UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Agniveers get option for extension; pathway to join army as regular soldiers

Q1. With reference to the Seva Nidhi package under the Agnipath scheme, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. It is a one-time payout built from the Agniveer's own contributions and an equal matching contribution from the Government, together with interest.
  2. Like the pension of a retired regular soldier, it is re-fixed periodically under the One Rank One Pension principle.
  3. The Government's share in it is a pre-fixed flat amount that does not depend on how much the Agniveer has contributed.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The Chief of Defence Staff does not exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs.
  2. The Chief of Defence Staff is meant to be in a position to give impartial advice to the political leadership.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to the legal position of Agniveers in the armed forces, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Agniveers are enrolled in the Army, Navy or Air Force under the respective Service Act for the period of their engagement.
  2. Agniveers constitute a distinct rank in the armed forces, different from every other existing rank.
  3. Since they are not part of the regular cadre, Agniveers remain outside the disciplinary provisions of the Service Acts.
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q4. Comparing the Short Service Commission (SSC) with the Agnipath scheme, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. SSC is a time-bound entry for officers, whereas Agnipath is a time-bound entry for personnel below officer rank.
  2. In both, moving into permanent or regular service depends on organisational requirement and merit, not merely on completing the initial tenure.
  3. An SSC officer not granted permanent commission must leave at the end of the initial tenure, with no option to extend service.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the likely effects of the 2026 revision of the Agnipath scheme: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Agniveers not retained at four years who opt for the second engagement would enter the civilian job market later than they would have under the original design.
  2. The cost to the Government of an Agniveer during the second engagement would be lower than during the first engagement.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2