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17 August 2026

Agnipath scheme recruitment and reservation

The Agnipath scheme is a major national policy directly impacting the recruitment and operational structure of India's security forces, making it a high-probability topic for UPSC Mains.

1 min read Day 2 of 2 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The government has implemented a 50% reservation policy for ex-Agniveers in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) constable vacancies.
  • CAPFs involved include the CRPF, SSB, Assam Rifles, and BSF.
  • The armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) will compile and provide lists of eligible retiring Agniveers to CAPFs to facilitate recruitment.
  • Ex-Agniveers are exempted from written examinations, physical standard tests, and physical efficiency tests for these roles.
  • Recruitment for CAPFs will occur in two phases: first for the 50% reserved quota for ex-Agniveers, followed by an open examination for the remaining 50%.
  • Unfilled reserved vacancies for ex-Agniveers will be carried over to the second phase of open recruitment.
  • Existing constitutional quotas for SC, ST, and OBC categories remain applicable for recruitment into CAPFs.
  • The first batch of approximately 25,000 Agniveers is scheduled to retire from the Army by December.
  • CAPFs offer a longer service tenure (up to age 60) compared to the armed forces, providing greater job security.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in Agnipath scheme recruitment and reservation policies, which has been running since 23 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the rationale behind the integration of ex-Agniveers into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the implications of this policy for long-term career stability in the security sector. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The transition of personnel from the armed forces to paramilitary organizations is a significant shift in India's security recruitment architecture. Analyze the challenges and benefits of institutionalizing the absorption of ex-Agniveers into CAPFs, particularly regarding recruitment efficiency and social equity. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. What is the percentage of constable vacancies reserved for ex-Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)?

  2. Which of the following exemptions are granted to ex-Agniveers during the recruitment process for CAPFs?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-17/agnipath-scheme-recruitment-and-reservation