Govt increases ex-Agniveer quota to 50% for BSF constable recruitment

The Central Government has announced a landmark decision to increase the reservation quota for ex-Agniveers in the Border Security Force (BSF) Constable recruitment. The quota has been significantly raised to 50 per cent from the previously proposed 10 per cent. This move aims to provide stable career opportunities for those completing their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme. According to the newly amended rules, 10 per cent of vacancies remain reserved for ex-servicemen, while up to three per cent are earmarked for the absorption of combatised tradesmen.

The recruitment process will now be conducted in two distinct phases to accommodate this new structure. In the first phase, a Nodal Force will conduct recruitment specifically for the 50 per cent vacancies reserved for ex-Agniveers. The second phase will be managed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the remaining 47 per cent of vacancies, which includes the general pool and the 10 per cent ex-servicemen quota. Any unfilled vacancies from the ex-Agniveer category in the first phase will be rolled over to the second phase for other candidates.

The legal framework for this change comes through the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment (Amendment) Rules, 2025. These rules were officially brought into force on December 18, 2025, exercising powers under the BSF Act of 1968. Additionally, the notification clarified that vacancies for female candidates will continue to be determined on a year-to-year basis by the Director General of the BSF, based on specific functional requirements.