In order to realise the dream of further strengthening our armed forces and military preparedness, Agniveer Yojna has been introduced by the armed forces recently in the country. The new scheme completely transforms the basic underpinnings of the conventional practices related to the recruitment, selection, and service tenure associated with the armed forces. The scheme is aligned with the fast-changing dynamics of the environment and in addition to making the youth disciplined, empowered and dynamic personalities, will help the army to become battle-ready for the new-age warfare dominated by the use of technologies.
Who can Apply?
The scheme lays down the eligibility criteria in terms of age with all the young aspirants between the age of 17.5 years and 21 years becoming eligible for the recruitment scheme. The enrollment of the candidates will be aligned with the Services Act and will last for 4 years duration which includes the training period. After this duration, up to 25% of the total recruited candidates will be retained based on their performance in the tests conducted by the army.
In terms of the annual package, candidates will receive approximately Rs 4.76 lakh of the composite package in the first year which will be upgraded up to Rs 6.92 lakh in the fourth year. In terms of the SevaNidhi, candidates will receive approximately Rs 11.71 lakh after the completion of the four years of tenure.
Agniveer Recruitment Phases
According to the latest development, the modified recruitment process in the Agniveer scheme will be conducted in three phases. The first phase will be a computer-based online test followed by the physical and medical tests in the second and third phases respectively. Given the pan-India network of internet connectivity and Smartphones, the potential candidates need not appear for physical examination and rather need to appear for the online test in the first phase of the recruitment. The online exam is currently conducted all across India at 176 locations and will culminate on April 26, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1 What is Agnipath Scheme?
Answer: Agnipath Scheme is a new recruitment scheme by the Indian armed forces wherein candidates will be recruited for four years and then subsequently, 25% of the total candidates will be retained by the forces base on their holistic performances.
Q2 What is the advantage of the Agnipath Scheme?
Answer: Young aspirants get a chance to serve in the armed forces for a period of up to four years following which they can explore opportunities in different fields to attain greater heights in their professional careers.
Q3 What is the objective of the Agnipath Scheme?
Answer: The primary objective of the scheme is to make the youth more employable by instilling in them the skills, discipline, and necessary virtues that are needed for a good career and eventful life.
Q4 How nation will be benefited from the Agnipath Scheme?
Answer: By enhancing the profile of the young aspirants and by attracting them to come and serve the Army, India can be enormously benefited from the incorporation of the Agnipath Scheme.
Q5 What is the serving period under Agnipath Scheme?
Answer: In the initial phase, the recruited candidate will get 4 years of service and then up to 25% of the total candidates will be retained in the army based on their performance on different assessment and evaluation criteria.
Q6 How the Agnipath Scheme will benefit the Armed Forces?
Answer: By strengthening the overall preparedness of armed forces in both strategic and operational domains, the Agnipath Scheme will help the armed forces to become battle ready in the constantly changing, technology-driven war environments.
Q7 What are the age criteria for Agniveers and what is the service tenure of these recruits?
Answer: The Agnipath Scheme is open for candidates between 17.5 and 21 years and the initial employment offer will be for a period of 4 years. Post that a detailed and comprehensive assessment will be done to retain up to 25% of the total candidates selected in the first phase.
Q8 Will the selection of women in the armed forces be done through Agnipath Scheme?
Answer: In the future, it is likely that Agnipath Scheme will become a medium for the selection of women in the armed forces.
Q9 Will Agnipath Scheme alter the recruitment patterns across the country?
Answer: There won’t be any change in the recruitment patterns and the selection of the candidates from across the country will be done as before.
Q10 What are the compensation provisions under the Agnipath Scheme?
Answer: In addition to the annual package (up to Rs 6.92 lakh in 4th Year), allowances, and SevaNidhi (fund of approximately Rs 10.04 lakh plus interest with income tax exemption after four years), Agniveers are also entitled to receive death compensation (48 lakh insurance and 44 lakh ex gratia) and disability compensation (Rs 44 lakh, Rs 25 lakh, and Rs 15 lakh for 100%, 75%, and 50% disability) under the scheme.
