The Agniveer Vayu scheme is a recruitment program under the Agnipath Scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2022 to modernize and revitalize the armed forces. It offers young men and women a chance to serve in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a period of four years, acquiring precious experience, discipline, and financial stability.
Following this duration, a limited percentage of Agniveers can be integrated into the regular service on merit and organizational needs. This scheme provides a rare opportunity for seekers to serve the country while they prepare for subsequent career prospects within defence and civilian departments.
Agniveer Vayu Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for Agniveer Vayu should meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Age Limit
- The applicants should be between 17.5 and 21 years of age at the time of application.
- There is no upper age relaxation available, according to guidelines in the Agnipath Scheme.
2. Educational Qualification
- Science Stream: The applicants should have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) with Physics, Mathematics, and English and should have secured at least 50% marks in aggregate and 50% in English.
- Non-Science Stream: The applicants must have cleared 10+2 with any subject with an aggregate of not less than 50% and 50% in English.
- Applicants having a 3-year diploma in Engineering: (Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics/Computer Science/Information Technology) or a 2-year vocational course in non-vocational subjects like Physics and Maths are also suitable.
3. Physical / Medical Standards:-
Applicants should be physically and mentally sound to undertake duties in diverse terrain and climatic conditions across the globe. The following table details the medical criteria for Agniveer Vayu:
| Parameter | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Height | – Agniveer Vayu (Combatant): Min. 152 cm | – Min. 152 cm |
| – Agniveer Vayu (Musician): Min. 162 cm | – Candidates from North East/Hilly regions: Min. 147 cm | |
| – Lakshadweep candidates: Min. 150 cm | ||
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age | Proportionate to height and age |
| Chest | – Well-developed, min. circumference 77 cm | – Well-proportioned, min. expansion of 5 cm |
| – Min. chest expansion: 5 cm | ||
| Hearing | Normal hearing; able to hear whisper from 6m | Normal hearing; able to hear whisper from 6m |
| Dental | Healthy gums, good teeth, min. 14 dental points | Healthy gums, good teeth, min. 14 dental points |
| General Health | Fit with no active/chronic diseases | Fit with no active/chronic diseases |
| Gynaecological Exam | – | Covers external genitalia, hernia orifices, and perineum |
| Gender Identity | Any predominant opposite-gender traits lead to disqualification | Any predominant opposite-gender traits lead to disqualification |
| Pregnancy | – | Pregnancy leads to disqualification |
| Body Tattoo | Only on inner forearms, back of hand, and per tribal customs | Only on inner forearms, back of hand, and per tribal customs |
Visual Standards
| Visual Acuity | Maximum Refractive Error | Colour Vision |
| 6/12 each eye (correctable to 6/6) | Hypermetropia: +2.0D, Myopia: -1.0D, Astigmatism: ±0.50D | CP-II |
Selection Process for Agniveer Vayu
The selection process has several stages in order to determine the physical and mental ability of the candidates.
1. Online Examination
- The First Step is an online written examination, with subjects including English, Mathematics, Physics, and Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA).
- Science stream applicants undergo Physics, Math, and English tests, while Non-science stream applicants undergo English and RAGA.
2. Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
- 1.6 km run in 6 minutes 30 seconds
- 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, and 20 squats
- Other physical efficiency tests may be performed as per requirement.
3. Adaptability Test-I & II
- Tests the candidates’ ability to adapt to military life.
- Involves group discussions and psychological tests.
4. Medical Examination
- Detailed medical examination to confirm fitness according to Air Force standards.
Training and Service Tenure
- Shortlisted candidates are trained at IAF training centers.
- The duration of training varies but is usually for 6 months.
- Agniveers will serve for four years in total, including training and active service.
Salary and Benefits of Agniveer Vayu
The Agniveer Vayu scheme offers a good salary package and many benefits:
1. Salary Structure
| Year | Monthly Salary (INR) | In-Hand Salary (After Deductions) | Seva Nidhi Contribution (INR) |
| 1st | 30,000 | 21,000 | 9,000 |
| 2nd | 33,000 | 23,100 | 9,900 |
| 3rd | 36,500 | 25,580 | 10,950 |
| 4th | 40,000 | 28,000 | 12,000 |
2. Seva Nidhi Package
- After four years, Agniveer will get a Seva Nidhi package of around ₹10.04 lakh, including interest.
- This is tax-free and is financial assistance for future activities.
3. Other Benefits
- Life cover of ₹48 lakh during service.
- Medical facilities during service.
- Chance for permanent induction (25% of Agniveer can be inducted into the IAF on a performance basis).
Career Prospects After Agniveer Vayu
Upon completion of the four-year term, They have a number of career prospects:
1. Re-Enrollment in the Indian Air Force
- 25% of them can be chosen for permanent service.
2. Government Employment
- Priority in paramilitary forces (CAPF, BSF, CISF, etc.)
- Special reservations in state government employment
3. Private Sector Jobs
- Different corporations and defense industries are ready to recruit Agniveers based on their discipline and skill.
4. Entrepreneurship & Higher Studies
- The Seva Nidhi package can be utilized to pursue a business or higher studies.
- Special financial support schemes for Agniveers.
How to Apply for Agniveer Vayu?
The candidates can apply online through the official Indian Air Force website. The process is:
- Online Registration – Enter personal and educational information.
- Fee Payment – A small application fee is payable.
- Admit Card Download – Eligible candidates are given an admit card for the online test.
- Selection Process – Candidates go through written tests, physical tests, adaptability tests, and medical tests.
Conclusion
Agniveer Vayu is a golden opportunity for young aspirants who wish to serve the nation while gaining financial stability, skill development, and a strong foundation for future careers. With its competitive salary, benefits, and post-service opportunities, the program is an excellent gateway into the defense sector and beyond. If you are looking for an exciting and honorable career, Agniveer Vayu is the perfect choice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Agniveer Vayu?
Agniveer Vayu is a four-year short-term recruitment scheme under the Agnipath Scheme initiated by the Indian Government in 2022. It offers youth women and men a chance to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) for four years, gaining military experience, economic stability, and career growth.
2. Who can apply for Agniveer Vayu?
Both male and female applicants aged between 17.5 to 21 years are eligible. They should satisfy certain educational requirements, physical fitness, and medical parameters of the Indian Air Force.
3. What is the process of selection?
The selection process includes:
- A written test to check general knowledge and technical abilities.
- A physical fitness test (PFT), which involves running, push-ups, and sit-ups.
- A medical test to check whether the candidates are fit in terms of health.
- Verification of documents for final selection.
4. What is the compensation and benefits of Agniveer Vayu personnel?
Agniveers are initially paid ₹30,000 monthly, which will rise every year. They are also provided risk and hardship allowances. They will be given a Seva Nidhi package of around ₹10.04 lakhs at the end of their service along with their contributions and government funds.
5. Can Agniveer Vayu personnel be offered permanent recruitment in the IAF?
Yes, up to 25% of top-performing Agniveers may be absorbed into the regular IAF cadre, depending on merit and organizational needs. The rest receive financial support and job opportunities for their transition.
6. What are the benefits offered during service?
- Life insurance of ₹48 lakh throughout the service period.
- Professional technical and non-technical training.
- Certification in skills for future career prospects.
7. What are the educational qualifications needed?
The applicants must have 10+2 with Physics and Maths, three-year diploma in engineering, or two-year vocational course in science subjects from a recognized organization.
8. Are there any relaxations in eligibility?
Yes, height, weight, and age relaxations are offered to candidates belonging to hilly areas, North-East states, and tribal communities, according to official recruitment rules.
9. What are the career prospects after four years?
Agniveers can be hired in paramilitary organizations, state police, PSUs, and private organizations, which prefer former military personnel for many jobs because of their discipline and leadership qualities.
10. I want to apply for Agniveer Vayu. How do I do it?
Applications are made online through the official website of IAF when recruitment notices are issued. One should keep checking for news about exam dates, eligibility, and application forms.