Agnipath Scheme

Quick facts

• Purpose: Reducing salaries and pensions to divert resources for military modernisation
• Method: Short-term recruitment model or 'Tour of Duty' (ToD)
• Eligibility for agniveer: Candidates between the age of 17.5 years to 21 years fulfilling other eligibility criteria 
• Benefits: Empower, discipline & skill youth with military ethos in civil society

Objectives

• To enhance youthful profile of the armed forces, attract young talent and ensure youths remain an asset. 

Salient features

Agniveers They will be recruited as personnel below officer (PBOR) rank in the army, air force and navy for four years, including six months of training. Around 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers, between age of 17.5 to 21 years (23 years for the current year's recruitment) will be recruited annually. Compensation for Agniveers Under the "Seva Nidhi" package (exempt from Income Tax), they will receive ₹11.71 lakh, including contribution and interest, on completion of service. Permanent enrolment Only 25% of total recruits will be allowed to continue for another 15 years under permanent commission.