Good news for Agniveers: Plans afoot to make 75%—instead of 25%—permanent; the first batch is set to retire this year..

There is welcome news for the youth recruited under the Agnipath scheme. The prospect of becoming regular soldiers after completing four years of service may now become stronger than before. The three armed forces have proposed increasing the current limit for retaining Agniveers in permanent service. Currently, only 25 percent of Agniveers can secure regular appointments, but the Army, Navy, and Air Force seek to increase this figure. Although a final decision on this proposal is pending, its approval could directly benefit thousands of Agniveers.

**Plans to Increase Retention Percentage**
Under the Agnipath scheme, only 25 percent of Agniveers who complete their four-year tenure are currently appointed as regular soldiers. Now, the three armed forces have suggested changes to this system. Reports indicate that the Navy has proposed retaining up to 75 percent of Agniveers in permanent service, while the Army and Air Force favor raising this limit to approximately 50 percent. However, the government has not yet taken a final decision, and existing rules remain in effect.

**First Batch Nearing Completion of Tenure**
The four-year tenure of the first batch of Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath scheme will conclude this year. Under the current system, following the completion of service, interested Agniveers will be selected based on merit, and a specified number will be re-appointed as regular soldiers.

**Emphasis on Retaining Experienced Personnel**
The three armed forces believe that during their four-year tenure, Agniveers gain valuable experience with modern weaponry, new technologies, and various military operations. Retaining a larger number of such trained personnel would strengthen military capabilities and benefit national security. Even if the overall retention percentage is not increased, consideration is being given to increasing the number of regularized Agniveers in specialized military units, such as the newly formed Bhairav ​​Battalion.

**Recruitment Drive to Intensify**
The Department of Military Affairs, under the Ministry of Defence, may hold further discussions on this proposal. Meanwhile, the scope of recruitment and training for Agniveers is also being continuously expanded. Around 70,000 Agniveers were undergoing training in the recent session, while the Army is preparing to recruit approximately 90,000 more in the next phase. The objective is to address the shortage of soldiers in the coming years and ensure the optimal utilization of experienced Agniveers.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.