First batch of over 18,000 Agniveers to exit forces by December 31

More than 18,000 Agniveers from the first batch are set to leave the armed forces by December 31, with about 75% released in phases from mid-November, starting with the navy, then the air force and army. Under the Agnipath scheme launched in 2022, recruits serve four years and 25% are retained for 15 more. The first batch had 24,400 recruits.