AI SummaryAgnipath Yojana is running as the central government's recruitment scheme for Agniveers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. This very helpful scheme brings young Indian citizens into the armed forces for a four-year tenure with full military training, monthly salary and skill development.
Introduced on 14th June 2022 by the Department of Military Affairs, Agnipath Yojana recruits youth aged 17.5 to 21 years for most entries (23 years for the 2022 intake). Agniveers get a monthly package that starts at ₹30,000, a tax-free Seva Nidhi corpus of about ₹10.04 lakh on exit, and a non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh during service.
Agnipath Yojana 2026 - Introduction
Agnipath Yojana is the entry point for young people who want to serve the nation in the armed forces. The scheme helps create a young and tech-savvy force by training motivated individuals who want to contribute to national security.
Under this scheme, selected youth serve as Agniveers for four years, including the training period. They serve under the Air Force Act 1950 or the relevant service acts and get exposure to modern military technology and specialized training. Candidates from across India are recruited through an online exam process, specialized rallies and campus interviews at recognized institutes.
Selected candidates need to formally accept the terms and conditions. If the candidate is below 18 years, parents or guardians sign the enrolment documents on their behalf. After the four-year tenure, Agniveers return to civilian life with verified skills and a Seva Nidhi package.
The forces may offer them a chance to apply for a regular cadre position. A central board checks these applications based on performance. Up to 25% of each batch is selected for permanent service in the Indian Army, Indian Navy or Indian Air Force. Selection for permanent service is at the sole discretion of the government.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Agnipath Yojana |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Skills & Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Employment services and jobs |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Implementing Agency | Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force |
| Open Date | 2022-06-14 |
| Tags | Youth, Armed Forces, Military, Agniveer, Employment, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Army |
Benefits
As an Agniveer, you get a fixed monthly package along with risk and hardship allowances. On completing the four-year term, you get a one-time Seva Nidhi package. This amount includes your own 30% contribution plus a matching contribution from the government.
| Year | Customized Package (Monthly) | In-Hand (70%) | Contribution (30%) | GoI Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | ₹30,000 | ₹21,000 | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 |
| 2nd Year | ₹33,000 | ₹23,100 | ₹9,900 | ₹9,900 |
| 3rd Year | ₹36,500 | ₹25,580 | ₹10,950 | ₹10,950 |
| 4th Year | ₹40,000 | ₹28,000 | ₹12,000 | ₹12,000 |
After the four-year engagement, the Seva Nidhi corpus stands at about ₹10.04 lakh, which is the total of your contribution (₹5.02 lakh) and the government's contribution (₹5.02 lakh). With interest on the corpus, the final amount comes to around ₹11.71 lakh, and the full amount is tax-free when you exit.
Important Highlights:
- Seva Nidhi payment is exempt from income tax.
- No gratuity or pension benefits are given to Agniveers.
- Non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh is given during the service tenure.
- If an Agniveer dies during service, the family gets ₹44 lakh ex-gratia, payment for the unserved tenure and family pension.
For disability during service, compensation depends on the disability percentage: ₹44 lakh for 100% disability, ₹25 lakh for 75% and ₹15 lakh for 50%.
Eligibility
To apply under Agnipath Yojana, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must be a citizen of India.
- Age limit is 17.5 to 23 years for the 2022 intake; for later batches, it is 17.5 to 21 years as per the service notification.
- You must meet the educational, physical and medical standards of the service you are applying to.
- Both male and female candidates can apply for Agniveer posts in many trades.
Example: If Amit is 22 years old and applying for the 2022 batch, he qualifies on age. For later batches, he would need to check the age and physical standards given in the specific notification.
Exclusions
Agnipath Yojana is made for the soldier or jawan level only. Applications for officer-rank posts are not covered under these rules.
Application Process
Applications are taken on the official online system of each service. The selection process includes the Common Entrance Exam (CEE), physical and medical tests, and merit-based selection. For the 2026 cycle, the Indian Army released the Agniveer CEE 2026-27 notification on 12th February 2026 for more than 25,000 posts, with applications open from 12th February to 1st April 2026. The Indian Air Force released the Agniveer Vayu 2026 notification on 12th January 2026, with applications from 12th January to 1st February 2026 and the online exam on 30th and 31st March 2026.
Use these official links to start your application:
Indian Army Agniveer apply online | Indian Navy Agniveer ways to join | Indian Air Force Agniveer Vayu official website
For step-by-step registration details and CEE dates, check Agniveer Registration 2026 on SarkariYojana.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application:
- Aadhaar Card as proof of identity.
- Proof of address.
- Certificates of your highest educational qualifications.
- Medical category clearance documents.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Domicile Certificate.
- A written pledge confirming you were not involved in any violent protests against Agnipath Yojana.
2026 Updates
The first batch of Agniveers will complete its four-year term in October 2026. Around 75% of this batch will leave service with the Seva Nidhi package, while up to 25% can be retained in the regular cadre based on performance and the needs of the force.
The Department of Military Affairs is reviewing a proposal to increase the retention share. The Indian Navy has asked to retain about 75% of its Agniveers, while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force have asked for about 50% each. A final decision has not been announced yet.
On 21st July 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that ex-Agniveers will get 50% reservation in Constable (General Duty) posts in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Rifleman posts in Assam Rifles. They will also get age relaxation and exemption from the written exam and physical tests in these recruitments. A dedicated Ex-Agniveer wing has been set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate this.
States are also supporting Agniveers. Uttar Pradesh announced 20% reservation and age relaxation for Agniveers in state police recruitment starting 2026. Ex-Agniveers get priority in CAPF, Assam Rifles and state police recruitment.
Definitions
Agniveer
The term 'Agniveer' refers to the personnel recruited under Agnipath Yojana for a four-year service tenure.
Armed Forces
This includes the naval, military and air force wings of the union.
References
PIB - Agnipath Yojana launch details | PIB - Ministry of Education release on Agnipath | PIB - Reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs and Assam Rifles (21 July 2026)
FAQ's
What is the service tenure under Agnipath Yojana?
Under Agnipath Yojana, Agniveers serve for a fixed term of four years, including the military training period.
How much salary will Agniveers get?
The monthly package starts at ₹30,000 and goes up to ₹40,000 in the fourth year. In-hand salary is 70% of the package and the remaining 30% is kept in the Agniveer corpus fund.
How much is the Seva Nidhi package?
On completing four years, Agniveers get about ₹10.04 lakh from the corpus, which is their own contribution plus the government's matching contribution. With interest, the final amount comes to around ₹11.71 lakh and is fully tax-free.
Can Agniveers get permanent service in the armed forces?
Yes. Up to 25% of each batch can be selected for the regular cadre based on merit and performance. The government is also reviewing a proposal to increase this share.
What job options do ex-Agniveers get after service?
Ex-Agniveers get 50% reservation in Constable (GD) posts in CAPFs and Rifleman posts in Assam Rifles, along with age relaxation and exemption from the written exam and physical tests. They also get priority in state police and state government jobs.
How can I apply for Agnipath Yojana recruitment?
Apply on the official websites: joinindianarmy.nic.in for the Indian Army, joinindiannavy.gov.in for the Indian Navy and agnipathvayu.cdac.in for the Indian Air Force.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian citizens aged 17.5 to 21 years (23 years for the 2022 intake) who meet the educational, physical and medical standards of the chosen service. Women can also apply in many trades.
What insurance cover do Agniveers get?
Agniveers get a non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh during service. If an Agniveer dies during service, the family gets ₹44 lakh ex-gratia, payment for the unserved tenure and family pension.