remains the operative policy pending any decision by the competent authority.
Earlier reporting indicated that the services had examined the possibility of higher retention rates to address operational and training requirements, particularly for technical trades, but no formal amendment has been notified.
The IAF’s retention of 712 Agniveer Vayu personnel marks the first concrete outcome of the permanent absorption process under Agnipath for the Air Force. The experience of this cohort, including resettlement outcomes for the larger group exiting service, is expected to inform subsequent assessments of the scheme.
