India's Agniveer Scheme Sees Major Changes Ahead of Elections

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (4 November 2026) announced a major change in the Agniveer scheme. Now after 4 years, 25 per cent will get a job and the remaining 75 per cent will get a job in the army after 2 years of additional engagement. The opposition is attacking the government on issues like youth resentment and unemployment in the country. Assembly elections in five states are due early next year. In such a situation, before the elections in states like Uttarakhand, Punjab and UP, changes in the Agniveer scheme are also being seen by linking it to the elections. The biggest question among the youth about the Agniveer scheme is what will be the future after 4 years of service? For Gen-Z preparing for recruitment in the army, permanent jobs, career security and family responsibility are important issues. The Agneepath scheme started in 2022 had a provision to keep a maximum of 25 per cent of Agniveers in regular service after four years of service. The remaining 75 per cent had to be out of service. The government has decided to change the Agniveer scheme on the basis of 75 years of regular service.