From Warriors to Migrants: Why Punjab’s Youth Are Moving Away from the Indian Army
The Indian Army has depended on Punjab for soldiers for many years. Many soldiers join famous regiments like the Sikh Regiment, which mostly recruits from the Jat Sikh community of Punjab. In the past, a large number of young people from Punjab proudly joined the Army.
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However, in recent years, fewer youths from Punjab are showing interest in joining the Army. Because of this, senior Army officers have asked young people to come forward and serve the nation. This drop in recruitment is creating problems, especially for special regiments that need trained soldiers.
Experts believe this change is happening due to social and economic reasons. Better job options, lifestyle changes, and lack of awareness are some possible causes. Using expert opinions, government statements, and past examples, this article explains why Punjab’s youth are stepping away from Army recruitment and how it is affecting the Indian Army today.
Historical Context and the Role of Punjab in the Indian Army
Punjab has a long and proud history of serving the Indian Army. The state is known for its strong martial tradition, especially through the Sikh Regiment, which is one of the most respected and decorated regiments in the Indian Army.
The Sikh Regiment was formed on the values of bravery, discipline, and sacrifice. These values were inspired by Sikh Gurus like Guru Hargobind and Guru Gobind Singh. Today, the regiment has 20 regular battalions, three Territorial Army battalions, and one Rashtriya Rifles battalion.
Over the years, the Sikh Regiment has won 75 Battle Honours, 38 Theatre Honours, and more than 1,650 gallantry awards. Soldiers from this regiment have taken part in major wars such as both World Wars, the Indo-Pak wars of 1947–48, 1965, and 1971, the 1962 war with China, the 1999 Kargil War, and many counter-insurgency operations.
Earlier, joining such regiments brought great respect and a secure future. Soldiers could get promotions to Junior Commissioned Officer and Commissioned Officer ranks. The Army also offered chances in technology, sports, and other special fields, which helped in career growth and provided financial security for families.
Despite this strong tradition, Army recruitment from Punjab has gone down. In 2021, Punjab made up about 7.7% of the Indian Army’s soldiers, even though the state has only 2.3% of India’s total population. This shows that Punjab has always sent a high number of soldiers compared to other states.
However, this number has been falling over time. Even before recent years, signs of decline were visible. For example, Air Force recruitment from Punjab dropped by more than 50% as early as 2013. In recent years, this downward trend has become faster and more noticeable.
Key Reasons for Declining Interest
There are many connected reasons why young people in Punjab are losing interest in joining the Indian Army. These reasons are linked to government policies, social and economic problems, and health issues.
The main causes behind this decline are explained below in a simple way.
- Impact of the Agnipath Recruitment Scheme
The Agnipath recruitment scheme was launched in June 2022. Under this scheme, young people are recruited as “Agniveers” for only four years. After this period, only 25% of them are selected for permanent service. The remaining 75% have to leave the Army and do not get traditional benefits like pensions.
Because of this, many youths feel uncertain about their future. Critics say the scheme treats Army service like a temporary job instead of a lifelong career. Due to this fear, youth participation in Army preparation camps in many Punjab districts has dropped by nearly 70%.
Some retired Army officers have even called the scheme an “exploitation of the poor,” as it does not give strong job security after service. Across India, the scheme has also caused a shortage of soldiers. The Army is facing a shortage of around 1 to 1.8 lakh personnel because new recruitment numbers are not enough to replace retiring soldiers.
Although the Agnipath scheme is not mentioned in every discussion, it has clearly discouraged many young aspirants, especially in states like Punjab that were once major recruitment hubs.
- Migration Abroad
One major reason for the fall in Army recruitment from Punjab is the large number of young people going abroad. Many youths prefer to move to countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States in search of better jobs and a higher standard of living.
Punjab is facing slow economic growth, and this makes overseas options look more attractive. Families are willing to spend large amounts of money on visas and foreign education, which pulls young people away from joining the Army.
In April 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann discussed this issue with Army officials. He clearly linked the rising migration of youth to the shortage of soldiers in Sikh Regiment battalions.
Even families with a long history of Army service are now encouraging their children to go abroad, believing it offers better future opportunities. This change in mindset is further reducing the number of eligible candidates for Army recruitment.
- Drug Abuse and Health Issues
Drug abuse is another serious reason behind the decline in Army recruitment from Punjab. Substance addiction is especially common among rural youth and directly affects their physical and mental health.
Drug addiction makes it difficult for young people to meet the strict fitness standards required by the Indian Army. It also reduces their interest in disciplined and structured careers like military service.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has often pointed out that drug abuse is a major cause of falling recruitment numbers. He has mentioned this issue many times while talking about manpower shortages in the state.
Apart from drug abuse, general health and fitness problems are also increasing. Many youths fail physical tests, which makes them ineligible for Army selection and further worsens the recruitment situation.
- Socioeconomic and Systemic Factors
Apart from policy and health issues, several social and economic problems are also reducing interest in Army jobs. Many youths feel that Army pay is low compared to the risks involved. There is also a belief that promotions are sometimes influenced by favoritism or corruption.
Another major concern is the poor use of ex-servicemen job quotas in Punjab. Less than 3% of these reserved posts in state government jobs are actually filled, which discourages families from choosing a military career.
Problems like gangster culture in some areas, along with a growing interest in private jobs and small businesses, have also changed career choices. These trends existed even before recent recruitment policy changes but have become stronger over time.
As a result, the number of Army applicants in some parts of Punjab has fallen sharply—from several hundred earlier to only about 50 candidates today.
Indian Army's Response and Appeals
To deal with these challenges, the Indian Army has made direct appeals to Punjab’s youth. Army officials have stressed the pride and respect linked with military service. In an official statement, joining the Sikh Regiment was described as “a matter of great honour and privilege.”
The Army has also said that the real strength of the nation lies in the youth of Punjab and that the traditional warrior spirit of Punjabis finds its best expression through service in the Indian Army.
To motivate young people, the Army has highlighted recent achievements. In January 2026, seven battalions received unit citations for their excellent service. These honours are being used to remind youths of the respect and recognition that come with Army life.
Apart from this, Army veterans and community leaders have started awareness campaigns. They are working to remove negative views about Army jobs and are demanding fair, merit-based recruitment along with better incentives for soldiers.
Suggestions for Reversing the Decline
Experts have suggested changes to improve recruitment. One major suggestion is to modify the Agnipath scheme by increasing the service period from four years to seven or eight years, which could provide better job security.
There is also a call for greater involvement of institutions like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to encourage military service among Sikh youth. Studies to properly measure the impact of the Agnipath scheme and stronger economic support for Punjab are also seen as important steps to solve the problem at its root.
Conclusion
The falling interest of Punjab’s youth in joining the Indian Army is the result of many combined problems. These include new recruitment policies, rising migration abroad, and social issues within the state. Together, these challenges are weakening a long and proud tradition of military service.
Although the Sikh Regiment still stands as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice, its strong legacy alone is no longer enough to attract large numbers of young recruits. Real changes in recruitment policies and serious efforts to improve economic and social conditions in Punjab are necessary.
If these issues are not addressed, important units like the Sikh Regiment may continue to face shortages of soldiers. This could affect the Army’s overall strength and the country’s defense readiness.
Therefore, government policymakers and military leaders must treat this issue as a priority. By doing so, they can help ensure that Punjab continues to play its historic and vital role in serving the Indian armed forces.
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