The Indian Army has commenced the third evaluation phase of Agniveer soldiers recruited in January 2023 under the Agnipath scheme. This critical assessment will play a key role in determining which candidates are eligible for permanent induction into the armed forces, with final selections expected by October 2026.
This stage of evaluation includes approximately 3,000 Agniveers who served during Operation Sindoor, India’s coordinated response to recent cross-border missile and drone attacks. Their operational performance, particularly in air defence roles, will be factored into the current round of assessments.
The ongoing third evaluation is part of the four-stage evaluation process laid out under the Agnipath scheme. Agniveers are tested at the 31-week, 18-month, 30-month, and 42-month marks during their service tenure. The third stage specifically assesses physical fitness, drill performance, and weapons handling skills. To ensure fairness and objectivity, Agniveers are not evaluated by their own unit but by external teams.
Army officials have emphasized the transparency of the system, noting that each Agniveer receives their mark sheet and multiple attempts per test—three in the first phase and two in later evaluations. Special arrangements are in place for those posted in remote or high-altitude areas such as Siachen and Ladakh, who are temporarily attached to nearby Corps Battle Schools or rear units to undergo evaluation.
Agniveers involved in Operation Sindoor operated a range of sophisticated air defence systems including Pechora, Schilka, OSA-AK, Strela, and Tunguska, as well as medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. Many served as gunners, communication specialists, fire control operators, and heavy vehicle drivers, contributing significantly to the successful deployment of the Akashteer air defence grid.
The Army has also incorporated provisions for recognizing acts of bravery and sporting achievements. Agniveers who receive gallantry awards such as the Sena Medal, Shaurya Chakra, Kirti Chakra, or Ashoka Chakra are automatically eligible for permanent recruitment. A mention in dispatch earns an additional 25 bonus marks.
On the sports front, Agniveers representing India at the international level will be directly inducted permanently. Those participating in national and service-level competitions will receive 10 and 6 bonus marks, respectively.
The first Agniveer batch will complete its four-year tenure in January 2027. Following final medical checks, 25 percent of the batch—selected on the basis of overall merit—will receive permanent positions. Selected Agniveers will be informed within seven days of discharge and must report to their respective regimental centres within 30 days. Failure to report will lead to disqualification, and the position will be offered to the next candidate on the merit list.
