First batch of over 18,000 Agniveers to exit Indian armed forces by year-end

Approximately 18,300 Agniveers who joined the Indian armed forces under the 2022 Agnipath recruitment are slated to end their four-year contracts by Dec 31, prompting the navy, air force and army to start a phased discharge of 75% of the cohort from mid-November. The Agnipath model, which limits service to four years with only 25% eligible for extension, has been a political flashpoint. Departing recruits will be eligible for job quotas in the Central Armed Police Forces, state police, Indian Railways, the coast guard and sixteen defence public-sector undertakings, with half of entry-level posts in forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and Assam Rifles reserved for them.

States including Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have also announced police vacancies for ex-Agniveers. Officials noted satisfactory performance in operations like Operation Sindoor and said the scheme could be adjusted to retain more skilled soldiers. Those leaving will receive a severance package of ₹11.71 lakh in addition to their service salary and insurance benefits.