The Agniveer Office Assistant / Store Keeper Technical entry is the Indian Army’s administrative and logistics cadre under the Agnipath Scheme. It is open to any Class 12 stream — Arts, Commerce or Science.
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It also carries the strictest academic bar of any Agniveer trade. Where Agniveer General Duty requires Class 10 with 45% aggregate, and Agniveer Tradesman requires a simple pass with 33% in each subject, the Clerk/SKT entry requires 60% in aggregate, 50% in every subject, and 50% specifically in English and in Mathematics, Accounts or Book Keeping.
Those subject conditions eliminate more applicants than the examination does.
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This guide sets out the eligibility precisely, the CEE structure, the selection sequence, the compensation — including two provisions candidates routinely misunderstand — and the application process.
Overview
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service | Indian Army, under the Agnipath Scheme |
| Entry | Agniveer Office Assistant / Store Keeper Technical (All Arms) |
| Qualification | 10+2 in any stream — with strict marks conditions |
| Aggregate | Minimum 60% |
| Each subject | Minimum 50% |
| Mandatory subjects | 50% in English and 50% in Maths / Accounts / Book Keeping |
| Age | 17½ to 21 years — no relaxation for any category |
| Gender | Unmarried male and female |
| Application fee | ₹250 + bank charges, non-refundable, per category |
| Selection | Online CEE → Recruitment Rally (PFT, PMT) → Medical → DV → Merit List |
| Interview | None |
| Salary | ₹30,000 (Year 1) to ₹40,000 (Year 4) |
| Portal | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
1. Eligibility — The Marks Conditions
Core requirement: passed the 10+2 / Intermediate examination from a recognised State or Central Education Board.
Stream: any stream is eligible — Arts, Commerce or Science — provided the marks conditions are met.
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Aggregate marks | Minimum 60% in Class XII |
| Each subject | Minimum 50% in every subject |
| English | Minimum 50% in Class XII |
| Maths / Accounts / Book Keeping | Minimum 50% in Class XII |
All four conditions apply together. A candidate with a 72% aggregate but 46% in English is not eligible. A candidate with 60% aggregate and 55% in English but no Mathematics, Accounts or Book Keeping subject at all is not eligible.
Check your Class XII mark sheet against all four before applying, because the fee is non-refundable and eligibility is verified at document verification, where a shortfall ends the candidature after the examination has already been taken.
The Provision Candidates Get Wrong
A higher qualification does not help.
Even where a candidate holds a degree, eligibility is assessed on the Class XII marks against these criteria. A graduate with 58% in Class XII is not eligible for Agniveer Clerk/SKT, regardless of the degree.
This is the reverse of most recruitment, where a higher qualification is either an advantage or at least neutral. Here it is irrelevant — the Class XII mark sheet is the whole test.
One Point Where Sources Differ
Some sources state that the 50% in English and Maths/Accounts/Book Keeping condition applies to Agniveer Clerk (Staff Duty) but not to Store Keeper Technical. Others apply it to both, and the Army’s own category is generally notified as a combined Office Assistant / Store Keeper Technical entry.
Verify the subject clause against the notification PDF for the specific category you are applying to. Do not assume it does not apply.
Age and Other Conditions
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 17½ to 21 years on the date specified in the notification |
| Age relaxation | None — for any category. SC, ST, OBC and EWS candidates receive no relaxation under Agnipath |
| Date of birth (2026 cycle) | Reported as 1 July 2005 to 1 July 2009, both inclusive — verify against the notification, as batch windows differ |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
| Gender | Male and female both eligible |
The absence of age relaxation is absolute. A candidate at 22 is outside the band irrespective of category. Count your remaining cycles.
2. The Job Profile
Agniveer Clerk is the administrative backbone of an Army unit — records, correspondence, unit documentation and staff duties.
Store Keeper Technical handles logistics and stores — inventory, accounting of equipment and spares, and technical store management.
Both are support roles rather than combat roles, and both are fundamental to operational readiness. The work is administrative and organisational in nature, which is why the entry screens for English and numeracy rather than physical standards alone.
3. The Common Entrance Examination
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online Computer Based Test |
| Type | Objective, multiple choice |
| Sections | Five — General Knowledge, General Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, General English |
| Highest weightage | General English — reported at 60 marks |
Qualifying Criteria
Reported as: a minimum of 32 marks in each of the two parts — Part I and Part II — and a total aggregate of 80 marks out of 200 to qualify for Phase 2.
Both conditions apply. Clearing the aggregate while failing a part does not qualify.
Sources conflict on the total marks and question count for this paper, with some describing a 100-mark structure. Confirm the pattern in the notification PDF for the current cycle.
On negative marking: reported at 0.5 marks per incorrect answer for Clerk/SKT, against a 25% deduction reported for other Agniveer categories. Sources differ. Confirm the applicable rule in the notification, and in either case treat guessing as costly.
Syllabus
General English — the highest-weighted section, and the one that most rewards preparation:
- Comprehension passages — detail recall and inference
- Grammar and usage
Mathematics — up to Class 10/12 standard:
- Arithmetic — number system, HCF and LCM, square and cube roots, percentage, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, simple and compound interest, average, time and work, time and distance
- Algebra — linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, indices and surds
- Geometry — lines and angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area and volume
- Mensuration — 2D and 3D shapes
- Trigonometry — identities, heights and distances
General Knowledge — current events, India and neighbours, history, geography, Indian polity, economy, sports, awards, books and authors, abbreviations, defence and technology.
Computer Science — basics, reflecting the administrative and technical nature of the role.
The preparation instruction follows directly from the weightage: General English carries the highest marks in this paper. For a Science-stream candidate accustomed to prioritising Mathematics, that is a reallocation worth making early. Mathematics and Computer Science are the other two sections specifically weighted for this role.
4. Selection Process
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1. Online CEE | Computer Based Test |
| 2. Recruitment Rally | Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) |
| 3. Medical Examination | Prescribed standards including vision and hearing |
| 4. Document Verification | Originals |
| 5. Merit List | Final selection |
There is no interview at any stage. Selection rests on the CEE, the PFT and medical fitness.
A typing test may be required for the clerk category at designated centres. Candidates applying for Clerk should confirm this in the notification and prepare accordingly rather than discover it at the rally.
Physical standards: height, chest and weight standards apply, with weight proportionate to height and age. Relaxation in physical standards is available for outstanding sportsmen. For Gorkha candidates, the height standard is relaxed.
5. Compensation — Including Two Misunderstood Provisions
| Year | Monthly Package | Seva Nidhi Contribution (30%) | In-hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹30,000 | ₹9,000 | ₹21,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹33,000 | ₹9,900 | ₹23,100 |
| Year 3 | ₹36,500 | ₹10,950 | ₹25,580 |
| Year 4 | ₹40,000 | ₹12,000 | ₹28,000 |
The Agniveer contributes 30% of the monthly package to the Agniveer Corpus Fund, and the Government of India contributes a matching 30%.
Seva Nidhi on completion: approximately ₹11.71 lakh including interest — figures around ₹10.04 lakh are quoted excluding interest. Tax-free.
Insurance: non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh during the engagement.
Allowances: risk and hardship allowance based on posting and duties, and uniform allowance.
The Two Provisions to Understand
First — DA and HRA do not apply. Typical civilian allowances such as House Rent Allowance and Dearness Allowance are generally not applicable to Agniveers, because accommodation and food are predominantly provided by the service.
This matters when comparing against civilian government posts. An SSC CHSL DEO at ₹25,500 basic receives DA and HRA on top, which lift the in-hand well above the basic. An Agniveer’s ₹21,000 in-hand is the figure — but rent and food are not paid from it. The comparison must be made on that basis, not on headline numbers.
Second — there is no gratuity and no pension. Agniveers are not entitled to gratuity or pensionary benefits. After four years, up to 25% of each batch may be enrolled in the regular cadre on merit, discipline, performance and organisational requirement. The remaining 75% exit with the Seva Nidhi.
The Certificate Provision
Agniveers receive a Skill Certificate on completion, recognised in the civilian job market.
For those who enrolled after Class 10, a Class 12 equivalent certificate is provided based on skills attained. This does not apply to Clerk/SKT candidates, who already hold Class 12 — but it is worth knowing when comparing entries.
After Four Years
Exiting Agniveers have established pathways: CAPF and state police forces carry priority consideration and age relaxation for Agniveer completers; higher education; and corporate placement supported by the Skill Certificate.
6. Application Procedure
- Access joinindianarmy.nic.in and open the recruitment dashboard.
- Register with name, father’s name, date of birth, email ID and mobile number.
- Log in and select Apply Online for the Agniveer Clerk / Store Keeper Technical category.
- Complete personal, educational and contact details, including NCC details where applicable. Ensure all information matches your official documents.
- Upload:
- Photograph — recent passport-size, typically 10 KB to 20 KB, JPG/JPEG, light background
- Signature — scanned, typically 5 KB to 10 KB, JPG/JPEG
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Domicile certificate, caste certificate and NCC certificate, where applicable
- Review the entire form before final submission. Incorrect uploads and mismatched particulars lead to rejection.
- Pay the application fee — ₹250 plus bank charges, non-refundable, through the SBI portal by debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI.
- Submit and retain the printed application.
Candidates applying for two categories pay ₹250 for each category separately.
Pay close attention to the specified format, file size and dimensions for each upload. This is among the most common causes of rejection at application.
The 2026 Cycle — For Reference
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Online registration | 13 February to 10 April 2026 (extended from 1 April) |
| Admit card — Clerk/SKT | 18 to 21 May 2026 |
| Online CEE | 1 to 15 June 2026 |
Vacancy numbers for Clerk/SKT are not always notified separately. They are announced per Army Recruiting Office (ARO) / Zone or on an all-India basis, and vary each year with the Army’s requirement. Regional ARO-wise distribution materially affects the competition a candidate faces.
7. Documents Checklist
- ☐ Class 10 mark sheet and passing certificate
- ☐ Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate — showing 60% aggregate, 50% each subject, 50% English, 50% Maths/Accounts/Book Keeping
- ☐ Domicile certificate from the competent authority
- ☐ Caste certificate, where applicable
- ☐ NCC certificate, where held
- ☐ Aadhaar card and PAN card
- ☐ Passport-size photographs, light background
- ☐ Unmarried certificate, where required
- ☐ Admit card and printed application
8. Assessment
Agniveer Clerk/SKT is the Indian Army’s most academically demanding entry at Class 12, and its most accessible on stream.
In favour: any stream qualifies — Arts and Commerce candidates are fully eligible, which is not true of Agniveer Technical (Science/ITI) or Navy SSR (Maths and Physics); no interview; women are eligible; ₹48 lakh insurance; ₹11.71 lakh tax-free Seva Nidhi; and accommodation and food provided, so the in-hand is largely disposable.
Against: the 60% aggregate, 50% each subject, 50% English and 50% Maths/Accounts/Book Keeping conditions are strict and eliminate a large share of applicants before the examination; a higher qualification does not compensate; there is no age relaxation for any category; no DA, no HRA, no gratuity, no pension; and up to 25% retention.
Recommendations: verify all four marks conditions against your Class XII mark sheet before paying the non-refundable fee. Prioritise General English in preparation — it carries the highest weightage in a paper that also demands Mathematics and Computer Science. And note that the CEE requires a minimum in each part as well as in aggregate, so a weak part cannot be carried by a strong one.
Where this entry sits: for a Commerce candidate with strong Class XII marks and Accounts, this is arguably the best-matched defence entry available — the subject conditions it imposes are precisely the subjects a Commerce candidate already holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the qualification for Agniveer Clerk/Store Keeper Technical? 10+2 in any stream with minimum 60% in aggregate, 50% in each subject, and 50% in English and 50% in Maths/Accounts/Book Keeping in Class XII. All conditions apply together.
Q2. Can an Arts or Commerce student apply? Yes. Any stream is eligible — Arts, Commerce or Science — provided the marks conditions are met. For Commerce candidates, the Accounts / Book Keeping option satisfies the numeracy subject requirement.
Q3. Does a degree help? No. Even where a candidate holds a higher qualification, eligibility is assessed on the Class XII marks against the stated criteria.
Q4. Is there age relaxation? No — for any category. The age band is 17½ to 21 years under the Agnipath Scheme, with no relaxation for SC, ST, OBC or EWS.
Q5. What is the salary? ₹30,000 per month in Year 1 rising to ₹40,000 in Year 4, with an in-hand of ₹21,000 to ₹28,000 — as 30% goes to the Agniveer Corpus Fund with a matching government contribution, returned as Seva Nidhi of approximately ₹11.71 lakh, tax-free. DA and HRA are generally not applicable, as accommodation and food are provided by the service.
Q6. Is there a pension? No. Agniveers are not entitled to gratuity or pensionary benefits. Up to 25% of each batch may be enrolled in the regular cadre after four years, on merit and organisational requirement.
Q7. Which section carries the most marks in the CEE? General English, reported at 60 marks — the highest weightage in the paper. Mathematics and Computer Science are the other sections specifically weighted for this role.
Q8. What are the qualifying marks in the CEE? Reported as a minimum of 32 marks in each of the two parts and a total aggregate of 80 out of 200. Both conditions apply. Confirm the pattern in the current notification, as sources differ on the total marks.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Vacancy numbers, eligibility conditions, date-of-birth windows, examination pattern and marking, physical standards, fees and dates are set by the official Indian Army notification and are revised each cycle. Vacancies for this category are notified ARO-wise or all-India and were not separately announced at the time of writing. Secondary sources conflict on the CEE total marks, the negative marking rule, and whether the English and Maths/Accounts subject condition applies to Store Keeper Technical as well as Clerk. Candidates must read the official notification PDF on the Join Indian Army portal before applying and treat it as the final authority.