The move indicates the Centre’s effort to establish a formal post-service pathway for Agniveers — a crucial demand since the launch of the Agnipath scheme in 2022.
With the first batch of Agniveers scheduled to complete their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme in 2026, the Centre is working to integrate a majority of them into various government roles. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has called on states and Union Territories to reserve quotas for these trained individuals in state police forces and other departments.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has written to chief ministers, while Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has reached out to chief secretaries, urging them to facilitate employment opportunities for Agniveers. According to a state chief secretary, the MHA has emphasized the need to support approximately 75 per cent of Agniveers who will exit the armed forces after completing their tenure. The letter underscores that these individuals, equipped with intensive military training, are well-prepared for roles in law enforcement and other state-level uniformed services.
A senior state official stated that while 25 per cent of Agniveers will be retained by the armed forces, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have committed to reserving 10 per cent of their vacancies for them. If states can also provide a 15–20 per cent quota in their police forces, nearly 50 per cent of Agniveers could be absorbed into law enforcement roles across the country.
“As you are aware… 75 per cent strength of the first batch of Agniveers will be completing four years under the Agnipath scheme and coming out in the year 2026,” a senior state government official said, quoting the letter. “Therefore, we would like to request you… to provide employment opportunities and other benefits to the ex-Agniveers… by reserving vacancies for their recruitment in the state police.”
This initiative marks a significant push by the Centre to institutionalize a post-service career pathway for Agniveers—an issue that has remained central since the Agnipath scheme’s inception in 2022. The scheme, which offers short-term military service to youth aged between 17.5 and 21 years, aims to equip them with skills and ensure post-service support. However, the transition to civilian life continues to be a key challenge for many of these young personnel.
While several states have already introduced job reservations or offered preferential treatment for Agniveers in recruitment processes, the MHA’s latest communication seeks to standardise these efforts nationwide ahead of the 2026 timeline.
The ministry has expressed hope for a “positive response and timely action” from states and Union Territories to ensure the smooth reintegration of these trained youth into civilian roles.
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