Centre mulls extending Agniveer tenure from four years to six, decision likely before Nov 21

The Centre and state governments are taking several major decisions on Agniveers recruited into the Army under the Agnipath scheme. The Centre is now considering a proposal to extend the Agniveers' tenure from four years to six.

The scheme was launched in 2022, and the four-year term of the first batch recruited under it is about to end. The Indian Navy's first batch will complete its service on November 21, the Indian Air Force's batch on December 21, and the Army's first batch on December 31, 2026.

The government is reportedly preparing to extend the service period by two years, and a final decision could come before November 21. It is also said that discussions have been under way for several months on retaining more Agniveers from each batch than the original limit of 25 per cent. The proposal has passed through several levels and senior officials are now reviewing it.

How many Agniveers across the three services could get the extended term has not yet been decided. The original 25 per cent quota is said to remain as it is, with the extension to be given in addition to it.

The Agniveers themselves will make the choice. They will decide whether to continue serving in the armed forces or to leave with the tax-free "Seva Nidhi" package of Rs 11.71 lakh.

If the proposal is approved, the armed forces could have three kinds of personnel. The first category would be Agniveers serving the initial four-year term. The second would be Agniveers who have been given an extension. The third would be permanent soldiers who have been enrolled in the regular cadre.

With the dates for the first batch's exit drawing near, attention is now on the decision expected before November 21.