Indian Army Launches Major Agniveer Recruitment Drive for 2026 with Over 25,000 Positions
The Indian Army has officially released the much-anticipated notification for the Agniveer Recruitment 2026, marking a significant recruitment drive under the transformative Agnipath scheme. The comprehensive details and application portal are now live on the official website, joinindianarmy.nic.in, inviting aspiring candidates to apply for a diverse array of roles.
Extensive Vacancy Details and Application Timeline
This recruitment cycle advertises a substantial number of over 25,000 vacancies spread across multiple categories, catering to a wide range of educational and skill backgrounds. The available posts include:
- General Duty (GD)
- Technical roles
- Clerk/Storekeeper Technical
- Tradesman positions
- Soldier Pharma
- Soldier Technical Nursing Assistant
- Women Military Police
Prospective applicants should note that the online application window opened on February 13, 2026, and will remain accessible until April 1, 2026. This nationwide recruitment initiative is exclusively conducted under the Agnipath scheme framework, where selected candidates will embark on a four-year service tenure with the Indian Army.
Educational Qualifications and Physical Eligibility Criteria
The educational requirements for these positions vary significantly depending on the specific role. Candidates may qualify with educational backgrounds ranging from 8th pass to 12th pass and graduation levels. Age eligibility is strictly defined, with applicants required to be between 17.5 years and 21 years old at the time of application.
Physical standards form a crucial component of the eligibility assessment. The minimum physical requirements include a height of 170 centimeters and a chest measurement of 77 centimeters unexpanded, with a mandatory expansion capability of 5 centimeters. These standards ensure candidates meet the rigorous physical demands of military service.
Application Fee and Payment Methods
All candidates, regardless of category, must pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 250. This fee is exclusively payable through online methods via the SBI Portal. Accepted payment options include:
- Net banking facilities
- Credit card transactions
- Debit card payments
Applicants should complete this payment carefully, as the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances once submitted.
Comprehensive Three-Stage Selection Process
The selection methodology for Agniveer Recruitment 2026 involves a rigorous three-phase evaluation process designed to assess candidates thoroughly:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): Also known as the Common Entrance Examination (CEE), this online test covers subjects including General Knowledge, General Science, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and General English. The specific subject combination varies according to the applied post.
- Recruitment Rally: Candidates who successfully clear the CBT proceed to this physical assessment phase.
- Document Verification: The final stage involves thorough verification of all submitted documents and credentials.
The CBT examination pattern differs by post category. For General Duty positions, the test comprises 50 questions worth 100 marks. Technical and Clerk/Storekeeper posts feature 50 questions valued at 200 marks, with subject variations tailored to role requirements.
Physical Assessment Components at Recruitment Rally
The recruitment rally presents a challenging physical evaluation that includes multiple components:
- A demanding 1.6 kilometer run to assess endurance
- Pull-up exercises to measure upper body strength
- Navigation of a 9-foot ditch to test agility and courage
- Zig-zag balance tests to evaluate coordination and stability
- Comprehensive physical measurement examinations
- Detailed medical examinations to ensure fitness standards
This multifaceted assessment ensures only the most physically capable candidates progress in the selection process.
Attractive Compensation Structure Under Agnipath Scheme
Selected Agniveers will benefit from a specially designed compensation package that increases progressively over the four-year service period. The monthly salary structure begins at Rs. 30,000 during the first year, with incremental raises of Rs. 5,000 each subsequent year. By the fourth year, the monthly salary reaches Rs. 40,000.
The actual in-hand salary reflects deductions for the Agniveer Corpus Fund, with candidates contributing 30 percent of their salary to this fund. The Government of India provides an equal matching contribution annually. Consequently, the net monthly in-hand salary ranges from approximately Rs. 21,000 in the first year to around Rs. 28,000 by the fourth year.
This recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for young Indians to serve the nation while developing valuable skills and discipline through structured military training and experience.
