Learn how to join Indian Navy in 2025–26 for men and women. Check eligibility, age limit, NDA, CDS, SSC, INET, Sailor entry details.

Post Date– 22 December 2025

The Indian Navy is one of the most prestigious forces of the Indian Armed Forces, offering exciting career opportunities for both men and women. Whether you are a 10th pass student, 12th pass candidate, graduate, engineer, or working professional, the Indian Navy provides multiple entry schemes to serve the nation with honor.

This article explains every possible way to join the Indian Navy for men and women, including eligibility criteria, age limit, selection process, training, and career growth.

Can Men and Women Join the Indian Navy?

✅ Yes.

Men can join the Indian Navy as Officers and Sailors
Women can join the Indian Navy as Officers (Permanent & Short Service Commission)

⚠️ As of now, women are not recruited as sailors (MR/SSR), but they are eligible for many officer branches.

Official Website for Indian Navy Recruitment

All official notifications are released on:

👉 joinindiannavy.gov.in

Candidates should apply only through the official website.

Types of Entry in Indian Navy

The Indian Navy recruits candidates under two major categories:

1. Officer Entry

2. Sailor Entry (Men Only)

PART A: OFFICER ENTRY – FOR MEN & WOMEN

1. NDA Entry (After 12th – Permanent Commission)

🔹 Eligibility:

12th pass (Physics & Maths mandatory)
Men & Women both eligible

🔹 Age Limit:

16.5 to 19.5 years

🔹 Selection Process:

UPSC NDA Written Exam
SSB Interview
Medical Examination

🔹 Training:

NDA, Khadakwasla
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

📌 Best entry for students aiming for early naval officer career.

2. CDS Entry (Graduate – Permanent/SSC)

🔹 Eligibility:

Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or B.E./B.Tech

🔹 Age Limit:

19 to 24 years (approx)

🔹 Selection Process:

UPSC CDS Exam
SSB Interview
Medical

🔹 Training Academy:

Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala

📌 Men & Women both eligible (Women mostly under SSC).

3. 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme

🔹 Eligibility:

12th with Physics, Chemistry & Maths
Appeared in JEE Main

🔹 Age Limit:

16.5 to 19.5 years

🔹 Selection Process:

JEE Main shortlisting
SSB Interview
Medical

🔹 Training:

INA Ezhimala
Naval Engineering College

📌 One of the best technical entries for Navy aspirants.

4. Indian Navy SSC (Short Service Commission) – Men & Women

This is the largest officer entry in Indian Navy.

Branches Available:

Executive Branch (GS, Logistics, Naval Armament)
Technical Branch
Education Branch
IT Branch

🔹 Eligibility:

Graduation / Engineering (branch-wise)

🔹 Age Limit:

19 to 27 years (varies by branch)

🔹 Selection Process:

Shortlisting
SSB Interview
Medical

🔹 Commission Type:

Short Service Commission
Permanent Commission available for selected branches

📌 Women are actively recruited through SSC Navy.

5. NCC Special Entry (Men & Women)

🔹 Eligibility:

Graduation
NCC ‘C’ Certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade

🔹 Age Limit:

19 to 24 years

🔹 Selection Process:

Direct SSB Interview
No written exam

📌 Ideal for NCC cadets.

6. Indian Navy INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test)

🔹 Eligibility:

Graduation / Engineering

🔹 Age Limit:

As per branch

🔹 Selection Process:

INET Online Exam
SSB Interview
Medical

📌 Used for multiple SSC officer entries.

PART B: SAILOR ENTRY – FOR MEN ONLY

7. Agniveer (SSR) – 12th Pass

🔹 Eligibility:

12th with Maths & Physics

🔹 Age Limit:

As per Agnipath notification

🔹 Selection Process:

Online exam
Physical Fitness Test
Medical

🔹 Service Period:

4 years (Agnipath Scheme)

8. Agniveer (MR) – 10th Pass

🔹 Eligibility:

10th pass

🔹 Selection Process:

Online exam
Physical & Medical

📌 Entry for Chef, Steward, and Hygienist roles.

9. Direct Entry Sailor (When Notified)

Occasionally notified for technical branches.

Physical & Medical Standards (General)

Height

Men: Minimum ~157 cm
Women: Minimum ~152 cm

Vision

6/6 or 6/9 (correctable)

Fitness

Good physical and mental health required

Training Institutions

🏫 Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
🏫 INS Chilka (Sailor Training)
🏫 Naval Engineering College

Ranks & Promotion

Officer Ranks

Sub Lieutenant
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
commodore
Rear Admiral
Vice Admiral
Admiral

Sailor Ranks

Seaman
Leading Seaman
Petty Officer

Salary & Allowances

Officer Salary (Starting)

💰 ₹56,100 per month + allowances

Sailor Salary

💰 As per Agnipath / Navy pay matrix

Additional Benefits

✔ Free medical
✔ Accommodation
✔ Travel allowance
✔ Pension (as applicable)

Women in Indian Navy – Special Note

Women officers serve in:

Warships
Aviation
Logistics
Education
IT & Intelligence

Permanent Commission is available in selected branches.

How to Prepare for Indian Navy Selection

📘 Written Exam:

Maths, Physics, English, Reasoning

🧠 SSB Interview:

Leadership
Communication
Confidence

🏃 Physical Fitness:

Running, push-ups, flexibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can girls join Indian Navy after 12th?

Yes, through NDA and 10+2 (B.Tech) entry.

Q2. Is Indian Navy open for women officers?

Yes, women can join Navy as officers through multiple entries.

Q3. Can women join Navy as sailors?

No, currently sailor entry is for men only.

Q4. What is the official website for Indian Navy recruitment?

joinindiannavy.gov.in

Conclusion

Joining the Indian Navy is a matter of pride, discipline, and honor. With increasing opportunities for both men and women, the Navy offers a secure and adventurous career across technical and non-technical fields.

👉 Always check official notifications
👉 Start preparation early
👉 Stay physically and mentally fit

✅ FAQ SCHEMA (RANK MATH / YOAST READY)

Q1. Can girls join Indian Navy?

Yes, women can join Indian Navy as officers through NDA, CDS, SSC, NCC Special Entry, and INET.

Q2. Can men join Indian Navy as sailors?

Yes, men can join Indian Navy as sailors through Agniveer (SSR & MR) entries.

Q3. What is the age limit to join Indian Navy?

The age limit varies by entry and generally ranges from 16.5 to 27 years.

Q4. Is NDA entry available for Indian Navy?

Yes, NDA is one of the main entries to join Indian Navy after 12th.

Q5. What is the official website of Indian Navy recruitment?

The official website is joinindiannavy.gov.in.

Disclaimer: Information regarding any exam forms, results/marks, answer key are published on this website are provided just for the immediate information of the examinees and should not be considered as a legal document. While every effort has been made by resultsuvidha.com team to ensure the accuracy of the information provided which includes official links, we are not responsible for any inadvertent errors that may appear in the examination results/marks, answer key or time table/admission dates. Additionally, we disclaim any liability for any loss or damage caused by any shortcomings, defects, or inaccuracies in the information available on this website. In case of any correction is needed feel free to contact us through contact us page.