AGNIPATH SCHEME: The Agnipath Scheme Was Introduced In June 2022

 1. Who is an Agniveer?

An Agniveer is a young soldier enrolled under the Agnipath scheme for a period of 4 years, including training.

2. Service Terms for Agniveers:

Duration of service: 4 years (fixed)
Covered under Army, Navy and AF Acts
Can be posted anywhere – by land, sea, or air

Not eligible for pension, gratuity, Ex-Serviceman status, or CSD/ECHS benefits after 4 years
Will wear a distinct uniform insignia during service

 3. After 4 Years – What Happens?

• All Agniveers are discharged after 4 years.
  
• They receive a Seva Nidhi Package – a lump sum of ~₹10.04 lakh (Govt matches their savings + interest).
  
• They get a Skill Certificate and (if applicable) a Class 12 Certificate.
  
• No pension or long-term benefits.

 4. Chance to Join Regular Army:

• Only up to 25% of each batch may be selected for permanent (regular) service in the Indian Army.
  
• Selection is based on performance, merit, and medical fitness.
  
• Those selected serve for another 15 years and become regular soldiers with full benefits.
  

 5. Pay & Salary:

Agniveers get a customised monthly salary, which increases every year:

Year	Monthly Package	In-hand Salary	30% Contribution to Seva Nidhi
1st Year	₹30,000	₹21,000	₹9,000
2nd Year	₹33,000	₹23,100	₹9,900
3rd Year	₹36,500	₹25,580	₹10,950
4th Year	₹40,000	₹28,000	₹12,000

Govt contributes an equal amount to the Seva Nidhi fund.

No Dearness Allowance or Military Service Pay, but risk, hardship, ration, travel & dress allowances are provided.

 6. Medical, Leave & Training:

• Entitled to military hospital treatment during service.
  
• CSD facility allowed during 4-year term.
  
• 30 days annual leave + sick leave as per medical advice.
  
• Full military training provided after enrolment.
  

 7. Insurance Cover:

• ₹48 lakh life insurance during the 4-year service.
  
• No contribution is required from the Agniveer.
  
• Not eligible for Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF).

 8. Discharge or Early Exit:

• Normally, service ends after 4 years.
  
• Voluntary exit is not allowed, except in rare exceptional cases approved by competent authority.
  
• Army may discharge Agniveers early under Army Act provisions.
  

 SPECIAL CASES: DEATH OR DISABILITY IN SERVICE

 Death on Duty (Category Y or Z):

• ₹48 lakh insurance
  
• ₹44 lakh ex gratia compensation
  
• Full salary for remaining years (up to 4 years)
  
• Full Seva Nidhi (with govt contribution and interest)
  

 Death Not on Duty (Category X):

• ₹48 lakh insurance
  
• Seva Nidhi (with govt contribution and interest)
  

Disability Due to Service (Attributed/Aggravated):

• One-time ex gratia:
  
  • ₹44 lakh for 100% disability
    
  • ₹25 lakh for 75% disability
    
  • ₹15 lakh for 50% disability
    
  • Proportionally reduced if disability is between 20%-49%
    
• Full pay for remaining years up to 4 years
  
• Seva Nidhi (with govt contribution and interest)

 Summary of Key Benefits for Agniveers:

Category	Seva Nidhi	Insurance	Pension	Ex Gratia	Rejoining Army
Normal Exit (4 yrs)	Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	Possible (25%)
Death (Service-related)	Yes	₹48L	❌ No	₹44L	❌ N/A
Disability (Service-related)	Yes		❌ No	₹15–44L	❌ N/A
Voluntary Exit (Rare)	Only own contribution	❌	❌	❌	❌

• A matter involving a similar issue is presently pending adjudication before the Hon’ble Armed Forces Tribunal, Regional Bench at Lucknow, vide OA No. 1088/2024, wherein the applicant has sought the grant of disability/invalid pension under the Agnipath Scheme. The next date of hearing in the said case is 18.07.2025.

The Agnipath Scheme applies uniformly across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but there are some key differences in implementation due to the nature of operations, training, and service conditions in each force. The core structure remains the same, but certain terms, benefits, and pathways differ slightly.

Common Features Across Army, Navy, and Air Force:

Feature	Army / Navy / Air Force
Duration	4 years (including training)
Rank	Agniveer (distinct from regular ranks)
Age Limit	17.5 to 21 years (extendable as per notification)
No pension/gratuity	Common to all
Seva Nidhi package	₹10.04+ lakhs (including interest)
Life Insurance	₹48 lakhs non-contributory
Ex-gratia for disability/death	₹15–₹44 lakhs (disability); ₹44 lakhs (death)
Post-4-year absorption	Max 25% selected for permanent cadre
Skill certificate + Class 12 certificate (if eligible)	Available in all branches

Key Differences in Army, Navy, and Air Force:

1. Indian Army 

• Deployment: Land-based operations (terrain, combat zones, borders).
  
• Training: Infantry, artillery, signals, engineers, etc.
  
• Ranks: Agniveer General Duty, Agniveer Tradesman, etc.
  
• Exit Options: Regular Army selection after 4 years is competitive and based on central criteria.

2.  Indian Navy 

• Deployment: Sea-based operations, ships, submarines, naval bases.
  
• Training: Includes seafaring duties, marine engineering, communication, etc.
  
• Ranks: Agniveer (SSR – Senior Secondary Recruit) and MR (Matric Recruit).
  
• Special Terms:
  
  • Sea time training (onboard ships)
    
  • Maritime operations and underwater work
    
• Women: Inducted under Agnipath in both SSR and MR roles.

3. Indian Air Force 

• Deployment: Air stations, base repair depots, air defence, flying squadrons.
  
• Training: Technical and non-technical trades (mechanical, electronics, administration).
  
• Ranks: Agniveer Vayu
  
• Unique Features:
  • Online STAR (Selection Test for Airmen Recruitment)
    
  • Higher educational qualifications may apply
    
  • Class 12 with Maths & Physics for technical trades

Distinctions for  Cases (like Disability Pension):

• Nature of risk exposure differs (e.g., submarines for Navy, high-altitude combat for Army, flight line exposure for Air Force).
  
• These may affect attributability/aggravation rulings in disability claims.

Author Kumari Eti @ajitkakkar Asociates

Ajit Kakkar & Associates, New Delhi, appears before the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court and other high courts,  the Central Administrative Tribunal and Armed Forces Tribunal (Principal Bench) in matters related to Service law for Army, Navy, Air Force, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, Coast Guard, Assam Rifles, GREF, Delhi Police, Civilian Govt Employees and other Govt employees.