The Indian Army has announced a golden opportunity for young, unmarried male candidates to join as Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme for the recruitment year 2025-26. This initiative by the Army Recruiting Office (ARO), Amritsar, aims to select meritorious candidates from the districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot in Punjab. The selection process is transparent, fair, and based purely on merit. If you’re aspiring to serve the nation, this detailed guide will help you understand the nuances of the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, incentives, and much more.
1. Introduction to Agnipath Scheme
The Agnipath Scheme is a transformative initiative by the Indian Government to recruit youth into the armed forces for a period of four years. Under this scheme, selected candidates, known as Agniveers, will undergo rigorous training and serve the nation with pride. After completing their tenure, 25% of the batch will be given an opportunity to enroll in the regular cadre of the Indian Army based on their performance.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Agniveer recruitment, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Age and Education Requirements
| Category | Born Between | Height (Cms) | Weight (Kg) | Chest (Cm) | Education QR | Age (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agniveer (General Duty) | 01 Oct 2004 – 01 Apr 2008 | 170 | Min – 52 Kg | 77 (+5 cm expansion) | Class 10th/Matric pass with 45% marks in aggregate and min 33% in each subject | 17½ to 21 Yrs |
| Agniveer (Technical) | 01 Oct 2004 – 01 Apr 2008 | 170 | Min – 52 Kg | 77 (+5 cm expansion) | 10+2/Intermediate Exam Pass in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and English | 17½ to 21 Yrs |
| Agniveer (Clerk/SKT) | 01 Oct 2004 – 01 Apr 2008 | 162 | Min – 47.2 Kg | 77 (+5 cm expansion) | 10+2/Intermediate Exam Pass in any stream with 60% marks in aggregate and min 50% in each subject | 17½ to 21 Yrs |
| Agniveer (Tradesman 10th Pass) | 01 Oct 2004 – 01 Apr 2008 | 170 | Min – 52 Kg | 77 (+5 cm expansion) | Simple 10th pass | 17½ to 21 Yrs |
| Agniveer (Tradesman 8th Pass) | 01 Oct 2004 – 01 Apr 2008 | 170 | Min – 52 Kg | 77 (+5 cm expansion) | Simple 8th pass | 17½ to 21 Yrs |
Weight for Height Chart
| Height (cm) | Minimum Weight for All Ages (Kg) | Maximum Permissible Weight (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 157 | 44.4 | 54.2 |
| 160 | 46.1 | 56.3 |
| 170 | 52.0 | 63.6 |
| 180 | 58.3 | 71.3 |
| 190 | 65.0 | 79.4 |
Note: Candidates must strictly adhere to the height-weight chart based on their age group.
3. Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
- Visit the official website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Check your eligibility status and create your profile.
- Fill in the highest educational qualification during registration.
- Submit your application between 12 March 2025 to 10 April 2025.
- Pay the examination fee of Rs. 250/- per category via HDFC portal using debit/credit cards, internet banking, or UPI.
- Download and print the admit card for further stages.
4. Selection Process
The recruitment process is divided into two phases:
Phase I: Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE)
- Duration: 1 hour (50 questions) or 2 hours (100 questions).
- Languages: Available in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Punjabi.
- Marking Pattern: Full marks for correct answers; no negative marking.
Phase II: Recruitment Rally
Candidates who qualify in Phase I will undergo the following tests:
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT):
- 1.6 Km Run: Up to 5 minutes 30 seconds = 60 marks.
- Pull-Ups: 10 pull-ups = 40 marks.
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT): Height, weight, and chest measurements.
- Adaptability Test: Conducted on tablets/mobile phones.
- Medical Examination: Conducted by Army Medical Team.
Tip: Practice regularly for the physical tests and ensure your documents are in order before attending the rally.
5. Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical standards as per their category. Relaxations are available for outstanding sportsmen and candidates from specific regions like Kandi Area.
Relaxation in Physical Standards
| Category | Height (Cms) | Chest (Cms) | Weight (Kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Sportsmen | +2 | +3 | +5 |
| Kandi Area Residents | 163 | 77 (+5 cm expansion) | As per BMI chart |
6. Incentives and Bonus Marks
Candidates can earn bonus marks based on their achievements:
Bonus Marks Table
| Achievement | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Represented India at International Level | 20 |
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate | 20 |
| ITI/Diploma Qualification | Up to 50 |
Note: Maximum bonus marks allowed is 25, except for Agniveer (Technical), where it can go up to 50.
7. Terms and Conditions
- Engagement Period: 4 years.
- Pay and Allowances: Starts at Rs. 30,000/month with annual increments.
- Seva Nidhi Package: Approximately Rs. 10.04 lakhs at the end of engagement.
- Insurance: Non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs. 48 lakhs.
8. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Start | 12 March 2025 |
| Online Registration End | 10 April 2025 |
| Online Exam Dates | June 2025 (Tentative) |
| Recruitment Rally | To Be Announced |
9. Tips for Aspirants
- Prepare Early: Start practicing for physical tests well in advance.
- Verify Documents: Ensure all certificates are attested and valid.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the official website for updates.
- Avoid Touts: Beware of fraudsters promising shortcuts.
10. Conclusion
Joining the Indian Army as an Agniveer is not just a career choice but a commitment to serve the nation. With competitive pay, attractive incentives, and opportunities for permanent enrollment, this recruitment drive offers a promising future for young aspirants. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare diligently, and follow the instructions carefully to secure your place in the Indian Army.
Ready to embark on this journey? Visit www.joinindianarmy.nic.in today to register and take the first step toward a fulfilling career!
Final Thoughts
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the official notification by the Indian Army. Candidates are advised to refer to the official website for the latest updates.