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.

In a strong display of preparedness and modernization, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Western Command, carried out a detailed operational review of the Rising Star Corps formations stationed in Punjab. The visit underscored the command’s high state of readiness and its increasing reliance on technology to counter emerging threats along the Western Front.

Lt Gen Katiyar praised the troops for their exceptional combat readiness and professional conduct. He emphasized the need to seamlessly integrate technological advances to maintain superiority across modern battlefields. The inspection featured demonstrations of next-generation weapon systems, including state-of-the-art anti-drone solutions and precision artillery platforms.

A notable highlight was the use of drone swarms, a concept tested and refined during the 2019 Exercise Him Vijay, which validated the efficiency of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs). These units have significantly reduced the army’s response time in tactical operations from 72 hours to under 24 hours.

The Western Command’s readiness initiatives are aligned with the Indian Army’s ongoing Decade of Transformation (2023–2032), a strategic roadmap that includes 2023 as the Year of Technology Absorption and 2025 as the Year of Reforms. This vision, driven by the Ministry of Defence, aims to reduce dependence on foreign military systems by boosting indigenous technological capabilities through initiatives like the Inno-Yoddha competition. This platform promotes collaboration with academia, startups, and research institutions to drive innovation in defense.

Having assumed command in July 2023, Lt Gen Katiyar brings with him over 37 years of operational experience, including critical assignments in Siachen and along the Line of Actual Control. His leadership reinforces the strategic legacy of the Western Command, which was re-established in 1947 following Partition.

The latest operational review not only highlighted advancements in firepower and surveillance but also served to enhance morale among the troops. As the Indian Army continues to evolve into a future-ready force, the Western Command remains at the forefront of innovation and strategic preparedness.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, conducted a critical review of the operational readiness of the Tanot Brigade and the elite Russell Vipers today. Situated near the sensitive India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan, these units play a vital role in safeguarding national security along a historically volatile frontier.

The visit focused on evaluating combat preparedness and infrastructure upgrades. Lt Gen Singh interacted with troops, lauding their unwavering professionalism, courage, and high state of readiness. He acknowledged the cohesive coordination among ranks and praised ongoing modernization measures such as the integration of drone-based surveillance, development of digital combat infrastructure, and establishment of an Integrated Health Centre to support operational endurance.

The region carries significant military heritage, particularly the Tanot area, which is home to the revered Tanot Mata Temple—famous for withstanding over 3,000 enemy bombs during the 1971 Battle of Longewala. The visit also aligns with the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative launched earlier this year, which aims to develop battlefield tourism and revitalize war memorials like Longewala. The project is expected to stimulate regional development and reinforce patriotic awareness.

Lt Gen Singh’s inspection comes amid broader efforts to increase military efficiency along the western front. Recent data shows a 15% boost in operational effectiveness due to enhanced surveillance and technology adoption. The Army Commander reiterated confidence in the troops’ readiness and commended their vital contributions to command-level missions and national defence objectives.

The review highlighted the Indian Army’s continued push toward a technologically empowered and combat-ready force, capable of meeting modern threats with resilience and innovation.

The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) held its prestigious Investiture Ceremony in Shimla today, where Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, presented Excellence Awards across multiple categories to honour outstanding contributions within the Indian Army’s training ecosystem.

Also Read: Army Training Command Investiture Ceremony 2025: GOC-in-C Unit Citations Awarded for Training Excellence

For exemplary financial planning and adherence to fiscal norms, three premier training establishments were conferred with Financial Excellence Awards: the Military College of Material Management (MCMM), Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), and Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME).

In a bid to acknowledge digital transformation and promote sustainable practices, e-Office Excellence Awards were presented to the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) and MCMM for their efforts in implementing paperless documentation systems.

Highlighting the Army’s thrust on innovation and self-reliance, nine young innovators from leading training institutions received Technical Excellence Awards for their contributions in research and technological advancements. These recognitions reinforce the Indian Army’s pursuit of a future-ready and self-reliant force under the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

Additionally, five on-the-spot commendations were awarded to military and civilian personnel for their exceptional service and dedication.

The awards underscore ARTRAC’s commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and modernization within the Indian Army.

In a ceremony held at the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) headquarters in Shimla, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ARTRAC, awarded the prestigious GOC-in-C Unit Citations to five distinguished military units for their exceptional contributions to training and operational readiness.

Also Read: Army Training Command Investiture Ceremony 2025: Excellence Awards Recognise Innovation and Digital Transformation

The honoured training establishments included the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS), and Army Airborne Training School (AATS). These institutions were recognized for their pioneering efforts in shaping the Indian Army’s future through innovative training methods and advanced curriculum development.

Two infantry units, 4 MAHAR (BORDERS) and 118 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) GRENADIERS, also received the citations for their exemplary performance in training standards and operational commitment.

The awards were received by the Commandants, Commanding Officers, and Subedar Majors of the respective units, symbolizing the professionalism and relentless dedication of these teams in strengthening the Army’s training framework.

The GOC-in-C Unit Citations stand as a testament to the Indian Army’s emphasis on excellence, continuous improvement, and preparedness to meet future challenges.

Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, carried out a detailed review of forward Army units in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on operational readiness and the adoption of advanced technologies, including drones. The inspection reflected the Army’s evolving strategy to counter regional threats along the Line of Actual Control through modernization and tactical innovation.

A key highlight of the visit was the inspection of the Drone Pilot School, a critical training facility that has significantly enhanced surveillance capabilities across the northeast. According to internal assessments, drone-assisted reconnaissance in the sector has improved by nearly 40%, strengthening situational awareness in complex terrain. The Spear Corps, tasked with defending India’s eastern frontier, is increasingly leveraging unmanned systems to monitor high-altitude zones and forested corridors along the China border.

Lt Gen Pendharkar, who assumed command in August 2024, interacted with troops deployed in remote posts and lauded their professionalism, high morale, and adaptability to challenging environments. Defence psychology studies have long suggested that direct engagement from senior leadership can boost frontline morale by 15–20%, especially in high-altitude and isolated regions like Arunachal Pradesh.

With a legacy that includes a pivotal role in the 1962 Battle of Walong, the Spear Corps continues to be at the forefront of India’s eastern defence. Lt Gen Pendharkar’s review marks another step in aligning conventional strength with next-generation warfare tools, positioning the Indian Army to respond effectively to evolving border dynamics in the Indo-Tibetan theatre.

Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh, General Officer Commanding of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, conducted a detailed inspection of operational readiness and combat capabilities of the Shahbaaz Division at Sagar Military Station on Thursday. His visit forms part of a broader assessment of readiness under the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative, which emphasizes digitization and enhanced multi-domain warfare capabilities.

During the review, Lt Gen Singh interacted with troops across ranks, praising their professionalism and high state of combat readiness. The inspection covered modern training practices and the incorporation of emerging technologies such as drones to support surveillance, targeting, and tactical operations.

The Shahbaaz Division demonstrated its preparedness through displays of advanced systems and integrated combat formations tailored for varied terrain, including high-altitude and rugged regions. The visit reflects the Army’s sustained modernization drive, particularly in the context of recent border developments with China.

Lt Gen Singh brings with him decades of operational experience from key appointments at the Military Operations Directorate and Southern Command Headquarters, reinforcing his leadership role in aligning the Corps with contemporary defense imperatives.

The Sudarshan Chakra Corps, re-raised on June 6, 1942, in Persia during World War II, has evolved from countering German-Ottoman threats to becoming one of India’s principal strike formations. Its modern mandate includes rapid mobilization, joint force application, and technological integration, positioning it as a pillar of India’s strategic deterrence posture.

The visit also emphasized national goals of achieving self-reliance in defense and preparing for future conflicts through enhanced jointness and inter-service cooperation, in line with India’s vision for a technologically empowered military force by 2047.