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How to Join the Indian Navy After 12th: Eligibility, Exams, Salary & Career Options for Boys and Girls
31-05-2025
The Indian Navy, the maritime arm of the Indian Armed Forces, offers a highly respected career path combining honour, adventure, and dedicated service to the nation.
Choosing a career in the Navy offers not only job security and steady growth but also the chance to serve the country. From protecting national interests at sea to participating in humanitarian missions, Navy personnel carry immense responsibility with pride.
The Navy offers competitive pay, free medical care, housing, and other allowances. It also provides opportunities for officers to travel across India and abroad. Most technical roles require a science background in Physics and Mathematics. The blog provides more information on how to join Indian Navy after 12th.
How To Join Indian Navy After 12th?
The Indian Navy offers excellent training, growth opportunities, and a chance to serve the nation. Students who have completed their 12th grade and are interested in knowing how to get job in Navy must be aware of the several paths that lead to job roles in the Navy.
We have summarised how to join the Indian Navy after 12th by outlining the key entry routes, eligibility, exams, and expected salary in the table below:
| Post / Entry Route | Navy Eligibility | Indian Navy Exams After 12th | Average Indian Navy Salary After 12th | Key Notes on How To Become a Navy Officer After 12th |
| National Defence Academy - Naval Academy Wing (NDA - NA) | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) | National Defence Academy Written Exam (NDA) + Services Selection Board Interview (SSB) + Medical Test | INR 56,100 - 1.77 lakh/month | For officer entry into Navy’s technical branches via NDA |
| 10+2 Bachelor of Technology Cadet Entry (10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry) | 10+2 with minimum 70% aggregate in PCM + 50% in English + Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) qualification | Shortlisting via JEE Main + Services Selection Board Interview (SSB) + Medical Test | INR 56,100 - 1.77 lakh/month | Direct BTech naval training at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala |
| Artificer Apprentice (AA) | 10+2 with 60% aggregate in PCM | Written Exam + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) + Medical Test | INR 21,000-25,000/month | Technical sailor roles; now merged under Agnipath SSR |
| Matric Recruit (MR) | Class 10 (Matriculation pass) | Written Exam + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) + Medical Test | INR 21,000-28,000 | For roles like cook, steward, and sanitary hygienist |
| Agniveer Senior Secondary Recruit (Agniveer SSR) | 10+2 with Mathematics & Physics + one from Chemistry/Biology/Computer Science | Computer-Based Examination (CBE) + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) + Medical Test | INR 30,000 - 40,000/month | 4-year service period under Agnipath Scheme (merged under Agnipath) |
| Agniveer Musician | 10th/10+2 (any stream) + basic aptitude & practical knowledge in music | Written Test + Musical Ability Test + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) + Medical Test | Same as Agniveer SSR | Entry for musically skilled candidates; ceremonial duties and Navy band |
| Non-Technical Officer Roles (Logistics, Education, Air Traffic Control etc.) | Graduation required (any stream depending on branch) | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) / Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET) / National Cadet Corps Special Entry (NCC) + Services Selection Board Interview (SSB) + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) + Medical Test | INR 56,100 - INR 1.77 lakh/month | Cannot be joined directly after 12th; requires graduation |
How To Join Indian Navy for Girl After 12th?
The Indian Navy offers a promising career path for women. Female officers are treated as equals and held in high esteem by their male counterparts. Female officers can be commissioned in the following areas:
- Medical
- Law
- Engineering
- Education
- Logistics
- Air Traffic Control
- Pilot
- Naval Architecture
Here is a table providing more details on how to join Indian Navy for girl after 12th:
| Aspect | Details |
| Eligibility for Women | While most officer roles require graduation, female candidates can now join after 12th through the NDA route (NDA-NA) or the 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility. |
| Type of Commission | - Short Service Commission (SSC): A temporary service period (usually 10 years, extendable to 14 years). |
| - Permanent Commission: Allowed in select branches based on merit and vacancy. | |
| Branches Open to Women | - Education |
| - Naval Architecture | |
| - Pilot | |
| - Air Traffic Control (ATC) | |
| - Law | |
| - Logistics | |
| - And other specialisations | |
| Permanent Commission Available | - Education Branch |
| - Law Branch | |
| - Naval Architecture Branch | |
| Selection Process | Based on graduation marks, followed by SSB Interview, Medical Exam, and written exams such as CDSE, INET |
Navy Qualification, Age Limit, Standards and More
Navy eligibility criteria after Class 12th can vary depending on the entry scheme. It may also include specific Navy qualification, age limits, physical standards, and written exams. Candidates need to understand the detailed requirements of each pathway before applying. We have summarised the details below:
| Category | Details |
| Educational Qualifications | Passed 10+2 from a recognised board (preferred with PCM background); BTech/BE for engineering graduate roles |
| Indian Navy Exams after 12th: | |
| • NDA (UPSC)- National Defence Academy (conducted by the Union Public Service Commission) | |
| • INET- Indian Navy Entrance Test | |
| • Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) | |
| Eligibility Criteria | Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen |
| Educational Qualification: Usually 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM); some roles may have specific requirements | |
| Age Limit: | |
| • Minimum: 16 years (officers), 18 years (sailors) | |
| • Maximum: 26 years | |
| • Age limits vary by role; specialist entries such as Medical Officers may have relaxed upper age criteria. | |
| Physical & Medical Fitness Standards | Running: 1.6 km in 7 minutes |
| Push-Ups: Minimum 20 | |
| Sit-Ups: Minimum 20 | |
| Minimum Height: 157 cm | |
| Swimming: Should be able to swim 50 meters without stopping | |
| Vision: Good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses) | |
| General Health: Must meet all medical standards as per Navy norms | |
| Selection Process | Apply online/offline through official Indian Navy website |
| Selection stages include: | |
| • Written Examination | |
| • Physical Fitness Test | |
| • Medical Examination | |
| • Personal Interview | |
| Selected candidates receive training at designated naval academies |
How to Apply for Indian Navy?
To apply for the Indian Navy, candidates can follow the steps outlined below:
- Visit Official Website: Candidates should visit the official Indian Navy website - www.joinindiannavy.gov.in.
- Registration: They must register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill Application Form: After registration, candidates must select the appropriate entry scheme and fill out the application form with the correct details.
- Upload Documents: The required documents must be uploaded as per the specified guidelines.
- Submit Application: After reviewing all details, candidates should submit the completed form and keep a printout for future reference.
- Keep a track:Monitor the website and employment news for entry-specific notifications.
Indian Navy Career Opportunities
Indian Navy officers are employed by the Government of India and serve in the defence sector. Once selected, officers work based on the operational and strategic needs of the nation’s security and maritime interests.
Besides officer roles, candidates can also access other Indian Navy jobs after 12th across multiple branches (technical, non-technical, and sports) and levels. Each level has specific branches, roles, and eligibility criteria based on your educational qualifications.
Officer-Level Entries
(Requires Graduation or 10+2 depending on entry type)
These positions involve leadership, technical expertise, and strategic decision-making. Officer roles are recruited through entries such as NDA, CDS, INET, and 10+2 B.Tech Entry.
| Branch | Roles & Description | Educational Requirement |
| Executive Branch | Includes General Service (GS), Pilot, Observer, ATC, NAI, and Logistics. Officers manage naval operations, aviation, and weapon systems. | 10+2 or Graduation (role-specific) |
| Engineering Branch | Marine and Mechanical Engineers handle propulsion systems, ship engines, etc. | B.E./B.Tech (Mechanical/Marine) |
| Electrical Branch | Manages communication, radar, weapons, and power systems onboard. | B.E./B.Tech (Electrical/ECE/related) |
| Education Branch | Instructors and trainers in naval academies and technical schools. | Postgraduate/Graduate with teaching aptitude |
| Law Branch | Legal officers conduct courts-martial, advise on military law. | LLB (Graduate in Law) |
| Naval Architecture | Ship design, construction, and maintenance specialists. | B.E./B.Tech in Naval Architecture or Civil/Mechanical |
Note:Roles like Musician or Sports Officer do not fall under regular officer recruitment. Such entries are available at the sailor level or may be honorary appointments under special schemes.
Sailor-Level Entries
(Requires 10th or 10+2 depending on role)
Sailors are the operational backbone of the Navy. Recruited through entries like AA, SSR, MR, and Sports/Music Quota.
| Entry Type | Roles & Description | Educational Requirement |
| Artificer Apprentice (AA) | Technically trained sailors working on ship machinery, electronics, and systems. | 10+2 with Science & Maths |
| Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR) | Work in departments like navigation, communications, and armament operations. | 10+2 with Science |
| Matric Recruit (MR) | Roles include steward, chef, and hygienist duties onboard. | 10th Pass |
| Musician Entry | Perform in the Navy Band during ceremonies and official events. | 10th Pass + Music Proficiency |
| Sports Entry | For national/state-level athletes, join as sailors under the sports quota. | 10th or 10+2 + Sports Achievements |
Way Forward
The Indian Navy offers a fulfilling and honourable career to those who aspire to serve the nation with courage and commitment. With a structured recruitment process and diverse entry routes after 12th grade, students can access several roles in the technical and non-technical branches.
Whether one dreams of navigating the seas, leading operations, or contributing through specialised skills, the Navy promises discipline, growth, and the pride of wearing the uniform. For those ready to rise to the challenge, the Indian Navy is not just a career but a calling!
FAQs
Q1: What is the age limit for Navy?
A1: The age limit for joining the Indian Navy can vary depending on the entry type. The minimum age required is 17.5 years. The maximum age limit is 21 years at the time of application. Applicants must fall within this age range to be considered for recruitment.
Q2: Can females join the Indian Navy after 12th?
A2: Yes. Women can join the Indian Navy as Permanent Commission Officers through NDA or the 10+2 BTech Entry. They can also enter as Short Service Commission Officers in various branches.
Q3: How to apply for Navy?
A3: To apply for the Indian Navy, you need to register on the Join Indian Navy website and then apply online through their portal. You must provide personal and educational details, and the Navy will notify you via SMS/email when application windows are open for specific entries.
Q4: Which exam for Indian Navy?
A4: The primary entrance exam for the Indian Navy is the Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET). This computer-based exam is conducted twice a year and selects officers for various branches of the Navy, including Executive, Educational, and Technical.
Q5: Who is eligible for Navy?
A5: To be eligible for the Indian Navy, you generally need to be an Indian citizen (or a Gorkha from Nepal) and meet specific educational and physical requirements.