Armed Forces Seek Increase in Agniveer Retention Percentage as of 6 July 2026

Key facts

• The Indian Navy is likely to seek a 75 per cent retention rate for Agniveers, while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) may seek an increase to 50 per cent from the current 25 per cent.
• The first batches of Agniveers, who began training in early 2023, are scheduled to complete their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme later in 2026.
• The Indian Army plans to release approximately 90,000 vacancies in the next training year to address an overall shortfall of around 1.8 lakh troops.
• Proposals for higher retention are being discussed with the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to maintain a pool of soldiers experienced in handling new technologies and weapons.
• Specialised units, such as the newly raised Bhairav battalions of the Indian Army, may eventually be permitted to induct a higher percentage of retained soldiers compared to regular units.