Government Announces 50% Reservation for Ex-Agniveers in SSC GD, CAPF, and Assam Rifles Recruitment

The Government of India has established a dedicated Ex-Agniveer category for recruitment to Constable (General Duty) positions within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Rifleman roles in the Assam Rifles. This pivotal career pathway for personnel completing their four-year tenure under the Agnipath Scheme features a 50% reservation of vacancies, age relaxation, and exemption from the Physical Standards Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and the written examination.

This announcement was officially detailed by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written Lok Sabha reply on July 21, 2026. Subsequently, a formal Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification established the new SSB recruitment rules to enforce this reservation policy. This policy will significantly shape future SSC GD exams, through which Constable (GD) positions in the CAPFs are traditionally filled.

What Has the Government Announced?

The government has officially introduced the “Ex-Agniveer” category for Constable (GD) and Rifleman openings across CAPFs and Assam Rifles. By instituting a clear, force-wide reservation framework ahead of the first cohort's graduation, the government has ensured a seamless transition for retiring personnel. "Since the inaugural batch of Agniveers has not yet completed its service term, this proactive framework guarantees readiness the moment the first cohort becomes eligible," the minister noted.

Key Provisions for Ex-Agniveers

• 50% Reservation: Half of all vacancies in Constable (GD)/Rifleman recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles will be reserved for Ex-Agniveers.
• Age Relaxation: 3 years’ relaxation in the upper age limit for all Ex-Agniveers. The first batch of ex-Agniveers gets an additional 5 years on top of that, taking their total relaxation up to 8 years.
• Exemptions: Ex-Agniveers won’t need to appear for the PST, PET, or the written exam, since they’ve already been through equivalent training and screening during their service.
• Dedicated Ex-Agniveer Wing: A separate wing has been set up under the MHA to coordinate the career progression of Ex-Agniveers into CAPFs and other opportunities.

Why This Matters for SSC GD Aspirants?

Constable (GD) positions in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles are recruited primarily through the SSC GD Constable exam. With half of these vacancies now earmarked for Ex-Agniveers, the competitive landscape for general aspirants will evolve significantly once the first batch of Agniveers becomes eligible.

Key points to remember for future recruitment:

• Future SSC GD vacancy notifications may show a specific Ex-Agniveer quota alongside the usual category-wise reservations.
• General aspirants should watch the official SSC GD notification closely for the exact vacancy split once it’s released.
• The exemptions given to Ex-Agniveers apply only to their reserved quota — the selection process for everyone else stays the same.

SSB Recruitment Rules 2026: How It Will Work

Following the Lok Sabha announcement, the MHA issued the Sashastra Seema Bal (Combatised General Duty) Group ‘C’ Posts Recruitment Rules, 2026, superseding the 2011 guidelines. Under this updated notification, recruitment for designated Ex-Agniveer vacancies will be conducted across two distinct phases:

• Phase 1: The nodal force recruits specifically for the 50% vacancies reserved for Ex-Agniveers.
• Phase 2: A regular open competitive exam fills the remaining 50%, plus any Phase 1 vacancies that stay unfilled.