Delhi Police Reserves 20% Constable Posts for Ex-Agniveers, Eases Recruitment Norms

New Delhi, March 2026 : In a significant policy shift aimed at integrating trained military personnel into civilian law enforcement, the Delhi Police will now reserve 20 per cent of its constable (executive) posts for candidates who have completed their service under the Agnipath scheme.

The move, formalised through a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is part of the Central government’s broader effort to provide structured career opportunities for former Agniveers after their four-year tenure in the armed forces. Along with reservation, the policy introduces relaxations in physical and age-related criteria, making the transition into police services smoother for these candidates.

As per the notification, ex-Agniveers will be exempted from the physical efficiency test, a key component of the recruitment process for constable posts. Additionally, they will benefit from a three-year relaxation in the upper age limit. Currently, the age bracket for constable (executive) recruitment is 18 to 25 years, which means eligible ex-Agniveers can apply up to the age of 28.

For candidates from the first batch of the Agnipath scheme, the relaxation is even more substantial. They will receive an additional five-year age concession, effectively allowing them to apply until the age of 30. This provision recognises the initial cohort’s unique position and ensures they are not disadvantaged during the transition phase.

The notification further states that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has approved amendments to Rule 9 of the Delhi Police Act, 1978 and the Delhi Police (Appointment & Recruitment) Rules, 1980, which govern the appointment of constables. These changes institutionalise the inclusion of ex-Agniveers within the recruitment framework.

In terms of job structure, the constable (executive) post falls under Group C, classified as Non-Gazetted and Non-Ministerial. The notification mentions that there are 42,451 posts for 2024 (subject to variation based on workload), with a pay scale under Pay Matrix Level-3, ranging from Rs 21,700 to Rs 69,100.

Importantly, the amended rules retain existing provisions related to educational qualifications, disqualifications, and other eligibility criteria. They also continue to provide reservations and concessions for categories such as SC, ST, OBC, ex-servicemen, and sportspersons, in line with Central government norms. The government also retains the authority to relax provisions further for specific categories if necessary.

Officials said the changes come into effect immediately upon publication of the notification and are expected to strengthen the police force by bringing in disciplined, trained individuals with prior service experience. At the same time, the policy provides a clear and structured pathway for Agniveers to transition into stable civilian roles after completing their military service.

The initiative is being seen as a win-win approach—enhancing the operational capacity of the Delhi Police while ensuring meaningful post-service employment opportunities for former Agniveers, thereby reinforcing both national security and workforce integration objectives.