Agnipath Agniveer Scheme — Army, Navy, Air Force Recruitment

What is the Agnipath Scheme?

Agnipath is a scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2022 for recruitment of soldiers into the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force for a short service period of 4 years. Youth recruited under this scheme are called Agniveers.

After 4 years, up to 25% of Agniveers in each batch are retained as permanent soldiers (Regular Cadre). The remaining 75% are released with a "Seva Nidhi" severance package of ₹11.71 lakh (approximately) — a tax-free lump sum — to help them transition to civilian careers, higher education, or entrepreneurship.

Salary and Pay Structure

Out of this, 30% is deducted each month as the Agniveer's contribution to the Seva Nidhi Fund. The government adds an equal contribution (30% of monthly pay). At the end of 4 years, the total accumulated corpus becomes the Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹11.71 lakh.

Additional allowances:

• Risk and Hardship Allowance (for field postings)
• Dress allowance
• Travel allowance
• Non-Contributory Insurance cover of ₹48 lakh (death in service)

Key Benefits

• Government job experience — work in Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force
• Seva Nidhi package: ~₹11.71 lakh tax-free at end of 4 years (both your and government contribution)
• Skills and discipline — military training, technical skills, leadership
• Priority in government recruitment: Many state governments and central PSUs give preference to ex-Agniveers in their recruitment (reserved seats in police, paramilitary, CAPF, etc.)
• Certificate of service: Recognized for skill-based civilian jobs
• 25% permanent absorption: Top performers may be retained as permanent soldiers

Eligibility

Common eligibility for all three forces:

• Nationality: Indian citizen (and certain categories of Nepali, Bhutanese)
• Age: 17.5 years to 21 years as of the date of enrollment
  • For 2024 cycle: check the official notification for specific age limits
• Physical fitness: Medical standards as per respective force (height, weight, chest, vision)
• Education:
  • Army GD: Class 10 pass with 45% (or Class 12 for some trades)
  • Army Technical: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
  • Navy Sailor: Class 12 with Maths and Physics/Chemistry (for technical)
  • Air Force Group X: Class 12 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
  • Air Force Group Y: Class 12 (any stream)

How to Apply Online — Step by Step

For Indian Army:

1. Go to joinindianarmy.nic.in
2. Click "Agniveer Recruitment" (when rally is announced)
3. Register with mobile number, email, and Aadhaar
4. Select your state and district for the Army recruitment rally
5. Fill the online application: personal details, education, address
6. Upload: photo, signature, and educational documents
7. Download the admit card when issued
8. Appear for the recruitment rally at the designated location for:
   • Physical fitness test (1.6 km run, pull-ups, beam balancing, 9 feet ditch)
   • Physical measurement (height, weight, chest)
   • Medical examination
   • Written exam (CEE — Common Entrance Exam)
9. Results and merit list published on joinindianarmy.nic.in
10. Selected candidates go for police verification, training enrollment

For Indian Air Force:

1. Go to agnipathvayu.cdac.in
2. Click "Apply for Agniveer Vayu"
3. Register and fill the form when notification is released
4. Online written examination (English, Mathematics, Physics, General Awareness)
5. Physical fitness test and medical for those who qualify written exam

For Indian Navy:

1. Go to joinindiannavy.gov.in
2. Select the relevant Agniveer trade
3. Apply online during the notification period
4. Online exam → physical fitness test → medical → merit list

Physical Fitness Standards (Army — General Reference)

After 4 Years — What Happens?

For the 25% retained as Regular Cadre:

• Continue as permanent soldier with all benefits (pension, allowances, promotion prospects)

For the 75% released (Seva Nidhi):

• Receive ₹11.71 lakh tax-free Seva Nidhi
• Government provides skill certificates recognized by NSDC
• Priority in recruitment to: Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state police, central PSUs, railways
• Many states have announced 10–15% reservations for ex-Agniveers in state police

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a permanent pension after Agnipath?

No — 75% of Agniveers do not get a pension after 4 years. Only the 25% retained as permanent soldiers get pension benefits eventually. The ₹11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi is the exit package for the 75%.

What is the current age limit for 2024?

The standard age range is 17.5 to 21 years. For some notifications, the upper age limit was raised to 23 years for the initial batches. Check the official notification at joinindianarmy.nic.in, joinindiannavy.gov.in, or agnipathvayu.cdac.in for the current year's exact limits.

Can women apply?

Currently, women can apply for certain roles in the Air Force (Group Y — Medical Assistant, etc.) and Navy. Army Agniveer recruitment is currently for males. Check the specific force notification for updates.

What if I am selected but cannot complete 4 years?

If you voluntarily leave before 4 years, you only get your own contributed portion from the Seva Nidhi fund (not the government's matching contribution). Medical discharge due to injury in service has separate provisions.

Are there reservations for OBC/SC/ST?

Reservations apply as per Government of India rules for different categories. Army, Navy, and Air Force notifications specify category-wise vacancies.

Official Links

• Indian Army Agniveer: joinindianarmy.nic.in
• Indian Air Force Agniveer: agnipathvayu.cdac.in
• Indian Navy Agniveer: joinindiannavy.gov.in
• Scheme details: myscheme.gov.in