The central government has directed all states and Union Territories to prioritize the recruitment of ex-Agniveers into private security agencies and training institutions. This directive acknowledges the valuable experience these individuals gained while serving in the armed forces.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) communicated this instruction to states and UTs as part of a broader strategy to support the career progression of ex-Agniveers after they complete their service. The Agnipath scheme, initiated in June 2022, aims to reduce the average age of personnel in the armed forces. It recruits individuals between 17.5 and 21 years for a four-year term, with the option to retain 25% for an additional 15 years. The first cohort of Agniveers is expected to complete their initial four-year term next year.

In a letter dated September 11, the MHA's Police-II Division conveyed the directive to controlling authorities under the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA). The letter referenced a high-level meeting where the decision was made to develop a system for ensuring that security agencies, particularly those contracted by government departments, banks, and other organizations, actively recruit Agniveers. The letter also urged state-level controlling authorities to sensitize top security agencies and encourage state and UT departments to encourage firms hired by them to recruit ex-Agniveers.

The communication also highlighted Section 10(3) of the PSARA, which allows private security agencies to give preference to individuals who have served in the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, or other Union armed forces, as well as police forces, armed constabularies of states, and Home Guards, when hiring security guards.

To further support ex-Agniveers, the Home Ministry has already reserved 10% of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for them. Additionally, several defense public sector undertakings are modifying their recruitment policies to include age relaxations and other provisions to facilitate the hiring of Agniveers. Some states, including Haryana and Rajasthan, have also announced reservation in their police forces for Agniveers.

The move has faced some criticism from the Opposition, with concerns raised that such an approach could potentially lead to the creation of "private armies" and negatively impact national morale. In June 2025, the Home Ministry was formally assigned the responsibility of coordinating activities related to the career advancement of ex-Agniveers.