diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index d71ceca89..cc02bfab3 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 # AGENTS.md
 
+## AGENTS.md Loading Budget
+
+- Keep this root file limited to repository-wide invariants and precise routing gates; place detailed workflows in versioned documentation or skills.
+- Codex applies a combined instruction budget (32 KiB by default) across global, root, and nested guidance. Keep mandatory gates first and preserve headroom for narrower scopes.
+- Do not raise `project_doc_max_bytes` as the first response to oversized guidance; remove duplication and route conditional detail first.
+
 ## Client Assets Gate (Mandatory)
 
 Any change touching client-assets auto-installation must preserve the runtime contract below:
@@ -25,4 +31,3 @@ Any change touching client-assets auto-installation must preserve the runtime co
    - Explicitly state tested install paths and expected runtime load behavior.
 
 Reference: `docs/client-assets-auto-install.md`
-