The Ministry of Education announced that it will develop courses for Class 10 and 12 school students in line with the ‘Agnipath’ scheme launched by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) this week.
The courses will be developed by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in consultation with the MoD. This special programme of NIOS will facilitate enrolment, development of courses, student support, provision of self-learning material, accreditation of study centres, personal contact programme, evaluation and certification.
“The special programme will enable those ‘Agniveers’ who are 10th Class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th Class pass certificate by developing customised courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service,” the Education Ministry said in the press statement.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence had on Tuesday unveiled the Agnipath scheme which is a pan-India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors.
Under the scheme, young persons will be provided with an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer” for a period of 4 years including a training period.
After completion of the four-year tenure of the recruits, the scheme provides for retaining 25 per cent of each specific batch for regular service, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the armed forces from time to time.
Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Candidates who are class 10 and 12 pass can apply for the recruitment process.