New Reservation Rule Approved for Ex-Agniveers
In a major development aimed at improving employment opportunities for former Agniveer personnel, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena approved a significant policy revision on 23 February 2026 that reserves 20 percent of male constable posts in the Delhi Police for ex-Agniveers. This groundbreaking decision is expected to open new career paths for the thousands of youth who have served under India’s Agniveer scheme.
The amendment was made in Rule 9 of the Delhi Police (Appointment & Recruitment) Rules, 1980, effectively recognizing the training and discipline gained through four years of service under the Agniveer scheme.
What the New Policy Includes
Reservation for Ex-Agniveers
Under the updated policy, 20 percent of direct recruitment vacancies for male constables (executive) in Delhi Police will be exclusively reserved for former Agniveers. This quota ensures that those who have served in the armed forces get a fair opportunity to continue serving the nation in civilian law enforcement roles.
Exemptions and Age Relaxations
The new rule also brings significant advantages in the recruitment process:
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Exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Ex-Agniveers will not have to undergo the PET, which forms a core part of standard recruitment.
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Age Relaxation: While the general upper age limit for male constable recruitment is 25 years, ex-Agniveers will receive an additional three years of relaxation.
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Special Benefit for First Batch Candidates: Those from the first Agniveer batch will receive up to five years of age relaxation beyond the upper age limit.
Number of Posts Affected
Currently, there are 42,451 sanctioned male constable posts in the Delhi Police force. With the new policy, one-fifth of these positions will be reserved for qualified former Agniveers through direct recruitment.
Broader Impact
Officials believe that this reservation will not only benefit aspiring candidates but also strengthen the Delhi Police by infusing disciplined, trained personnel with service experience. The move follows similar initiatives by other Indian states, such as Haryana and Uttarakhand, which have implemented various reservation policies for ex-Agniveers.
This policy marks a major shift in recruitment strategy by offering a structured route for those transitioning from military service to civilian police work, reflecting the broader goal of integrating ex-Agniveers more fully into government services.
