In a major policy shift aimed at securing the future of youth recruited under the Agnipath scheme, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially notified a massive hike in reservations for ex-Agniveers.
Effective from Friday, December 19, 2025, the quota for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts (primarily constables) across the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been raised from the previous 10 percent to 50 percent.
Key Details of the New Reservation Policy
The notification specifically targets the recruitment of trained personnel into paramilitary forces as the first batch of Agniveers prepares to complete their four-year tenure in 2026.
- 50% Quota in BSF: The Ministry first notified the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, (Amendment) Rules, 2025. This amendment mandates that 50 percent of vacant constable posts in every recruitment year will now be reserved for ex-Agniveers.
- Expansion to Other Forces: Similar amendments are being rolled out for other CAPFs, including the CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and the Assam Rifles.
- Physical Test Exemptions: Ex-Agniveers will continue to be exempted from the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), acknowledging the rigorous physical training they have already undergone in the armed forces.
- Written Examination: Despite the reservation and physical exemptions, ex-Agniveers will still be required to appear for and pass the written examinations alongside regular candidates.
- Phased Recruitment: In the first phase of any recruitment drive, the Nodal Force will conduct recruitment specifically for the 50 percent of vacancies earmarked for ex-Agniveers. The remaining 47 percent (plus 3 percent for other specific categories) will be filled through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in the second phase.
Strategic Impact: Tapping into Trained Manpower
The move is seen as a strategic win-win for both the recruits and the national security apparatus:
- Career Security: The decision directly addresses concerns regarding the long-term employment of the 75 percent of Agniveers who are not retained by the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force after their four-year stint.
- Reduced Training Costs: For the CAPFs, recruiting ex-Agniveers provides them with a pool of pre-trained, disciplined, and battle-hardened soldiers. This significantly reduces the time and costs associated with basic training before they can be deployed to border or internal security duties.
- Age Relaxations: The policy continues to offer age relaxations (five years for the first batch and three years for subsequent batches), ensuring that even those who joined the Agnipath scheme at the upper age limit remain eligible for CAPF service.
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