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The Agnipath Scheme is the route through which young Indians join the Army, Navy and Air Force as Agniveers for a four-year term. Introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2022, the Agnipath Scheme recruits soldiers, sailors and airmen below officer rank. At the end of four years, up to 25% of each batch can be selected for regular service, and all Agniveers receive a tax-free Seva Nidhi package.
This guide explains the Agnipath Scheme eligibility, pay, Seva Nidhi, selection process and how Kerala candidates can apply.
Agnipath Scheme – Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Term of engagement | 4 years, including training |
| Services | Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force |
| Rank | Below officer rank (Agniveer) |
| Retention | Up to 25% of each batch can join regular cadre |
| Exit package | Seva Nidhi (tax-free) |
| Insurance | Non-contributory life cover of ₹48 lakh during service |
Agnipath Scheme Pay Structure
| Year | Monthly package | In-hand (approx.) | 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 |
The government adds an equal amount to the Seva Nidhi fund. After four years, an Agniveer gets about ₹10.04 lakh plus interest as a tax-free Seva Nidhi package. Allowances such as risk and hardship, dress and travel are paid as applicable.
Eligibility Under the Agnipath Scheme
- Age: 17.5 to 21 years (the upper limit may be relaxed in some recruitment years; check each notice).
- Education: Depends on the category. For Army Agniveer General Duty, Class 10 with at least 45% marks overall. Technical, clerk and tradesman categories have different requirements. Navy and Air Force Agniveer posts require Class 12 or a diploma in the specified subjects.
- Physical standards: Height, chest and weight standards differ by region and service. Candidates from Kerala must meet the standards listed for their region.
- Gender: Women can apply in categories opened to them, such as Women Military Police in the Army and Agniveer posts in the Navy and Air Force.
Selection Process
| Service | Selection steps |
|---|---|
| Army | Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE), then recruitment rally with physical fitness test, physical measurement, adaptability test and medical |
| Navy | Online test, physical fitness test and medical |
| Air Force | Online test, physical fitness test, adaptability tests and medical |
How to Apply for the Agnipath Scheme
- Army: Register on joinindianarmy.nic.in when the Agniveer notification is issued for your Army Recruiting Office (ARO). Kerala falls under ARO Thiruvananthapuram and ARO Kozhikode.
- Navy: Apply on joinindiannavy.gov.in for Agniveer SSR or MR.
- Air Force: Apply on agnipathvayu.cdac.in for Agniveervayu intake.
Each service releases its own notification with dates and fees. Applications are only online.
Benefits After Four Years
- Seva Nidhi package of about ₹10 lakh plus interest
- Agniveer skill certificate and credits for higher education
- Reservation and age relaxation announced by several central and state organisations, including CAPFs and some state police forces
- Discipline, fitness and technical skills valued by employers
Preparation Tips for Kerala Candidates
- Start running daily; the 1.6 km run is the most important part of the physical test.
- Practise pull-ups, zig-zag balance and long jump for Army rallies.
- Revise Class 10 Maths, Science and General Knowledge for the online test.
- Keep certificates, domicile, caste and character certificates ready before the rally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is service under the Agnipath Scheme?
Four years, including training.
What is the Seva Nidhi amount?
About ₹10.04 lakh plus interest, tax-free, at the end of four years.
Can Agniveers become permanent soldiers?
Yes. Up to 25% of each batch can be selected for the regular cadre based on merit and vacancies.
Where do Kerala candidates apply for Army Agniveer?
On joinindianarmy.nic.in under ARO Thiruvananthapuram or ARO Kozhikode.
Related: Agniveer Recruitment | Indian Army Jobs
Disclaimer: Kerala Job News is not affiliated with any government department, recruiting body or employer mentioned here. This article is compiled from Ministry of Defence information on the Agnipath Scheme for general information only. Details can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Kerala Job News never charges money for job information.
