Overhauling the Agnipath scheme, the Union Cabinet Wednesday approved a path for all Agniveers undergoing training in the three services to join the Armed Forces as regular soldiers.

The process will have two stages. In the first step, 25 per cent of Agniveers will be selected on merit for absorption into the services after completing their four-year tenure, as part of the original scheme.

The remaining 75 per cent, who would have otherwise exited the services with a contributory scheme package, will now be offered an additional two-year engagement. Thereafter, they will have the opportunity to join the Armed Forces as regular soldiers, provided they are willing and meet the military’s objective selection criteria.

The decision means that all Agniveers will now have an opportunity to join the Armed Forces as regular soldiers. Over three lakh Agniveers are undergoing training at various stages in the three services.…