New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has significantly enhanced reservation for former Agniveers in the recruitment of constables in the Border Security Force (BSF), increasing the quota from 10 per cent to 50 per cent. The decision has been notified through a Gazette notification issued on December 18.
As per the revised rules, half of the total vacancies for the post of Constable (General Duty) in the BSF will be reserved for ex-Agniveers in every recruitment year. In addition, 10 per cent of vacancies will continue to be earmarked for ex-servicemen, while up to three per cent will be set aside for the absorption of combatised constables (tradesmen).
The notification also provides age relaxation benefits for former Agniveers. Candidates from the first batch will be eligible for an upper age relaxation of up to five years, while those from subsequent batches will receive a relaxation of three years. The crucial date for determining age limits will be specified by the Staff Selection Commission or the designated nodal force.
Under the new recruitment framework, the first phase of recruitment for vacancies reserved for ex-Agniveers will be conducted by a nodal force. The second phase will be handled by the Staff Selection Commission for remaining vacancies, including those reserved for ex-servicemen, along with any unfilled ex-Agniveer posts from the first phase. Vacancies for female candidates will be determined annually by the Director General of BSF based on functional requirements.
The notification further states that ex-Agniveers will be exempted from the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test. However, physical and medical standards for recruitment will continue to be governed by norms prescribed by the Central government from time to time.
The amended rules have been framed under the powers granted by the Border Security Force Act, 1968, and come into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
