The Central government is considering extending the service period of Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath scheme by an additional two years. An announcement on the proposed changes is likely before November 21, according to multiple media reports citing sources and a report in Navbharat Times.
The proposal comes as the first batch of Agniveers approaches the end of its four-year contractual tenure. The inaugural batch in the Indian Navy is scheduled to complete its service on November 21, followed by the Indian Air Force batch on December 21 and the Army batch on December 31.
Under the existing Agnipath framework, launched in June 2022, personnel are recruited for a fixed four-year engagement. Up to 25 percent of each batch may be absorbed into the regular cadre based on performance, medical fitness, and organisational requirements. Those not retained exit the service with a one-time tax-free Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹11.71 lakh (comprising the Agniveer’s own contribution of about ₹5.02 lakh, a matching government contribution, and accrued interest). Exiting Agniveers are not entitled to pension or gratuity.
The first recruitment round inducted roughly 24,400 Agniveers across the three services — about 19,000 in the Army, 2,850 in the Indian Air Force, and 2,550 in the Navy. Under current rules, around 18,300 are expected to exit by the end of December. The Indian Air Force has already selected 712 personnel from its first batch of 2,850 for permanent absorption, consistent with the 25 percent ceiling.
Sources indicate that high-level meetings have been held in recent days to examine recommendations from the three services. If implemented, the two-year extension would apply to some personnel beyond those selected for permanent enrolment. This could result in three categories of personnel in the armed forces: those serving the original four-year tenure, those granted a two-year extension, and those absorbed into the regular cadre. The exact numbers eligible for the extension in each service, along with selection criteria, have not yet been finalised.
No official announcement has been made by the government or the Ministry of Defence. The proposal remains under consideration, with the services having earlier submitted suggestions based on four years of implementation experience. The development is being closely watched, as the first large cohort of Agniveers prepares to complete its contractual term.
