Agnipath is a recruitment scheme for the Indian youth who wish to join the Armed Forces.
What is the Agnipath Scheme?
This scheme entails a recruitment process for individuals below the rank of officer, with the goal of deploying 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 more young image.
Who can apply to this scheme?
Under this scheme both men and women between the ages of 17.5 and 21 will be brought into the armed forces.
What is the eligibility criteria for this scheme?
All three services will be enrolled through a centralized 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 a ‘All India All Class’ basis, with eligible ages ranging from 17.5 to 21 years old. Agniveers will meet the medical requirements for enlistment in the armed forces as they apply to their particular categories/trades. Agniveers’ educational qualifications will continue to be popular for enrolment in many categories, such as: The educational requirement for becoming a General Duty (GD) soldier is Class 10.
Can girls apply for Agnipath Entry and is there any reservation for girls?
Yes, girls under the given age limit are open for the agnipath entry, while there is no such reservation for women under this scheme.
What is the salary package under this scheme?
The 1st year salary package of Rs 4.76 lakh with upgradation of up to Rs 6.92 lakh in 4th year While post release, Seva Nidhi package is of approx. Rs 11.71 lakh, including interest (tax free)There’s also a non-contributory insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh. Provided the individuals receive a Agniveer skill certificate which will assist in post release job opportunities.
When will Agneepath recruitment start?
The first Agnipath entry rally recruitment will start from September – Oct 2022.
What are the terms of service under Agnipath?
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. While the other 75% Agniveers will be demobilised, with an exit or “Seva Nidhi ” package of Rs 11-12 lakh, partly funded by their monthly contributions, as well as skill certificates and bank loans for help in their second careers.
What are the advantages of this scheme?
It provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youth to serve their country and contribute to national development. The Armed Forces would be younger and more vibrant.The Agniveers will have a good financial package with the opportunity to train in the best military ethos in civil society and institutions, as well as improve their skills and qualifications. This will make well-disciplined and skilled youth with military ethos in the civil society.
Does this scheme induce any change in the age to drop out from the military?
Military officials said the new system would help bring down the average age of the armed forces. In the Army, the average age would drop from 32 to 26.
Is there any change in the defence budget?
The defence budget of Rs 5,25,166 crore for 2022-23 included Rs 1,19,696 crore for defence pensions. The allocation for revenue expenditure was Rs 2,33,000 crore. The revenue expenditure includes the expenses on payment of salaries and maintenance of establishments.