BSF Constable Recruitment: 50% Quota for Ex-AgniVeers
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has increased the quota for former AgniVeers in the Border Security Force (BSF) Constable recruitment to 50%. This is a significant change, as the quota was previously only 10%. This new provision has been introduced by amending the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2015.
Key Features of the New Notification
As per the new MHA notification, former AgniVeers will receive an exemption from the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test. Additionally, there will be a relaxation in the upper age limit for the first batch of AgniVeers, with a 5-year exemption, while the remaining AgniVeers will get a 3-year age relaxation.
Every year, a certain percentage of vacancies will be reserved for former AgniVeers. Specifically, 50% of vacancies will be filled through direct recruitment for ex-AgniVeers, while 10% will be reserved for ex-soldiers and 3% for combat constables (Tradesmen) in the annual vacancy adjustment process.
Phased Recruitment Process
The recruitment will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the nodal force will fill the 50% reserved vacancies for ex-AgniVeers. In the second phase, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will recruit for the remaining 47% vacancies, which will include 10% reserved for ex-soldiers, and the rest for other candidates. Additionally, vacancies left unfilled in the first phase will be recruited specifically for ex-AgniVeers.
AgniVeers in Central Armed Police Forces
The government had earlier reserved 10% of all future constable posts in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including CRPF, BSF, CISF, and SSB, for ex-AgniVeers. This move aims to provide easy employment opportunities for ex-AgniVeers and contribute to their career growth after serving in the Agnipath scheme.
About the Agnipath Scheme
The Agnipath Scheme was launched in June 2022 to reduce the age bracket for the recruitment in the armed forces. Under this scheme, candidates between the ages of 17.5 and 25 are recruited for a four-year tenure as AgniVeers in the Army, Air Force, and Navy. 25% of them are retained for an additional 15 years, while the rest are discharged after four years.
With the latest notification, the government has taken a significant step to further integrate ex-AgniVeers into the defense and paramilitary forces and ensure their career progression.