Indian Navy Officer Entry 2025: Eligibility, Courses & How to Apply Online
If you’re dreaming of a career in the Indian Navy, 2025 offers multiple entry routes to make that dream a reality. Whether you’re a 10+2 student, engineering graduate, or preparing for UPSC, you can apply through the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Short Service Commission (SSC), or the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. Each path has its own eligibility criteria, training structure, and selection process—so let’s break it down.
Entry Route 1: Indian Naval Academy (INA) Course 2025
The Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Kannur, Kerala is the premier training institution for future Navy officers. The 118th INAC begins on July 2, 2026, and includes:
- Cadet Entry Duration: 4 years
- Graduate Entry Duration: 22 weeks
- Training Focus: Academic, physical, leadership development
- Structure: Squadrons with 4 divisions, each led by a Commander or Lieutenant Commander
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
- Age: 16.5 to 19 years
- Apply via joinindiannavy.gov.in
Entry Route 2: Short Service Commission (SSC) Officer Entry
The SSC entry is ideal for engineering graduates and professionals seeking a short-term commission in the Navy.
Key Details:
- Rank on Entry: Sub-Lieutenant
- Selection: Based on academic marks (B.E./B.Tech), followed by SSB interview and medical exam
- Specializations: GS(X), RPA, IT, Logistics, etc.
Eligibility:
- Engineering or graduate degree
- Age: 19 to 24 years
- Apply via joinindiannavy.gov.in
Documents Required:
- Mark sheets (up to 5th/7th semester)
- Photo ID
- Passport-size photo
Entry Route 3: Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam
The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC, is a national-level test held twice a year to recruit officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Key Details:
- Written exam followed by SSB interview
- CDS (Navy) candidates must have a science background
- Age: 19 to 24 years
- Apply via upsc.gov.in
Exam Pattern:
- English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics
- Duration: 2 hours per paper
- Negative marking applies
GEO-Targeted Relevance: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Candidates from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, and Chennai are among the top applicants for Indian Navy entries. With INA located in Kerala and SSC entries open nationwide, aspirants from southern India have strong access to these opportunities.
Read also : Apply Now for RRB JE 2025: 2570 Railway Vacancies Open!
🌐 External Sources
- NDTV Education: Indian Navy 2025 Entry Routes NDTV
- Join Indian Navy: Official Selection Procedure Join Indian Navy
- PW Defence: SSC Officer Selection Process 2025 Physics Wallah
