Agnipath scheme, a recruitment process for individuals below the rank of officer to deploy fitter, younger troops on the front lines, many of whom will be on four-year contracts. It's a game-changing project that will give the Army, Navy, and Air Force a younger image.

The government announced this radical and far-reaching 'Agnipath' scheme to undermine the armed forces' professionalism, ethos, and fighting spirit, as well as potentially lead to the militarization of civil society. This year's recruiting of 46,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen will begin on an "all-India, all-class" basis under the Agnipath scheme.

Agnipath Scheme:

This scheme entails a recruitment process for individuals below the rank of officer, intending to deploy fitter, younger troops on the front lines, many of whom will be on four-year contracts. It's a game-changing project that will give the Army, Navy, and Air Force a young image.

Eligibility and application:

Under this scheme, men and women between the ages of 17.5 and 21 will be brought into the armed forces. All three services will be enrolled through a centralised online system, with specific rallies and campus interviews conducted by recognised technical colleges such as Industrial Training Institutes and the National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others. Enrollment will be on an 'All India All Class' basis, with eligible ages ranging from 17.5 to 21. Agniveers will meet the medical requirements for enlistment.

Date of commencement of recruitment:

The first Agnipath entry rally recruitment will start from September – to October 2022.

After four years of service, 25% of the Agniveers will be retained in the regular cadre based on merit, willingness and medical fitness. They will then serve for a full term of another 15 years. At the same time, the other 75% of Agniveers will be demobilised, with an exit or "Seva Nidhi" title.