AY

A welfare scheme by the Department of Military Affairs, MoD under which rigorous military training will be imparted to the youth aged between 17.5 to 23 years and meeting other educational, physical, and medical criteria, who are aspirational to be a part of the armed forces.

The scheme "AGNIPATH" has been implemented by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and aims to recruit youth into the Armed Forces for a short-term service while enabling a youthful, technologically adept, and dynamic military force. Through this scheme, an attractive financial package, skill development, and military training are provided to patriotic and motivated youth willing to serve the nation. The scheme is implemented by the Indian Armed Forces (Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force). AGNIPATH allows selected candidates, known as Agniveers, to serve for a period of four years under respective Service Acts. It is designed to enhance the youthful profile of the Armed Forces and bring in individuals aligned with modern technological trends. The scheme also aims to develop disciplined, skilled, and motivated individuals who can contribute to nation-building after their service tenure. It further ensures a balance between experienced personnel and young recruits in the Armed Forces.

• The applicant must be a citizen of India.
• For the 2022 intake, the age of the applicant should be between 17.5 to 23 years. For the subsequent intakes, the age of the applicant should be between 17.5 to 21 years.
• The applicant must fulfil the educational qualifications and physical and medical standards set by the Indian Army / Indian Navy / Indian Air Force.

> Note 01: The Agniveers will be enrolled in the Forces under respective Service Acts for a period of four years. They would form a distinct rank in the Armed Forces, different from any other existing ranks.

> Note 02: Upon the completion of four years of service, based on organizational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time to time, Agniveers will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the Armed Forces.

> Note 03: The applications for permanent enrolment will be considered in a centralized manner based on objective criteria including performance during their four-year engagement period and up to 25% of each specific batch of Agniveers will be enrolled in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces. The selection will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Armed Forces.

> Note 04: Agniveers will meet the medical eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the armed forces as applicable to respective categories/trades.

> Note 05: The educational qualification for Agniveers will remain as in vogue for enrollment in various categories.

Agniveers will be given an attractive customized monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services. On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid a one-time ‘SevaNidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and a matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest as indicated below:

YearCustomized Package (Monthly) [All figures in ₹ (Monthly Contribution)]In-Hand (70%) [All figures in ₹ (Monthly Contribution)]Contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund (30%) [All figures in ₹ (Monthly Contribution)]Contribution to corpus fund by GoI [All figures in ₹ (Monthly Contribution)]1st Year30000/-21000/-9000/-9000/-2nd Year33000/-23100/-9900/-99003rd Year36500/-25580/-10950/-109504th Year40000/-28000/-12000/-12000/-Total contribution in Agniveer Corpus Fund after four years₹5.02 Lakh₹5.02 LakhExit After 4 Year₹11.71 Lakh as SevaNidhi Package (Including, interest accumulated on the above amount as per the applicable interest rates would also be paid)> Note 01: The ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from Income Tax.

> Note 02: There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits.

> Note 03: Agniveers will be provided non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of ₹48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.

The scheme is applicable at the soldier (jawan) level, and not the officer level.