Agnipath Scheme Gets 2-Year Extension as Centre Increases Service Period from 4 to 6 Years

On 4 November 2026, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani announced that the Centre has lengthened the service period of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. The Union Cabinet cleared a revised plan that gives every Agniveer a route to regular enrollment in the Armed Forces. The decision comes as the first batch, which joined after the scheme began on 14 June 2022, is about to finish its four-year term.

75% of Agniveers Will Now Be Offered a Two-Year Tenure

With the extension, an Agniveer can now serve up to six years, which is why the change is described as a rise from 4 to 6 years.

Government Introduces 4 Major Changes to the  Agnipath Scheme

The CDS explained the revised scheme through four points:

1. 25% of each batch will still be taken into the regular forces on merit.
2. The remaining 75%, who earlier had to leave after four years, will now be offered two more years of service.
3. After this extra period, every Agniveer who wishes to stay can be enrolled in the Armed Forces.
4. Selection will follow objective criteria.

CDS Announces New Pathways for Regular Enrollment

General Subramani said the Cabinet has created a path for all Agniveers to be absorbed into the Indian Army. Earlier, most of them went back to civilian life as disciplined and motivated youth. The new plan works in stages: first four years of service, then two more years, and then regular enrollment for those who are willing and selected on objective criteria.

What Is the Agnipath Scheme?

The Union Cabinet introduced Agnipath in 2022 to recruit youth as Agniveers in the Armed Forces under the respective Service Acts for four years. Its aim is to let young people serve the country and take part in nation-building, while keeping the forces young and dynamic. When it began, the government said Agniveers would be assessed continuously and the scheme would be reviewed from time to time.

Why Was the Agnipath Scheme Changed?

The Army, Navy and Air Force have been evaluating Agniveers for four years. The CDS said the feedback on their performance and conduct has been very positive. Many people felt four years was too short. Because of this, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra had already announced reservations for Agniveers in police and other services.