On 14 June 2022 the Union Cabinet approved Agnipath, a scheme to recruit soldiers, sailors and airmen for four years, with up to 25% kept on afterwards. From 15 June, army aspirants protested in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana and other states. Trains were set on fire, one protester was killed in firing at Secunderabad, and more than 1,200 people were arrested in five days. The government refused to roll it back, the courts upheld it in 2023, and by 2026 quotas for those who leave had been widened.
Key takeaways
- The Agnipath scheme, approved on 14 June 2022, recruits youths for four years without pension, keeps up to 25% of each batch, and pays the rest a tax-free Seva Nidhi of about Rs 11.71 lakh.
- Agnipath protests began in Bihar on 15 June 2022 and spread to Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana; the Railways put damage to its assets at Rs 259.44 crore.
- One army aspirant was killed when the Railway Protection Force opened fire at Secunderabad station on 17 June 2022, according to police.
- The armed forces ruled out a rollback on 19 June 2022, and the Delhi High Court upheld Agnipath on 27 February 2023.
- By 2026 half of CAPF constable posts were reserved for ex-Agniveers, and the services had asked to retain 50% to 75%, with no decision as of October 2026.
What the Agnipath scheme provides
The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on 14 June 2022. Recruits, called Agniveers, are enrolled under the service Acts for four years and form a distinct rank. On completion, up to 25% of each batch can be selected, on objective criteria including performance, for the regular cadre, where they serve at least 15 more years PIB.
Those who leave receive a one-time "Seva Nidhi" package of about Rs 11.71 lakh, made up of their own monthly contributions, a matching government contribution and interest. It is tax-free. The release states: "There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits." Agniveers get Rs 48 lakh of non-contributory life insurance during service. The eligible age was 17.5 to 21 years PIB.
The government said the scheme would bring the average age of the forces down by about 4 to 5 years and make them more "tech savvy" PIB. Lt Gen Anil Puri of the Department of Military Affairs said intake would start at 46,000 "to analyse the scheme" and rise later ANI via FPJ.
On 16 June, as protests spread, a defence ministry spokesperson announced "a one-time waiver" for the 2022 cycle, raising the upper age limit to 23, because "it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years" Outlook.
Why aspirants protested
Most protesters were candidates who had cleared physical and medical tests under the old system and were waiting for a written Common Entrance Exam that had been postponed repeatedly, including because of Covid-19 TNM Orissa Post. With Agnipath, that process was cancelled. Protesters demanded permanent recruitment under the regular process, with pension and retirement benefits Scroll.
Timeline
Protests begin in Bihar
Youths demonstrate in Muzaffarpur and Buxar, disrupting road and rail traffic Sentinel.
First coaches burnt; age limit raised
Stationary coaches set on fire at Bhabua and Chhapra; a BJP MLA's car attacked in Nawada; highways blocked in Gurugram, Rewari and Palwal PTI via Morung Express. Bihar ADG Sanjay Singh reports 125 arrests and 16 police injured. Upper age raised to 23 Outlook.
Peak violence; death at Secunderabad
Trains burn at Secunderabad, Lakhisarai and Samastipur; an empty train is set on fire in Ballia. Officials say coaches of seven trains have been set ablaze so far. Protesters attack the house of Bihar Deputy CM Renu Devi Tribune. Internet is suspended in 12 Bihar districts IANS via LatestLY.
Bihar bandh; quotas announced
A 24-hour Bihar bandh called by student groups led by AISA; a bus and truck burnt in Jehanabad Quint. Police vehicles set on fire in Masaurhi ETV Bharat. Home and Defence ministries announce 10% quotas IANS via Onmanorama.
The train burnings and railway losses
Figures for burnt coaches vary by source and date:
- By 17 June officials said coaches of seven trains had been set ablaze Tribune/PTI.
- The Hindustan Times reported that in Bihar alone 60 train coaches were burnt and property worth about Rs 700 crore damaged since 15 June Scroll, citing HT. Claim · Media estimate The Rs 700 crore figure was not an official audit.
- At Secunderabad a South Central Railway official said four coaches were set on fire and windowpanes of over 30 coaches and eight locomotives broken PTI via Careers360; TNM counted at least six coaches burnt in two hours TNM.
Documented In a written Rajya Sabha reply on 22 July 2022, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Railways incurred "a loss of Rs 259.44 crore due to damage/destruction of railway assets in agitations against Agnipath scheme". He said 2,132 trains were cancelled from 15 to 23 June, services were disrupted at 62 places, and about Rs 102.96 crore was refunded for cancellations Scroll IANS via Sentinel.
The Secunderabad firing
On 17 June a crowd entered Secunderabad station around 9 am. GRP officials said it grew from about 300 to about 2,000. Protesters set coaches on fire, damaged stalls and stoned police TNM PTI.
Claim · GRP GRP officials said protesters advanced on locomotives filled with fuel; the RPF first fired in the air and then at the mob to stop the engines being set on fire, which could have caused "a huge explosion" PTI. GRP Superintendent B Anuradha said 20 rounds were fired, one a bullet and the rest pellets Orissa Post.
D Rakesh, an army aspirant from Dabeerpet village in Warangal district, was killed. Reports gave his age as 18, 22 or 24. About 13 others were injured Tribune Orissa Post. His village sarpanch said he had cleared the selection tests but the written test was never held Tribune. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao blamed the Centre's "faulty procedures" and announced Rs 25 lakh ex gratia and a government job for a family member PTI.
Estimates of damage at Secunderabad ranged from a preliminary Rs 7 crore (an SCR official) to Rs 12 crore (Deccan Herald) and Rs 20 crore (an SCR estimate reported by Maktoob) PTI Deccan Herald Maktoob. No judicial inquiry into the firing was reported in the sources reviewed.
The bandh calls
Student groups led by AISA called a 24-hour Bihar bandh on 18 June Quint, supported by the RJD and the VIP. Police fired more than 50 rounds in the air at Masaurhi ETV Bharat.
A Bharat Bandh on 20 June, called by "some organisations", passed off "without any untoward incident", the Tribune reported. A Railways communique said 208 mail/express and 379 passenger trains were cancelled Tribune. Mobile internet was suspended in 20 Bihar districts, and AITUC and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha backed the protest Sabrang.
Arrests, FIRs and coaching centres
Arrests over Agnipath violence, by 20 June 2022
The Hindustan Times counted 1,238 arrests in five days, and Bihar Police filed 148 FIRs Scroll. Other tallies put arrests at 877 in Bihar and 475 in Uttar Pradesh. UP's ADG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said 39 cases had been registered Sabrang.
Claim · Police Police in two states said coaching centres helped instigate violence:
- Patna: District Magistrate Chandrashekher Singh said 86 were arrested over arson at Danapur station and the operators of seven coaching institutes were "on the radar" IANS via LatestLY.
- Secunderabad: SP Anuradha said aspirants were told by coaching centres to protest at stations, and that WhatsApp groups such as "Railway Station Block" and "Soldiers To Die" circulated plans Scroll, citing The Hindu. Accused were booked under Sections 150 to 152 of the Railways Act Orissa Post.
- Avula Subba Rao: A retired army nursing assistant who ran Sai Defence Academy in Narasaraopet, he was formally arrested on 24 June and sent to 14 days' judicial custody with three associates. The GRP alleges he provoked aspirants and paid for logistics, fearing Agnipath would close his business Deccan Herald IANS via National Herald. The outcome of his case was not found in the reporting reviewed.
The government's and the armed forces' case
Government's position The government argued that the forces had grown too old and needed a younger, more technical profile. At the 19 June briefing, Lt Gen Anil Puri, Additional Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs, said the average age was 32 and that the change followed recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee and the Arun Singh committee. He noted about 17,600 personnel already take premature retirement each year ANI via FPJ.
Coming to the rollback of the scheme, no. Why should it be rolled back? It is the only progressive step to making the country young.
Lt Gen Anil Puri, Department of Military Affairs, 19 June 2022 (ANI)
Puri said every applicant would certify they were "not part of the protest or vandalism", that "police verification is 100 per cent", and that anyone with an FIR against them "can't join". He promised Rs 1 crore compensation if an Agniveer is killed in service ANI via FPJ.
The concessions announced on 18 June were:
- 10% of vacancies in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles reserved for Agniveers, with 3 years' age relaxation, or 5 years for the first batch (Home Ministry) IANS via Onmanorama.
- 10% reservation in the Indian Coast Guard, defence civilian posts and all 16 defence PSUs (Defence Minister's office) PTI via Onmanorama.
Rajnath Singh called the scheme a "golden opportunity" for youth Tribune. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming the scheme, said "many good things brought with good intentions get trapped in political colours" PTI via Onmanorama. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the opposition had "misguided" the youth and promised priority for Agniveers in UP Police PTI via Onmanorama.
Both accounts
Protesters' and opposition account
Aspirants said they had waited years for a cancelled exam and wanted permanent jobs with pensions Scroll. Rahul Gandhi said Modi would have to withdraw Agnipath as he withdrew the farm laws Onmanorama. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told a Congress satyagraha at Jantar Mantar the scheme would be destructive for youth and the forces. Tejashwi Yadav asked whether it was a MGNREGA-like scheme for educated youth and denied his party instigated violence; Mayawati, Owaisi and Uddhav Thackeray also opposed it PTI via Onmanorama.
Police and government account
Secunderabad railway police said coaching-centre operators and WhatsApp groups helped plan the violence there, and that Secunderabad protesters arrived with petrol Orissa Post. The government called the scheme a long-deliberated reform and barred those involved in arson from enrolment PTI via Onmanorama.
Court challenges
The Supreme Court transferred petitions to the Delhi High Court. On 27 February 2023 a bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad dismissed all 23 petitions, five against the scheme and 18 seeking completion of older recruitment. It held the scheme "was made in national interest" and that petitioners had no vested right to recruitment LiveLaw.
On 10 April 2023 a Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala dismissed two appeals, saying: "The high court had dealt with all the aspects" PTI via Careers360. It observed that the scheme is not arbitrary IANS via Sentinel.
Later developments, 2024 to 2026
- 2024 election: Congress's manifesto promised to "abolish the Agnipath programme" PTI via Tribune. After the BJP fell short of a majority, ally JD(U)'s KC Tyagi said on 6 June 2024 there was "anger among voters" and sought a review PTI via South First.
- State quotas: Haryana announced 10% in police, mining guard and forest guard posts in July 2024, and Odisha 10% in uniformed services Business Today; Uttar Pradesh approved 20% in police and PAC in June 2025 Punjab Kesari.
- Review proposal: In November 2025 the Tribune reported the Department of Military Affairs was examining higher retention, lifelong support for families of Agniveers killed on duty and lifelong medical care for the disabled Tribune.
- 50% CAPF quota: The BSF quota was raised from 10% to 50% in December 2025 News On Air. In July 2026 the Home Ministry told Parliament 50% of CAPF constable (GD) and Assam Rifles rifleman vacancies were reserved for ex-Agniveers, with exemption from written and physical tests FPJ ThePrint.
- Retention: In July 2026 the Indian Express reported the Navy sought 75% retention and the Army and Air Force 50%; no official decision had been announced FPJ. The government told the Rajya Sabha on 6 August 2026 that 75% of the first batch were expected to leave Swarajya.
Outcome
- Deaths: One protester killed in RPF firing at Secunderabad, 17 June 2022.
- Arrests: 1,238 across Bihar, UP and Telangana by 20 June (HT); higher state tallies elsewhere.
- Railway losses: Rs 259.44 crore in damaged assets; 2,132 trains cancelled.
- Policy: No rollback. One-time age waiver to 23; 10% quotas, later 50% in CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
- Courts: Scheme upheld by the Delhi High Court (Feb 2023); Supreme Court declined to interfere (Apr 2023).
What is still pending
As of early October 2026 the first Agniveers were entering their exit window and the 25% retention ceiling had not been formally changed SSBCrack. Former Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said changes should follow operational need Outlook. The outcome of the 2022 criminal cases, including against Avula Subba Rao, was not found in reporting reviewed.
Questions people ask
What is the Agnipath scheme?
A recruitment scheme approved on 14 June 2022 under which youths aged 17.5 to 21 join the Army, Navy or Air Force for four years. Up to 25% of each batch may be kept for 15 more years; the rest leave with a tax-free Seva Nidhi of about Rs 11.71 lakh and no pension.
How many trains were burnt in the Agnipath protests?
No single official count of burnt coaches was found. Officials said coaches of seven trains had been burnt by 17 June; HT reported 60 coaches in Bihar alone. The Railways put total damage to assets at Rs 259.44 crore.
Was the Agnipath scheme rolled back?
No. The armed forces said on 19 June 2022 there would be no rollback. The government added quotas and age relaxations instead, and the scheme has run since late 2022.
Who died at Secunderabad railway station?
D Rakesh, an army aspirant from Warangal district, was killed when the RPF opened fire on 17 June 2022, according to police. About 13 others were injured.
Did the courts strike down Agnipath?
No. The Delhi High Court upheld it on 27 February 2023, and the Supreme Court declined to interfere on 10 April 2023.
Sources
- PIB via PM India: Cabinet clears AGNIPATH scheme for recruitment of youth in the armed forces, 14 June 2022
- Sentinel: Protests erupt in Bihar against Agnipath scheme, 16 June 2022
- PTI via Morung Express: Train set ablaze, highways blocked as protests escalate, 16 June 2022
- Outlook: Agnipath protests in 8 states, 17 June 2022
- Tribune: Agnipath stir spreads nationwide, youth dies in firing, 18 June 2022
- Tribune: Army aspirant who lost life came from a family of farmers, 18 June 2022
- The News Minute: How anti-Agnipath violence unfolded at Secunderabad station, 17 June 2022
- PTI via Careers360: Mob goes on rampage in Hyderabad, one killed in police firing, 18 June 2022
- Maktoob: Houses of Bihar Deputy CM, state BJP chief attacked, 17 June 2022
- IANS via LatestLY: 86 held in Patna, seven coaching centres under scanner, 18 June 2022
- The Quint: Truck, bus set ablaze in Jehanabad amid Bihar bandh, 18 June 2022
- ETV Bharat: Bihar bandh in protest against Agnipath, 18 June 2022
- IANS via Onmanorama: 10% reservation in CAPFs, Assam Rifles for Agniveers, 18 June 2022
- PTI via Onmanorama: Govt stands firm on roll-out, 19 June 2022
- ANI via Free Press Journal: No rollback of Agnipath, says top military officer, 19 June 2022
- Scroll: Agnipath protests, 1,238 persons arrested across India, 20 June 2022
- Orissa Post: Coaching centres instigated violence at Secunderabad station, 20 June 2022
- Sabrang: Centre tightens security against anti-Agnipath Bharat Bandh, 20 June 2022
- Tribune: Army issues Agnipath notification, 21 June 2022
- IANS via National Herald: Coaching centre owner held in Secunderabad violence case, 24 June 2022
- Deccan Herald: Key accused in Secunderabad arson case in custody, 25 June 2022
- Scroll: Railways suffered losses worth Rs 259.44 crore, Centre tells Parliament, 22 July 2022
- IANS via Sentinel: Railways suffered loss of Rs 259.44 cr, says Vaishnaw, July 2022
- LiveLaw: Delhi High Court dismisses petitions challenging Agnipath, 27 February 2023
- PTI via Careers360: Supreme Court dismisses two pleas against Delhi HC judgment, 10 April 2023
- IANS via Sentinel: Supreme Court junks plea challenging Agnipath, April 2023
- PTI via Tribune: Congress manifesto promises to scrap Agnipath, 5 April 2024
- PTI via South First: JD(U) wants Agnipath reviewed, 6 June 2024
- Business Today: Retention of Agniveers likely to be increased, 5 September 2024
- Punjab Kesari: UP approves 20% quota for ex-Agniveers, 3 June 2025
- Tribune: Defence Ministry mulls retaining more Agniveers, 17 November 2025
- News On Air: Home Ministry expands BSF reservation for ex-Agniveers, 21 December 2025
- Free Press Journal: Armed forces consider retaining more Agniveers, 6 July 2026
- Outlook: Agnipath retention explained, 6 July 2026
- Free Press Journal: Ex-Agniveers to get 50% reservation in CAPFs, Assam Rifles, 22 July 2026
- Swarajya: Three-fourths of first Agniveer batch set to leave, 6 August 2026
- ThePrint: Home ministry reserves 50% of constable posts in Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers, 11 August 2026
- SSBCrack: Exit window opens for first Agniveer batch, 4 October 2026