Details of various benefits provided to those completing four years of service under Agnipath Scheme

Details have emerged regarding the various financial and professional benefits provided to Agniveers after completing four years of service under the Agnipath Scheme. According to a report by Aaj Tak, after completing four years of service, all Agniveers do not remain in the Army as regular soldiers. Based on the organisation's requirement and the prescribed selection process, a maximum of 25 per cent of Agniveers can be inducted into the regular cadre. The remaining Agniveers must return to civilian life after completing their service.

Those completing their service are provided with a 'Seva Nidhi Package' as a lump sum. This package includes both the amount deposited by the Agniveer and the equal contribution made by the Government. The interest applicable to this amount is also added to it. According to information provided by the Government at the commencement of the scheme, this Seva Nidhi package was stated to be approximately ₹11.71 lakh after four years. In this amount, the Agniveer's contribution was approximately ₹5.02 lakh, and the Government had decided to make an equal contribution. The final payment amount may vary due to the addition of interest. Notably, this Seva Nidhi package has been exempted from income tax. This is a one-time payment, not a monthly pension.

Clarifying the status regarding pension and gratuity, the report stated that Agniveers exiting after completing four years of service do not receive the benefit of pension and gratuity like regular soldiers. The Government had clarified at the launch of the Agnipath Scheme itself that Agniveers completing four years of service will not be entitled to pension and gratuity. However, for those Agniveers selected for the regular cadre, the terms of service are different. They will have to serve for at least another 15 years, after which they may become eligible for pension and other service benefits as per the rules applicable to regular soldiers.

During service, Agniveers are also provided with a life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh. This insurance is 'non-contributory', meaning the Agniveer does not have to pay any separate premium for this insurance. However, this insurance cover remains in force only during the period of service. This cover does not continue automatically after exiting service after four years. In situations such as death or disability during duty, financial assistance and other benefits may be available under separately applicable rules. The amount of this assistance and eligibility will depend on the type of incident and government rules.

To assist in obtaining re-employment, the Central Government has made provisions for reservation and relaxation in the age limit in certain recruitments. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, a provision has been made to reserve 50 per cent of vacant posts for ex-Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles for the posts of Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman in July 2026. Additionally, a relaxation of three years in the age limit will be provided, while the first batch of Agniveers will receive a relaxation of five years. They have also been exempted from the physical standard test, physical efficiency test, and written examination in the recruitment for these posts. However, it will be mandatory to fulfill other rules and eligibility of the respective recruitment for appointment.

Reservations have also been arranged in the railway sector. The Indian Railways has made a provision to reserve 10 per cent for ex-Agniveers on Level-1 posts and 5 per cent on Level-2 and above posts. The recruitment for these posts is carried out by the respective Railway Recruitment Boards and Railway Recruitment Centres. Candidates will have to fulfill the prescribed recruitment process and eligibility.

During their four years of service, Agniveers are taught technical and other professional skills along with military training. After completion of service, a 'Skill Certificate' certifying their skills and experience is provided, which can help them find jobs in the private and government sectors outside the Army.

To enhance educational qualifications, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has entered into agreements with NIOS and IGNOU. Under these agreements, eligible Agniveers will be given the opportunity to complete 10th, 12th, and graduation studies.