After completing an additional two-year tenure, all Agniveers will be eligible for enrollment as regular soldiers , subject to their willingness and meeting the selection criteria, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday (November 7, 2026).
Singh’s remarks during an interaction with air warriors at West Bengal’s Bagdogra Air Force station came three days after the government announced that Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure will be given an additional two-year extension and subsequent permanent recruitment subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria. Mr. The decision to provide an additional two-year extension and subsequent permanent recruitment was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani announced the changes in the scheme on Wednesday, just over three weeks before around 18,300 Agniveers were to exit the armed forces after completing their four-year tenure.
Mr.
Singh said the decision is a “significant Diwali gift for Agniveers” and reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the defence forces personnel and their families. The step would provide Agniveers with another opportunity to serve the nation, he said. Upon completion of the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will get an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and their meeting selection criteria, he said. Gen Subramani said the government’s decision will open a “pathway” for all Agniveers, ensuring almost all of them are going to be absorbed into the defence forces.
