Context
- The Government has created a separate “Ex-Agniveer” recruitment category for Constable (General Duty) in CAPFs and Rifleman in Assam Rifles, with 50% reservation of vacancies. The move addresses post-service employment opportunities for Agniveers completing their four-year tenure.
Key Provisions
- Reservation: 50% of vacancies for Ex-Agniveers in the specified posts.
- Age Relaxation: 3 years beyond the prescribed upper age limit; 5 additional years for the first batch.
- Recruitment Exemptions: Ex-Agniveers are exempted from the written examination, Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
- Dedicated Wing: An Ex-Agniveer Wing has been established under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate their further progression.
About Agnipath Scheme
- Under Agnipath, Agniveers serve in the Armed Forces for four years.
- After four years, up to 25% of a batch may be retained for regular military service, subject to selection.
- The remaining personnel transition out as Ex-Agniveers, for whom post-service employment mechanisms are important.
Difference between CAPFs & Armed Forces
| Armed Forces | CAPFs |
| Army, Navy, Air Force | BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, etc. |
| Primarily responsible for external defence | Primarily perform internal-security and related duties |
| Ministry of Defence | Ministry of Home Affairs |
CAPFs
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are under the Ministry of Home Affairs and perform diverse internal-security, border-management and infrastructure-security roles. The MHA lists Assam Rifles, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, NSG and SSB among its central armed police forces.
Q. With reference to the Agnipath Scheme and Ex-Agniveers, consider the following statements:
1. Agniveers are recruited for a fixed period of four years under the Agnipath Scheme.
2. Up to 25% of a batch of Agniveers may be retained for regular service in the Armed Forces.
3. Ex-Agniveers are eligible for reservation in recruitment to certain posts in CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
• Statement 1 – Correct: Under the Agnipath Scheme, Agniveers are recruited into the Armed Forces for a four-year period.
• Statement 2 – Correct: After four years, up to 25% of each batch may be selected for continued regular service in the Armed Forces.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Ex-Agniveers are provided specified reservation and recruitment benefits for certain posts in CAPFs and Assam Rifles.