Indian Navy
Indian Navy Recruitment (Officer & Sailor Entries)
Indian Navy Recruitment 2026: Officer & Sailor (Agniveer) Entries
The Indian Navy offers young men and women careers as commissioned officers and as Agniveers (sailors). Recruitment is conducted by the Directorate of Manpower Planning and Recruitment (DMPR), IHQ MoD (Navy). Officer entry is through UPSC routes — NDA and CDS — as well as the Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET), the 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry and Short Service Commission (SSC) entries. Sailor recruitment operates under the Agniveer scheme for Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR), Matric Recruit (MR), Medical Assistant and Apprentice trades. Vacancies are announced on joinindiannavy.gov.in and Employment News.
Overview / Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Directorate of Manpower Planning and Recruitment (DMPR), IHQ MoD (Navy); written exams via UPSC (NDA/CDS) and C-DAC (INET) |
| Exam Level | 10+2 (Agniveer) to Graduation/Engineering (Officer); 10th level for Agniveer MR |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) / offline written (UPSC); bilingual Hindi & English for Agniveer |
| Selection Stages | Written/CBT → PFT → Medicals (Sailors); Written (INET/NDA/CDS) → SSB Interview → Medicals (Officers) |
| Number of Papers | INET: 1 paper (4 sections); Agniveer SSR CEE: 1 paper (4 sections); NDA: 2 papers; CDS: 3 papers |
| Negative Marking | Yes — INET and Agniveer CEE; 1/3rd deduction in UPSC exams |
| Official Website | www.joinindiannavy.gov.in |
Selection Process
Officer Entries (INET / UPSC)
- Apply online on www.joinindiannavy.gov.in (SSC/INET entries) or on upsc.gov.in (NDA/CDS).
- Written examination: INET (for SSC entries), NDA/CDS written (for UPSC entries), or shortlisting on JEE (Main) AIR for 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry.
- SSB Interview (5 days, two stages): Stage-I — Officer Intelligence Rating, Picture Perception & Discussion Test; Stage-II — Psychological tests, Group Testing and personal interview. Conducted at Bengaluru, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam or Kolkata.
- Medical Examination: 3–5 days at a Military Hospital for SSB-recommended candidates.
- Merit List: for INET entries, merit combines INET score (50% weightage) and SSB score (50% weightage).
Agniveer (SSR / MR) Selection Process
- Online application on the Agniveer portal linked from joinindiannavy.gov.in (INET cycle for sailors).
- Stage-I: Computer Based Examination (CEE) for shortlisting.
- Stage-II: Written Examination (bilingual, objective type) followed by the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and documentation.
- Medical Examination at INS Chilka or a Military Hospital.
- Final merit on the basis of written exam, PFT qualification and medical fitness; candidates join at INS Chilka for Basic Training.
Exam Pattern
INET (Officer Entries) — Computer Based
| Section | Subject Area | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | English | Part of 100 MCQs | 2 hours |
| II | Reasoning & Numerical Ability | Part of 100 MCQs | |
| III | General Knowledge / General Awareness | Part of 100 MCQs | |
| IV | General Science & Mathematical Aptitude | Part of 100 MCQs |
INET contains 100 Multiple Choice Questions of 2 hours duration covering English, Reasoning & Numerical Ability, General Knowledge and General Science & Mathematical Aptitude, with additional stream-specific topics (Mathematics & Physics for technical branches). As per the official selection procedure, a candidate must secure minimum 40% marks in all four sections separately. Negative marking applies for incorrect answers as per the official pattern — verify exact marking in the current advertisement. Section-wise distribution for branches such as Executive, Technical, Education, Logistics, IT and Pilot is in the official INET syllabus PDF.
Agniveer SSR — Computer Based Examination / Written Exam
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | English | 25 | 25 | 60 minutes |
| II | Mathematics | 25 | 25 | |
| III | Science | 25 | 25 | |
| IV | General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
The Agniveer (SSR) question paper is bilingual (Hindi and English), objective type, of 60 minutes duration and 12th standard level. Candidates must pass in all sections as well as in aggregate. Total 100 questions carrying 100 marks (1 mark per question). Based on the current recruitment pattern, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. For Agniveer MR the written exam has two sections — Science & Mathematics and General Awareness — of 10th level and 30 minutes duration.
Detailed Syllabus
INET — English
- Reading comprehension passages (factual and inference-based)
- Cloze test and sentence completion
- Spotting errors and sentence improvement
- Fill in the blanks with appropriate words/prepositions
- Synonyms, antonyms and one-word substitution
- Idioms and phrases
- Para jumbles / sentence rearrangement
INET — Reasoning & Numerical Ability
- Coding-decoding and alphabet/analogy tests
- Blood relations and family trees
- Direction sense and distance
- Syllogism and logical Venn diagrams
- Number, alphabet and figure series
- Odd one out and classification
- Seating arrangement and puzzles
- Clock, calendar and mathematical operations
INET — General Knowledge / General Awareness
- Current affairs: national and international (last 6–12 months)
- Defence news: exercises, ships, weapons systems, appointments
- Indian history: ancient, medieval and modern
- Indian geography: physical, economic and world geography
- Indian polity: Constitution, Parliament, judiciary, Panchayati Raj
- Indian economy: budgets, banking, government schemes
- Science and technology developments
- Sports, awards and honours
INET — General Science & Mathematical Aptitude
- Number system, HCF-LCM and simplification
- Percentage, profit and loss, discount
- Ratio and proportion, partnership, averages
- Time and work, pipes and cisterns
- Time, speed and distance; trains and boats
- Simple and compound interest
- Mensuration: area, volume, surface area
Agniveer SSR — English
- Reading comprehension passages
- Grammar: tenses, articles, prepositions, conjunctions
- Sentence correction and error spotting
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Idioms and phrases
- Word meaning and vocabulary building
Agniveer SSR — Mathematics
- Number system and real numbers
- Algebra: polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations
- Percentages, profit and loss, discount
- Ratio, proportion and variation
- Time and work; time-speed-distance
- Simple and compound interest
- Geometry: triangles, circles, lines and angles
- Mensuration: 2D and 3D figures
- Trigonometry basics and identities
Agniveer SSR — Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Physics: motion and laws of motion, work-energy-power
- Physics: gravitation, light, sound, heat
- Physics: electricity, magnetism, current and circuits
- Chemistry: matter around us, atoms and molecules
- Chemistry: chemical reactions, acids-bases-salts
- Chemistry: metals and non-metals, carbon and its compounds
- Biology: cell structure and functions
- Biology: life processes — nutrition, respiration, transport
- Biology: control and coordination, reproduction, human physiology
Agniveer SSR — General Awareness
- Current affairs of last 6–12 months
- Indian history and freedom movement
- Indian geography and world geography
- Indian polity and Constitution
- Defence and Indian Navy facts
- Sports, awards and important days
Marking Scheme
| Exam | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Qualifying Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| INET (Officer) | 1 mark | Yes (as per official pattern) | Min 40% in each of the four sections |
| Agniveer SSR CEE | 1 mark (25 per section) | 0.25 mark per wrong answer (per current pattern) | Pass in all sections as well as aggregate |
| Agniveer MR | 1 mark | 0.25 mark per wrong answer (per current pattern) | Pass in both sections as well as aggregate |
| NDA (UPSC) | Maths 2.5 / GAT 4 marks | 1/3rd of marks allotted | Cut-off based on UPSC merit |
| CDS (UPSC) | 1 mark each | 1/3rd of marks allotted | Cut-off based on UPSC merit |
Eligibility Criteria
Agniveer SSR
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational | 10+2 with Mathematics & Physics (50% aggregate) OR 3-year Engineering Diploma (Mechanical/Electrical/Automobile/Computer Science/IT/Instrumentation) with 50% OR 2-year Vocational course with Physics & Mathematics (50%) |
| Age | 17½ to 21 years on the day of enrolment (born between specific window per notification) |
| Height | 157 cm (male & female); relaxations for Ladakh tribals (155), A&N/Lakshadweep (155), Gorkha/Assamese/Garhwali/Kumaoni/Uttarakhand (152), Bhutan/Sikkim/North-East (152) |
| Visual | Uncorrected 6/12, corrected 6/6; Colour Perception II |
Agniveer MR
Matriculation (10th) pass with minimum 50% aggregate. Age 17½ to 21 years on the day of enrolment.
Officer Entries (indicative)
| Entry | Educational Qualification | Age |
|---|---|---|
| NDA/NA | 10+2 pass; Physics & Mathematics for Navy branch | 16½ to 19½ years |
| CDSE | B.E./B.Tech or B.Sc. with Physics (and Maths at 10+2) | 19 to 24 years (approx, per notification) |
| INET (SSC) | Graduate/B.E./B.Tech depending on branch (Pilot, Executive, Technical, IT, Logistics, Education, NAIC, etc.) | As per current advertisement (approx 20–25 years) |
| 10+2 B.Tech Cadet | 12th with 70% PCM and 50% English; JEE (Main) AIR required | 17 to 19½ years (approx) |
Age relaxations and specific degree requirements vary by entry and category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) — confirm from the latest advertisement.
Application Process & Fees
- Officer entries: register and apply online at joinindiannavy.gov.in registration (SSC/INET) or upsc.gov.in (NDA/CDS).
- Agniveer entries: apply through the AVR (Agniveer) portal linked from joinindiannavy.gov.in; no application fee for Agniveer applications.
- Fill in personal, educational and communication details; upload photograph, signature and certificates; choose exam centre.
- Examination fee for INET is charged as per extant government regulations (with waivers/concessions — confirm in the notification). UPSC NDA/CDS fees follow the UPSC structure.
- Download the admit card / call-up letter from the official website before the exam date.
Salary / Pay Scale
Agniveer SSR / MR (7th CPC based package)
| Year | Monthly Fixed Package | Deduction to Agniveer Corpus Fund (approx 30%) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹30,000 | ~₹9,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹36,000 | ~₹10,800 |
| Year 3 | ₹41,000 | ~₹12,300 |
| Year 4 | ₹46,000 | ~₹13,800 |
The government contributes an equal 30% match to the Agniveer Corpus Fund. On completion of 4 years of service, the Agniveer receives a Seva Nidhi package of approx ₹10.04 lakh plus interest. Agniveers get free medical care, insurance cover, uniform and canteen facilities. Up to 75% of Agniveers may be absorbed into the regular cadre based on merit and service requirements.
Officers (7th CPC)
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 |
| Lt Commander | Level 11 | ₹69,400 |
| Commander | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 |
| Captain | Level 13 | ₹1,31,100 |
Officers additionally draw Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month plus Dearness Allowance and other allowances, taking a fresh Lieutenant’s typical in-hand salary to approx ₹80,000–₹90,000 per month.
Official Links & PDFs
- Official website — Join Indian Navy
- Agniveer SSR official page
- Agniveer selection procedure & physical standards
- Officer selection procedure & INET details
- Agniveer SSR official syllabus PDF
- Agniveer SSR sample question papers PDF
- INET for Officers official syllabus PDF
- INET sample question paper PDF
- Agniveer SSR/MR official pay scale
- Officers official pay scale
- UPSC (NDA/CDS notifications)
Preparation Tips & Strategy
- Download the official syllabus PDF first and align your study plan strictly to it — the Navy prescribes exactly what is asked.
- Practise the official sample question papers under timed conditions; they reflect the real standard and section weightage.
- For Agniveer SSR, speed is critical — 100 questions in 60 minutes. Build accuracy through daily mock tests and maintain a small error log.
- For INET, secure 40%+ in every section, not just the total; a weak General Awareness section can disqualify even a high scorer.
- Follow current affairs for the last 6–12 months, giving extra attention to defence, Navy exercises, ships and appointments.
- Revise Mathematics fundamentals — percentage, ratio, time-speed-distance, interest, mensuration and data interpretation — from NCERT books.
- For the SSB interview, practise situation reaction tests, group discussions and picture perception; focus on Officer Like Qualities such as planning and social adaptability.
- Prepare physically from day one — 1.6 km run, push-ups, sit-ups and squats — because PFT is mandatory; train at least 4–5 days a week.
- Avoid negative-marking traps: attempt only questions you are confident about, especially when 0.25 marks are deducted for a wrong answer.
FAQ
Q1. Can women apply for the Indian Navy recruitment?
Yes. Women are eligible for Agniveer SSR and MR and for several officer entries (INET/SSC branches and NDA as per current notifications). Specific eligibility is mentioned entry-wise in each advertisement.
Q2. What is the Agniveer scheme?
Under the Agniveer scheme, sailors join for a fixed 4-year tenure. After completing 4 years, up to 75% of Agniveers are absorbed into the regular cadre based on merit and service requirements; the rest exit with the Seva Nidhi package.
Q3. Is there negative marking in the Agniveer SSR exam?
Based on the current recruitment pattern, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the Computer Based Examination. Confirm the marking scheme from the latest advertisement.
Q4. What is the minimum height required for Agniveer?
The minimum height is 157 cm for both male and female candidates. Relaxations apply for specified regions such as Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Gorkha, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, Uttarakhand, Bhutan, Sikkim and the North-East (down to 152 cm).
Q5. Is the Agniveer written exam bilingual?
Yes. The Agniveer SSR and MR question papers are bilingual (Hindi and English) and objective type, at 12th level (SSR) and 10th level (MR).
Q6. What is the application fee?
Agniveer applications are free of cost. For officer entries through INET, an examination fee is charged as per extant government regulations (with waivers); NDA/CDS fees follow the UPSC fee structure.
For the latest advertisements, course-wise vacancies, admit cards and result updates, keep checking the official website joinindiannavy.gov.in and the Indian Navy’s official announcements regularly.