75% of Agniveers who complete four years at Deedwana Defence Academy will receive an additional two-year tour of duty, making the total service tenure six years.
The central government approved the change in the cabinet on 4 November, and Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani announced it.
Key points of the change
- 75% of Agniveers who complete the original four-year service will receive an additional two-year tour of duty.
- The remaining 25% of Agniveers will be inducted into the regular army, subject to the selection process and eligibility criteria.
- The first batch’s four-year tenure will end in November‑December 2026.
Defence Academy director Doongar Ram Jakhad said, "Extending the service period from four years to six years is an encouraging decision." He added that the step will boost morale of both current Agniveers and newly recruited youth.
Parent Jatendra Poonia said, "Earlier children went for four years; now they will have the opportunity to serve for six years," and expressed hope that the change will bring new energy among youth.
Parent Omphal Singh described the decision as a "golden opportunity" for rural and middle‑class families, as many aspiring youths come from these backgrounds.
What’s next?
After completing the additional two-year period, interested Agniveers must undergo the prescribed selection process to join the regular army. The government has pledged to continue taking steps in the interest of soldiers.