The Centre has announced a major change to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, approving an additional two-year service opportunity for Agniveers. The decision was cleared by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and announced by Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani.
Under the revised arrangement, 25% of Agniveers will continue to be considered for permanent enrolment in the armed forces after completing their initial four-year service, based on merit and selection criteria.
The remaining 75% will be offered an additional two-year engagement period, taking their total service tenure to six years. After completing this extended period, willing Agniveers will also have an opportunity to join the regular armed forces, subject to meeting the prescribed selection requirements.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the decision, describing it as an important step towards strengthening India's military structure. He said the additional opportunity would allow willing Agniveers to become regular soldiers after four or six years of service, depending on their eligibility.
According to the government, the reform aims to develop a younger, fitter and technologically advanced military capable of responding to changing security challenges.
However, Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after the six-year period will not receive any reservation in government jobs under the announced arrangement.
The decision marks a significant development in the Agnipath scheme, offering eligible candidates a longer service opportunity and an additional pathway towards a regular military career.
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