Relevance for UPSC: GS III (Internal Security); GS II (Governance)
Source: The Hindu ; Ministry of Home Affairs notifications, press reports

The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to increase reservation for former Agniveers to 50% in Group C posts of the Central Armed Police Forces, ahead of the exit of the first Agnipath batch. Earlier, the assured reservation was 10%.

Key features:

• 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers in constable-level posts, including the Border Security Force.
• Age relaxation: 5 years for the first batch; 3 years for subsequent batches.
• Selection: Ex-Agniveers are exempted from physical tests but must qualify the written examination.
• Forces covered: Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal and Assam Rifles.

Significance: The move strengthens forces with trained manpower, addresses concerns over post-service employment, and improves the acceptability of the Agnipath scheme, though concerns remain about reduced opportunities for open-category aspirants.

Q. With reference to reservation for former Agniveers in Central Armed Police Forces, consider the following statements:

1. The reservation has been increased from 10% to 50% in Group C posts.
2. Former Agniveers are exempted from the written examination during recruitment.
3. The policy applies to forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3