Agneepath Scheme UPSC: Objectives, Eligibility, Qualifications & Salary

Agneepath Scheme UPSC was introduced by the Indian government to recruit interested citizens to the Indian Armed Services. The Cabinet Committee on Security authorised the experimental program to gain the interest of the citizens to participate in the ‘tour of duty’.

Through the Agneepath Scheme UPSC, young Indians can get admission to the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Qualified candidates can join the combat forces and get recruited for a 4-year commitment.

Table of Contents

• What is Agneepath Scheme UPSC?
• Agneepath Scheme UPSC Objectives
• Agneepath Scheme UPSC Eligibility
• Agneepath Scheme UPSC Qualification: Post-Wise
• Agneepath Scheme UPSC Salary
• Benefits of Agneepath Scheme After Retirement

What is Agneepath Scheme UPSC?

Recently, the ‘tour of duty’ concept in the Indian armed services received much attention. The Cabinet Committee on Security decided to release the Agneepath Scheme UPSC on May 14, 2022, to offer an opportunity to young Indian citizens to be part of the armed forces.

By qualifying for the scheme, candidates will be offered a chance to be recruited to the most prestigious combat services, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Since the central government launched the Agneepath Scheme UPSC, around 50,000 soldiers have been recruited for a 4-year service period. Those candidates who qualify for the scheme are called ‘Agniveers’. During four years, candidates will be trained for the forces.

After the training period, 25% of the Agniveers will be retained, and the others will be provided with reservation in state government jobs in fields such as the state police, Assam rifles and CAPF.

Also Check: Agneepath Recruitment 2023

Agneepath Scheme UPSC Objectives

The main objective of the Agneepath Scheme UPSC is to motivate and allow more young individuals to pursue their education and develop skills to increase their chances of employment. With the help of the Agneepath Scheme UPSC, citizens can obtain more job opportunities in the government sector.

• The Indian youth can enhance their skills and abilities for the Armed Forces and be ready for combat.
• The country's young crowd, who have a deep sense of patriotism and dedication, have an easy pathway to be part of the Armed Forces.
• Through the scheme, candidates can imbibe different life skills and qualities of discipline, work ethics and vitality that can, in turn, make them great assets for the country.
• Candidates can serve the country in the respected uniform for a limited period.
• As multiple benefits can be attained through the Agneepath Scheme UPSC, more young minds are motivated to join the forces.
• With the help of young minds, technical requirements are attained.

Agneepath Scheme UPSC Eligibility

In order to qualify for the Agneepath Scheme UPSC, candidates must satisfy certain eligibility requirements set by the conducting body. The eligibility criteria to participate in the scheme include age limits, educational qualifications and other requirement.

• Candidates must be between the ages of 17.5 to 23 years. The upper age limit for 2022-23 recruitment, the upper age limit was increased from 21 to 23 years.
• Agniveers must be physically fit according to the prerequisites set by the army. They must be medically eligible to be part of the armed forces.
• They must be certified by a recognised board.
• Candidates must have scored a minimum of 50% in class 10+2.

Agneepath Scheme UPSC Qualification: Post-Wise

Different posts offered through Agneepath Scheme UPSC have separate qualification requirements. Candidates must have these educational qualifications to be posted in the roles and positions they desire to be recruited. The different qualifications will be included in the official notification for each job position.

Agneepath Scheme UPSC Qualification: Post-Wise

Position	Educational Qualification
General Duty	SSLC/Matric with an aggregate of 45% marks
Technical	Non-Matric/Intermediate Exam passed in Science with Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and English as compulsory subjects.
Storekeeper Technical/Clerk	Non-Matric/Intermediate Exam passed in any streams (Science/Arts/Commerce) with a minimum overall aggregate of 50% and 40% in each subject.
Nursing Assistant	Non-Matric/Intermediate Exam passed in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, with a minimum overall aggregate of 50% and 40% in each subject.
Soldier Tradesman - Specified Duties	Non-Matric
Soldier Tradesman - General Duties	Non-Matric

Agneepath Scheme UPSC Salary

As mentioned above, the candidates who qualify for Agneepath Scheme UPSC are called Agniveers. A minimum wage of INR 30,000 will be offered to the Agniveers in the initial stages. The salary and benefits will gradually increase to INR 40,000 in the 4-year service period.

Through the Seva Nidhi scheme introduced during the tenure, 30% of the salary will be retained. The government will add monthly contributions to the fund, and interest will be added. At the end of the 4-year service period, Agniveers will receive INR 11.71 lakhs without tax. They will also receive INR 48 lakhs life insurance policy.

In case of an unfortunate incident that leads to the death of a candidate, the family will receive more than INR 1 crore payout, including the remuneration for the absent time. The pre-selected candidates for the service will not be given any retirement benefits for the 25% of troops for their previous 4-year service. They will not receive any gratuities or pensions in such cases.

Agneepath Scheme UPSC Salary

Year	Monthly Package (Customised)	In Hand (70%)	Agniveer Corpus Fund Contribution (30%)	Contribution to GoI Corpus Fund
First Year	INR 30,000	INR 21,000	INR 9000	INR 9000
Second Year	INR 33,000	INR 23,100	INR 9900	INR 9900
Third Year	INR 36,500	INR 25,580	INR 10,950	INR 10,950
Fourth Year	INR 40,000	INR 28,000	INR 12,000	INR 12,000
Total Contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund After 4 Years: INR 5.02 Lakhs
Seva Nidhi Package After Exit of 4-year Contract: INR 11.71 Lakhs (Plus Interest and Exemption from Incom Tax)

Benefits of Agneepath Scheme After Retirement

The government of India has promised the ‘Agniveers’ to reserve 10% of positions in the home and defence ministries. The Union Defense Minister said the Agniveers would be provided 10% of employment chances in the Indian Coast Guard. This opportunity is available for 16 state-owned businesses under the Defense Ministry.

10% of positions are reserved for them in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles. The Agniveers who are technically proficient will be employed in the Civil Aviation Ministry.

The retired candidates will be allowed to complete classes 10 and 12 by the National Institute of Open Schooling by taking special courses. They will also be offered a 3-year special technical education program by the Union Ministry of Education at the undergraduate level for Agniveers who are farmers and agricultural workers.