New Delhi: With the Centre moving ahead with plans to absorb former Agniveers into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has initiated the process of defining their future roles within the force. CISF Director-General Praveer Ranjan (IPS: 1993: AGMUT) on Monday announced that an internal committee has been constituted to assess and determine the responsibilities that will be assigned to ex-Agniveers once they are inducted.
Addressing the media, the DG said the committee is examining multiple operational aspects and will soon present a detailed blueprint to ensure the smooth induction and effective utilisation of former Agniveers in CISF.
Committee to Identify Suitable Sectors for Ex-Agniveer Deployment
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the curtain raiser event for the second edition of the Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon, DG Praveer Ranjan said the committee has been tasked with identifying specific sectors and operational domains where the skill sets of ex-Agniveers can be best utilised.
“We have started working on that because the CAPF is obviously an employment avenue for Agniveers, including CISF. We are deliberating on induction based on their expertise,” Ranjan said.
He added that the committee is studying the background of Agniveers from different services to map their competencies with CISF’s operational needs.
Expertise-Based Induction Model Under Consideration
The CISF DG highlighted that Agniveers trained in different wings of the armed forces bring distinct operational skills, which could be leveraged effectively within the CISF.
“For example, Agniveers from the Indian Navy will be experienced hands in port security. Our committee is examining all such aspects, and we will come out with a blueprint very soon,” he said.
CISF, which is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, power plants, metro systems, and other strategic installations, sees significant potential in deploying ex-Agniveers in specialised roles aligned with their prior training.
Awaiting MHA Guidelines on Reservation Percentage
DG Ranjan clarified that the force is awaiting formal instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the reservation percentage and the pattern of reservation for Agniveers in CISF recruitment.
“We are yet to receive instructions from the Union Home Ministry on the percentage of reservation for Agniveers in the CISF and whether it will be horizontal or vertical,” he said.
Once the guidelines are issued, CISF will finalise its induction framework and assign responsibilities accordingly.
Government Policy Mandates CAPF Absorption of Agniveers
Ranjan reiterated that it is the policy of the Government of India to ensure post-service employment avenues for Agniveers, including their absorption into CAPFs.
“It is the policy of the Government of India that Agniveers will get a certain percentage of reservation and that we have to assimilate them into CAPFs. We are deliberating on the percentage of their induction and what duties will be assigned to them,” he said.
Background: Agnipath Scheme and First Batch of Retirements
The Agnipath recruitment scheme, launched in June 2022, provides for the induction of young personnel as Agniveers into the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a four-year tenure. Under the scheme:
- 25% of Agniveers are retained for longer-term service
- 75% are released after completing four years
The Ministry of Defence inducted around 46,000 Agniveers in the first batch. This batch is scheduled to complete its tenure and retire later this year.
Reservation for Ex-Agniveers in CAPFs
Following the rollout of the Agnipath scheme, the Home Ministry announced a 10% reservation for retired Agniveers in CAPFs. Subsequently, this quota was reportedly enhanced to 50% for Group C posts across CAPFs.
On December 19, 2025, the Home Ministry formally notified that 50% of vacant constable posts in the Border Security Force (BSF) would be reserved for ex-Agniveers.
CISF is now preparing its own induction framework in line with these evolving policy decisions.
CISF to Prepare Blueprint for Smooth Induction
DG Praveer Ranjan confirmed that the CISF has already begun groundwork to align with the Centre’s decision and will prepare a comprehensive induction blueprint once the policy details are finalised.
“The MHA has decided to absorb Agniveers into the force, and we are looking into the induction protocol as to where their services could be used. The CISF will be preparing a blueprint for it,” he said.
Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon Context
The announcement was made during the media interaction at the curtain raiser for the Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon, a CISF initiative aimed at:
- Strengthening coastal security awareness
- Promoting national unity
- Encouraging community participation along India’s coastal belt
