Agnipath Scheme 2023-24: A New Recruitment Plan for the Indian Armed Forces

Agnipath scheme, also spelled Agneepath Yojana, is a new recruitment plan for the Indian armed forces that was approved by the Government of India on 14 June 2022. The scheme aims to recruit 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. The scheme is named after a Hindi poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan and a popular 1990 film of the same name based on the poem.

The scheme is considered as a game-changing project that will give the Army, Navy, and Air Force a more youthful image and reduce the expenditure on salaries and pensions, which consume more than half of the defence budget. However, the scheme has also faced criticism and opposition from various quarters, including Nepal, which has a long-standing agreement with India to recruit its ethnic Gurkha soldiers into the Indian army.

Features of the Agnipath Scheme

The main features of the Agnipath scheme are as follows:

• The scheme is for both male and female aspirants of age group 17.5 to 23 years. The upper age limit was raised from 21 to 23 only for recruitment in the year 2022, in response to widespread protests against the scheme.
• The scheme provides a fixed four-year tenure to each recruit, after which they will have to leave the service. Only a top performing 25% will be retained for India’s central security forces. The rest will be allowed to leave with a lumpsum amount of nearly ₹11 lakh ($15,000) without pension or any other career benefits.
• The scheme covers all three services of the armed forces: Army, Navy, and Air Force. The recruitment through this scheme is to be twice a year for each service.
• The scheme is administered by the Defence Ministry and the respective service headquarters. The selection process involves a written test, physical fitness test, medical examination, and interview.
• The scheme also introduces a new military rank called Agniveer (transl. Fire-Warrior), which is equivalent to Sepoy in the Army, Sailor in the Navy, and Airman in the Air Force. The recruits under this scheme will wear a special badge with a flame symbol on their uniforms.

Benefits of the Agnipath Scheme

The Agnipath scheme has been touted as a progressive and innovative intervention to reform and modernize the Indian armed forces. Some of the benefits of the scheme are:

• The scheme provides an opportunity for young and patriotic Indians to serve their country for a short period of time without compromising their long-term career goals or aspirations.
• The scheme enhances the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the armed forces by deploying younger and fitter troops on the front lines, who can adapt to changing scenarios and technologies better than older soldiers.
• The scheme reduces the financial burden on the defence budget by saving on salaries and pensions, which account for more than 50% of the total defence expenditure. The scheme also frees up funds for modernization and procurement of weapons and equipment.
• The scheme boosts the employability and entrepreneurship skills of the ex-servicemen, who can leverage their military training and experience in various sectors such as security, education, sports, tourism, etc. The scheme also provides them with a financial cushion to pursue higher education or start their own business.

How can a candidate apply for the Agnipath scheme?

A candidate can apply for the Agnipath scheme by visiting the official website of the Indian Army ([Join Indian Army]), Navy ([Join Indian Navy]), or Air Force ([Indian Air Force]) and filling up the online application form. The candidate will have to register with their personal details, educational qualifications, and preferences for the service and trade. The candidate will also have to upload their scanned photograph, signature, and documents as per the instructions given on the website.

How is the selection process for the Agnipath scheme?

The selection process for the Agnipath scheme involves four stages: written test, physical fitness test, medical examination, and interview. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions on general knowledge, mathematics, reasoning, and English. The physical fitness test assesses the candidate’s endurance, strength, agility, and balance. The medical examination evaluates the candidate’s physical and mental health and fitness. The interview tests the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and aptitude for the service.

What is the syllabus and pattern for the written test for the Agnipath scheme?

The syllabus and pattern for the written test for the Agnipath scheme vary according to the service and trade chosen by the candidate. However, some of the common topics covered in the written test are:

• General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, civics, sports, awards, books, etc.
• Mathematics: Number system, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, etc.
• Reasoning: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, etc.
• English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, idioms, phrases, etc.

The written test is usually of 90 minutes duration and consists of 100 questions carrying one mark each. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

What are the physical standards and fitness criteria for the Agnipath scheme?

The physical standards and fitness criteria for the Agnipath scheme vary according to the service and trade chosen by the candidate. However, some of the common parameters are:

• Height: Minimum 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females (relaxation for certain categories as per norms)
• Weight: Proportionate to height and age as per standards
• Chest: Minimum 77 cm with minimum expansion of 5 cm (relaxation for certain categories as per norms)
• Eyesight: Minimum 6/12 in each eye without glasses (relaxation for certain trades as per norms)
• Hearing: Normal hearing ability without any aid
• Dental: Healthy gums and teeth with minimum 14 dental points

The physical fitness test consists of various tasks such as running, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, rope climbing, etc. The candidates have to complete these tasks within a specified time limit and meet the minimum standards as per norms.

What is the training period and curriculum for the Agnipath scheme?

• The training period and curriculum for the Agnipath scheme vary according to the service and trade chosen by the candidate. However, some of the common aspects are:
• Basic Training: This is a common training for all recruits of all services and trades. It lasts for about six months and covers subjects such as drill, weapon handling, field craft, map reading, first aid, etc.
• Advanced Training: This is a specialized training for each service and trade. It lasts for about six months to one year and covers subjects such as tactics, operations, maintenance, communication, engineering, logistics, etc. depending on the trade.
• Service Training: This is a periodic training for all service personnel to refresh and update their skills and knowledge. It lasts for about one month and covers subjects such as current affairs, defence policies, security challenges, etc.
• The training is conducted at various training centres and academies of the respective services across the country. The training is rigorous and challenging, but also rewarding and enjoyable. The trainees are taught by experienced and qualified instructors and mentors. The trainees are also exposed to various sports, cultural, and adventure activities to enhance their physical and mental fitness and morale.

Challenges and Limitations of the Agneepath Yojana

Despite its positive impacts and outcomes, the Agnipath scheme also faces some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed and overcome. Some of these are:

• The scheme excludes Nepal’s ethnic Gurkha soldiers, who have served in the Indian army for decades under a special agreement between Nepal, India, and Britain. The scheme has strained ties between India and Nepal, which have asked India to resume the traditional recruitment process or revise the tripartite agreement accordingly.
• The scheme does not provide any pension or other benefits to the ex-servicemen, who may face difficulties in finding suitable employment or settling down after leaving the service. The scheme may also affect their morale and motivation during their tenure.

The scheme does not address some of the structural issues affecting the armed forces such as lack of adequate infrastructure, equipment, training, welfare, and promotion opportunities. The scheme may not be sustainable or effective in the long run without addressing these issues and creating an enabling environment for the armed forces.

Agneepath Yojana Kya Hai | अग्निपथ योजना क्या है

अग्निपथ योजना एक ऐसी योजना है, जिसके तहत भारतीय सरकार युवाओं को सेना में 4 साल के लिए भर्ती करेगी। इस योजना का उद्देश्य है, सेना को युवा, फिट और तकनीकी रूप से माहिर बनाना, और युवाओं को देश सेवा करने का मौका प्रदान करना।

इस योजना के लिए, आवेदक की उम्र 17.5 से 21 साल के बीच होनी चाहिए, और 8वीं, 10वीं या 12वीं पास होना आवश्यक है। इसमें पुरुषों के साथ-साथ महिलाओं को भी समान मौका मिलेगा।

इस योजना के माध्यम से, सेना में प्रवेश करने वाले सैनिकों को अग्निवीर कहा जाएगा। अग्निवीर 6 महीने की प्रशिक्षण प्राप्त करेंगे, और 4 साल के समय में, सेना के किसी भी प्रमुख हिस्से (थल, जल, वायु) में पोस्टिंग हो सकती है।

4 साल की सेवा पूरी होने के बाद, अग्निवीर को 11.71 लाख का सेवा–निधि पैकेज मिलेगा, साथ ही तकनीकी प्रमाणपत्र मिलेगा, जिससे उन्हें प्राइवेट सेक्टर में रोज़गार मिलने में मदद मिलेगी।

25% तक के सैनिक 4 साल के समाप्ति पर सेना में ही रह सकते हैं, परंतु पेंशन, प्रमोशन, लीव, मेडिकल, हाउसिंग, लोन, स्कूल, कॉलेज, **प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्रति-प्

अग्निपथ योजना की प्रतीक्षित प्रक्रिया कुछ इस प्रकार है:

• पहली कदम: समाचार पत्र, सोशल मीडिया, सरकारी पोर्टल पर सूचना प्रकाशित होने पर, आवेदकों को पंजीकरण करना होगा, और संलग्न प्रमाण–पत्रों, मार्क–सीट, तस्वीर, हस्ताक्षर, मुहर, etc. upload करना होगा।
• दूसरी कदम: पंजीकृत आवेदकों को, सेना के अलग-अलग हिस्सों (Army, Navy, Air Force) में, उनकी eligibility, preference, availability, etc. के आधार पर, online test (CBT) में हिस्सा लेने के लिए invite किया जाएगा।
• तीसरी कदम: online test (CBT) में qualify करने वाले candidates को, physical fitness test (PFT), medical examination (ME), document verification (DV), etc. में हिस्सा लेने के लिए invite किया जाएगा।
• चौथी कदम: final merit list में select हुए candidates को, 6 months training course में join करने के लिए invite किया जाएगा।
• पाँचवीं कदम: training course complete होने पर, candidates will be inducted as Agniveers in the Indian Army for a period of 4 years.

Conclusion

Agnipath scheme is a new recruitment plan for the Indian armed forces that aims to recruit young and fit individuals below the rank of officer for a fixed four-year tenure.

The scheme is named after a Hindi poem and a film based on the poem. The scheme provides an opportunity for patriotic Indians to serve their country for a short period of time without compromising their long-term career goals or aspirations.

The scheme also enhances the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the armed forces by deploying younger troops on the front lines. The scheme also reduces the financial burden on the defence budget by saving on salaries and pensions.

The scheme also boosts the employability and entrepreneurship skills of the ex-servicemen, who can leverage their military training and experience in various sectors.

However, the scheme also faces some challenges and limitations such as excluding Nepal’s ethnic Gurkha soldiers, who have served in the Indian army for decades, not providing any pension or other benefits to the ex-servicemen, who may face difficulties in finding suitable employment or settling down after leaving the service, and not addressing some of the structural issues affecting the armed forces such as lack of adequate infrastructure, equipment, training, welfare, and promotion opportunities.

The scheme needs to be implemented with proper planning, coordination, and consultation with all the stakeholders to make it more inclusive, equitable, and efficient.

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Agnipath scheme or Agneepath Yojana?

Both male and female aspirants of age group 17.5 to 23 years are eligible for the Agnipath scheme. The upper age limit was raised from 21 to 23 only for recruitment in the year 2022, in response to widespread protests against the scheme.

How much money is given to each recruit under the Agnipath scheme?

Each recruit is given a monthly salary of ₹21,700 ($300) during their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme. This includes basic pay, dearness allowance, military service pay, and other allowances as per norms. The recruits are also entitled to free ration, clothing, accommodation, medical facilities, leave travel concession, etc. as per norms.

How is the money given to the recruits under the Agnipath scheme?

The money is given to the recruits through direct bank transfer or cheque under the Agnipath scheme. The recruits have to open a bank account with any branch of State Bank of India (SBI) or any other bank authorized by the Defence Ministry. The recruits have to submit their bank account details along with their Aadhaar card and PAN card to their respective service headquarters.

When is the money given to the recruits under the Agnipath scheme?

The money is given to the recruits at the end of every month under the Agnipath scheme. The recruits have to submit their attendance and performance reports to their respective service headquarters to receive their salary. The recruits also receive a lumpsum amount of nearly ₹11 lakh ($15,000) without pension or any other career benefits after completing their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.

What is the budget allocated for the Agnipath scheme for the financial year 2022-23?

The budget allocated for the Agnipath scheme for the financial year 2022-23 is ₹3,000 crore ($410 million). This is an increase from the previous year’s allocation of ₹2,500 crore ($340 million). The scheme aims to recruit about 50,000 individuals below the rank of officer for each service in each year .

What is the objective of the Agnipath scheme?

The objective of the Agnipath scheme is to reform and modernize the Indian armed forces by recruiting young and fit individuals below the rank of officer for a fixed four-year tenure. The scheme aims to deploy fitter, younger troops on the front lines, many of whom will be on four-year contracts. The scheme also aims to reduce the expenditure on salaries and pensions, which consume more than half of the defence budget. The scheme also aims to boost the employability and entrepreneurship skills of the ex-servicemen, who can leverage their military training and experience in various sectors .

What are the benefits of the Agnipath scheme or Agneepath Yojana?

The benefits of the Agnipath scheme are:

• It provides an opportunity for young and patriotic Indians to serve their country for a short period of time without compromising their long-term career goals or aspirations.
• It enhances the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the armed forces by deploying younger and fitter troops on the front lines, who can adapt to changing scenarios and technologies better than older soldiers.
• It reduces the financial burden on the defence budget by saving on salaries and pensions, which account for more than 50% of the total defence expenditure. It also frees up funds for modernization and procurement of weapons and equipment.
• It boosts the employability and entrepreneurship skills of the ex-servicemen, who can leverage their military training and experience in various sectors such as security, education, sports, tourism, etc. It also provides them with a financial cushion to pursue higher education or start their own business.

What are the challenges and limitations of the Agnipath scheme?

The challenges and limitations of the Agnipath scheme are:

• It excludes Nepal’s ethnic Gurkha soldiers, who have served in the Indian army for decades under a special agreement between Nepal, India, and Britain. The scheme has strained ties between India and Nepal, which have asked India to resume the traditional recruitment process or revise the tripartite agreement accordingly.
• It does not provide any pension or other benefits to the ex-servicemen, who may face difficulties in finding suitable employment or settling down after leaving the service. The scheme may also affect their morale and motivation during their tenure.
• It does not address some of the structural issues affecting the armed forces such as lack of adequate infrastructure, equipment, training and welfare.

What are the challenges and limitations of the Agnipath scheme in terms of coverage, targeting, delivery, and sustainability?

The challenges and limitations of the Agnipath scheme in terms of coverage, targeting, delivery, and sustainability are:

• Coverage: The scheme covers only individuals below the rank of officer, who constitute about 85% of the total strength of the armed forces. The scheme does not cover officers, who are the leaders and decision-makers of the armed forces. The scheme also excludes Nepal’s ethnic Gurkha soldiers, who have served in the Indian army for decades under a special agreement between Nepal, India, and Britain. The scheme has strained ties between India and Nepal, which have asked India to resume the traditional recruitment process or revise the tripartite agreement accordingly.
• Targeting: The scheme targets only young and fit aspirants of age group 17.5 to 23 years, who are willing to serve for a fixed four-year tenure. The scheme does not consider the educational qualifications, skills, aptitude, or interests of the candidates. The scheme may attract candidates who are looking for a short-term job or adventure rather than a long-term career or commitment. The scheme may also discourage candidates who have higher aspirations or potential to join the armed forces.
• Delivery: The scheme relies on a written test, physical fitness test, medical examination, and interview to select the candidates. The scheme does not have a comprehensive and standardized system to evaluate the candidates’ personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, or team spirit. The scheme also does not have a transparent and accountable mechanism to monitor and evaluate the performance and progress of the recruits during their tenure. The scheme may face issues such as corruption, nepotism, favoritism, or discrimination in the selection and training process.
• Sustainability: The scheme provides a fixed four-year tenure to each recruit, after which they will have to leave the service. Only a top performing 25% will be retained for India’s central security forces. The rest will be allowed to leave with a lumpsum amount of nearly ₹11 lakh ($15,000) without pension or any other career benefits. The scheme does not provide any pension or other benefits to the ex-servicemen, who may face difficulties in finding suitable employment or settling down after leaving the service. The scheme may also affect their morale and motivation during their tenure. The scheme may also create a gap in the continuity and experience of the armed forces, as they will have to train new recruits every four years.

What is the duration of training for Agnipath recruits?

• Basic Training: This is a common training for all recruits of all services and trades. It lasts for about six months and covers subjects such as drill, weapon handling, field craft, map reading, first aid, etc.

• Advanced Training: This is a specialized training for each service and trade. It lasts for about six months to one year and covers subjects such as tactics, operations, maintenance, communication, engineering, logistics, etc. depending on the trade.
• Service Training: This is a periodic training for all service personnel to refresh and update their skills and knowledge. It lasts for about one month and covers subjects such as current affairs, defence policies, security challenges, etc.

The training is conducted at various training centres and academies of the respective services across the country. The training is rigorous and challenging, but also rewarding and enjoyable. The trainees are taught by experienced and qualified instructors and mentors. The trainees are also exposed to various sports, cultural, and adventure activities to enhance their physical and mental fitness and morale.

How can I prepare for the interview of Agnipath scheme?

To prepare for the interview of Agnipath scheme, you need to follow these tips:

• Be confident and positive about your decision to join the Agnipath scheme. The interviewers will test your motivation, commitment, and patriotism for serving the country for a short period of time.
• Be honest and clear about your personal details, educational qualifications, and preferences for the service and trade. The interviewers will verify your information and documents with the online application form and the written test results.
• Be aware and updated about the current affairs, defence policies, security challenges, and geopolitical issues related to India and its neighbours. The interviewers will ask you questions on these topics to assess your general knowledge and awareness.
• Be prepared to answer questions on the features, benefits, challenges, and limitations of the Agnipath scheme. The interviewers will ask you questions on these aspects to evaluate your understanding and opinion of the scheme.
• Be ready to demonstrate your physical fitness, mental agility, communication skills, leadership qualities, and team spirit. The interviewers will observe your performance and behaviour in various tasks and situations to judge your suitability and potential for the service.

What is the age limit for Agnipath scheme?

The age limit for Agnipath scheme is from 17.5 years to 23 years. The upper age limit was raised from 21 to 23 only for recruitment in the year 2022, in response to widespread protests against the scheme. The scheme is for both male and female aspirants who want to serve in the Indian armed forces for a fixed four-year tenure.

What is the educational qualification required for Agnipath scheme?

The educational qualification required for Agnipath scheme depends on the service and trade chosen by the candidate. According to the web search results, the minimum educational qualification for Agnipath scheme is Matric Pass. However, some of the specific educational qualifications for different services and trades are as follows:

• For Agniveer (General Duty) in Army, the candidate should have passed Class 10th /Matric with 45% marks in aggregate and 33% in each subject.
• For Agniveer (Tech) in Army, Navy, and Air Force, the candidate should have passed 10+2/Intermediate Exam Pass in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English with 50% marks in aggregate and 40% in each subject.
• For Agniveer Clerk / Store Keeper Technical in Army, the candidate should have passed 10+2 / Intermediate Exam Pass in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) with 60% marks in aggregate and minimum 50% in each subject. Securing 50% in English and Maths/Accts/Bookkeeping in Class XII is mandatory.

What is the salary of Agnipath recruits?

According to the web search results, the salary of Agnipath recruits varies according to the service and trade chosen by the candidate. However, some of the common aspects are:

• The recruits are given a monthly salary of ₹21,700 ($300) during their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme. This includes basic pay, dearness allowance, military service pay, and other allowances as per norms.

• The recruits are also entitled to free ration, clothing, accommodation, medical facilities, leave travel concession, etc.
• The recruits also receive a lumpsum amount of nearly ₹11 lakh ($15,000) without pension or any other career benefits after completing their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.
• The recruits also get a non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of ₹48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces³.

How can I prepare for the physical fitness test of Agnipath scheme?

To prepare for the physical fitness test of Agnipath scheme, you need to follow these tips:

• Start your preparation well in advance, at least two to three months before the test date. This will give you enough time to improve your stamina, strength, agility, and balance.
• Follow a regular and balanced diet that provides you with adequate nutrition and hydration. Avoid junk food, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances that may affect your health and performance.
• Do some warm-up exercises before starting your physical fitness test. This will help you prevent injuries and increase your blood circulation and flexibility.
• Practice the four parameters of the physical fitness test: 1.6 km run, beam (pull-ups), 9 feet ditch, and zig-zag balance. You can use a stopwatch, a measuring tape, a horizontal bar, and some cones or markers to simulate the test conditions.
• For the 1.6 km run, you need to complete it within 5 minutes and 45 seconds to qualify for the test. You can improve your speed and endurance by doing interval training, sprinting, jogging, skipping, etc. You can also monitor your heart rate and breathing pattern to optimize your performance.
• For the beam (pull-ups), you need to do at least 6 pull-ups to qualify for the test. You can improve your upper body strength by doing push-ups, chin-ups, dips, rows, etc. You can also use resistance bands or weights to increase the difficulty level.
• For the 9 feet ditch, you need to jump across it without touching it or falling into it. You can improve your jumping ability by doing squats, lunges, box jumps, etc. You can also practice landing safely and smoothly by bending your knees and rolling forward.
• For the zig-zag balance, you need to walk on a narrow wooden plank without falling off or touching the ground. You can improve your balance and coordination by doing yoga, pilates, tai chi, etc. You can also practice walking on a straight line or a rope with your eyes closed.

How can I apply for Agnipath scheme?

To apply for the Agnipath scheme, you need to follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of the Indian Army ([Join Indian Army]), Navy ([Join Indian Navy]), or Air Force ([Indian Air Force]) and fill up the online application form. You will have to register with your personal details, educational qualifications, and preferences for the service and trade. You will also have to upload your scanned photograph, signature, and documents as per the instructions given on the website.
• Pay the application fee of ₹250 ($3.4) through online mode using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. You will receive a confirmation message and email after successful payment.
• Download and print the admit card for the written test from the website. You will receive a confirmation message and email after successful payment.
• Appear for the written test, physical fitness test, medical examination, and interview as per the schedule and venue notified by the respective service headquarters. You will receive a confirmation message and email after successful payment.

How can I prepare for the written test of Agnipath scheme?

To prepare for the written test of Agnipath scheme, you need to follow these tips:

• Review the syllabus and pattern for the written test for the Agnipath scheme, which vary according to the service and trade chosen by you. You can find the syllabus and pattern for each service and trade on the official websites of the Indian Army ([Join Indian Army]), Navy ([Join Indian Navy]), or Air Force ([Indian Air Force]). You can also refer to some of the web search results on the written test of Agnipath scheme for more guidance and tips.
• Practice the previous year question papers and mock tests for the written test of Agnipath scheme, which are available online or offline. You can download or purchase them from various sources such as books, websites, apps, etc.
• Revise the important topics and concepts from the subjects covered in the written test of Agnipath scheme, such as general knowledge, mathematics, reasoning, and English. You can use various study materials such as notes, books, videos, podcasts, etc. to refresh your memory and understanding of these topics.
• Manage your time and speed while attempting the written test of Agnipath scheme, which is usually of 90 minutes duration and consists of 100 questions carrying one mark each. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. You should try to attempt as many questions as possible with accuracy and avoid guessing or skipping questions.
• Stay calm and confident while appearing for the written test of Agnipath scheme, which is the first stage of the selection process. You should read the instructions carefully and follow them strictly. You should also carry your admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the examination centre.

Official Site for Agnipath scheme

The official site for Agnipath scheme is Agnipath Yojana, where you can find information about the scheme, its features, benefits, eligibility, application, status, and FAQs. You can also access the site through the link Agnipath Yojana | MyGov.in, which is a portal for the scheme hosted by the Ministry of Defence and the Government of India. The site is designed and developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry Of Electronics & Information Technology, Government Of India.