Agniveer scheme: Retired personnel eligible for CAPFs and Assam Rifles recruitment benefits

The Union government has announced new recruitment benefits for retired Agniveers, including reservation in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles, offering a pathway to continue serving after completing their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.

The Ministry of Home Affairs shared the details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, stating that eligible former Agniveers will receive reservation in recruitment, age relaxation, and exemptions from certain stages of the selection process.

According to the ministry, 10% reservation has been provided in recruitment to the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Additionally, 50% of vacancies in the Constable (General Duty) posts of the CRPF's Ex-Agniveer Battalion and the Rifleman posts in Assam Rifles will be reserved for retired Agniveers.

The government has also approved relaxation in the upper age limit for former Agniveers. Eligible candidates will receive a three-year age relaxation, while those belonging to the first batch of Agniveers will be entitled to a five-year relaxation.

Retired Agniveers will also be exempt from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), although they must qualify in the remaining stages of the recruitment process applicable to the respective forces.

The announcement addresses post-service employment opportunities for Agniveers after the completion of their four-year engagement, an issue that has remained a key concern since the launch of the Agnipath scheme.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said the decision is intended to recognize the skills and training acquired during military service while enabling retired Agniveers to continue contributing to national security through the CAPFs and Assam Rifles.