Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani is reportedly set to announce a two-year extension of service for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. Senior government officials indicated that the move signals the military’s recognition of the personnel’s contribution and the requirement for their continued services. Official confirmation is awaited.
The proposed extension could benefit over 18,300 Agniveers from the first batch who were scheduled to complete their four-year tenure and exit the armed forces by 31 December 2026. These personnel form three-fourths of the approximately 24,400 recruits inducted in the inaugural round across the Army, Indian Air Force, and Navy. The first batch comprised around 19,000 Agniveers in the Army, 2,850 in the Indian Air Force, and 2,550 in the Navy.
Under the existing framework of the Agnipath scheme, introduced in June 2022, personnel are recruited for a fixed four-year term. Only up to 25 per cent are retained for regular service for a further 15 years, while the remaining 75 per cent are released. The reported extension would allow eligible Agniveers who opt for it to continue in uniform for an additional two years. Officials have stated that the decision to accept the extension would rest entirely with the individual.
The announcement is expected in the weeks before the three services were scheduled to begin phased releases of the first batch starting mid-November. The Navy’s inaugural cohort is due to complete its tenure on 21 November, followed by the Indian Air Force on 21 December and the Army on 31 December. Some reports have referred to the additional period as a “second tour of duty.”
The three services have expressed satisfaction with the performance of Agniveers across various roles. Earlier discussions had indicated that the scheme could be adjusted in future to retain more personnel possessing specialised skills. The reported extension comes amid the approach of the first large-scale exit under the recruitment model, which was designed to maintain a younger and more combat-ready force profile.
As of the latest available information, no formal government or Ministry of Defence notification has been issued. Further details on eligibility criteria, numbers to be covered in each service, and related terms are expected once the Chief of Defence Staff makes the announcement.
