First Batch of Agniveers to Retire Next Year

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been assigned the task of coordinating activities for the "career progression" of Agniveers who complete their service under the Agnipath scheme, one year before the first batch retires. A portal will also be launched to monitor career opportunities for Agniveers after their short-term service ends.

A government source revealed that the Home Ministry will coordinate with various ministries, departments, and state governments to facilitate the career progression of Agniveers. The source said, "After four years of service in the armed forces, 75% of Agniveers will leave the army. There will be an online portal for coordination and monitoring of the career advancement of former Agniveers."

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Passing out parade of Agniveers and army recruits held in Hyderabad.

The scheme was launched on June 14, 2022, to recruit soldiers, airmen, and sailors for a four-year term in the three armed forces.

On June 17, the Cabinet Secretariat amended the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, through a notification signed by President Draupadi Murmu, assigning the Ministry to oversee the career progression of former Agniveers.

The Government of India (Allocation of Business) (381st Amendment) Rules, 2025 state that under the heading "Ministry of Home Affairs," the following entry will be added: "Coordination of activities related to the career progression of former Agniveers."

The recruitment policy faced violent protests in 2022 and became a major issue during the 2024 general elections. Following the protests, the ministry announced that 10% of vacancies in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be reserved for those who have completed their service in the armed forces. Defence Ministry sources said they are in the process of reviewing the scheme.

The first batch of Agniveers will be eligible for recruitment in CAPF forces such as CISF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles in 2026.

After retirement, up to 25% of Agniveers will be selected on a permanent basis in the regular ranks of the three armed forces. The age limit for new recruits was set between 17 and 21 years, with total recruitment capped at 1.75 lakh by 2026.