Ex-Agniveer quota for BSF constable post now 50%, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Union Home Ministry raised the quota for ex-Agniveers in BSF constable recruitment to 50%.
• The first batch of ex-Agniveers will receive an upper age-limit relaxation of up to five years.
• Subsequent ex-Agniveers will get an upper age-limit relaxation of three years.
• Ex-Agniveers are exempted from the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test.

Detailed Insights:

• The quota increase was implemented by amending the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2015.
• In each recruitment year, 10% of vacancies are reserved for ex-Servicemen, and up to 3% for Combatised Constable (Tradesmen).
• Recruitment will occur in two phases: the Nodal Force will handle 50% of vacancies for ex-Agniveers, and the Staff Selection Commission will manage the remaining 47%, including ex-Servicemen and unfilled ex-Agniveer positions.
• The Agniveer scheme aims to create a youthful profile in the armed forces, offering opportunities for youth to serve for four years.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Agniveers: Individuals recruited into the armed forces for a four-year term under the Agnipath scheme.
• BSF: A border guarding force of India, responsible for securing the country's borders during peace and preventing transnational crime.
• Nodal Force: The designated agency responsible for coordinating and conducting the initial phase of recruitment specifically for ex-Agniveers.