In a significant step toward strengthening post-retirement career pathways for armed forces personnel, Indian Railways and the Indian Army have jointly launched a formal framework to enhance job opportunities for ex-servicemen and ex-Agniveers.
The collaboration aims to create a structured support system that not only provides employment avenues but also raises awareness about career prospects within the Railways for retiring defence personnel.
Under the existing policy, ex-servicemen are eligible for a 10% reservation in Level-2 and above posts and a 20% reservation in Level-1 posts. For ex-Agniveers, the reservation stands at 5% in Level-2 and above posts and 10% in Level-1 roles.
As a result of this policy, 14,788 posts were reserved for ex-servicemen in 2024 and 2025.
Currently, the Railways is recruiting ex-servicemen as ‘Pointsmen’ on a contractual basis. While permanent appointments are conducted through Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs), the Pointsmen hiring is being treated as an interim measure until regular recruitment cycles are completed.
Over 5,000 Level-1 posts are presently under process across District and Zonal Divisions, with nine divisions already signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Army to facilitate recruitment.
The framework recognises that many soldiers retire relatively early. Agniveers are recruited up to age 21 and serve for four years, typically exiting service by 25 if not absorbed permanently. Other ranks in the Army often retire in their mid-30s or 40s, while officers typically retire in their mid- to late 50s.
By tapping into the operational discipline and managerial experience of former soldiers, the Railways aims to leverage a trained workforce while supporting smoother career transitions.
The initiative also focuses on skill-sharing and institutional coordination between the two organisations, signalling a broader strategic partnership beyond recruitment alone.
Read more: IRCTC Aadhaar Priority Booking vs Tatkal Rules: What’s Different?
With defined reservations and structured hiring pathways, the Railways–Army framework represents a meaningful step toward economic security for retired defence personnel. As thousands of posts move into processing, the collaboration could reshape post-service career opportunities for India’s armed forces community.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Feb 27, 2026, 4:20 PM IST
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