The Agneepath Scheme is an innovative and transformative initiative launched by the Indian government to recruit young talent for the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This article will provide comprehensive information on what is Agneepath Scheme, its objectives, eligibility criteria, how to apply for Agneepath Scheme, and more. Let’s dive into the details.
What is Agneepath Scheme?
The Agneepath Scheme, also known as Agneepath Yojana, is a recruitment program designed to attract young Indian citizens to serve in the Indian Armed Forces for a shorter period. The primary goal of this scheme is to enhance the combat potential of the Armed Forces by recruiting fitter, younger personnel and reducing pension costs. The program is open to all Indian citizens, and those selected through this recruitment process will be referred to as “Agniveers.”
Objectives of the Agneepath Scheme
The Agneepath Scheme aims to achieve several broad objectives, which include:
- Enhancing the youthful profile of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring better performance during combat and increased risk-taking abilities.
- Providing an opportunity for young Indians to serve in the Armed Forces for a shorter period.
- Attracting young talent to adopt, exploit, and use modern technologies while leveraging the country’s technical institutions.
- Developing various qualities and abilities among the recruits, such as dynamism, motivation, discipline, and work skills.
- Instilling the ethos, courage, commitment, camaraderie, and teamwork skills of the Armed Forces in the youth.
Who can apply for the Agneepath Scheme?
Men and women between the ages of 17.5 and 21 years are eligible to apply for the Agneepath Scheme. This recruitment program is open to all Indian citizens, regardless of their educational background, as long as they meet the specified age criteria and other eligibility requirements.
Agneepath Scheme Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Agneepath Scheme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between the ages of 17.5 and 21 years.
- Educational Qualifications:
Detailed Educational Qualifications Required for Indian Army
| Post | Eligibility Criteria (Qualifications) |
|---|---|
| Agniveer (General Duty) (All Arms) | 10th-grade graduation with 45% and a minimum 33% in each subject. For boards using the following grading system, a D grade (33%–40%) in each subject, or an equivalent grade, is required, and a C2 grade, or an equivalent grade, is required for the overall aggregate, or 45% overall. |
| Agniveer (Tech) (All Arms) | Pass the 10+2/intermediate exam in science with at least 50% overall and 40% in each of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and English. OR Complete the 10+2 or Intermediate Test in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Math, and English from any reputable State Education Board or Central Education Board, as well as NIOS and ITI courses for at least a year in the appropriate subject with NSQF level 4 or higher. OR Minimum of 40% in English, Math, and Science, as well as a grade of 10th or matriculating with a 50% overall average, plus two years of technical training from an ITI or two or three years of a diploma in the streams specified below -Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Mechanic Diesel, Electronic Mech, Technician Power Electronic Systems, Electrician, Fitter, Instrument Mechanic, Draughtsman (All types), Mechanic Cum Operator Electric Communication System, Vessel Navigator, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Auto Mobile Engineering, Computer Science/Computer Engineering, Instrumentation Technology, Surveyor, Geo Informatics Assistant , Information and Communication Technology System Maintenance, Information Technology. |
| Agniveer Clerk / Store Keeper Technical (All Arms) | Intermediate Exam/10+2 pass in any field Arts, Commerce, Science) with a minimum of 50% in each subject and 60% overall. It is necessary to receive a 50% in English, Math, Accounts, and Bookkeeping in Class 12. |
| Agniveer Tradesmen (All Arms) 10th pass | 10th /Matric Pass with minimum 33% in each subject. |
| Agniveer Tradesmen (All Arms) 8th pass | Class 8th pass with a minimum of 33% in each subject. |
| Agniveer (General Duty) Women in Corps of Military Police | 10th-grade graduation with 45% and a minimum 33% in each subject. For boards using the following grading system, a D grade (33%–40%) in each subject, or an equivalent grade, is required, and a C2 grade, or an equivalent grade, is required for the overall aggregate, or 45% overall. |
| Detailed Educational Qualifications Required For Indian Air Force | |
| Entry Route | Educational Qualification |
| Agniveer Vayu (X Group) (Technical) | Minimum 50% marks in Mathematics, Physics, and English, as well as 50% in English, are required for the intermediate 10+2 course. OR A 3-Year Engineering Diploma (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automotive, Computer Science, Instrumentation Technology, Information Technology) with a minimum of 50% overall and 50% in English. OR A 2-year degree programme in a non-vocational subject like math and physics from a board that is recognised, with a minimum overall grade point average of 50% and a minimum English score of 50%. |
| Agniveer Vayu (Y Group) (Non Technical) | Intermediate 10+2 with a minimum of 50% overall and 50% in English. OR A two-year vocational programme with at least a 50% overall average and 50% in English. |
Detailed Educational Qualifications Required For Indian Air Force
| Entry Route | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Agniveer Vayu (X Group) (Technical) | Minimum 50% marks in Mathematics, Physics, and English, as well as 50% in English, are required for the intermediate 10+2 course. OR A 3-Year Engineering Diploma (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automotive, Computer Science, Instrumentation Technology, Information Technology) with a minimum of 50% overall and 50% in English. OR A 2-year degree programme in a non-vocational subject like math and physics from a board that is recognised, with a minimum overall grade point average of 50% and a minimum English score of 50%. |
| Agniveer Vayu (Y Group) (Non Technical) | Intermediate 10+2 with a minimum of 50% overall and 50% in English. OR A two-year vocational programme with at least a 50% overall average and 50% in English. |
Detailed Educational Qualifications Required for Indian Navy
Agniveer (Senior Secondary Recruit)- Qualified in 10+2 examination with Maths and Physics and at least one of the following subjects: Chemistry/ Biology/ Computer Science from Boards of School Education accredited by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Medical Standards: Candidates must meet the medical eligibility standards for the specific category/trade they are applying for in the Indian Armed Forces.
Agnipath Scheme Selection Process 2023
Below are the sector-wise selection criteria –Â
| Sector | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|
| Army | Physical Fitness and Physical Measurement Test Medical Test Written Test through Common Entrance Examination |
| Navy | Written Exam Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Physical Measurement Test (PMT) Document Verification Medical Examination |
| Air Force | Online Test Document Verification and Physical Fitness Medical test |
How to Apply for the Agneepath Scheme
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the Agneepath Scheme by following these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Defence, www.mod.gov.in.
- Search for the Agneepath Scheme registration link, which will be available in the “What’s New” section.
- Click on the link to be directed to a new page where the application form will appear.
- Fill out the application form, providing all the required information and uploading scanned copies of the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) and preview the completed application form.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation for future reference.
Important Documents Required for Agneepath Scheme
Aspirants must upload several essential documents before submitting the application form. Failure to provide these documents may result in disqualification. The required documents include:
- Address proof
- Identification proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, Voter ID card)
- Passport and driving license
- Scanned signature
- Scanned photograph
What is Agneepath Scheme Application Fee?
As an examination fee, you will be required to pay Rs. 250. Net banking or an E-challan can be used to make the payment.
Salary Package and Benefits for Agniveers
The Agneepath Scheme offers an attractive salary package and benefits for the Agniveers. The first-year salary package is Rs. 4.76 lakh, increasing to Rs. 6.92 lakh in the fourth year. Additionally, the Agniveers will receive a Seva Nidhi package worth approximately Rs. 11.71 lakh (tax-free) upon release, as well as a non-contributory insurance cover of Rs. 48 lakh.
Breakdown of Salary
| Year | Package ( Monthly) All figures in Rs (Monthly Contribution) |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | 30000 |
| 2nd Year | 33000 |
| 3rd Year | 36500 |
| 4th Year | 40000 |
| After 4 years | Rs 11.71 Lakh as Seva Nidhi Package |
The In hand salary is 70% and the Contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund is 30%.
Terms of Service for Agniveers
After completing four years of service, up to 25% of Agniveers will be retained in the regular cadre based on merit, willingness, and medical fitness. They will then serve another full term of 15 years. The remaining 75% of Agniveers will be demobilized and given an exit or “Seva Nidhi” package worth Rs. 11-12 lakh, which will be funded in part by their monthly contributions, skill certificates, and bank loans to help them in their second careers.
Advantages of the Agneepath Scheme
The Agneepath Scheme offers numerous benefits for both the recruits and the Armed Forces, including:
- Providing young people with a unique opportunity to serve their country and contribute to national development.
- Enhancing the youthful profile and combat readiness of the Armed Forces.
- Offering Agniveers an attractive financial package and the opportunity for professional development in the best military institutions.
- Instilling discipline, military ethos, and valuable skills in the youth, benefitting civil society and the nation as a whole.
Impact on the Defense Budget
The Agneepath Scheme has reduced the Armed Forces’ pension costs, as there will be no pension benefits for recruits under this program. This reduction in expenditure could lead to more funds being allocated for defense modernization and other essential areas.
In conclusion, the Agneepath Scheme is a game-changing initiative that aims to revolutionize the recruitment process for the Indian Armed Forces. By providing young Indian citizens with an opportunity to serve their country for a shorter period, this scheme enhances the combat potential and youthful profile of the Armed Forces. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about serving your nation, the Agneepath Scheme could be the perfect opportunity for you.