Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to provide an additional two-year service opportunity to Agniveers, describing the move as a recognition of their dedication and contribution to national security. He also reaffirmed that the Assam government’s 12% reservation policy for eligible former Agniveers would continue to support those pursuing careers outside the armed forces.
The decision, approved by the Union Cabinet on November 4, 2026, introduces a significant change to the Agnipath recruitment scheme. Under the revised arrangement, 25% of Agniveers completing their initial four-year tenure will continue to be selected for regular military service based on merit, while the remaining 75% will be offered an additional two-year engagement period, subject to their willingness.
Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani, addressing a Cabinet briefing in New Delhi, explained that the revised framework creates an additional pathway for Agniveers to enter the regular armed forces. After completing the extended two-year tenure, willing personnel will be considered for regular enrolment, provided they meet the prescribed objective selection criteria.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the decision followed an extensive assessment of Agniveers’ performance over the past four years. The evaluation highlighted their physical fitness, discipline, motivation, technical adaptability and operational capabilities. The extended engagement period will also provide higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.
Welcoming the development, Sarma praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision, saying it demonstrated the government’s commitment to soldiers’ welfare and national security requirements. He observed that the first batch of Agniveers had earned the confidence of the armed forces through their service and performance.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reiterated that Assam’s 12% horizontal reservation for eligible former Agniveers would remain in place. The policy covers specified government recruitment positions, including posts in the Assam Police, Forest Department, prisons, State Disaster Response Force and other designated services.
The reservation is intended to help eligible permanent residents of Assam who complete their initial four-year military engagement and pursue civilian employment. Recruitment under the state’s policy is expected to begin in 2027, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
The revised Central scheme and Assam’s reservation policy provide additional career options for Agniveers, allowing eligible personnel to seek continued military service or pursue employment opportunities after completing their initial engagement.
