The Indian Navy recruits sailors under the Agnipath Scheme through the Agniveer (SSR) entry — Senior Secondary Recruit. It is a Class 12 entry into technical and operational trades, open to unmarried male and female candidates, with a four-year engagement under the Navy Act 1957.
Advertisement
The 2026 cycle notified the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches together. Applications ran from 14 March to 6 April 2026, with Stage-I INET scheduled for 13 May 2026 and induction at INS Chilka from December 2026.
Two features of this recruitment are decisive and widely misunderstood: the INET requires a pass in every section separately, not merely in aggregate, and shortlisting for Stage II is conducted state-wise, with cut-offs that vary considerably between states.
Advertisement
This guide sets out the eligibility, examination structure, selection sequence, compensation and application process.
Overview
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service | Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence |
| Entry | Agniveer (SSR) — Senior Secondary Recruit, under the Agnipath Scheme |
| Batches (2026 cycle) | 01/2027 and 02/2027 |
| Qualification | 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics, plus one of Chemistry / Computer Science / Biology |
| Gender | Unmarried male and unmarried female candidates |
| Stage I | INET — Indian Navy Entrance Test, CBT |
| Stage II | Shortlisting → PFT → Written Examination → Medical |
| Interview | None |
| Salary | ₹30,000 (Year 1) to ₹40,000 (Year 4) |
| Seva Nidhi | Approximately ₹11.71 lakh, tax-free |
| Training | INS Chilka, Odisha |
| Portal | joinindiannavy.gov.in |
1. SSR and MR — The Distinction
The Navy runs three Agniveer entries. Confusing them wastes an application.
| Entry | Qualification | Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Agniveer SSR | 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics, plus one of Chemistry / Computer Science / Biology | Technical and operational — Communications, Electrical, IT |
| Agniveer SSR (Medical) | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, minimum 50% aggregate and 40% in each subject | Medical Branch |
| Agniveer MR | Class 10 pass, minimum 45% | Domestic trades — Chef, Hygienist, Steward |
SSR is the 12th pass technical entry. MR is the Class 10 entry into domestic trades and falls outside this guide.
Note the SSR subject rule precisely. It is not simply “PCM”. The requirement is Mathematics and Physics, together with at least one of Chemistry, Computer Science or Biology. A candidate with Maths, Physics and Computer Science qualifies — a point many listings omit by stating “PCM” alone.
SSR (Medical) is a separate entry with a different subject combination (PCB), a minimum percentage requirement, and — per the 2026 notification — is for unmarried male candidates. It also carries a different pay structure: reported at ₹14,600 per month during training, then Pay Level-3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100) with Military Service Pay of ₹5,200 and DA after training.
2. Eligibility
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics plus one of Chemistry / Computer Science / Biology, from a board recognised by the Ministry of Education |
| Date of birth (02/2027 batch) | Born between 1 May 2005 and 31 October 2009, both dates inclusive |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
| Gender | Male and female both eligible for SSR |
| Health | Good physical and mental health, free from any disease or disability likely to interfere with efficient performance of duties at sea and ashore, in peace and war conditions |
| Application fee | Reported at ₹550 + GST, payable online |
On candidates appearing in Class 12: candidates appearing in the 2025-26 Class 12 board examination are eligible to apply, provided they meet all other conditions. Such candidates are selected only on producing the original mark sheet at subsequent stages and securing the minimum prescribed marks in aggregate and in individual subjects.
On the date-of-birth window: the DOB range is the operative rule, not a stated age band. Secondary sources quote age limits of “17½ to 21” and “17½ to 23” — these conflict. The notification’s date-of-birth window is authoritative, and it is set separately for each batch.
3. The INET — Stage I
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Questions | 100, objective multiple choice, 1 mark each |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Standard | 10+2 level |
| Sections | 4 — English, Science, Mathematics, General Awareness |
| Negative marking | 0.25 marks per incorrect answer |
| Result | Pass/Fail with marks, uploaded to the candidate’s online dashboard |
The Rule That Decides Outcomes
Candidates must pass in every section separately, as well as in aggregate. The Indian Navy reserves the right to determine the pass marks in each section and in the aggregate.
This is the single most consequential provision in the examination, and it changes preparation strategy entirely. A candidate scoring heavily in Mathematics and Science but failing the English section does not qualify, whatever the aggregate. There is no compensation across sections.
The practical instruction: identify your weakest section and bring it above the threshold before optimising the others. In SSR, that is most often English or General Awareness for science-stream candidates who have concentrated on Physics and Mathematics.
Two Provisions Worth Knowing
NCC ‘C’ certificate holders and sponsored candidates who upload the original certificates during the Stage I application, and whose certificates are verified, receive an exemption in the process. Candidates holding an NCC ‘C’ certificate should ensure it is uploaded at Stage I — the benefit is lost if it is produced later.
Contingency provision: in the event that the INET cannot be conducted due to extraneous circumstances, or as required by the service, the Indian Navy reserves the right to shortlist candidates on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination — the Class 10 and 12 board results. Board marks therefore retain relevance beyond eligibility.
4. State-Wise Shortlisting — The Structural Point
Shortlisting for Stage II is carried out state-wise, because vacancies are allotted in a state-wise manner.
Cut-off marks for the next stage vary from state to state.
What this means in practice: a candidate is not competing against the national field. The competing pool is candidates from the same state, against that state’s vacancy allocation. An identical INET score may clear the cut-off in one state and fall short in another.
Tie-break rule: where candidates with the same percentage exceed the required number, shortlisting is done on date of birth, with the earlier date of birth — that is, the older candidate, having fewer remaining chances — given priority.
5. Stage II
Conducted for candidates shortlisted on INET marks, per the age criteria for the respective batch.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Physical Fitness Test (PFT) | Running, push-ups, sit-ups and squats. Standards are the same for SSR and MR |
| Written Examination | Reasoning, numerical aptitude and problem-solving |
| Recruitment Medical Examination | Prescribed naval medical standards |
Original documents uploaded during the online application — certificates, mark sheets, domicile certificate and NCC certificate where held — must be carried at every stage: written examination, PFT, medical and induction at INS Chilka. Originals are verified at every stage, and any discrepancy with the online particulars results in cancellation of candidature.
The merit list is prepared on examination performance, subject to passing the PFT and medical. There is no interview at any stage.
6. The 2026 Schedule
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 13 March 2026 |
| Online application opens | 14 March 2026, 00:01 hrs |
| Online application closes | 6 April 2026, 17:00 hrs |
| Correction window | 10 to 11 April 2026 |
| Admit card | 2 May 2026 |
| Stage-I INET | 13 May 2026 |
| INET result | May – June 2026 |
| Stage II — SSR 01/2027 | Shortlisting Sep 2026; PFT, Written and Medical Oct 2026; Induction at Chilka Dec 2026 |
| Stage II — SSR 02/2027 | Shortlisting Feb 2027; PFT, Written and Medical Mar 2027; Induction at Chilka May 2027 |
On call-up letters: admit cards and call-up letters for the INET and subsequent stages must be downloaded from the website. None are sent by post. Candidates must report at the time stated; reporting more than 30 minutes after the stated time is not permitted.
The Navy conducts two recruitment cycles annually, and the 2026 notification covered both the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches in a single application.
7. Compensation
| Year | Monthly Package |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹30,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹33,000 |
| Year 3 | ₹36,500 |
| Year 4 | ₹40,000 |
Additional: risk and hardship allowances, clothing allowance and travel allowance.
On completion of four years: a tax-free Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹11.71 lakh.
Permanent enrolment: on completion of four years, Agniveers may apply for permanent enrolment in the Regular Cadre. Applications are considered centrally against objective criteria including performance during the four-year engagement. Up to 25% of each batch may be selected. The Indian Navy is not obliged to retain Agniveers beyond the four-year engagement.
Agniveer is a distinct rank in the Indian Navy, separate from existing ranks.
After the Four Years
For the majority who exit, the position is more favourable than commonly assumed:
- Priority consideration and age relaxation have been mandated for Agniveer completers in CISF, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles
- Coast Guard and Merchant Navy are established pathways
- SSR completers with technical trade experience are valued by Merchant Navy companies; some pursue a Merchant Navy rating certificate through lateral recognition of naval training
- A Navy service certificate and skill certification are issued
- Employers in maritime, defence manufacturing and shipping recruit Agniveer completers specifically
8. Application Procedure
- Access the official Navy recruitment portal — joinindiannavy.gov.in. Applications are accepted online only.
- Select Agniveer SSR under the recruitment section.
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Complete personal details and educational qualifications.
- Upload:
- Passport-size photograph — recent, white background
- Signature
- Thumb impression
- Certificates, mark sheets, domicile certificate and NCC certificate where held
- Pay the application fee online — debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI.
- Review carefully and submit. Download and save the confirmation page.
- Use the correction window if required — for 2026, it ran for two days only, 10 to 11 April.
Apply well before the closing date. Server congestion in the final hours is a recurring problem, and the window closes at a stated hour — 17:00 in the 2026 cycle — not at midnight.
Keep Aadhaar, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and bank details ready before beginning the form.
9. Documents Checklist
- ☐ Class 10 mark sheet and certificate — age proof
- ☐ Class 12 mark sheet and certificate — subject verification
- ☐ Domicile certificate — relevant to state-wise shortlisting
- ☐ NCC ‘C’ certificate, where held — upload at Stage I
- ☐ Sponsorship certificate, where applicable — upload at Stage I
- ☐ Aadhaar and identity proof
- ☐ Passport photograph (white background), signature, thumb impression
- ☐ Unmarried certificate, where required
- ☐ Downloaded call-up letter / admit card for every stage
- ☐ Originals plus self-attested copies — carried to every stage including INS Chilka
10. Assessment
Agniveer SSR is among the strongest 12th pass defence entries available, for four reasons: ₹30,000 rising to ₹40,000 with a tax-free ₹11.71 lakh exit corpus; open to women as well as men, unlike several sailor entries; no interview; and state-wise vacancy allocation, which narrows the competing field.
The honest constraints: the engagement is for four years, with up to 25% retained; the subject requirement — Maths and Physics plus one of Chemistry, Computer Science or Biology — excludes Commerce and Arts candidates entirely; every INET section must be passed separately; and the date-of-birth window is narrow and set per batch.
Three recommendations: bring your weakest INET section above the threshold before optimising the strongest, since sectional failure ends the attempt regardless of aggregate. Upload the NCC ‘C’ certificate at Stage I if held — the benefit is not available later. And begin PFT training at least three months before, not after the INET result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the qualification for Indian Navy SSR? 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics, together with at least one of Chemistry, Computer Science or Biology, from a recognised board. It is not restricted to PCM — Computer Science qualifies as the third subject.
Q2. Can women apply for Agniveer SSR? Yes. The SSR entry is open to unmarried male and unmarried female candidates. SSR (Medical), per the 2026 notification, is for unmarried male candidates.
Q3. What is the Navy Agniveer salary? ₹30,000 per month in Year 1, rising to ₹40,000 in Year 4, with risk and hardship, clothing and travel allowances. On completion, a tax-free Seva Nidhi of approximately ₹11.71 lakh.
Q4. What is the INET pattern? 100 questions, 1 mark each, 60 minutes, at 10+2 standard, across four sections — English, Science, Mathematics and General Awareness — with 0.25 marks deducted per incorrect answer. Candidates must pass each section separately and in aggregate.
Q5. Is shortlisting done nationally? No. Shortlisting for Stage II is state-wise, because vacancies are allotted state-wise. Cut-offs vary from state to state. Ties are broken on date of birth, with the earlier date given priority.
Q6. Can 12th appearing candidates apply? Yes, subject to producing the original mark sheet at subsequent stages and securing the minimum prescribed marks in aggregate and in individual subjects.
Q7. Is there a permanent job after four years? Up to 25% of each batch may be selected for permanent enrolment in the Regular Cadre, considered centrally on objective criteria including performance during the engagement. The Navy is not obliged to retain Agniveers beyond four years. Completers receive priority and age relaxation in CISF, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles.
Q8. Where is training conducted? INS Chilka, Odisha — December 2026 for the 01/2027 batch and May 2027 for the 02/2027 batch.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Vacancy numbers, subject requirements, date-of-birth windows, examination pattern, fees, PFT standards and dates are set batch-wise by the official Indian Navy notification and are revised each cycle. Trade-wise vacancies for the 2026 cycle were stated as to be announced later. Secondary sources conflict on certain particulars, including the age band and application fee. Candidates must read the official notification on the Join Indian Navy portal before applying and treat it as the final authority.