Agniveer
Four-year military service under the Agnipath scheme, open to those aged 17 to 23.
Overview
Under the Agnipath scheme, people between the ages of 17 years and 23 years will be recruited into the military service of their choice for four years. After this tenure, 25% of the Agniveers will be retained and the remaining 75% will be permitted to return to civilian life. During this duration of 4 years, they would gain many skills which will help them to gain employment.
Where they work
- Indian Navy, Indian Army or Indian Air Force, as a non-commissioned officer
Work environment
The work timings are typically 6 to 7 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. You are expected to deal with challenging situations. Most of the work is outdoors.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like helping people.
- You like working outdoors.
- You are keen to serve the country and demonstrate valour.
- You like to have clear instructions to follow.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Class 10th or 12th pass, depending on the role.
- 2Selection Process — Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Running, push-ups, sit-ups, and other physical benchmarks.
- 3Medical Examination: Ensures physical and medical fitness.
- 4Written Exam: Based on general knowledge, mathematics, reasoning, and basic science (varying by entry category).
Forms, exams and applications
Selection is by Physical Fitness Test, medical examination and a written exam whose syllabus varies by entry category. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Ministry of Defence Training Centers, multiple locations in India
- Maharashtra Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (MIDSA), Pune, Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh Sainik Academy, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Sainik School, Ghorakhal, Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Rashtriya Military School, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and campuses in Jaipur and Gurugram
- NIIT Foundation, Gurugram, Haryana, centers nationwide
- Minerva Academy, Mohali, Punjab
- International College for Security Studies (ICSS), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Private → Corporal → Sergeant → Sergeant Major
- 2Seaman → Leading Seaman → Petty Officer → Chief Petty Officer
- 3Aircraftman → Leading Aircraftman → Sergeant → Warrant Officer
Expected income
₹30,000 – ₹40,000 per month
This is the approximate salary of an Agniveer jawan. The figures are indicative and subject to change — check the official Agnipath notification for the current package.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Indian Army Officer
Commissioned officer in the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces, defending national security.
Indian Navy Officer
Commissioned officer in the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to public service.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 547 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/page/pay-scale-of-agniveer-ssr-agniveer-mr.html
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card has no "Example from the field" panel, so no profile is shown. The course-fee panel lists general preparatory-course costs; Agniveer recruitment itself is through the Agnipath scheme's own selection process, not a paid course.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.