Indian Navy — India’s premier maritime defence force under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India — has released its official notification for Short Service Commission (SSC) Officer Recruitment 2026 for the Jun 2027 (AT 27) Course. A total of 275 tentative vacancies are available across 12 branches/cadres including Executive GS/Hydro (90), Naval Constructor (32), Education (26), Pilot (25), Electrical GS (24), NAOO/Observer (18), ATC (15), NAIC (14), Logistics (10), Engineering GS (09), Submarine Tech Electrical (08), and Submarine Tech Engineering (05). Eligible unmarried male and female candidates with BE/B.Tech (min. 60%), MBA, MCA, or PG degrees in relevant disciplines may apply. Selection is through Shortlisting → SSB Interview → Medical Examination — no written test. Online applications open from 25 June to 27 July 2026 at joinindiannavy.gov.in with no application fee. Selected candidates will be commissioned as Sub Lieutenants and trained at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala from June 2027.
⚓ Note on Vacancy Count: All 275 vacancies are tentative and may increase or decrease based on training capacity and service requirements. Women vacancies are capped branch-wise; if women candidates are not available or not selected in sufficient numbers, those vacancies may be filled by male candidates. Mere inclusion in shortlist does not confer a right to appointment.
3. Important Dates
Event
Date
Official Notification Released
23 June 2026
Online Application Window Opens
25 June 2026
Last Date for Online Application Submission
27 July 2026
Shortlisting of Applications
After 27 Jul
SSB Interview
To Be Notified
Medical Examination
After SSB
Final Degree Result Submission Deadline
By 20 Jun 2027
Course Commencement — INA, Ezhimala
June 2027
⚠ SSB interview dates, shortlisting results, medical examination schedule, and joining instructions will be communicated exclusively through the Indian Navy official portal at www.joinindiannavy.gov.in. Candidates must regularly check the portal. The Indian Navy does not communicate through any other channel or third-party website.
4. Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility — All Branches
Nationality: Indian nationals fulfilling nationality conditions as per Government of India guidelines
Marital Status: Must be unmarried at the time of application — married candidates are not eligible
Gender: Unmarried men and unmarried women — Submarine Tech Engineering and Submarine Tech Electrical are open for men only
Final Year Students: Eligible to apply — but must fulfil the required educational qualification criteria before joining INA, Ezhimala in June 2027
Foreign Degree Holders: Must have an equivalence certificate from a recognised Indian authority
Branch-wise Age Limits (Date of Birth Range)
Branch/Cadre
DOB — Not Before
DOB — Not After
Executive Branch GS(X)/Hydro
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Pilot Entry
02 Jul 2003
01 Jul 2008
Naval Air Operations Officer (Observer)
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Logistics
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
NAIC
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Education Branch
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Engineering GS/Submarine Tech Engg
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Electrical GS/Submarine Tech Elec
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Naval Constructor
02 Jul 2002
01 Jan 2008
Merchant Navy (Executive/Tech — CoC holders)
02 Jul 1997
01 Jan 2008
Branch-wise Educational Qualifications
Branch/Cadre
Educational Qualification Required
Executive Branch — GS(X)/Hydro Cadre
BE/B.Tech in any discipline, min. 60% aggregate. Also: Merchant Navy candidates with GoI Ministry of Shipping CoC (Foreign going) as 2nd Mate/Mate/Master eligible (born 02 Jul 1997–01 Jan 2008)
Pilot Entry
BE/B.Tech in any discipline, min. 60% marks; min. 60% in Class X & XII; min. 60% in English in Class X or XII. Valid CPL issued by DGCA (India) also eligible
Naval Air Operations Officer (Observer)
BE/B.Tech in any discipline, min. 60% marks; min. 60% in Class X & XII; min. 60% in English in Class X or XII
Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
BE/B.Tech in any discipline, min. 60% marks
Logistics
BE/B.Tech (any discipline, First Class) OR MBA (First Class) OR B.Sc/B.Com/B.Sc(IT) First Class + PG Diploma in Finance/Logistics/Supply Chain/Material Management OR MCA/M.Sc(IT) (First Class)
NAIC — Naval Armament Inspectorate Cadre
BE/B.Tech min. 60% in: Mechanical, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Instrumentation, Electrical, Computer Science/Engineering, IT, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Metallurgy, Production, Chemical, Material Science, Industrial Engineering, Power Electronics, Instrumentation
Education Branch
M.Sc/MA (min 60%) in Maths/Physics/Applied Physics/Operational Research/Meteorology/Oceanography/Atmospheric Sciences OR MA (History, min 55%) OR BE/B.Tech (min 60%) in Mechanical/Production/Electrical/Electronics & Communication/Electronics & Instrumentation OR ME/M.Tech (min 60%) in Electronics/Communication/Power/Controls/VLSI/Radar/DSP/Thermal/Mechatronics etc.
Engineering Branch GS/Submarine Tech Engineering
BE/B.Tech min. 60% in: Marine, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Automobiles, Industrial Engineering & Management, Metallurgy, Instrumentation & Control, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Production Engineering, Mechanical with Automation. Merchant Navy CoC (1st Class Engineer) also eligible for Engineering GS
Electrical Branch GS/Submarine Tech Electrical
BE/B.Tech min. 60% in: Electrical, Electronics, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Tele Communication, Instrumentation, Telecommunication, Electronics & Communication, Applied Electronics, Power Electronics, Power Engineering, Instrumentation & Control, AEC
Naval Constructor
BE/B.Tech min. 60% in: Naval Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical with Automation
NCC Relaxation: Candidates holding an NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing, Army Wing, or Air Wing) with a minimum ‘B’ Grade, issued by a recognised NCC authority, are eligible for a 5% relaxation in cut-off marks for shortlisting to the SSB Interview. This relaxation applies to the shortlisting stage only — SSB and Medical standards remain unchanged.
5. Selection Process
No written test — Shortlisting → SSB Interview (5 days) → Medical → Merit List → Appointment
Online Application Submission — apply at www.joinindiannavy.gov.in by 27 July 2026. Register with valid email and mobile number. Fill personal/academic details as per Matriculation certificate. Upload scanned marksheets, photo, signature, and CGPA conversion formula (if applicable). Indicate branch preferences carefully — changes not permitted after submission. No application fee.
Shortlisting of Applications — based on normalized marks obtained in qualifying examinations. Cut-off marks determined by the Indian Navy based on number of applications and vacancies. NCC ‘C’ certificate holders with ‘B’ Grade get 5% relaxation. Shortlisted candidates called for SSB Interview via official portal and email.
SSB Interview (5-Day Process) — a comprehensive 5-day assessment at designated SSB centres:
Day 1 — Screening (Officer Intelligence Rating Test + Picture Perception & Description Test)
Days 2–4 — Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks (Group Discussions, Group Planning, Progressive Group Tasks, Snake Race, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Final Group Task), and Personal Interview
Day 5 — Conference and Results
Medical Examination — SSB-recommended candidates undergo medical examination at designated Service Military Hospitals per Indian Navy standards. Candidates declared unfit may apply for an appeal medical board. Standards vary slightly by branch (e.g., Pilot and NAOO/Observer have stricter vision criteria).
Merit List & Final Appointment — merit list prepared based on SSB marks (not shortlisting marks) for all medically fit candidates, separately for each branch/cadre and gender. Final appointment subject to merit, vacancy availability, eligibility verification, and character/antecedents verification. Mere inclusion in select list does not confer a right to appointment. SSB-recommended candidates must submit final degree results to officer@navy.gov.in before 20 June 2027.
Training at INA Ezhimala & Commissioning — selected candidates join INA, Ezhimala, Kerala for the Jun 2027 (AT 27) Course. On successful completion, commissioned as Sub Lieutenants. Training duration and content vary by branch.
6. Pay, Allowances & Benefits
Starting gross pay ~₹1,20,000/month as Sub Lieutenant — additional allowances by branch
As per Central Government rates (revised bi-annually)
HRA/Government Accommodation
HRA if no government accommodation provided — varies by city classification
Transport Allowance
As per Government of India norms
Pilot/NAOO Allowance
₹31,250/month — admissible after successful completion of flying/observer training
Submarine Allowance
₹31,250/month — admissible after successful completion of submarine training
Gross Salary (approx.)
~₹1,20,000/month (indicative; actual varies based on posting, HRA, other factors)
Group Insurance
As per Indian Navy Group Insurance Scheme
Gratuity & Leave Entitlements
As per Indian Navy service rules
Canteen Facilities
CSD (Canteen Stores Department) facilities
Medical Cover
Full medical coverage for self and family at Military Hospitals (ECHS post retirement)
Leave Travel Concession
As per Central Government rules
Career Progression — SSC to Permanent Commission: SSC is initially for 10 years, extendable by 4 more years (total maximum 14 years). Meritorious SSC officers in certain branches may be considered for Permanent Commission (PC) subject to vacancies and Naval policy. Promotion from Sub Lieutenant → Lieutenant → Lieutenant Commander → Commander etc. follows time-based and merit-based criteria.
7. How to Apply Online
Visit Official Indian Navy Portal — go to www.joinindiannavy.gov.in → Recruitment section → “SSC Officer — Jun 2027 (AT 27) Course” notification.
Register/Create New Account — click “Register” and create an account using valid email ID and mobile number. You’ll receive an OTP/activation link. Use this account for all future correspondence.
Fill the e-Application Form — log in and fill carefully. Enter personal details exactly as per Matriculation/Class X certificate. Enter educational qualifications, percentage/CGPA marks accurately. Select branch preferences — you will only be evaluated for branches you select. Preferences cannot be changed after submission.
Upload Documents — passport-size photograph, specimen signature, scanned Class X and XII marksheets, graduation/PG marksheets, CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula (if applicable). NCC certificate (if applicable) for relaxation benefit.
Preview, Submit & Print — preview carefully, then submit (no fee payment required). Download and print a copy for reference at the SSB Interview. Note your application/registration number.
Critical Instructions — Read Before Applying
Apply well before the last date — no provision for late submissions due to technical issues
Branch preferences cannot be changed after final submission — select all eligible branches carefully
Ensure your email ID and mobile number remain active throughout the selection process
Final year students are eligible but must possess the required qualification before joining INA by June 2027
Candidates with foreign degrees must have an equivalence certificate from a recognised Indian authority
CGPA holders must upload the university-issued CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula
8. Documents Required
Document
Purpose
Recent Passport-Size Photograph
Upload during online registration (white background, recent, clear)
Specimen Signature
Upload scanned signature during registration
Class X (Matriculation) Certificate & Marksheet
Proof of date of birth, name; also percentage for Pilot/Observer entries
Class XII (Intermediate) Certificate & Marksheet
Required for Pilot and NAOO (Observer) branch applicants (min. 60%)
Graduation Degree/Provisional Certificate
Proof of educational qualification for respective branch
Graduation Marksheets (all semesters/years)
For percentage calculation and upload
PG Degree/Marksheets (if applying via PG route)
Branch-specific requirement (Education/Logistics)
CGPA Conversion Formula (University-issued)
Required if qualification is CGPA-based
NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable)
For 5% cut-off relaxation — Naval/Army/Air Wing, ‘B’ Grade minimum
Certificate of Competency (if Merchant Navy/CPL route)
For Executive GS (CoC as 2nd Mate/Mate/Master) or Pilot entry via CPL
⚠ All original documents + photocopies must be carried to the SSB Interview — incomplete documentation may lead to disqualification.
9. FAQs
#
Question
Answer
1
Is there any written/computer-based test for selection?
No. Selection has three stages only: Shortlisting (based on normalized marks), SSB Interview (5-day process), and Medical Examination. Candidates are directly shortlisted for SSB based on academic performance — no separate exam is needed.
2
What is the application fee?
NIL for any category — General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, PwD, Women. The process is entirely free. Beware of fraudulent websites/agents claiming to facilitate Navy recruitment for a fee.
3
Can I apply for more than one branch?
Yes, you can apply for multiple branches provided you meet eligibility (age, qualification, gender) for each. You’ll only be considered for branches you select. Branch preferences cannot be changed after final submission.
4
Can final year students apply? What if I don’t get results before joining?
Yes, final year students are eligible but must fulfil qualification criteria before joining INA in June 2027. SSB-recommended candidates must submit final degree results to officer@navy.gov.in before 20 June 2027. Failure to complete the degree means the candidate will not be permitted to join.
5
What’s the difference between SSC and Permanent Commission (PC)?
SSC is a fixed-term commission for 10 years, extendable by 4 more (max 14 years). SSC officers are not automatically given PC; meritorious officers in select branches may be considered for PC absorption per Navy policy and vacancies. PC is a career-long commission until retirement age.
6
Are women eligible for all branches?
Women are eligible for most branches, except Submarine Tech Engineering and Submarine Tech Electrical (men only). Other branches have capped women vacancies (e.g., max 10 in Executive, max 5 in Naval Constructor). Unfilled women vacancies may go to male candidates.
7
My qualification is CGPA-based. Am I eligible?
Yes, provided your CGPA, converted using the official university-issued conversion formula, meets the minimum percentage requirement (generally 60%). Upload the official formula during application; if unavailable, use standard GoI conversion guidelines and verify with the Indian Navy if in doubt.
8
What is the SSB Interview process?
A 5-day comprehensive assessment evaluating Officer-Like Qualities: Day 1 — Screening (OIR test + PP&DT); Days 2–4 — Psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), GTO tasks (Group Discussion, Group Planning, Progressive Group Task, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Final Group Task, Lecturette), and Personal Interview; Day 5 — Conference and results.
All updates — shortlisting results, SSB schedule, medical results, joining instructions — will be published exclusively on the Indian Navy’s official recruitment portal.
Important Warnings & Reminders
All 275 vacancies are tentative — may increase or decrease based on training capacity and service requirements
Branch preferences cannot be changed after final submission — select all eligible branches during application
Submarine Tech Engineering and Submarine Tech Electrical are for men only — women should not apply for these branches
Final year students must complete their degree before joining INA in June 2027 — failing to do so means loss of appointment
Mere shortlisting for SSB or inclusion in merit list does not confer a right to appointment — final appointment subject to vacancies and service requirements
The Indian Navy does not communicate results or updates through social media, third-party websites, or SMS — check joinindiannavy.gov.in only
Beware of fraudulent agents/websites claiming to guarantee selection — Indian Navy recruitment is entirely merit-based and conducted by its own Selection Boards
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