Agnipath Scheme: Benefits and job reservations announced for departing Agniveers

As the first batch of the Agnipath Scheme nears the end of their four-year tenure, the Indian government and various state governments have announced several benefits and employment protections for former Agniveers.

Financially, departing personnel will receive a tax-free ‘Seva Nidhi’ package. Depending on the specific calculation of contributions and interest, this lump sum is expected to be approximately ₹10.04 lakh to ₹11.71 lakh. Additionally, Agniveers will receive skill certificates and access to priority sector lending for startups.

Regarding employment, the Ministry of Home Affairs is developing a special portal to facilitate transitions into corporate and government sectors. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, as well as the Assam Rifles, have provisions for 50 percent reservation in Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman positions.

At the state level, Gujarat has announced exemptions from recruitment exams for police roles, following previous concessions in physical tests and age limits. In Uttar Pradesh, the state cabinet approved 20 percent reservation in the police, forest, prison, and transport departments, while also increasing the maximum age limit for applicants from 25 to 28 years.