GD, TECHNICAL, CLERK, TRADESMAN

The Agniveer Scheme (also known as Agnipath Yojana) is a recruitment scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2022 for the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force). It allows patriotic and motivated Indian youth to serve in the armed forces for a period of four years.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the Agniveer Scheme:

Key Features:

Tour of Duty: It's a "Tour of Duty" style scheme where selected candidates, known as Agniveers, serve for a fixed duration.
Recruitment: Recruitment is done online through a centralized transparent system, aiming for proportionate representation from all states and union territories. Rallies and campus interviews at recognized technical institutes are also conducted.
Eligibility:
Age Limit: Generally between 17.5 to 21 years. For the initial recruitment in 2022, a one-time relaxation extended the upper age limit to 23 years.
Educational Qualification: Varies based on the category (General Duty, Technical, Clerk/Store Keeper Technical, Tradesmen) and can range from 8th pass to 10+2 pass with specific percentage criteria.
Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible. Agniveers cannot marry during their four-year tenure.
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India (and in some cases, Nepal).
Physical and Medical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards set by the respective armed forces.
Training: Selected Agniveers undergo rigorous military training, typically for a period of six months, followed by 3.5 years of deployment.
Service Duration: The total service period for an Agniveer is four years.
Pay and Allowances: Agniveers receive a competitive monthly package that increases annually. They are also entitled to risk and hardship allowances, uniform allowance, and travel allowance as applicable.
Year 1: ₹30,000 per month
Year 2: ₹33,000 per month
Year 3: ₹36,500 per month
Year 4: ₹40,000 per month
Seva Nidhi Package: Upon completion of the four-year engagement, Agniveers receive a one-time Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹11.71 lakh. This includes their contribution (30% of monthly salary) with accrued interest and an equal matching contribution from the Government. This amount is exempt from income tax.
Life Insurance Cover: Agniveers are provided with a non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh for the duration of their service.
Leave: Agniveers are entitled to 30 days of annual leave and sick leave based on medical advice.
Medical Facilities: They have access to medical facilities at Service Hospitals and can avail Canteen Stores Department (CSD) provisions.
Opportunity for Permanent Enrolment: After four years, up to 25% of each batch of Agniveers may be offered an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the regular cadre of the armed forces based on their performance and organizational needs. If selected, they would serve for an additional engagement period of 15 years.
Skill Certificate: Upon completion of their service, Agniveers receive a skill certificate detailing the skills and experience gained.
Post-Service Opportunities: The government has emphasized creating re-employment opportunities for Agniveers in various sectors, including Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state police forces, and the private sector. Some state governments and companies have announced reservations and preferential treatment for Agniveers. They will also receive support for further education and entrepreneurship.
Compensation for Death or Disability: In case of death or disability during service, Agniveers and their families are entitled to financial compensation, which includes insurance cover, ex-gratia payments, and full pay for the unserved period.
Terms and Conditions:

Agniveers will be enrolled under the respective Service Acts (e.g., Army Act 1950).
They are liable to serve wherever ordered, by land, sea, or air.
Agniveers will form a distinct rank, different from existing ranks.
They are not eligible for pension or gratuity benefits.
They are barred from disclosing classified information gained during service.
Release from service at their own request before completing four years is generally not permitted, except in exceptional cases with competent authority approval.
Agniveers who are selected for permanent enrolment will be governed by the terms and conditions of service applicable to Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks in the regular armed forces.
The Agniveer Scheme is intended to bring about a more youthful profile to the armed forces, enhance their fitness and technological adaptability, and provide a disciplined and skilled workforce to the nation. However, it has also faced criticism and protests regarding job security, pension benefits, and the shorter service duration compared to traditional recruitment.