The Indian military recently unveiled its new human resources initiative, the ‘Agnipath Scheme’. Those joining through this govt scheme will be referred to as Agniveers. Persons who become Agniveers in the IAF will serve under the Air Force Act of 1950 for a term of four years.

The objective is to recruit Agniveers from all across India through computer-based tests and entrance tests, recruitment drives, and campus interviews at leading technical institutes. Agniveers will have a rank in the Air Force independent from the standard rank system.

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What Is Agnipath Yojana?

The Agnipath Scheme in the Indian Armed Forces is a program launched in 2022 where selected candidates will serve for four years. Based on the needs of the Armed Forces and their policies, those who complete their four years may apply to continue serving permanently. Up to 25% of candidates may be selected to transition into full-time regular roles in the Armed Forces.

Who Are Agniveers?

Those selected under the Agnipath Scheme are called Agniveers. The government describes the program as allowing "patriotic and motivated youth aged 17.5 to 21 years to serve in the Armed Forces for four years."

This will make the Armed Forces younger while also modernising them with new technology, which is important today.

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What Are The Benefits And Challenges Of This Govt Scheme?

Agniveers will receive an attractive monthly pay package along with risk and hardship bonuses as applicable in the three services. Upon completion of their four years, Agniveers will be given a one-time 'SevaNidhi' package of Rs. 11.71 lakh, including interest.

After four years, all Agniveers must transition back to civilian life, according to the rules. This led to nationwide protests, as at least 75% of Agniveers will have only four years of service and must separate. Opposition parties argued that Agniveers may not be willing to risk their lives if their service is so short.

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What Is The Eligibility For This Govt Program?

The eligibility to be able to apply for this scheme is:

• The applicant’s nationality also has to be Indian.

• For each admission, the applicant’s age at the time of enrolment in the 2022 academic year must be 17 years to 23 years. These include that, for future intakes, the age should be between 17 years to 21 years.

• The applicant affirms to physical and medical standards as prescribed by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force and possession of minimum educational qualification.

Note 1: Agniveers shall serve the Forces for four years during which they shall be governed by the respective service laws. They will have their rank, which will in no way be similar to the existing ones.

Note 2: Agniveers may seek Permanent employment in the Force after 4 years of service depending on need, forces and the policy on recruitment.

Note 3: Applications for regular commission will be considered together based on the performance of the concerned batch in 4 years and 25% of each batch may be taken over into the regular forces from the present Forces. The Forces, however, will be the final to decide in this regard.

Note 4: Each Agniveer is expected to be fit for the medical requirements of the category/job in the Forces.

Note 5: The joining qualifications will not change for Agniveers as they join for the remaining categories of the force.

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What Is The Application Process?

1. Enrollment will happen through an online central system for all three services. There will be specialised recruitment events and campus interviews at recognised technical schools. These include Industrial Training Institutes and those under the National Skills Qualifications Framework.

2. Enrollment will be open to all classes and regions across India.

• Candidates will be selected using the current selection process used by the Armed Forces.

• This includes methods used by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

Life After 4 Years

The government has provided clarification on opportunities for Agniveers after four years of service as follows:

1. They will be prioritised for roles in Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles, Police and Allied Forces in several states.

2. Agniveers will gain valuable skills and experience in fields like law enforcement, engineering, and mechanics.

3. Large companies have said they will prefer hiring capable and well-behaved former Agniveers.

4. Agniveers will also get priority for bank loans if wanting to start their businesses.

5. Those wanting further education will receive a Class 12 equivalent certificate and a "Bridging Course" to continue their studies.

Conclusion

Due to its integrated short-term service model the Agniveer program has been a point of discussion By introducing the program there are newer opportunities for the youths of India. Despite the issue of job insecurity, the modernisation of the armed forces is a significant focus of the program and the post-service employment opportunities are provided in different fields.

For more detailed info and guidelines, visit the official website of the Indian Armed Forces