The Union Cabinet has approved a big change for Agniveers, the young soldiers who join the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme. Earlier, most Agniveers had to leave after four years, and only 25 per cent were taken into regular service on merit. Now, the remaining 75 per cent will get a chance to serve for two more years. This means an Agniveer can serve for up to six years in total.

After these two extra years, those who are willing and meet the selection rules can join the armed forces as regular soldiers.

Key details

  • Decision: Union Cabinet approved on 4 November 2026
  • Announced by: Chief of Defence Staff, General N. S. Raja Subramani
  • Who benefits: 75% of Agniveers not absorbed after 4 years
  • Extension: Optional 2 years — total service up to 6 years
  • Regular absorption: 25% still absorbed on merit after 4 years; after the extension, willing Agniveers can be enrolled as regular soldiers if they meet selection criteria
  • First batch: About 18,300 Agniveers finishing in late 2026

The decision was announced on 4 November by the Chief of Defence Staff, General N. S. Raja Subramani. The first batch of Agniveers, about 18,300 young people, is finishing its first four years in late 2026, so this decision comes at the right time for them.

Young people in Himachal who are preparing for defence jobs should read the official notice when it comes, because the exact rules for selection will be given there.

Source: Reports citing Hindustan Times / PIB on the Cabinet decision of 4 November 2026. Pay figures for the extension years were reported in some outlets and are not confirmed here — please check the official PIB notice for exact pay and rules.

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