States » SouthPosted at: Nov 5 2026 6:24PM


IAF offers Agniveers second chance; rehab plan awaited for unsuccessful

Bengaluru, Nov 5 (UNI) The revised Agnipath framework has opened a second route to regular service for the 75 per cent of Agniveers not selected after their initial four-year tenure, but the Indian Air Force is yet to spell out the rehabilitation and employment support available to those who fail to qualify even after the extended engagement.
Addressing a press conference at Headquarters Training Command here on Thursday, Air Vice Marshal G Ananth, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration, Headquarters Training Command, said there would be no numerical cap on the absorption of Agniveers into regular service after the additional two-year engagement.
Those willing to continue and meeting the prescribed assessment criteria, including discipline, medical fitness and service performance, could be considered for enrolment.
"If all of them meet the criteria, all of them will be able to join. So there is no cap on the 75 per cent after they finish their two years," Ananth said, clarifying that the opportunity would not be restricted by a fixed percentage.
The arrangement is intended to retain the experience and expertise of Agniveers who are not selected in the first round, while giving them additional time to demonstrate their suitability for regular service.
However, the briefing brought into focus an unresolved question: what happens to those who complete the additional two years but still fail to qualify for regular enrolment?
Asked about a concrete rehabilitation or employment package for such personnel, Ananth said several provisions of the revised arrangement were still being worked out following the government's sanction. Details relating to rehabilitation and future employment would also be addressed once greater clarity emerged on the scheme.
He said the revised engagement would come with enhanced financial benefits. During the additional two years, the government's contribution to the Agniveer's Seva Nidhi would rise to 70 per cent, while the individual would continue contributing 30 per cent. On completion of the extended tenure, an additional Seva Nidhi amount of Rs 10.92 lakh would be payable, over and above the approximately Rs 11 lakh available after the initial four years.
Ananth also clarified that Agniveers serving the additional two years would not enjoy ex-servicemen status and would continue to be governed by the rules applicable to Agniveers.
Explaining the rationale behind the extended engagement, he said the additional period would help the Air Force retain trained personnel and allow them to acquire greater proficiency in a rapidly changing technological environment.
With modern military operations increasingly involving drones, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and advanced equipment, the additional period would help personnel strengthen their technical skills and adaptability, he said.
Ananth said the revised arrangement would apply to those in service up to December 31, 2026, subject to any subsequent review or changes.
The arrangement offers a second opportunity to the majority who miss the initial selection. However, the absence of clearly spelt-out rehabilitation provisions for those who do not eventually enter regular service leaves an important aspect of the Agnipath transition awaiting clarification.
UNI BDN
Tags: #IAF offers Agniveers second chance; rehab plan awaited for unsuccessful
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