What's Changed For Agniveers? The New 6-Year Rule Explained

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an overhaul of the Agnipath scheme, implemented in 2022 to keep the age profile of the armed forces low, bringing relief to aspirants for whom just four years of service offered too short a tenure. The revised rules provide that 75 per cent of Agniveers who are not picked for permanent service after four years will get an additional two years in uniform.

At the end of the amended service duration, they will be eligible for permanent jobs in the Army, Navy or Air Force, if they want to and meet the requirements.It's being deemed a big shift in policy as it gives a longer rope to aspirants who want to prolong their service in the armed forces.The Cabinet cleared the proposal on November 4. Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani said the move followed a detailed review of how Agniveers have performed over the past four years.

The three services reported back on their operational contribution, skills, motivation, fitness, and how well they adapt to technology.