National News

Agnipath Scheme Reforms 2026

November 11 , 2026 22 hrs 0 min 13 0

The Union Cabinet approved major reforms to the Agnipath Scheme, offering a two-year service extension to the 75% of Agniveers not initially selected for regular service.
Under the revised process, 25% of Agniveers will be absorbed into regular service after four years on merit, while the remaining 75% can serve for two additional years.
After six years, they can apply for regular enrolment, subject to willingness and military selection criteria; extended-service pay will be ₹43,500 in the fifth year and ₹47,500 in the sixth year.
The government’s contribution to the Seva Nidhi package will increase to 70% for those exiting after six years.
The reforms aim to retain trained personnel and address manpower shortages; however, higher salary and pension expenditure may affect defence modernisation.
Launched in June 2022, the Agnipath Scheme recruits personnel below officer rank in the Army, Navy and Air Force for four years, aiming to reduce the average age of the Armed Forces and long-term pension liabilities.