Indian Army Initiates Major Agniveer Recruitment Drive for 2026-27
The Indian Army has officially launched a substantial recruitment campaign for Agniveer roles this year, announcing the availability of over 25,000 positions nationwide. This initiative follows the release of an official notification for the 2026-27 cycle, with the application window now open and set to close on April 1.
Background and Expansion of the Agnipath Scheme
The Agnipath scheme was first introduced on June 14, 2022, designed as a four-year recruitment program. Initially, it opened a total of 46,000 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force, with 40,000 allocated to the Army and the remainder distributed between the Navy and IAF. As the first batch of Agniveers approaches the completion of their four-year term by late 2026, coupled with ongoing retirements, the Army is intensifying its hiring efforts to stabilize manpower levels.
In response to a significant shortfall of nearly 1.8 lakh soldiers, the Army aims to escalate the annual recruitment of Agniveers to over 1 lakh vacancies, a substantial increase from the current 46,000. This strategic move is part of a broader plan to address personnel gaps and ensure operational readiness.
Salary Structure and Financial Benefits for Agniveers
For the 2026 recruitment cycle, selected candidates will benefit from a specially structured monthly salary package. The starting salary is set at Rs 30,000 for the first month, with an annual increment of Rs 5,000 each subsequent year. By the fourth year, the salary will reach Rs 40,000.
Agniveers are required to contribute 30% of their salary to the Agniveer Corpus Fund, with the government matching this contribution annually. After this deduction, the in-hand salary will range from Rs 21,000 in the first year to Rs 28,000 in the fourth year, providing a clear financial progression throughout the service period.
Position Categories and Selection Process Details
The over 25,000 available posts span multiple categories, including:
- General Duty (GD)
- Technical roles
- Clerk/Storekeeper Technical
- Tradesman positions
- Soldier Pharma
- Soldier Technical Nursing Assistant
- Women Military Police
The registration process commenced on February 13 and will continue until the April 1 deadline. The selection procedure is structured into three distinct phases:
- A computer-based test (CBT) to assess basic knowledge and aptitude.
- A recruitment rally for physical and medical evaluations.
- Document verification to finalize candidate eligibility and credentials.
This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough assessment of applicants, aligning with the Army's standards for quality and capability in its new recruits.
