Changes to Agnipath scheme will remove uncertainty and benefit all: Navy Chief

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has stated that the recent changes in the Agnipath recruitment scheme will create a 'win-win' situation for both the armed forces and young recruits. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, he emphasised that these reforms will help remove the uncertainty regarding the future of Agniveers after completing four years of service.

In his first interview as Service Chief following the changes to the Agnipath scheme, Admiral Swaminathan clarified that every Agniveer will now have two opportunities to continue their service in the armed forces. He added that these changes will provide greater clarity to recruited youth about their career prospects, enabling the military to retain trained, motivated, and capable personnel.

According to the details of the revised Agnipath scheme approved on November 4, 25 per cent of Agniveers selected on merit will be absorbed into the regular armed forces after four years. Meanwhile, the remaining 75 per cent of Agniveers will be given the opportunity to serve for an additional two years, bringing their total service to six years. Personnel serving for this additional period will receive a significant increase in salary, and the government's contribution to their service fund exit package will be increased to 70 per cent.

The Navy Chief made this statement at a time when the Indian Navy's INS Chilka training establishment is preparing to bid farewell to its largest-ever batch of Agniveers. More than 3,000 recruits in this batch have completed their training. This is the ninth batch to graduate under the Agnipath scheme.

Describing the size of the recent batch as an encouraging sign, Admiral Swaminathan said there has been no shortage of youth wishing to join the Agniveer programme in the Navy. He said, "This is the largest batch so far. It sends a message that there is no shortage of youth wanting to join the Navy. This is the ninth batch of Agniveers. There is no lack of people coming into this scheme, and the Agniveers passing out from here are extremely motivated."

Explaining the impact of the changes to the Agnipath scheme, Admiral Swaminathan stated that the provision to give a two-year extension to 75 per cent of Agniveers will give them a second chance to continue their military career as regular personnel. He said these reforms would address the concerns of young recruits who were previously uncertain about their prospects after completing four years of engagement.

He further stated, "Everyone knew about the Agnipath scheme. Now, we have given an additional two years to 75 per cent. We have given them a second chance to serve as regular soldiers. We are all happy with this. This is a win-win situation for everyone. Now, Agniveers will have two opportunities to stay in the armed forces. We want talented people to come into service."

The Navy Chief emphasised that these changes should remove any kind of uncertainty among aspiring recruits seeking a future in the military. He added, "There should be no confusion in anyone's mind. Some youth might have been wondering what they would do after four years of service. With these changes, that uncertainty will be removed. They are getting a second chance, and every Agniveer will get this opportunity."

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan took over as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy on May 31, 2026.