Cabinet approves two-year Agniveer service option

The Union Cabinet has approved an additional two-year engagement option for Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after their initial four years, creating a second opportunity to qualify for enrolment in the armed forces. The decision preserves the original four-year term and the existing first-stage selection of up to 25% of each batch for regular service based on merit. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. N. S. Raja Subramani announced the change on November 4. Under the revised arrangement, the remaining 75% will be offered the option of a further two years of service. At the end of that period, those willing to continue may be considered for regular enrolment under prescribed selection criteria, taking account of performance and the armed forces’ requirements. The extension does not guarantee permanent service. The Cabinet’s decision provides an additional engagement period and a later selection opportunity, rather than automatic absorption for all Agniveers. Subramani said the forces had reviewed recruits’ performance during the scheme’s first four years and received positive feedback. He said the extension followed discussions and evaluations of the Agniveers’...