Agniveer after 4 years: your options
Agniveers serve for 4 years. Here is what you get when you leave, the reservations the government has announced for former Agniveers, and where to look for work. Each point links to the official announcement.
Facts checked against official sources on 4 Nov 2026
The scheme in brief
- You serve for 4 years.
- Under the scheme as announced in June 2022, up to 25% of each batch can join the regular cadre, chosen centrally on performance.
- There is no gratuity or pension. You have life cover of Rs 48 lakh while you serve.
- As of July 2026, the Home Ministry said the first batch had not yet completed its term.
Source: PIB, Agnipath scheme, 14 Jun 2022; PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, 21 Jul 2026, checked 4 Nov 2026
Seva Nidhi: the money you get on exit
Each month, 30% of your pay package goes into the Seva Nidhi fund, and the government adds the same amount. Over 4 years that is about Rs 5.02 lakh from you and Rs 5.02 lakh from the government. With interest, the payout is about Rs 11.71 lakh, and it is tax-free.
Source: PIB, Agnipath scheme, 14 Jun 2022, checked 4 Nov 2026
Certificates and education
- A skill certificate when you leave.
- Class 12: NIOS runs a special programme for Agniveers who passed Class 10.
- A degree from IGNOU in which 50% of the credits come from your service training.
- National Trade Certificates for 47 Army trades, and preference for MSME loans if you start a business.
Source: PIB, Agnipath scheme, 14 Jun 2022; PIB, NIOS programme for Agniveers; PIB, IGNOU degree for Agniveers; PIB, Skills recognition for Agniveers, 23 Mar 2026, checked 4 Nov 2026
Reservations announced for former Agniveers
Earlier announcements set the CAPF share at 10%; the July 2026 announcement sets it at 50%. Each recruitment notice states how the reservation applies, so read the notice before you apply.
News reports mention state government quotas too. We have not listed them because we could not confirm them on official state pages; check your state government's own notification.
| Where | What has been announced | Announced |
|---|---|---|
| CAPFs and Assam Rifles, Constable (GD) and Rifleman | 50% of vacancies in a separate ex-Agniveer category; upper age relaxed by 3 years (5 years for the first batch); no physical standard, physical efficiency or written test | Home Ministry, July 2026 |
| Indian Coast Guard, defence civilian posts and the 16 defence PSUs | 10% of vacancies, on top of ex-servicemen quotas, with age relaxation | Defence Ministry, June 2022 |
| Railways | 5% in Level 2 and above, 10% in Level 1 | February 2026 |
Source: PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, 21 Jul 2026; PIB, Ministry of Defence, 18 Jun 2022; PIB, Railways reservation, 26 Feb 2026, checked 4 Nov 2026
Private-sector jobs
Private employers have no quota to fill, so show them what you did. Put your trade, your skill certificate and any course on your resume, and search VetNet by the work you did.
Frequently asked questions
How much Seva Nidhi does an Agniveer get after 4 years?
About Rs 11.71 lakh including interest, tax-free, according to the government's 2022 announcement. It is made up of your 30% monthly contribution and an equal amount from the government.
What reservation do former Agniveers get in the CAPFs?
In July 2026 the Home Ministry announced that 50% of Constable (GD) and Rifleman vacancies in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles go to a separate ex-Agniveer category, with age relaxation and no physical or written tests.
How many Agniveers become regular soldiers?
Under the scheme as announced in 2022, up to 25% of each batch can join the regular cadre, chosen on performance.
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