Agniveers' tenure extended by two years; CDS says 75% outgoing Agniveers will also be given option to continue in armed forces

The government has decided to extend the services of Agniveers for two more years, giving all Agniveers a pathway for regularisation in armed forces, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N S Raja Subramani announced during a Cabinet briefing. Under the revised arrangement, the remaining 75% of Agniveers who were to be let go after 25% absorption, will now be offered an additional two-year engagement period following feedback on the Agnipath scheme. Around 18,000 Agniveers from the first batch were expected to complete their initial tenure and exit in December 2026.

The CDS also said that even after completing the extended two-year period, these 75% Agniveers would also be offered an opportunity to enrol as regular soldiers in the armed forces. The selection will be based on merit. The announcement marks a change to the original four-year engagement framework.

Remaining 75% of Agniveers to get two-year extension

Under the original Agnipath scheme, Agniveers serve for four years, after which 25% of each batch can be retained in the regular cadre based on merit and organisational requirements. The remaining 75% were expected to leave the armed forces after completing their tenure.


However, following feedback on the scheme, the government has decided to offer this remaining group an additional two-year engagement period. The CDS said the extended service would provide Agniveers with a further opportunity to continue their careers in the armed forces. Agniveers getting two-year tenure to be offered permanent positions depending on assessment of performance, announced CDS NS Raja Subramani.

Written examination to take place before physical test

The CDS also announced a change in the Agniveer recruitment process. A written examination will now be conducted before the physical test, reversing the previous order of these selection stages.

Agniveers to receive skill certificates

The CDS also said that Agniveers had been granted skill certificates recognising the training and experience they gained during their service. These certificates are intended to formally recognise the skills acquired during their engagement with the armed forces.

First batch of Agniveers was due to complete tenure in December

The first batch of Agniveers was recruited in 2022 after the launch of the Agnipath scheme. Under the original arrangement, recruits were engaged for four years, with up to 25% eligible for enrolment into the regular cadre.

Around 18,000 personnel from the first batch were expected to complete their four-year tenure and leave the armed forces in December 2026. The newly announced two-year engagement period changes the timeline for those in the remaining 75% who would otherwise have exited after their initial service.