Defence & Police · Updated October 2026
Army Agniveer ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Indian Army Agniveer
Conducted by the Indian Army, Indian Navy (Agniveer SSR/MR), and Indian Air Force (Agniveervayu) under the Agnipath scheme, this entry recruits combat soldiers, sailors, and airmen into the armed forces. The selection process features an online Common Entrance Examination (CEE) followed by rally physical fitness trials, adaptability tests, and medical examinations.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Defence
Start for free with Army Agniveer syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
Army Agniveer exam overview and highlights
About Army Agniveer
Army Agniveer recruitment brings young candidates into the Indian Army for a four-year term under the Agnipath scheme, in categories such as Agniveer General Duty, Technical, Clerk or Store Keeper Technical and Tradesman. Selection begins with an online Common Entrance Examination, followed by a recruitment rally for physical tests and a medical examination. Up to a quarter of each batch may later be retained in the regular cadre.
The examination process for Army Agniveer comprises 3 stages: Online Common Entrance Examination, followed by Recruitment rally, followed by Medical examination. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — General Knowledge, General Science, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, English and Computer Awareness (Clerk / SKT) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates who clear the online common entrance exam are called to a recruitment rally for physical fitness and measurement tests and a medical examination. Final merit combines the written score and, for some categories, bonus marks.
Key subjects
- General Knowledge
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Logical Reasoning
- English and Computer Awareness (Clerk / SKT)
What clearing Army Agniveer leads to
- Agniveer General Duty
- Agniveer Technical
- Agniveer Clerk / Store Keeper Technical
- Agniveer Tradesman
- Possible selection into the regular cadre after four years
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Agniveer package starting around ₹30,000 a month in the first year and rising each year, with a Seva Nidhi lump sum on completing four years
Quick facts
- Full name
- Indian Army Agniveer
- Conducting body
- Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting)
- Frequency
- Usually once a year, in phases by zone
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test) followed by a physical rally
- Languages
- English, Hindi and several regional languages
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (4 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Army Agniveer — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of Army Agniveer conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Army Agniveer — Indian Army Agniveer |
| Conducting Body | Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) |
| Exam Category | Defence & Police |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Usually once a year, in phases by zone |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Usually once a year: registration early in the year, online common entrance exam around April or May, then rally for physical and medical tests |
| Mode of Application | Online on joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) followed by a physical rally |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English, Hindi and several regional languages |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (4 Papers Total): Online Common Entrance Examination → Recruitment rally → Medical examination |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates who clear the online common entrance exam are called to a recruitment rally for physical fitness and measurement tests and a medical examination. Final merit combines the written score and, for some categories, bonus marks. |
| Educational Qualification | Agniveer GD: Class 10 with around 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject. Agniveer Technical: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English with around 50% aggregate. Agniveer Clerk or SKT: Class 12 in any stream with around 60% aggregate. Agniveer Tradesman: Class 10 or Class 8 depending on the trade. |
| Age Limit | Typically 17.5 to 21 years |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Agniveer package starting around ₹30,000 a month in the first year and rising each year, with a Seva Nidhi lump sum on completing four years |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Many lakh candidates register each year for a few tens of thousands of vacancies |
| Official Website | www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
Army Agniveer exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for Army Agniveer. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Defence website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Army Agniveer Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Usually once a year: registration early in the year, online common entrance exam around April or May, then rally for physical and medical tests | Usually once a year, in phases by zone |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) |
| Army Agniveer — Online Common Entrance Examination | Usually once a year: registration early in the year, online common entrance exam around April or May, then rally for physical and medical tests | Online (computer-based test) followed by a physical rally |
| Army Agniveer — Recruitment rally | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Many lakh candidates register each year for a few tens of thousands of vacancies. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official Army Agniveer recruitment advertisement published by Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official Army Agniveer advertisement.
How to apply online for Army Agniveer
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit www.joinindianarmy.nic.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the Army Agniveer application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English, Hindi and several regional languages), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final Army Agniveer Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
Army Agniveer eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for Army Agniveer must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Defence.
Educational qualification
Agniveer GD: Class 10 with around 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject. Agniveer Technical: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English with around 50% aggregate. Agniveer Clerk or SKT: Class 12 in any stream with around 60% aggregate. Agniveer Tradesman: Class 10 or Class 8 depending on the trade.
Age limit & relaxations
Typically 17.5 to 21 years.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen (with specified exceptions).
Other conditions & standards
Unmarried candidates. Physical standards for height, chest and weight vary by region and category. The rally includes a 1.6 km run, pull-ups, a 9-feet ditch jump and a zig-zag balance test, followed by a medical examination.
Army Agniveer — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
Army Agniveer selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates who clear the online common entrance exam are called to a recruitment rally for physical fitness and measurement tests and a medical examination. Final merit combines the written score and, for some categories, bonus marks.
Stage 1: Online Common Entrance Examination
Online (computer-based test) • 4 Papers (Agniveer General Duty, Agniveer Technical, Agniveer Clerk / Store Keeper Technical + 1 more) • 200 Questions • 600 Total Marks • Duration: 1 hour • A computer-based objective test held at designated centres.
A computer-based objective test held at designated centres. The number of questions and marks depends on the category applied for.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Agniveer General Duty 50 100 1 hour Agniveer Technical 50 200 1 hour Agniveer Clerk / Store Keeper Technical 50 200 1 hour Agniveer Tradesman 50 100 1 hour Stage 2: Recruitment rally
Online (computer-based test) followed by a physical rally • Shortlisted candidates report to a rally for physical fitness and physical measurement tests, followed by document verification.
Shortlisted candidates report to a rally for physical fitness and physical measurement tests, followed by document verification.
Stage 3: Medical examination
Online (computer-based test) followed by a physical rally • Candidates who pass the physical tests are medically examined; the final merit list is drawn from medically fit candidates.
Candidates who pass the physical tests are medically examined; the final merit list is drawn from medically fit candidates.
Army Agniveer subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Knowledge — Part I (Indian history and freedom struggle)
- Indian history and freedom struggle
- Geography of India
- Indian polity and constitution
General Knowledge — Part II (Current affairs and sports)
- Current affairs and sports
- Awards, books and important days
- Defence-related facts
General Science: Physics & Chemistry
- Physics: motion, force, energy, light, electricity
- Chemistry: matter, acids and bases, metals and non-metals
- Biology: human body, diseases, nutrition
- Everyday science
Mathematics — Part I (Number system and simplification)
- Number system and simplification
- Percentage, profit and loss
- Ratio, average and interest
Mathematics — Part II (Time and work, speed and distance)
- Time and work, speed and distance
- Algebra and geometry basics
- Mensuration and trigonometry
Logical Reasoning: Series and analogies & Coding and decoding
- Series and analogies
- Coding and decoding
- Direction and blood relations
- Non-verbal reasoning
English and Computer Awareness (Clerk / SKT)
- Grammar and sentence correction
- Vocabulary and comprehension
- Basics of computers and MS Office
- Internet and email fundamentals
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (Army Agniveer)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past Army Agniveer cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Army Agniveer salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Agniveer package starting around ₹30,000 a month in the first year and rising each year, with a Seva Nidhi lump sum on completing four years. Appointments under Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Agniveer package starting around ₹30,000 a month in the first year and rising each year, with a Seva Nidhi lump sum on completing four years.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
Army Agniveer cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) releases stage-wise and category-wise Army Agniveer cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
Army Agniveer — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When Army Agniveer is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining Army Agniveer Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the Army Agniveer cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
Army Agniveer admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
Army Agniveer Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official Army Agniveer Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the Army Agniveer e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
Army Agniveer Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
Army Agniveer Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) declares the Army Agniveer result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official Army Agniveer Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
Army Agniveer mock tests
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Online Common Entrance Examination · 50 questions · 1 hour
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Army Agniveer previous year papers
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Predicted questions for Army Agniveer
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for Army Agniveer
- Register early on the Join Indian Army portal and keep your Aadhaar, Class 10 and domicile documents ready, because the rally stage is document-heavy.
- For Agniveer GD, cover NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science and Maths thoroughly; the paper stays at that level.
- Clerk and SKT aspirants should spend extra time on English grammar and basic computer awareness, which carry separate sections.
- Begin running and pull-up training months in advance, since the physical test is a knockout stage and not just qualifying.
- Attempt the online mock test on the official portal to get used to the computer interface before the CEE.
- Read the official Army Agniveer notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
Army Agniveer FAQs
What is the age limit for Army Agniveer?
Candidates are usually required to be between 17.5 and 21 years old on the date given in the notification.
Is the Army Agniveer exam online?
Yes. The Common Entrance Examination is a computer-based test held at designated centres, and only shortlisted candidates are called to the rally.
Is there negative marking in Army Agniveer CEE?
Yes. One-fourth of the marks for a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the Agniveer physical test?
The rally includes a 1.6 km run graded into groups, pull-ups, a 9-feet ditch jump and a zig-zag balance test, followed by physical measurement and a medical examination.
Can women apply for Army Agniveer?
Women are recruited as Agniveers in the Corps of Military Police. Other categories are usually open to male candidates; check the notification for the current position.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for Army Agniveer?
Army Agniveer is conducted by Indian Army (Directorate General of Recruiting) across 3 stages: Online Common Entrance Examination → Recruitment rally → Medical examination. Candidates who clear the online common entrance exam are called to a recruitment rally for physical fitness and measurement tests and a medical examination. Final merit combines the written score and, for some categories, bonus marks.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for Army Agniveer?
Educational Qualification: Agniveer GD: Class 10 with around 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject. Agniveer Technical: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English with around 50% aggregate. Agniveer Clerk or SKT: Class 12 in any stream with around 60% aggregate. Agniveer Tradesman: Class 10 or Class 8 depending on the trade. Age Limit: Typically 17.5 to 21 years.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing Army Agniveer?
Agniveer package starting around ₹30,000 a month in the first year and rising each year, with a Seva Nidhi lump sum on completing four years.
When is the Army Agniveer notification released and how can I apply online?
Army Agniveer is held usually once a year, in phases by zone (Usually once a year: registration early in the year, online common entrance exam around April or May, then rally for physical and medical tests). Online on joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Where can I practice free Army Agniveer mock tests and solved previous year papers?
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How can I prepare for Army Agniveer on SmartRank?
Select Army Agniveer as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Knowledge, General Science, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact Army Agniveer pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.