By team abhyaspeeth 
For young Indians dreaming of serving the nation in uniform, the Indian Army has opened a promising opportunity under the Agneepath Scheme, inviting applications for various Agniveer positions. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of the Indian Army at www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, and the last date to submit applications is April 10.
This recruitment drive is for those who wish to join the Army as Agniveers in categories such as General Duty, Technical, Clerk/Store Keeper Technical, Tradesman, and for women candidates, Agniveer (General Duty) in the Corps of Military Police. Candidates can apply for any two categories, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each.
The Agneepath Scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2022, is aimed at recruiting youth into the armed forces for a short service period of four years. The initiative not only offers a structured military career but also provides post-service benefits, training, and financial support to help Agniveers reintegrate into civilian life.
To apply for these positions, male candidates must be unmarried, between the age of 17.5 years and 21 years, calculated with reference to October 1, 2025. The same applies to women applicants, though exceptions are allowed for widows, divorcees, and legally separated women, subject to specific conditions outlined in the recruitment guidelines.
As for educational qualifications, candidates must have passed Class 10 from a recognized board approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The physical fitness requirements for male candidates include a 1.6 km run, pull-ups, and other standard tests. Female candidates will also undergo relevant physical tests as per the Army’s criteria.
The entrance examination is expected to be conducted in June, though exact dates are yet to be announced. The exam will be held in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, and others, to ensure broader accessibility. Candidates who are selected will be trained and enrolled as Agniveers for a fixed term of four years.
The Agniveer role is not just about serving in uniform; it offers a blend of military experience, life skills, and financial empowerment. Every Agniveer will be entitled to 30 days of annual leave, and medical leave will be granted based on the advice of military medical authorities, depending on health conditions.
The salary structure under the Agneepath Scheme is both transparent and progressive. In the first year, Agniveers will receive a total package of ₹30,000 per month, out of which ₹21,000 will be credited directly to their account, and ₹9,000 will be contributed to the Agniveer Corpus Fund. The government will match this contribution with an additional ₹9,000. In the second year, take-home pay increases to ₹23,100, with ₹9,900 going into the fund. The third year sees a salary of ₹25,550 with ₹10,950 going to the fund, and by the fourth year, Agniveers will receive ₹28,000 per month, with ₹12,000 contributed to the fund.
After the completion of four years of service, each Agniveer will receive a Seva Nidhi package of over ₹10.04 lakh, which includes their own contributions and an equal contribution from the government, along with interest. This amount is exempt from income tax and can serve as a financial cushion for higher education, entrepreneurship, or further training.
In addition, each Agniveer will be covered under a life insurance policy of ₹48 lakhs during the four years of service. This level of financial and social security makes the scheme attractive not only for its patriotic appeal but also for the personal growth it offers.
At the end of the four-year period, the Indian Army will select up to 25% of the Agniveers for permanent induction into the regular cadre, based on performance, merit, and organizational requirements. This offers deserving candidates a chance to continue their journey as full-time soldiers in the Indian Army.
With the application window open and the Army urging youth to seize this opportunity, aspiring candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly, check all eligibility criteria, and apply in time. The Agneepath Scheme is not just a job – it is a call to serve the nation, build discipline, and lay the foundation for a strong, self-reliant future.