Reservation – Delhi Police Announces 20% Quota for Ex-Agniveers
Reservation – Lieutenant-Governor V K Saxena on Monday cleared a proposal granting 20 percent reservation to former Agniveers in the recruitment of male constables in Delhi Police. The decision also provides them exemption from the physical efficiency test and relaxation in the upper age limit, according to an official statement.
Amendment to Recruitment Rules Approved
The approval follows an amendment to Rule 9 of the Delhi Police (Appointment & Recruitment) Rules, 1980. With this change, provisions have been formally added to facilitate the appointment of ex-Agniveers as constables (Executive) in the force.
Officials confirmed that eligible former Agniveers applying for the post of male constable will benefit from a reserved quota of 20 percent in the recruitment process. In addition, they will not be required to undergo the physical efficiency test, which is typically a mandatory part of the selection procedure.
The relaxation also extends to age criteria. While the standard upper age limit for constable recruitment in Delhi Police is 25 years, former Agniveers will be granted a three-year relaxation beyond this cap.
Additional Age Relaxation for First Batch
Authorities further clarified that candidates from the first batch of the Agniveer scheme will receive an even greater age concession. For them, the upper age limit will be extended by five years instead of three, offering additional flexibility during the transition phase after completion of their military tenure.
The Agniveer scheme, introduced in 2022, was designed to recruit young individuals into the Indian armed forces for a four-year period of service. After completing their tenure, a portion of recruits continue in regular service, while others return to civilian life with training and experience gained during their time in uniform.
Large Workforce and Direct Recruitment
Delhi Police currently has 42,451 sanctioned posts for male constables (Executive). These positions are filled through a direct recruitment process open to candidates aged between 18 and 25 years. With the latest amendment, a significant number of former Agniveers are expected to become eligible for these posts under the revised framework.
Officials indicated that the move is intended to streamline opportunities for trained youth who have already served the nation. By adjusting eligibility conditions, the administration aims to make their entry into law enforcement more accessible.
Focus on Skill Utilisation and Transition
According to the official communication, the decision recognises the structured training and operational exposure that Agniveers receive during their four-year engagement with the armed forces. Their familiarity with discipline, teamwork and field operations is seen as relevant to policing duties.
The exemption from the physical efficiency test has been granted in view of their prior physical training during military service. Authorities believe that this background adequately prepares them for the physical demands of constabulary roles.
The measure is also expected to support smoother reintegration into civilian employment. Former Agniveers seeking stable careers after completing their defence assignments will now have a defined pathway into Delhi Police through the reserved quota and age relaxation provisions.
The development marks a policy shift aimed at aligning recruitment rules with the evolving framework of the Agniveer scheme. Officials maintain that the amendment strengthens both workforce planning and employment prospects for trained youth transitioning from the armed forces to public service roles.