Union Cabinet clears scheme to absorb 25% of Agniveers into regular forces
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Agnipath structural reforms: a GS3 Internal Security case study on personnel retention and modernization.
Why in news
The Union Cabinet approved a scheme to absorb 25% of Agniveers into regular forces based on merit, while offering the remaining 75% a two-year 'Second Tour of Duty' followed by objective selection criteria.
Background
The Union Cabinet cleared the scheme on November 4, 2026. Under the new rules, 25% of Agniveers will be enrolled into the armed forces after four years of service, while the remaining 75% receive a two-year extension, totaling six years of engagement before final selection.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact25% of Agniveers to be absorbed into regular forces based on merit.
- FactRemaining 75% of Agniveers offered a two-year 'Second Tour of Duty'.
- FactAgniveers are recruited from youth between 17.5 to 23 years of age.
- FactNo reservation in government jobs for Agniveers not retained after the six-year period.
- PostGeneral N.S. Raja Subramani serves as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Agnipath scheme and the new absorption rules, consider the following statements:
- Agniveers are recruited from youth between the ages of 17.5 and 23.
- The remaining 75% of Agniveers are offered a three-year Second Tour of Duty.
- 25% of Agniveers will be enrolled into the regular forces based on merit.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The note states they are offered a two-year Second Tour of Duty.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the Agnipath scheme aims to modernize the Indian Armed Forces and evaluate the implications of the 'Second Tour of Duty' on personnel retention.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Structural reform: Transitioning to a younger, technologically equipped military force to meet modern warfare demands.
- Retention dilemma: Balancing short-term recruitment efficiency with long-term career stability and morale for non-retained personnel.
- Selection transparency: Use of objective selection criteria to mitigate perceived inequities in the absorption process.
Keywords: Agnipath Scheme · Structural Reforms · Defence Modernization · Personnel Retention · Objective Selection
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.