ગુજરાતી
English
Vadodara, October 29, 2025
The Indian Army employs approximately 100,000 Agni Veer. A survey conducted in Gujarat raises questions about the country’s future.
Agni Veer are proud to serve the country, but due to short tenure, job insecurity, and limited benefits, they also experience stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. Many Agni Veer feel they are valued less than regular soldiers. They need psychological support, career stability, and ensuring their dignity.
Regarding the Agniveer Scheme implemented by the central government for recruitment into the army, Manish Jangid, a student of the Master of Social Work program at the Faculty of Social Work, MS University, Vadodara, conducted a research study on 50 Agniveers selected from different parts of India under the guidance of Professor Dr. Sharmishtha Solanki.
Soldiers selected under the Agniveer Scheme serve in the army for four years. Subsequently, 25 percent of them are selected for regular service. The limited tenure of service has had a negative impact on job satisfaction.
Findings revealed that 72 percent of Agniveers experience job stress, and 52 percent are concerned about the job opportunities available after completing their four-year term.
48 percent reported moderate job stress, and 26 percent reported high job stress. 12 percent reported no stress at all.
52 percent were satisfied with the mental health support provided, and 22 percent were dissatisfied. Only 4 percent reported widespread dissatisfaction. 72 percent said this impacted job satisfaction.
46 percent expressed concern about job opportunities after four years, and 8 percent expressed deep concern. 34 percent expressed a positive view of job opportunities after four years.
60 percent had a negative opinion of the scheme.
54% expressed a desire to be selected for long-term service after four years of service, while 26% did not show interest or confidence in being selected for permanent service.
38% were satisfied with the training they received, and 40% were dissatisfied. 22% remained neutral.
60% had a more or less negative opinion of the scheme. 26% expressed satisfaction with the scheme, and 14% remained neutral.
Suggestions and Recommendations
The tenure of Agniveer should be increased from four years to 15 years.
More than 25% of soldiers should be selected for permanent jobs.
Gratuity, savings-based packages, and partial pensions should be made mandatory.
More awards and certificates should be given to boost morale.
Implement a confidential system to safely express concerns.
How many soldiers have been recruited?
So far, recruitment has been conducted in several phases across the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) under the Agnipath scheme. As of July 2024, reports indicate that approximately 100,000 Agniveers had joined the Army, of whom approximately 70% were deployed to their respective units.
Here is some more information about the three services:
Indian Army: Approximately 40,000 Agniveers joined the first batch. Training for the third batch of 20,000 Agniveers began in November 2023.
Indian Navy: By August 2024, three batches of 7,385 Agniveers had completed their training in the Navy.
Indian Air Force: By May 2024, 4,955 Agniveer air trainees had completed their training in the Air Force.
In addition, regular recruitment continues every year. For example, recruitment procedures and application information for 2025 are also available.
Recruitment Process
There is no direct recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces under the name “Unknown Heroes.” You may have heard about the “Agniveer” recruitment under the Government of India’s “Agnipath” scheme, which provides youth with the opportunity to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Here are some important information about the “Agniveer” recruitment under the “Agnipath” scheme:
What is the “Agnipath” scheme?
This is an attractive recruitment scheme for Indian youth that was launched in 2022.
Under this scheme, young people aged 17.5 to 21 years are recruited into the armed forces for a period of four years.
After four years of service, up to 25% of these “Agniveers” are selected for permanent service based on merit.
Recruitment Process
Application: Candidates must register online on the official website of the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Qualifications:
Educational Qualification: Different positions require different qualifications, but generally, a 10th or 12th pass is required.
Age Limit: Candidates must be between 17.5 and 21 years of age.
Selection Process:
Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE): All candidates must appear for this examination.
Physical Efficiency Test (PFT): After passing the written examination, candidates will have to appear for a physical efficiency test.
Medical Examination: Candidates who pass the PFT will have to undergo a medical examination. (Google translation from Gujarati)
