Complete details on Agniveer service extension salary and benefits package

Young aspirants joining the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme often wonder about their future after completing four years of service. Questions regarding whether they will receive a pension, secure a permanent job, or find employment outside the military are extremely common. Now, the central government has made a major decision regarding the service tenure of Agniveers. The path has been cleared to grant a two-year extension to 75 percent of Agniveers who don't secure a place in the regular army after completing their four-year tenure. This means their military service period can now extend up to six years. S. Raja Subramani has shared details about this decision. Following this new arrangement, Agniveers have several questions regarding pensions, salaries, permanent employment, and alternate job opportunities. Let us understand in a question-and-answer format what Agniveers will receive and what paths lie ahead for them.

Will Agniveer service be for four years or six years?

Under the Agnipath scheme, the initial service period for Agniveers is fixed at four years, while however, following the government's new decision, 75 percent of Agniveers who complete four years and aren't absorbed into the regular cadre will be given an additional two-year tenure. This allows them a total opportunity to serve in the military for up to six years. This extended duration is being referred to as the second tour of duty. This arrangement provides youth with an extended window to serve the nation and accumulate valuable military experience.

Will Agniveers get a permanent job after six years?

No, completing six years of service doesn't guarantee a permanent job, while after completing the additional two-year tenure, Agniveers who wish to continue in the military will be given an opportunity to apply for recruitment into the regular cadre. To qualify, they must meet predetermined objective selection criteria. This means permanent appointment decisions will be made strictly on the basis of performance and the official selection process outlined by the military.

Will Agniveers receive pension and gratuity benefits?

According to the existing provisions of the Agnipath scheme, Agniveers who complete four years of service aren't entitled to pension and gratuity benefits. The decision to grant an additional two-year tenure also doesn't guarantee a pension. Regular pension and gratuity rules will only apply to those who successfully get selected into the regular cadre based on their service terms as regular soldiers.

How much money do Agniveers receive after four years?

Upon completing four years of service, Agniveers are provided with the Seva Nidhi package. Under this, 30 percent of their monthly salary is deposited into the Agniveer Corpus Fund. An equivalent amount is also contributed by the government on a monthly basis. According to the initial scheme, the combined contribution over four years amounts to approximately 11 lakh 71 thousand rupees. Accrued bank interest is added separately to this amount. This entire sum is completely tax-free. Based on this contribution rate, it's estimated that Agniveers could receive around 17 lakh 56 thousand rupees after 6 years. However, this is merely an estimation based on the 4-year figure of 11 lakh 71 thousand rupees, and exact figures will only be released following an official notification.

Do Agniveers receive a life insurance cover of 48 lakh rupees?

Yes, Agniveers are provided with a non-contributory life insurance cover of 48 lakh rupees during their service in the military. This means no separate premium is deducted from their salary for this coverage. This insurance policy remains fully active throughout their mandatory four-year service tenure, providing financial security to their families in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

How will employment be secured after leaving the military?

Agniveers are provided with official certification recognizing the training and technical skills acquired during their military service. The government has established specific mechanisms to integrate these acquired skills with civilian sector jobs, while according to the Ministry of Skill Development, more than 325 military skill sets have been mapped according to modern industry requirements. On top of that, continuous efforts are being made to provide employment opportunities across central and state governments, defense public sector undertakings, and the private sector to ensure a smooth transition.

Will Agniveers get an opportunity to continue their education?

Yes, the government has arranged excellent pathways for Agniveers to enhance their educational qualifications and secure their future. Under an agreement with the National Institute of Open Schooling or NIOS, 8th and 10th-grade pass Agniveers are given the opportunity to obtain official 10th and 12th-grade certificates. On top of that, through the Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU, eligible Agniveers can pursue graduation degrees conveniently while managing their career paths.

Will Agniveers get reservation and priority in government jobs?

Important provisions have also been established to grant reservations and preferences to Agniveers in Central Armed Police Forces and other government services. The central government has instituted a 10 percent reservation policy for former Agniveers in recruitments for CAPFs and Assam Rifles. Plus, additional benefits such as relaxation in upper age limits and exemptions from physical efficiency tests are granted under defined rules. However, these benefits can be availed strictly according to the eligibility criteria and regulations of the respective recruitment authorities.