The Agniveer Yojana is a bold and new recruitment plan introduced by the central government to bring more young people into the Indian defence forces. Launched on 14 June 2022, the scheme is officially called the Agnipath Recruitment Scheme, and under this, selected youth are named “Agniveers.” They serve in the Army, Air Force, or Navy for a fixed contract of four years.
This scheme has become a topic of national debate ever since it started. Many young people are interested in joining, but they also have doubts in their minds—like what happens after four years? How much money will they receive? Will they get a job? What are the long-term benefits?
Let us try to answer all such questions in simple language.
Recruitment Process of Agniveer Under Agnipath Scheme
Recruitment of Agniveers happens twice every year—once in May and once in November. The candidates have to apply online through the official website joinindianarmy.nic.in. The process includes multiple steps:
- Written Exam
- Physical Fitness Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Once selected, the training phase begins, which lasts for 6 months. After this, the Agniveers serve in their assigned unit for the remaining 3.5 years.
Salary Structure of Agniveers Year-Wise
Let’s look at how the salary increases during the four years of service.
| Year | Basic Monthly Salary | In-Hand Salary (70%) | Service Fund Contribution (30%) | Govt. Contribution to Fund |
| 1st | Rs.30,000 | Rs.21,000 | Rs.9,000 | Rs.9,000 |
| 2nd | Rs.33,000 | Rs.23,100 | Rs.9,900 | Rs.9,900 |
| 3rd | Rs.36,500 | Rs.25,550 | Rs.10,950 | Rs.10,950 |
| 4th | Rs.40,000 | Rs.28,000 | Rs.12,000 | Rs.12,000 |
This salary plan shows that with every passing year, the salary increases by 10%, and by the fourth year, an Agniveer earns Rs.40,000 per month, out of which Rs.28,000 comes to his/her account after deductions.
Total Corpus Fund After 4 Years
At the end of 4 years, the Agniveer is entitled to a Service Fund Package. The monthly deduction of 30% is saved in a fund called “Agniveer Corpus Fund,” and an equal amount is contributed by the Government of India.
By the end of 4 years, the total corpus becomes Rs.10.04 lakh, including interest. This amount is tax-free and can help the Agniveer start a new life—be it for higher studies, starting a business, or any other purpose.
Other Benefits of Being an Agniveer
Apart from salary and service fund, Agniveers also enjoy a few extra benefits that are important to note.
1. Annual Leave
Each Agniveer is entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave. In case of medical issues, sick leave is also allowed based on the recommendations of medical officers.
2. Life Insurance Cover
During their service, Agniveers get a life insurance cover of Rs.48 lakh. If an Agniveer dies during service, the family is entitled to the insurance amount along with the remaining part of the service fund.
3. Disability Compensation
If an Agniveer suffers a disability during service, he/she is entitled to disability compensation depending on the level of disability. The rates are pre-decided by the armed forces.
What Happens After 4 Years?
This is the most asked question. The scheme has both supporters and critics. However, the government has announced several support measures to help Agniveers after their 4-year service ends.
1. Rs.10.04 Lakh Corpus Fund with Interest
This amount is the biggest financial support an Agniveer gets. It can be used to plan their future.
2. Job Reservation in Government Services
Many state governments have started offering job reservations for ex-Agniveers. As of now, 10 states have announced such preferences:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Haryana
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Chhattisgarh
- Assam
- Gujarat
- Odisha
- Uttarakhand
- Arunachal Pradesh
Apart from state jobs, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to give 10% reservation in CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), such as:
- BSF
- CRPF
- CISF
- SSB
- ITBP
This means Agniveers have a good chance to enter paramilitary services after their defence tenure.
3. Preference in Public Sector Jobs
Several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are also planning to give preference to Agniveers in their recruitment process. Though this is still in progress, discussions are happening with various ministries.
4. Skill Development Opportunities
Agniveers also receive a skill certificate at the end of their service, which shows the technical and soft skills they learned. This certificate is recognised by many employers in India. Plus, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is working with the defence ministry to provide more skill training.
Higher Education and Financial Support
To support further education after 4 years of service, the Ministry of Education and UGC are working on schemes to help Agniveers join higher education courses. Special graduation programs are being created to recognize their learning during service and allow them to complete formal degrees.
Some private universities have also shown interest in offering reserved seats or fee waivers for Agniveers who want to study after service.
What About Permanent Jobs in the Army?
Only 25% of the total Agniveers will be selected for permanent jobs in the armed forces. These candidates will be chosen based on their performance, discipline, and training during the 4 years.
If selected, they will be allowed to serve as regular soldiers and can enjoy full-term military careers with pensions and retirement benefits.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite so many benefits, the Agnipath scheme has faced criticism. Many people argue that 4 years is too short and there’s no pension after that. Some also feel that only 25% selection for permanent jobs creates job insecurity.
However, the government says that the scheme is designed to make the armed forces younger and more tech-savvy. It is also a chance for youth to gain military experience and come back to civilian life with skills, discipline, and money.
