Class 10 or 12 → Agnipath Scheme → Agniveer (4-year Defence Service)

Class 10 or 12 students between 17.5–23 years of age can join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force under the Agnipath scheme as Agniveers — a 4-year short-service military engagement. Agniveers receive a monthly salary of ₹30,000–₹40,000 (rising over 4 years) plus risk and hardship allowances, and a Seva Nidhi corpus of approximately ₹11.71 lakh at exit. 25% of Agniveers are retained as regular soldiers each cycle; the remainder receive priority in paramilitary, state police, and central government recruitment, along with skill certificates useful in private security and logistics industries.

Duration after Class 10: 4 years

Qualification path

1. 1

   Class 10 (Army general duty / some trades) or Class 12 any stream

   0 yrs

   Age limit: 17.5 to 21 years at time of enrolment

2. 2

   Agnipath written exam + physical fitness test + medical test

   0 yrs

3. 3

   Agniveer — 4-year service in Army / Navy / Air Force

   4 yrs

   Salary: ₹30,000–40,000 per month + allowances, rising each year of service

4. 4

   After 4 years: 25% retained for permanent service. 75% receive ₹11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi (tax-free) + priority in CAPF and state police recruitment.

   0 yrs