The Indian government will reserve 50% [1] of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers.
This move provides a structured transition for soldiers recruited under the Agnipath scheme into civilian security roles. By leveraging existing military training, the government aims to fill paramilitary ranks with experienced personnel while offering them long-term employment options.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said the armed forces will provide the lists of eligible ex-Agniveers for recruitment. This coordination ensures that the CAPFs can identify qualified candidates who have already completed their initial service terms.
Along with the reservation, the government announced age-relaxation provisions for these recruits. These benefits are designed to account for the time spent in service under the Agnipath scheme, ensuring that former soldiers are not disqualified based on age when applying for these roles.
The recruitment process is intended to streamline the movement of personnel into the CAPFs and Assam Rifles. The Ministry of Home Affairs said this approach will also help the forces meet their specific caste-based reservation requirements through the curated lists provided by the armed forces.
Ex-Agniveers will enter a new recruitment category specifically created for their transition. This category recognizes the unique training and discipline acquired during their tenure in the Indian armed forces, distinguishing them from general civilian applicants.
“The Indian government will reserve 50% of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers.”
This policy addresses a primary criticism of the Agnipath scheme: the lack of guaranteed long-term employment for the majority of recruits who are not retained by the regular army. By reserving half of the vacancies in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles, the Indian government is creating a secondary labor market for military-trained youth, effectively shifting the burden of long-term employment from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
