The first batch of Agniveers will complete their service in November; what benefits will they receive, and what is the plan for re-employment?

The countdown has begun for the first batch of 'Agniveers'—recruited into the Indian Army for a four-year term under the Agnipath scheme—to complete their service. Under this scheme, the service of 75% of the recruits across the Army, Navy, and Air Force is set to end after four years, with the first batch scheduled to leave on November 21. The remaining 25% of Agniveers are to be absorbed into the armed forces on a permanent basis. The question now arises: what benefits will be available to the Agniveers leaving the service?

In this context, let us explore the benefits awaiting these retiring Agniveers (or 'Ex-Agniveers') and look at the plans regarding their re-employment.

**First batch to leave on November 21; all three services aim to increase retention rates**
The first batch of Agniveers from the Indian Navy is set to complete its service on November 21, 2026. This means the service of 75% of the recruits from the initial batch will conclude, while 25% will be retained permanently. However, all three armed forces are considering increasing the retention rate for Agniveers; a proposal to this effect is to be submitted to the government after the first batch completes its term.

**What benefits will retiring Agniveers receive?**
Upon completing their four-year tenure, Agniveers leaving the service will receive a lump-sum 'Seva Nidhi' package of approximately ₹10.04 lakh. This amount is entirely tax-free. It comprises the Agniveer's own contribution, a matching contribution from the government, and the accrued interest earned during the service period. Additionally, ex-Agniveers receive insurance coverage of ₹48 lakh and a skill certificate, which can aid in securing future employment. However, they will not be entitled to medical or canteen facilities.

**Plan for Re-employment**
Extensive efforts are underway to provide government re-employment opportunities to former Agniveers. As part of this initiative, seats have been reserved for such candidates in recruitment drives, and decisions have been made to grant exemptions from certain exams and tests. Let us look at the decisions taken regarding re-employment for retiring Agniveers.

**Ministry of Home Affairs Developing a Portal for Re-employment**
The Ministry of Home Affairs is developing a portal to facilitate re-employment for former Agniveers. The primary objective of this portal is to accommodate them in government jobs by providing various employment options.

**50% Reservation and Test Exemptions in CAPF and Assam Rifles**
Provisions for reservation have been made in paramilitary forces—collectively known as CAPF (such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP)—and the Assam Rifles to offer government re-employment opportunities to former Agniveers. Specifically, a 50% reservation has been allocated for the posts of Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman. A new recruitment category designated as 'Ex-Agniveer' has been created for these security forces.

**Exemption from PST, PET, and Written Examinations**
Additionally, former Agniveers will be exempted from the Physical Standards Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and written examinations during recruitment for CAPF and Assam Rifles. These exemptions apply to the posts of Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman.

**Reservation and Age Limit Relaxations in States**
Several state governments have also announced measures to provide government job opportunities to former Agniveers, reserving 10% to 20% of various government posts for them. Furthermore, relaxations regarding age limits—ranging from 3 to 5 years—will be granted. This means that former Agniveer candidates will have three years more than general candidates to apply for government jobs. The first batch will receive a five-year relaxation. Several states, including UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, have already made this announcement.