Ministry of Defence
Agneepath Scheme (Agniveer)
Annual salary ₹4.76–₹6.92 lakh + Seva Nidhi fund ₹11.71 lakh (tax-free) after 4 years + ₹48 lakh life insurance + skill certification + priority in CAPF/state police/PSU hiring post-service
Monthly salary ₹30,000–₹40,000 · Seva Nidhi ₹11.71 lakh at exit
Agneepath is a short-service defence enrolment scheme launched in June 2022 by the Ministry of Defence that allows youth to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as Agniveers for 4 years. Recruits receive a salary of ₹4.76–₹6.92 lakh/year, Seva Nidhi fund of ₹11.71 lakh (tax-free) on exit, life insurance of ₹48 lakh, and skill certificates for civilian jobs. 25% of each batch is retained as permanent soldiers based on performance. Post-service Agniveers get priority in CAPF, state police, and PSU recruitment.
Am I Eligible?
Quick check — answer 3 questions
Is your age between 17 and 23 years?
Is your annual family income under ₹1 Cr?
Do you live in India?
Benefit Details
Annual salary ₹4.76–₹6.92 lakh + Seva Nidhi fund ₹11.71 lakh (tax-free) after 4 years + ₹48 lakh life insurance + skill certification + priority in CAPF/state police/PSU hiring post-service
Provided by Central Government
Monthly salary ₹30,000–₹40,000 · Seva Nidhi ₹11.71 lakh at exit
Eligibility Criteria
Indian citizen male/female; age 17.5–23 years (as per 2026 relaxed norms); must pass all physical, medical, and written tests for the chosen service (Army/Navy/Air Force); unmarried at time of enrolment; minimum Class 10 for Army soldier (Class 12 for technical trades); standards vary by post
17 to 23 years
Up to ₹1 Cr / year
Rural & Urban (Both)
Required Documents
💡 Tip: Keep original documents and 2 photocopies ready. Self-attest all photocopies.
How to Apply
Check Official Recruitment Notification
onlineRecruitment happens in batches. Check the official portals for open recruitments: Army → joinindianarmy.nic.in, Navy → joinindiannavy.gov.in, Air Force → agnipathvayu.cdac.in. Each notification has specific eligibility, dates, and trade requirements.
Register and Apply Online
onlineGo to the relevant service portal → create an account with Aadhaar → fill the application form → select your trade/branch → upload documents (marksheet, photo, certificates) → pay registration fee (if applicable) → submit before the closing date.
Written Exam / Computer Based Test
offlineAppear for the Common Entrance Exam (CEE) for Army, or Written Exam for Navy/Air Force. Exam tests General Knowledge, Science, Maths, and English. Admit card downloaded from official portal 2–3 weeks before exam.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Medical
offlineShortlisted candidates are called for Physical Fitness Test at a Rally site (Army) or designated centre. Tests include 1.6 km run, pull-ups, balance beam, 9-foot ditch. Passed candidates undergo detailed medical examination.
Document Verification and Enrolment
offlineFinal merit list published on portal. Selected Agniveers report to respective training centres (e.g., Army: ITC Belagavi/Pachmarhi; Navy: INS Chilka; Air Force: Belgaum). 4-year service begins after Basic Training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary
Related Schemes
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
100 days of guaranteed wage employment per year at current minimum wage rates (₹220–₹357/day depending on state) for every rural household
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana — National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
SHG Revolving Fund of ₹15,000 per group + Community Investment Fund up to ₹2.5 lakh + bank linkage loans at 7% interest (with 3% subvention for timely repayment) + livelihood skill training + market linkage support
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Paid on-the-job training with stipend ₹6,800–₹12,300/month + NCVT-recognized National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) + 25% stipend subsidy for employers encourages more apprenticeship seats + placement track record for permanent jobs
e-Shram Card
₹2 lakh accidental death insurance (PMSBY) + ₹1 lakh partial disability cover + 12-digit portable UAN for all government scheme benefits + auto-eligibility for PM Garib Kalyan, PM Ujjwala, maternity benefits, and housing schemes via DBT
⚠️ Disclaimer: Information is compiled from official government sources for guidance purposes. Eligibility and benefits may vary. Always verify with the official portal or nearest government office before applying.
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