Parliament Question: Employment Opportunities for Agniveers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4850 ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGNIVEERS

4850. THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to

state:

(a) whether it is a fact that many young youths after serving four years as an Agniveer and acquiring military and technical proficiencies such as weaponry and communication systems are discharged from the service but remain eligible for getting further job opportunities in other sectors for suitable employment;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has any scheme for recognition and assessment of the skills acquired by Agniveers for any job preference in other sectors along with financial literacy and entrepreneurship training to improve their long-term employability; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (d): Yes Sir. Many young youths after serving four years as Agniveer remain eligible for getting suitable employment in other sectors after being discharged from Military service.

Accordingly, at the end of 4 years of engagement, 25% Agniveers are absorbed in the Defence Forces and balance 75% Agniveers go back to the society as dynamic, motivated and skilled work- force. Ample job opportunities have been provided for these 75% Agniveers in Central Government, State Governments, DPSUs etc.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has collaborated with the three wings of the Armed Forces to formally recognise the skills acquired by Agniveers during their tenure in service in the armed forces.

1. The Directorate General of Training (DGT) undertook a comprehensive mapping of the training and operational roles performed by Agniveers with relevant civilian job roles and skill competencies, in alignment with nationally approved qualification frameworks. This initiative enables Agniveers to receive formal certification for the skills gained in the Armed Forces, thereby enhancing their employability and facilitating smoother transition to civilian careers.

2. To support the seamless transition of Agniveers into civilian careers, the Directorate General of Training (DGT) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Armed Forces under the Flexi-MoU Scheme on 26.12.2022. This collaboration enables Agniveers to receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) by formally recognising the skills they acquire during training and service. For the Indian Army, NTCs will be awarded in 47 trades that align with existing Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) trade names.3. National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has granted Awarding Body (Dual) status to 20 Defence Institutes to enable them to bring their own qualifications as per industry alignment and gives them adoption rights to any National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned qualifications as per their need.

4. Over 325 skill sets of the various arms of the Indian Armed forces have already been mapped & developed as skill qualifications which are aligned to the industry needs.

5. Agniveer service will consist of the four modules: (i) Basic Military Training, (ii) Trade Training (iii) Security Training and (iv) Service/On-the –Job Training.

These steps shall enable the alignment of skill sets of various arms of the Indian armed forces to the NSQF as per industry standards to enable them to contribute to various sectors for the economic development of the Nation post their retirement from the service for long term employability and entrepreneurial ventures.

Additionally, under the aspect of enhancing education qualification of exiting Agniveers, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with National Institute of Open Schooling

(NIOS) for award of 10th and 12th class certificate to Agniveers who enrolled having 8th & 10th pass certificates respectively, and with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for award of graduation degree to volunteer 12th class Agniveers who pass nominated subjects.

Further, financial support for resettlement as Seva Nidhi Package and preference for grant of loan for establishment of Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has also been offered to exiting Agniveers.

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