Ex-Agniveers To Get Reservation, Age Relaxation, Fitness Test Exemption In Railways Recruitment

Sources reported that the Indian Railways plans to offer Agniveers a cumulative reservation of 15 per cent in non-gazetted posts in various departments, along with age relaxation and exemption from fitness tests during direct recruitment.

Agniveers may soon have a reservation policy in the Railway Protection Force (RPF) as well, sources revealed to news agency PTI.

The Railways will provide horizontal reservation of 10 per cent in Level 1 and 5 per cent in Level 2 and higher non-gazetted positions, similar to that for Persons with Benchmark Disability, ex-servicemen, and Course Completed Act Apprentices.

The Agniveers are eligible for exemptions in physical efficiency tests as well as age relaxation, with five years for the first batch and three for subsequent ones, in addition to the age limits for various communities for Level 1, Level 2, and higher positions.

The Railway Board has requested general managers to allow these recruitment relaxations and/or facilities to Agniveer candidates who complete four-year service in the forces. The relaxation applies to non-gazetted positions above Pay Levels 1 and 2.

Last year, the Centre introduced the Agnipath recruitment plan, where 25 per cent of the recruits would be absorbed into the forces upon completion of four years.

Equal opportunity for specific groups such as women, veterans, transgenders, and people with disabilities, regardless of hierarchy, is known as horizontal reservation.

Several ministries, states, and industry groups also provide job options to ex-Agniveers through similar reservation programmes.

Agniveers who have finished their service can apply with proof against Railway Recruiting Agencies' Centralised Employment Notifications for non-gazetted pay grade staff recruitment.

Agniveers who have completed their four years tenure will be charged Rs 250 for applying for open market recruitment by Railways recruiting agencies, and those who appear in the written exam will be refunded the fee.

Level 1 exam selects assistants for the Railways, while Level 2 and above includes other posts such as junior clerk-cum-typist, station managers, and junior engineers.