Government's Diwali gift to Agniveers, Amit Shah expresses gratitude to PM Modi

The Modi government has expressed gratitude for the decision to induct all Agniveers completing 2 years of service into the Indian Army as permanent force Amit Shah has expressed his gratitude.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today the Union Cabinet has approved a 2-year 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, that is, now every aspiring Agniveer will be able to serve in the army for 2 more years. After completing this period, all aspiring Agniveers who meet the selection criteria will get an opportunity to serve the nation as a regular soldier. Thanks to Shri Modi for this decision which has made the Indian Army more youthful, equipped with modern military skills and ready for the changing nature of warfare.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 4, 2026

After completing this period, all aspiring Agniveers who meet the selection criteria will get an opportunity to serve the nation as regular soldiers. Grateful to Modi ji for this decision that will make the Indian Army more youthful, equipped with modern military skills and ready for the changing nature of warfare," he said.

What changes did the government make to the scheme?

The central government has made changes in the Agniveer scheme on Wednesday. The government has now decided to induct all Agniveers who have completed 2 years of service as permanent army in the Indian Army. The government has announced on Wednesday that those who will retire from the army on completion of four years of tenure ' Agniveers' will be given an additional two-year extension.

It is further stated that Agniveers who fulfill the prescribed conditions and rules and give their consent will be given a chance for permanent recruitment. Earlier, CDS N.S. Raja Subramani had said that as per the existing provisions, 25 percent of Agniveers are inducted into the regular forces on the basis of merit. The remaining 75 percent of the disciplined and motivated youth retire. Under the new changes, these 75 percent Agniveers will be offered an additional service period of two years.