The Agnipath Scheme: What It Is
- Launched on June 14, 2022, the Agnipath (Agniveer) Scheme recruits personnel for a four‑year fixed tenure in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force The Economic Times+15Wikipedia+15Careers in Assam+15.
- Recruits are called Agniveers, below officer rank, and are typically aged 17½–21 years
Eligibility, Roles & Salary
Eligibility & Roles
- General Duty (GD): Class 10 pass, ≥45% aggregate, ≥33% per subject.
- Technical: Class 12 with PCM + English, ≥50% aggregate (≥40% each).
- Clerk/SKT: Class 12 in any stream, ≥60% aggregate, ≥50% in English and Maths/Accounts.
- Tradesman: Class 8/10 pass with ≥33% marks.
Compensation Structure
- Monthly pay: ~₹30,000 (Year 1), rising to ~₹40,000 (Year 4). In-hand ~₹21,000 initially.
- Seva Nidhi Package: 30% salary contribution by soldier + government matching yields around ₹11.7 lakh (tax‑free) after four years.
- Additional risk & hardship allowances, accommodation, food, insurance (≈₹48 lakh cover), and potential future honours.
Selection Process (2025-26 Cycle)
Phase 1 – Common Entrance Exam (CEE)
- A computer-based test (50–100 MCQs) covering GK, General Science, Maths, and Logical Reasoning. Negative marking: −25% for wrong answers.
- Paper normalized across exam sessions. Typing test added for Clerk/SKT posts (~30 wpm)
Phase 2 – Recruitment Rally
- Shortlisted candidates undergo:
- Physical Fitness Test: 1.6 km run, pull‑ups (beam), 9‑ft ditch, zig‑zag balance. For full marks: ≤5 min 30 sec run + 10 pull‑ups. ABP LiveAgniveer+3Testbook+3Jagranjosh.com+3
- Physical Measurement Test: Height, chest, weight per region‑specific standards.
- Adaptability Test: Multiple‑choice questionnaire gauging suitability for varied deployment
- Medical Examination: Conducted by Army medical team; appeal through Military Hospital if required. Careers in Assam+1Testbook+1India Today+15Jagranjosh.com+15MajiNoukriGuru+15
Final Selection
- Based on combined merit: CEE + PFT + medical fitness. Up to 25% of a training batch may be retained as regular cadre; others exit with Seva Nidhi. The Times of India+5Wikipedia+5Jobs Vidhya+5
Training & Life as an Agniveer
- Training typically lasts 31 weeks, divided as:
- ~10 weeks basic military training
- 21 weeks advanced trade-specific training at designated regimental centres (e.g. Artillery Centre, MLIRC Belagavi, PRC Ramgarh). Jobs Vidhya+4Wikipedia+4The Times of India+4
- After training, Agniveers are posted across varied terrain zones for active service.
- Life emphasizes discipline, physical rigor, learning digital & combat skills, teamwork—and preparing for re‑integration post four‑year stint.
Recent Updates & Reactions
Agniveer Exam Results 2025
Online CEE conducted between June 30 and July 3 (or up to July 10). Results expected around July 21–22, 2025 on joinindianarmy.nic.in. PDF merit lists to be published with cut‑offs. Qualified candidates will proceed to PFT and medical rounds.
🎖️ Training Reform Post Operation Sindoor
- After Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Punjab Regimental Centre (PRC) has updated Agniveer training curriculum to adapt to contemporary warfare scenarios. More changes expected ahead. Wikipedia+1The Times of India+1
🎓 Attestation Parade Highlights
- Fifth Agniveer batch (659 soldiers) passed out from MLIRC Belagavi in June 2025. Parade reviewed by Brigadier Mukherjee; excellence rewarded with medals including the Naik Yashwant Ghadge Victoria Cross Medal and parent honours (Gaurav Padaks). The Times of India
🗣️ Controversy & Political Debate
- Veteran politicians and state leaders (e.g. Punjab Congress) have called for scrapping the Agnipath scheme, arguing it denies pension, martyr status, and long-term career prospects—citing a recent case of a fallen Agniveer whose family was not compensated or recognized formally. Agniveer+15Wikipedia+15The Times of India+15