Agniveer: Good news for Agniveers, working hours may increase, increasing age limit is also being considered..

Agniveer Recruitment: The Agnipath scheme is being reconsidered in the armed forces. Under this scheme, soldiers, airmen, and sailors are recruited for four years. Now it is being reviewed so that the need for technically skilled and trained people can be met, and the average age of the soldiers should be kept low.

Agniveer Recruitment 2025: Discussion on increasing the time after Operation Sindoor

After the stellar performance of Agniveers in Operation Sindoor in May, there is a discussion going on to increase their retention, i.e., the period of keeping them in service. In the news published in the Indian Express, quoting sources, it has been reported that this step can be taken, given the training, experience, and expertise gained by the Agniveers during the four years.

Agniveer bharti: Retention can increase up to 80%

The Agniveer scheme was started in 2022. Its first batch will complete its four-year period by the end of 2026. According to the current rules, after four years, only 25% of Agniveers can be kept in the services based on their qualifications and the needs of the organization, but now there is talk of increasing this percentage in the army. It is being told that 70-75% retention can be given in infantry and combat units. At the same time, specially trained personnel (air defense, signals, and engineers) can get 80% retention. Special forces can get 100% retention. Let us tell you that the selection of special forces is done during the initial training itself, although it will be ensured that increasing retention does not lead to a significant increase in the average age of Agniveers. These figures are currently under discussion within the army and will be further considered in the next Army Commanders' meeting. After this, the final proposal will be sent to the government for approval.

What kind of people does the army need?

After Operation Sindoor, efforts to include new weapons, equipment, and modern technologies in the army have intensified, but trained people are needed to use them. In the army, Agniveers get basic training in regimental centers for the first six months, and then special training is done in their units. An officer said that if the trainees are selected in the first six months and then there is special training of three to six months, then under the current plan, Agniveers will be available only for two to two and a half years. This increases the cost of training very high. If trained people go out every four years, then new people will have to be trained again and again. This will increase the burden on the organization and there will also be a shortage of limited trainers.

What will happen in the Navy and Air Force?

Increasing retention can also be considered in the Navy and Air Force. Last year, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh had said that the performance of Agniveers has been very good and they are ready to keep more than 25% Agniveers. The Navy is also ready to increase the retention of sailors after the completion of four years of the first batch.

Consideration on increasing the maximum age from 21
Earlier this year, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had said that work is going on to make the leave of Agniveers like that of regular soldiers and to provide similar facilities in case of martyrdom. He also said that technically skilled people are needed and consideration is being given to increasing the maximum age of recruitment from 21 to 23 years. Technically complex services need more experienced and skilled people. Agneepath Yojana is not able to fulfill this need completely, hence the need for change is being felt in it.

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