What is Agnipath (Agniveer Scheme)?

About Agnipath

• Agnipath is a military recruitment scheme launched by the Union Government in June 2022 for personnel below officer rank in the Army, Navy and Air Force, aimed at a younger, more technologically skilled armed force while reducing the long-term salary and pension burden.
• Agniveers, who are the young personnel recruited into the Armed Forces under the Agnipath Scheme. They serve for four years, after which up to 25% of each batch may be retained for regular military service, while the rest exit with the Seva Nidhi package and skill certification.

Key Features & Objectives of Agnipath

• Service & exit: 4-year service; up to 25% retained for regular service, while others receive Seva Nidhi but no pension or gratuity.
• Benefits & skills: ₹48 lakh life insurance, skill certification and service-related qualifications are provided.
• Wider objectives: Reduces long-term defence expenditure, supports modernisation, and creates trained manpower for civilian sectors.

Salary Structure & Seva Nidhi Fund

• Monthly package: escalates from approximately Rs. 30,000 (Year 1) to Rs. 40,000 (Year 4).
• Agniveer Corpus Fund: about 30% of the monthly package contributed by the Agniveer, matched by the government, with interest accrued — forming the Seva Nidhi corpus, estimated at approximately Rs. 11.71 lakh.

Post-Service Employment & Benefits

• Skill certificates, credit and entrepreneurship support aid transition to civilian employment.
• Reservation/preference extended in some recruitment channels, including Central Armed Police Forces and state police forces.
• In 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs asked states to reserve police-force posts for the first Agniveer batch exiting in 2026.

Conclusion

• Agnipath seeks a younger, fiscally sustainable armed force while generating trained manpower for the civilian economy; its success depends on transparent retention, credible post-service employment, and preserving operational experience.