Agnipath Scheme 2022: Selection Process, Salary, Age, Benefits

Agnipath Scheme 2022: Selection Process, Salary, Age, Benefits

Last Updated Jun - 18 - 2022, 02:39 AM | Source : | Visitors : 34

The Government of India has disclosed a radical and all-embracing Agnipath Scheme on June 14 that aims to recruit youth in the Indian Armed Forces. This defense recruitment reform that got approved by the PM-led cabinet committee on security will begin recruiting 46,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen this year on a “all-India, all-class” basis. Even after a delineate portrayal of the newly launched scheme, numerous speculations and confusion are doing rounds on ground. Here’s everything you need to know about the ‘Agnipath Scheme’.

What is Agnipath Scheme?

The Agnipath Recruitment Scheme necessitates recruitment of youths with ranks below that of officers, with an aim of posting young troops and fitters on the front lines. Many of these young soldiers will be on a four-year contract. This scheme is sure to bring a positive change in the society and will initiate a more youthful picture of the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Who can apply for the Agnipath Scheme?

Candidates (Men or Women) should be aged between 17.5 and 23 years. Giving a brief of perks of the new reform, Lt Gen Puri said, "After four years, Agniveers will be able to apply voluntarily for the regular cadre. Based on merit, organisation requirement, up to 25 percent shall be selected from that batch."

"We will provide an opportunity to the youth to serve the nation for a short and long duration, as Agniveers. We are giving youth a chance for both long and short duration military service," he added.

What are the eligibility criteria?

All the three services stated in the scheme will be enrolled via a centralized online system along with specified rallies and campus interviews hosted by reputed and recognized technical colleged including National Skills Qualifications Framework, Industrial Training Institutes, among others. The process of enrollment will be on a ‘All India All Class’ basis. The Agniveers will have pass the medical test for military enlistment. The educational qualification of Agniveers will continue to be popular for enrollment in variant categories. Class 10 is the minimum educational qualification that is required to become a General Duty (GD) soldier.

What will be the Salary Package?

The Agniveers are sure to get a handsome amount as their yearly package. In the first year, candidates will be paid a monthly salary of Rs 30,000. Along with this, the candidates will also get the benefits of EPF/PPF making the total package of Agniveers in the first year -- Rs 4.76 lakh. By the fourth year, the salary will increase to 40 thousand rupees plus EPF/PPF, making the annual package Rs 6.92 lakh.

READ: Education Ministries' Exceptional Programs For 'Agniveers'

Other Benefits of Agnipath Scheme

In additions to a good salary package, Agniveers will also be provided with numerous other benefits that are as follows-

·        ‘Seva Nidhi’ will totally be income tax-free

·        Ration, risk and hardship, dress and travel allowance

·        If any candidate is disabled during service, they will be provided full pay and interest for the non-service period.

·        Agniveers will get the benefit of gratuity and pension.

·        Agniveers will get a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh for their term in the Indian Armed Forces.

·        In case of demise during service, additional ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh will be given to the family.

Special Initiative for Agniveers by NIOS

A special program has been announced by the Education Ministry for the benefit of the ‘Agniveers’. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) will develop customized courses to help the Agniveers who have cleared their matriculation, to obtain Class 12 certificates. The certificates issued by the NIOS will be recognized not only for higher education, but employment as well. As per the statement issues by the Education Ministry, “The Department of School Education & Literacy through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special programme in consultation with the defence authorities to enable those Agniveers who are 10th class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th class pass certificate by developing customised courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service.”

Are there any reservation for women?

Women with the stated age limit are eligible for the recruitment scheme, but there is no special reservation or quota for them under this newly released scheme. Providing a brief on it, Admiral R Hari Kumar of the Indian Navy said, “The Agnipath scheme is a novel concept for the modern era. An idea created in India and for the people of India. An idea that will have a positive impact on armed forces human resource management”. He also mentioned that women will be selected through the scheme and the Navy, which currently has only female officers, will now have sailors.

Defense Budget Allocation

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.

READ: Education Ministries' Exceptional Programs For 'Agniveers'

Future Career of Agniveers

To amplify the future career prospects of the Agniveers and accoutre them for several job roles in the civilian sector, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announce to launch a special three-year skill-based bachelor’s degree program for such defense personnel. The degree will be offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and will be recognised both in India and abroad for employment and education.

Share :