UPDATED: Nov 5, 2026 08:09 ISTThe central government has announced significant revisions to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme. Under the new policy, seventy-five percent of Agniveers who were scheduled to exit after completing four years of service will now be offered an additional two-year engagement.

Following the completion of six years, they will have the opportunity to apply for regular enrolment in the armed forces, subject to objective selection criteria, while twenty-five percent continue to be absorbed into the regular force after four years. Other modifications include changes to the examination sequence, with written exams preceding physical tests, and the issuance of skill certificates upon completion of service.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the move, asserting it will prepare a younger and fitter military. However, the decision triggered strong political reactions, with opposition leaders terming it an election-driven U-turn and questioning whether Agniveers will receive full service benefits or permanent job guarantees, while the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the changes.

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