50% CAPF Reservation, Written Test Exemption for Ex-Agniveers
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced in Parliament on July 22, 2026, that ex-Agniveers will get 50% reservation in CAPFs and Assam Rifles, along with exemptions from written and physical tests. This marks a significant expansion from the earlier 10% reservation announced in March 2023.
Background
The Agnipath scheme was launched in 2022 for short-term military recruitment. Initially, 10% reservation was provided for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs with only physical test exemption. Over the past year, forces like CISF and BSF increased reservation to 50% and proposed written test exemption. The first batch of Agniveers has not yet completed its term.
Key facts
50% reservation for ex-Agniveers in constable (GD) posts in CAPFs and rifleman in Assam Rifles.
Exemption from written examination, Physical Standards Test (PST), and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
3 years age relaxation in upper age limit; additional 5 years relaxation for first batch of ex-Agniveers.
A dedicated Ex-Agniveer wing established under MHA to coordinate progression.
Merit criteria for selection not yet announced.
First batch of Agniveers (approx. 2,600) has not completed term.
Earlier in March 2023, only 10% reservation with physical test exemption was notified.
Prelims pointers
- CAPF: Central Armed Police Forces (includes BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, etc.)
- Assam Rifles: paramilitary force under MHA, also serves as border security and counter-insurgency.
- Agnipath scheme: short-term military recruitment (4 years) launched in 2022.
- Agniveer: soldier recruited under Agnipath scheme.
- MHA: Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Lok Sabha: lower house of Parliament.
- Nityanand Rai: Minister of State for Home Affairs.
- PST: Physical Standards Test; PET: Physical Efficiency Test.
Mains angles
- Discuss the implications of reserving 50% CAPF posts for ex-Agniveers on recruitment equity and operational efficiency.
- Critically examine the Agnipath scheme's integration with paramilitary forces and its impact on defence-civilian synergy.
- Analyze the constitutional validity and policy rationale behind exempting ex-Agniveers from written and physical tests.