The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a two-year 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, giving the large majority of recruits who are not retained as regular soldiers after four years an additional period of service and a further route into the armed forces.

Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani announced the decision after the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Cabinet had approved the two-year second tour, describing it as part of long-term structural reforms aimed at building a younger, fitter and technologically equipped military.

Under the revised arrangement, the existing framework remains in place: up to 25 per cent of Agniveers who complete their initial four-year tenure are enrolled as regular soldiers on merit. The remaining 75 per cent, who were previously expected to leave service at the four-year mark, will now be offered an additional two-year engagement on a voluntary basis.

At the end of six years in total, those willing to continue will be considered for enrolment as regular soldiers, subject to prescribed and objective selection criteria. Officials stressed that absorption after six years will not be automatic and will depend on willingness and performance. The second engagement period will carry higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority-related benefits.

The decision comes as the first batch of Agniveers approaches the end of its initial tenure in late 2026. Around 18,000 recruits across the Army, Navy and Air Force were in the first intake, and the Defence Ministry said the armed forces had reported high levels of physical fitness, motivation, discipline, technical skill and adaptability among them. General Subramani said the recommendation for the extension came from military leadership after three to four months of structured inter-service evaluation.

The Agnipath scheme, introduced on June 14, 2022, recruits soldiers, sailors and airmen for a four-year term, with the aim of keeping the forces younger and more technologically agile. Under the original plan, the 75 per cent not retained after four years were to return to civilian life as disciplined and motivated youth, with support for further employment and education. General Subramani clarified on Wednesday that the scheme has not been discontinued and will continue, with the additional engagement forming a new component of the existing framework.

The announcement drew a mixed political reaction: the BJP welcomed it as a step towards strengthening the armed forces, while opposition leaders questioned its timing and the long-term prospects of recruits.

Further details, including the selection criteria for the second stage and the exact terms of the enhanced pay and Seva Nidhi package, are expected to follow from the Defence Ministry as the first batch reaches the end of its initial tenure.