Indian Army Agniveer Eligibility Criteria 2026 include age limit of 17.5 to 22 years (born between 01 July 2005 and 01 July 2009, both dates inclusive, for most posts), post-wise minimum education (10th/12th pass with specific marks), region-wise height–chest–weight standards, strict medical fitness requirements, and nationality rules under the Agnipath scheme. Candidates must be unmarried and meet all criteria as detailed in the official notification.
Indian Army Agniveer Eligibility 2026 Overview
The Indian Army Agniveer recruitment 2026 under the Agnipath scheme invites applications from unmarried male and female Indian citizens (or eligible Nepalese/Gorkha subjects) who are physically fit and meet post-specific qualifications.
For the 2026 cycle, the age has been set at 17.5 to 22 years for most categories (with variations for some technical posts), requiring at least 10th or 12th pass depending on the role. Strict physical and medical standards apply, varying by region, category, and trade.
Here's a compact overview:
|
Factor |
Key Requirement (CCE 2026 Cycle) |
|---|---|
|
Scheme Name |
Agnipath Scheme – Indian Army Agniveer (CCE 2026 Cycle) |
|
Age Limit |
17.5 to 22 years |
|
Education (General) |
10th pass for GD/Tradesman; 12th pass for Clerk/Technical |
|
Physical Standards |
Height, chest, weight, running, etc., vary by region and category |
|
Nationality |
Indian citizen or eligible Nepalese/Gorkha subjects as per Indian Army rules |
Indian Army Agniveer 2026 Notification PDF – Download
Official notification and apply online at: joinindianarmy.nic.in
Indian Army Agniveer Age Limit 2026
The general age limit for Indian Army Agniveer 2026 is 17.5 to 22 years for most posts, with candidates born between 01 July 2005 and 01 July 2009 (both dates inclusive) eligible. Some technical posts like Soldier Technical (NA/NA Vet) may have up to 23 years, and Sepoy Pharma up to 25 years. Exact DOB cut-offs are specified in the official notification—candidates must verify their birth date carefully against the PDF.
|
Post Type |
Age Limit (2026) |
|---|---|
|
Agniveer (General Duty) |
17.5 to 22 years |
|
Agniveer (Technical) |
17.5 to 22 years |
|
Agniveer (Clerk/Store Keeper) |
17.5 to 22 years |
|
Agniveer (Tradesman) |
17.5 to 22 years |
Is there age relaxation for Indian Army Agniveer 2026?
The Agnipath scheme maintains fixed age limits with no standard category-wise relaxation (e.g., for SC/ST/OBC). Any one-time extensions or relaxations are explicitly mentioned only in the year's official notification do not assume them. Always refer to the latest PDF on joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Educational Qualification for Indian Army Agniveer 2026 (Post-wise)
Educational requirements vary by post. Candidates need minimum aggregate marks and often subject-specific percentages from recognized boards.
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Agniveer (General Duty): Class 10th/Matric pass with 45% marks in aggregate (of five subjects) and minimum 33% in each subject.
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Agniveer (Technical): 10+2/Intermediate in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and English; minimum 50% aggregate and 40% in each subject.
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Agniveer (Clerk/Store Keeper Technical): 10+2/Intermediate in any stream with minimum 60% aggregate and 50% in each subject (English and relevant subjects mandatory).
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Agniveer (Tradesman): 10th pass (or 8th pass for some trades) with prescribed minimum marks as per trade.
Always check the official notification for exact percentages, subject combinations, and any ITI/Diploma requirements for technical roles.
Physical Eligibility Requirements for Indian Army Agniveer 2026
Height, Chest and Weight Standards
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Physical measurements vary significantly by region (e.g., higher in hilly areas), category, and trade. Indicative general ranges include a height of 162–170 cm (minimum), a chest of 77 cm unexpanded with 5 cm expansion, and proportionate weight. Relaxations apply for outstanding sportsmen (e.g., +2 cm height, +3 cm chest, +5 kg weight). Refer to region-specific charts on joinindianarmy.nic.in or rally notifications for precise standards.
Running and Physical Fitness Tests
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The physical fitness test typically includes a 1.6 km run (graded timing: faster times score higher), push-ups, sit-ups/squats, beam (for balance/pull-ups), and other events. Standards are demanding and region-specific.
Separate standards for women Agniveer (if applicable in 2026)
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Female candidates can apply for posts like Agniveer General Duty (Women Military Police) with adjusted benchmarks (e.g., lower height/run timings). Specific details are in women-focused notifications.
Medical Standards for Indian Army Agniveer 2026
What are the medical fitness rules for Agniveer?
Candidates must be medically fit with no serious deformities, chronic diseases, or conditions deemed unfit (e.g., per defence medical guidelines). Key aspects include:
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Visual standards: Correctable vision limits, colour vision requirements.
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Hearing, dental health, and overall physical development.
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No tattoos (except permitted), no major scars or conditions affecting service.
Documents and tests in medical examination
Medical checks involve vision/hearing tests, chest X-ray, blood/urine analysis, physical exam, and more at rally/medical boards. Only fit candidates proceed.
Nationality and Marital Status Requirements
Who can apply for Indian Army Agniveer 2026?
Applicants must be Indian citizens or eligible subjects of Nepal (Gorkhas) as per Army rules.
Marital status and gender eligibility
Candidates must be unmarried at enrolment and agree not to marry during the 4-year engagement. Both males and females can apply for notified posts, with separate provisions for women.
How Eligibility Is Verified During the Agniveer Selection Process
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Online application: Auto-verification of DOB, education, category.
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Written exam: Admit card and ID check.
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Rally/physical: Document verification (marksheets, domicile, caste, NCC/sports certs), measurements, running test.
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Medical: Detailed exam with reports.
Common Reasons for Rejection in Indian Army Agniveer Eligibility
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Age/DOB outside specified range.
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Insufficient marks or incorrect subjects.
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Below height/chest/weight or failed physical tests.
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Medical unfitness (e.g., vision, dental, orthopaedic issues).
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Fake/incomplete documents or mismatches.
Preparation Tips to Meet Agniveer Eligibility Standards
Academic and document readiness
Secure required qualifications with good marks; organize originals/photocopies of marksheets, domicile, caste, NCC/sports certificates early.
Physical and medical preparation
Begin 3–6 months ahead: Train for running, push-ups, and bodyweight exercises; follow balanced diet, adequate sleep; avoid tobacco/substances. Get regular health check-ups to address minor issues.
