Agniveers are soldiers, leaders, innovators and defenders of national sovereignty. Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said this while interacting with Agniveers. On May 20, 2024, he interacted with Agniveers soldiers undergoing training at the Maratha Regimental Center and Pilot Training School (ATS) in Belagavi.

CDS in the Maratha Regiment Center

The CDS of the Maratha Regiment Center highlighted the noble purpose of military service and its crucial role in the military framework and commended Agniveers for choosing the Armed Forces. Moreover, he explained that this demonstrated their extraordinary responsibility to the country.

General Anil Chauhan acknowledged the personal challenges faced by soldiers and their families. Moreover, he highlighted the hardships they had to endure while fighting in challenging environments. Furthermore, he assured that despite the challenges faced, the Agniveers found their journey very rewarding, The steps each person takes to achieve their personal goals lead to growth and a deep sense of pride in serving our country.

CDS explains the evolving nature of warfare and highlights the complexity and unpredictability of future conflicts. It may include cyberwarfare, artificial intelligence and asymmetric threats. Furthermore, he said these are now an integral part of the battlefield.

CDS visited the ATS in Belagavi

During the visit to the ATS in Belagavi, the CDS visited the training facility. Moreover, he gained an in-depth understanding of the Agniveervayu training of the IAF. He interacted with the third batch of Agniveers Vayu cadets undergoing training as per the revised induction model to be launched by the Ministry of Defense in 2022. Furthermore, he urged them to focus on training them to become skilled soldiers, ready to face the challenges of future wars.

CDS also emphasizes to cadets that learning is a lifelong process, especially in the evolving and dynamic field of warfare, which is technology-intensive and requires a deep sense of responsibility for the continuous improvement of capabilities. Moreover, he also talked about technology integration and continuous learning. Furthermore, he clarified the importance of staying updated and being innovative in the fight.

He advised the trainees to always cultivate the values ​​of integrity, fitness, discipline and team spirit in the pursuit of professional excellence.

Highlighting the importance of training, the CDS commended the efforts of the ATS and Maratha Regiment Center training personnel and urged them to continue striving for excellence to enhance the nation’s operational strength.

Who are Agniveers

Agniveers are recruited by the government of India in all three divisions ie Army, Navy and Airforce of the defence sector under the Agneepath Scheme. Any Indian citizen between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years can join as Agniveers. Girls can also join as Agniveers.

The Agneepath scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet in June 2022 and implemented in September 2022. Additionally, it is a new military rank.

Agniveers salary and benefits

– Recruited Agniveer will start with a monthly package of Rs 30000. Additionally, they will get allowances and benefits provided to the regular defence forces.

– The tenure of Agniveers is for four years only.

– Agniveers will get a fixed yearly increment of 10%

– Agniveers will get 30 days’ leave in a year. Sick leave will be granted on medical advice. Grant of leave is subject to conditions and emergencies.

– Agniveers will get all the medical facilities at military hospitals.

– Agniveers are covered by the life insurance schemes.

– An Agniveer Corpus Fund will be created and managed by the Ministry of Defence. In this fund, an Agniveer has to contribute 30% of the monthly package. Additionally, the same amount will be contributed by the Government to secure the future of an Agniveer after his services. Furthermore, this corpus fund is Income tax exempted.

Benefits for Agniveers

1 Proud service

Every citizen of India has the ambition to join the armed forces and serve the nation with the enthusiasm of doing or dying for the nation.

We are proud of our armed forces and salute our brave soldiers.

Youth have the opportunities to make their parents, relatives, friends and acquaints feel pride and gain self-pride.

2 Emoluments and facilities

Compensations for serving the nation at a very young age are fairly good enough.

You can save a good amount of money after four years of service which is a dream for many young boys who are struggling to find a job at the age of 25-30 years after completing their studies.

3 Opportunities Ahead for Agniveers

After serving for four years you have multiple opportunities.

a) Get direct recruitment in the Indian Armed Forces (25% of Agniveers will be directly selected.)

b) Central and a few states have declared priority for Agniveer in recruiting in other forces.

c) A lot of private organisations have shown their concern in selecting their employees from the Agniveers.

d) You can start your business with your savings and bank loans. Banks have agreed to give loans to the Agniveers.

4 Skill Development

You are bound to develop your skills during the training and services at no extra cost.

Many youths pay for skill development courses to progress in life. These skills will help you make your future in a particular field.

5 Personality Development

Disciplined life in the armed forces and many other activities help you to develop your personality.

You will come out as a new person in you who is not afraid of any challenges of life.

Drawbacks of Becoming Agniveers

I don’t think any disadvantages still a few worries may come to your mind.

1 Daring Job of Agniveers

It’s a hard job. You have to always be ready to sacrifice your life for the nation.

If you are not daring, not fulfilled with patriotic feelings this job is not for you.

2 Short Tenure 

If you are looking for a permanent government job then you should wait and prepare yourself for such jobs which may or may not be announced in the coming years. 

By that time you may cross the age limit. Although many states may offer age-limit relaxation for Agniveers.

The short tenure of the Agniveers is a problematic issue for those who are looking for a permanent government job. 

3 Rehabilitate 

After four years of your services, you have reestablished yourself and your career.

You have to mentally prepare yourself for life lifelong career. 

Probably you have to join some courses or recontinue your higher studies to make your career.

SUM UP

If you are young, patriotic, energetic, physically and mentally fit, daring and believe in yourself then the Agneepath scheme is for you.

If you are a little bit confused and still not clear your doubts it is advisable not to apply at least in the Agneepath scheme.