India, Nov. 4 -- The Union cabinet has decided to give Agniveers an option to continue in service for two more years beyond their four-year tenure and apply for absorption into the armed forces at the end of this extended period, chief of defence staff General NS Raja Subramani announced on Wednesday.

The move comes weeks before the three services were to start releasing 75% of Agniveers from their first batch in phased manner starting mid-November. Over 18,300 Agniveers were to exit the armed forces by December 31 after completing their four-year term.

"In four years, we assessed them and received very positive feedback about their performance. Initially, only 25% were to be retained. Now, the remaining 75% Agniveers will get a two-yea...