Government jobOwn pay structureGroup NANon‑gazetted
Agniveer (Indian Army)
अग्निवीर (भारतीय सेना)
Four-year engagement in the Army under the Agnipath scheme — a fixed monthly package, no pension, and up to 25% retained.
Indian Army · Ministry of Defence · defence government
- Exam
- Agnipath
- Qualification
- 10th pass
- Age limit
- 17–21 years
- Transfers
- Anywhere in India
- Work hours
- Full-time military duty; not a job with working hours
- Probation
- As per rules
Monthly salary (gross)
₹30,000–₹40,000
Fixed package under the Agnipath scheme: ₹30,000 a month in year 1, rising to ₹40,000 in year 4. 30% is deducted for the Seva Nidhi corpus and matched by the government, so in-hand pay is about ₹21,000 to ₹28,000. A tax-free Seva Nidhi of roughly ₹10–12 lakh is paid on exit. There is no DA, pension or gratuity.
What you will actually do
- Basic and trade training at a regimental centre for about six months
- Guard, patrol and operational duties with the unit
- Weapon handling, drills and physical training
- Maintaining equipment, vehicles and the camp
- Deployment in field areas, including borders and counter-insurgency zones
A typical day
After training you join a unit and live the routine of any soldier: early physical training, weapons or trade training, maintenance work, guard duty by roster and games in the evening. In a field area that changes to long patrols and standing sentry at a post in harsh weather. You live in barracks and get leave of about 30 days a year. Through the four years you are assessed for possible retention.
Promotion path
Timelines are ranges and vary by cadre. See how promotions and MACP work.
Agniveer (Indian Army) (joining)
Own pay structure
Regular soldier (Sepoy)
After 4 years, for up to 25% of each batch selected on merit and need; they then serve a further 15 years with pension · via dpc
Promotion timelines vary by cadre and vacancies. If not promoted, MACP gives a pay upgrade after 10, 20 and 30 years.
How to get in
Indian Army (Army Recruiting Offices)
- 1.Online common entrance examination
- 2.Recruitment rally: physical fitness and measurement tests
- 3.Medical examination
Eligibility: Agniveer General Duty: Class 10 pass with 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject. Technical, Clerk/Store Keeper and Tradesman categories have their own requirements (Class 8 to Class 12). Age 17–21. The age band is 17½ to 21 years. No category-based relaxation applies.
Physical standards: 1.6 km run (within 5 minutes 30 seconds for the top group), pull-ups, 9-foot ditch and zig-zag balance. Height, weight and chest standards vary by region and category.
The good
- Military training and discipline at a young age
- A sizeable tax-free corpus at 21–25
- Preference in later CAPF and police recruitment
The hard parts
- About three in four leave after four years with no pension
- Fixed pay, lower than a regular soldier's
- You must restart your career or studies in your mid-twenties
Postings
Anywhere the Army is deployed, including high-altitude and border areas. You do not choose the location.
Questions people ask
What is the qualification and age limit for Agniveer (Indian Army)?+
Agniveer General Duty: Class 10 pass with 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject. Technical, Clerk/Store Keeper and Tradesman categories have their own requirements (Class 8 to Class 12). Age: 17–21 years. Relaxation: The age band is 17½ to 21 years. No category-based relaxation applies.
Which exam do I need to clear for Agniveer (Indian Army)?+
Agnipath (Indian Army (Army Recruiting Offices)).
Do Agniveers get a pension?+
No. Only those selected as regular soldiers after four years become eligible for pension, and their Agniveer years do not count toward it.
Can women apply?+
Yes, in specified categories such as Military Police, as notified each year.
Compare with similar posts
Agniveervayu (Indian Air Force)
अग्निवीरवायु (भारतीय वायु सेना)
Four-year engagement in the Air Force under the Agnipath scheme — a fixed package, no pension, and up to 25% retained as airmen.
Agniveer SSR / MR (Indian Navy)
अग्निवीर एसएसआर / एमआर (भारतीय नौसेना)
Four-year engagement as a sailor in the Navy under the Agnipath scheme — a fixed package, no pension, up to 25% retained.
Constable (General Duty), CAPF
कांस्टेबल (जीडी)
Pay Level 3 post via SSC GD — armed guard, patrol and security duty in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles.
Sources
This profile is being reviewed. Confirm details in the latest official notification. Salary computed from pay rules as of January 2026.