Source: TH
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: The Union Home Ministry has notified an increase in reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group-C posts of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from 10% to 50%, starting with the Border Security Force (BSF).
About Govt. to increase reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs to 50%:
What it is?
- The Ministry of Home Affairs has amended recruitment rules to reserve 50% of constable (Group-C) vacancies in CAPFs for ex-Agniveers, beginning with the Border Security Force.
Earlier policy:
- In 2022, the government announced 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs.
- Additional relaxations included 5 years age relaxation for the first batch and 3 years for subsequent batches.
- Ex-Agniveers were required to compete through regular recruitment processes.
New proposal / changes:
- 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers in every recruitment year for constable posts.
- Ex-Agniveers are exempted from PST/PET, but must clear the written examination like other candidates.
- Recruitment will be done in two phases:
- Phase-1: Nodal CAPF recruits ex-Agniveers for 50% vacancies.
- Phase-2: SSC recruits remaining candidates (including 10% ex-servicemen).
- Age limit for absorption of BSF Combatised Constable (Tradesmen) relaxed from 30 to 35 years.
- Recruitment rules of other CAPFs (CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles) to be amended gradually.
About Agnipath Scheme:
What it is?
- A short-term military recruitment scheme under which selected youth are enrolled as Agniveers for a four-year service period in the Armed Forces.
Launched in: June 2022
Key features:
- Tenure: 4 years (including training).
- No pension or gratuity for Agniveers after exit.
- Seva Nidhi package: ~₹10.04 lakh (tax-free) on exit after 4 years.
- Pay: Starts at ₹30,000/month (Year 1) and rises to ₹40,000/month (Year 4).
- Regular cadre intake: Up to 25% of each batch may be absorbed into the permanent cadre based on performance.
- Insurance: ₹48 lakh non-contributory life cover during service.
- Skill & education benefits: Skill certificate and Class-12 equivalent certification (for those enrolled after Class 10).
