Agniveer / Agnipath Scheme — Complete Guide 2025

The Agnipath Scheme (formally known as Agniveer scheme) is India's short-service military recruitment model launched in June 2022 by the Ministry of Defence. Under this scheme, personnel serve for 4 years — after which 25% are retained permanently and 75% exit with a tax-free corpus and benefits.

At a glance: 4-year service · ₹30,000–₹40,000/month salary · ₹11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi on exit · 25% retained permanently · Age 17.5–21 years

What Is Agnipath / Agniveer?

Agniveers serve in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force for exactly 4 years. At the end:

• 25% are inducted as permanent soldiers (Regular Cadre) based on performance, merit, and requirement
• 75% exit with the Seva Nidhi corpus, a skill certificate, and priority in civilian employment

Eligibility

Age Limit

Age is calculated as on the date of enrollment, not application.

Educational Qualification (Army)

Educational Qualification (Navy)

Educational Qualification (Air Force)

Physical & Medical Standards

Physical fitness standards (height, weight, chest, running time) vary by role and regiment. Medical standards follow standard defence service norms. Check the official recruitment notification for current standards.

Salary — Year-Wise

30% of the monthly package is deducted as Seva Nidhi contribution by the Agniveer. The government contributes an equal matching amount each month.

In addition to basic pay, Agniveers receive applicable allowances (risk and hardship allowance, ration, uniform, travel, and others) as per posting and role.

Seva Nidhi — The Exit Corpus

At the end of 4 years, the 75% who exit receive the Seva Nidhi package:

This entire amount is tax-free under the Income Tax Act.

The 25% retained permanently do NOT receive the Seva Nidhi — they transition to regular service with normal pension/gratuity entitlements.

Insurance & Protection During Service

After 4 Years — What Happens to the 75%?

Agniveers who complete 4 years but are not retained permanently receive:

1. Seva Nidhi: ~₹11.71 lakh (tax-free)
2. Agniveer Skill Certificate — documents military training and experience
3. Priority in government civilian jobs:
   • 10% reservation in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs — CRPF, BSF, CISF, etc.)
   • 10% reservation in Indian Coast Guard
   • 10% reservation in defence civilian posts
   • Priority in Ordnance Factory recruitment
4. State government job priority — many states have announced reservation/priority for ex-Agniveers in state police, fire services, and government jobs. States include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and others.
5. Educational loan support — eligibility for skill development loans and educational continuity programmes
6. Priority for paramilitary ex-serviceman status — in some categories

The 25% Who Are Retained

Retention is based on:

• Performance during 4 years of service
• Merit ranking among peers
• Vacancies in the unit/regiment
• Physical and medical fitness

Those retained become Regular Cadre soldiers with:

• Full pension entitlement after 15 years of service (including the initial 4)
• Normal promotion path (Naik, Havildar, Subedar, JCO)
• All regular service benefits

Army, Navy, Air Force — Differences

How to Apply

Each service recruits independently. Application windows open separately for Army, Navy, and Air Force.

General Process:

1. Visit the respective service portal (joinindianarmy.nic.in / joinindiannavy.gov.in / indianairforce.nic.in)
2. Register with your mobile number and Aadhaar
3. Fill in the online application form
4. Upload required documents (education certificates, photo, ID proof)
5. Choose rally/exam centre location
6. Pay application fee (if applicable — check current notification)
7. Appear for Common Entrance Test (CET) / written exam
8. Physical fitness test
9. Medical examination
10. Document verification and merit list
11. Final selection and enrollment

Keep checking the official portals for active recruitment notifications — each batch opens separately and has specific last dates.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card (mandatory)
• Class 10 / 12 marksheet and certificate
• Domicile / residence certificate
• Caste certificate (if SC/ST/OBC)
• Character certificate from school/principal
• Passport-size photographs
• Date of birth proof

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Agniveer age limit in 2025?

Standard age limit is 17.5 to 21 years at the time of enrollment. Check the current notification as age limits are specified separately for each batch.

What is Seva Nidhi in Agniveer?

Seva Nidhi is the exit corpus fund. 30% of your monthly package is deducted and the government matches it equally. After 4 years, the total accumulation (~₹11.71 lakh) is paid tax-free to the 75% who exit.

Can Agniveers get a pension?

The 75% who exit after 4 years do not get a pension. Only the 25% who are retained as permanent soldiers build pension eligibility (after completing 15 years of total service). The Seva Nidhi is the one-time terminal benefit for the exiting 75%.

Is Agniveer better than a government job?

It depends on your goals. Agniveer gives: military experience, ₹11.71 lakh corpus, skill certificate, and priority in government jobs. It does NOT provide the long-term pension and job security of a permanent government job. Many ex-Agniveers use it as a stepping stone to paramilitary or state police jobs.

What is the Agniveer salary in hand per month?

In Year 1: ₹21,000 in hand (after 30% Seva Nidhi deduction from ₹30,000 package). By Year 4: ₹28,000 in hand from ₹40,000 package. Plus applicable allowances.

Do Agniveers get reservation in government jobs?

Yes — 10% horizontal reservation in CAPFs, Coast Guard, and defence civilian posts. Many states have also announced 5–10% reservation in state government jobs for ex-Agniveers.

Can girls apply for Agniveer?

Women are currently not enrolled under the Agnipath scheme in the Army. The Indian Navy has Women Agniveer SSR recruitment. The Indian Air Force Agniveervayu also includes women. Check the current notification for each service.

What happens if an Agniveer dies during service?

The family receives: ₹48 lakh insurance amount + ₹1 crore ex-gratia (if attributable to duty) + full Seva Nidhi (both contributions) paid to the nominee.