In a move aimed at addressing the employment concerns of veterans of the Agnipath scheme, the Delhi government has officially announced that former Agniveers will receive a 20 percent reservation quota in the upcoming recruitment drive for Group C positions. The decision marks one of the most concrete policy benefits offered to ex-Agniveers by any state administration so far.
Group C posts in the Delhi government encompass a wide range of clerical, administrative, and support staff roles across various departments. These positions are typically entry-level and require minimum educational qualifications, making them accessible to a broad section of applicants.
Under the Agnipath scheme launched by the central government in 2022, young men and women are recruited into the armed forces for a four-year tenure, after which only one quarter — referred to as "Agniveers" — are retained on permanent commission. The remaining three-quarters, known as ex-Agniveers, return to civilian life after their service period with a lump-sum settlement and limited job guarantees.
The announcement comes amid persistent demands from ex-Agniveer groups across the country, who have argued that the lack of assured employment after their service leaves them in a precarious position. Several states have since introduced their own reservation or relaxation policies for former Agniveers, though the specifics vary widely.
The Delhi administration has yet to release detailed guidelines on how the 20 percent quota will be implemented — including whether it will be over and above the existing reservation framework or carved out from the general pool — but officials confirmed that the provision will be applicable to all Group C vacancies advertised in the coming recruitment cycle.
Former Agniveers belonging to the General, OBC, and SC/ST categories will all be eligible to apply under this reserved quota, subject to meeting the standard educational and age criteria for Group C posts. The Delhi government is expected to issue a formal notification outlining the implementation mechanism in the coming weeks.
