UPDATED: Nov 4, 2026 16:44 ISTA major revision has been announced for the Agnipath scheme, extending the service tenure of Agniveers by two years. Under the updated framework, the engagement period increases from the initial four years to six years.
While 25 per cent of Agniveers will continue to be retained in regular forces based on merit, the remaining 75 per cent who were scheduled to exit will now receive an offer for an optional two-year second tour of duty. Following the completion of this additional tenure, willing personnel will be evaluated for potential permanent absorption into the armed forces, subject to objective selection criteria, fitness, and qualifications.
The decision follows recommendations from the armed forces to address operational preparedness requirements. Currently, around three lakh Agniveers are serving across the three military branches.
The extension comes ahead of the completion of the four-year tenure of the inaugural 2022 batch, offering eligible personnel the flexibility to either continue service or opt out. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSUS Midterms Shocker: Trump Threatens Iran With 'Heavy Hit' After Democrats Win Control Of CongressUS President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran following a defeat in the US midterm elections, stating he might do something large involving a heavy hit.
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Sources indicate that the government is considering a two-year extension option for select Agniveers who are not initially absorbed into the permanent cadre, alongside commitments from Central Armed Police Forces and state police forces to recruit exiting personnel. Under existing rules, 25 percent of Agniveers are retained while the remainder receive a Seva Nidhi exit package.
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