The Union Cabinet has approved an extra two-year engagement for Agniveers not selected for regular service, with a fresh route into the permanent cadre of the armed forces.

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• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the change on 4 November 2026.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the additional two-year engagement as a "Second Tour of Duty" for Agniveers.
• The extension applies to the 75% of Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after their initial four-year tenure.
• The existing provision to absorb 25% of Agniveers into the regular forces on merit after four years continues unchanged.
• Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani announced the decision after the Cabinet meeting.
• Agniveers opting for the extension will get a fixed monthly package of Rs 43,500 in the fifth year and Rs 47,500 in the sixth, plus allowances.
• A fresh Seva Nidhi will be built during the two years, with Rs 3.28 lakh from the Agniveer and Rs 7.64 lakh from the government.
• The combined contribution of Rs 10.92 lakh is calculated without interest.
• On completing the second tour, all willing Agniveers will be offered a chance to enrol in the regular cadre, subject to objective selection criteria.
• The Indian Air Force's Air Vice Marshal Shekhar Yadav said the forces recommended the extension after an assessment of Agniveers' performance and operational needs.
• The Agnipath scheme was introduced in June 2022 to give the armed forces a younger profile and open opportunities to youth.
• The Opposition has criticised the move, raising concerns over long-term job security, while the BJP has welcomed it as strengthening the forces.