What is the Agnipath scheme, who all can apply? All you need to know

The government announced the radical and far-reaching 'Agnipath' scheme on Tuesday, deploying defence minister Rajnath Singh and the three Service chiefs to deflect criticism that it will undermine the armed forces' professionalism, ethos, and fighting spirit, as well as potentially lead to the militarization of civil society. The process of recruiting 46,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen this year will begin on a "all-India, all-class" basis under the Agnipath scheme, which was authorised by the PM-led cabinet committee on security. Based on the scheme below are answers to some of the widely asked questions.