Lok Sabha Question No. 4850 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Employment Opportunities for Agniveers
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan

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