How to join Indian Navy after 12th - Check Eligibility, Exam, Expected Salary

How to join Indian Navy after 12th - Check Eligibility, Exam, Expected Salary

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Apr 24, 2025 10:43 AM IST

Wondering How to Join the Indian Navy After 12th? There are numerous opportunities awaiting for determined young minds in the defence sector right after 12th.

While most Indian navy roles require an educational background of science in Physics and Mathematics, there are also some non-technical posts in branches like Music, Sports and Education that accept students from any stream.

The Indian Navy is not just a career, but a way of life. The service empowers you to become the best version of yourself by giving you ample opportunities for professional growth, from education and leadership to music and adventure sports. With its heavily technology-driven force equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and warfare, the Navy is one of the most respected and prestigious careers in India.

This Story also Contains
  1. How to Join the Indian Navy after 12th
  2. How To Join The Indian Navy After 12th - As An Officer
  3. How To Join Indian Navy After 12th - As a Sailor
  4. How to Join the Indian Navy After 12th For Women
  5. Benefits of Joining The Indian Navy
How to join Indian Navy after 12th - Check Eligibility, Exam, Expected Salary
How to join Indian Navy after 12th - Check Eligibility, Exam, Expected Salary

In this article, we will answer your queries about how to join the Navy after 12th. Also, this article explores the eligibility criteria for the Indian navy after 12th for male, Indian navy courses after 12th, Indian naval academy eligibility, and how to join the Indian navy. Read more to learn about how to become a merchant navy and to build a respectable and lucrative career after 12th.

How to Join the Indian Navy after 12th

It is common for students to be confused about how to join the Navy after 12th. But don't worry! This article is designed to guide you through different ways and opportunities available for Navy jobs after 12th.

PostEducational RequirementsExamSalary Range

Indian Navy Officer

For technical branches-

  • NDA/NA (Naval Academy wing): Requires 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM). 10+2 PCM

  • (10+2) B.Tech Cadet Entry: Requires 10+2 PCM with a minimum aggregate (often 70% in PCM, not 60-70%) and mandates appearing for and qualifying the JEE (Main) examMin aggregate: 60 per cent to 70 per cent


For non-technical branches-

  • Non-technical branches (like Logistics, Education, ATC, etc.) require graduation and are joined through different schemes (CDSE, INET, NCC Special Entry, etc.), not directly after 12th with any stream.

After 12th - NDA/ NDA (Naval Academy) or (10+2) B.Tech Direct Entry

After Graduation-CDSE/ INET/NCC

SSB Interview + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) + Medical test

Rs.56,000-1.77 Lakhs per month

Agniveer SSR/ Agnipath Scheme.

10+2 qualified with Maths and Physics with atleast

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Computer Science


Computer-Based Examination (CBE)

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Medical Test

Year 1: Rs 30,000/- (In-hand: Rs 21,000)

Year 2: Rs 33,000/- (In-hand: Rs 23,100)

Year 3: Rs 36,500/- (In-hand: Rs 25,550)

Year 4: Rs 40,000/- (In-hand: Rs 28,000)

Agnipath Scheme/Agniveer Musician

10th/ 10+2 any stream

Basic aptitude and knowledge of the Theory of Music

Theoretical and Practical knowledge of any instrument

Written Test

Musical Ability Test

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Medical Test

Same as above


Source: Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Indian Navy.

How To Join The Indian Navy After 12th - As An Officer

As an Officer in the Indian Navy, you are not just taking up a job. You are kickstarting your career in the most prestigious and privileged position In India. The navy offers various roles allowing you to choose a branch that aligns with your interests and educational background.

Main Branches of the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is categorized into five primary branches:

  • Executive Branch: posts in Hydro Service, Information Technology, Air Traffic Control, Naval Aviation, Logistics, and Law

  • Engineering Branch: Naval Architecture, Marine Operations, Metallurgy,

  • Electrical Branch: Operations and maintenance of electrical systems and ships and submarines

  • Education Branch: sailors in various academic, technical, and specialist subjects.

  • Medical Branch: Doctors (recruited through AFMS), Dental Officers, and Military Nursing Service (MNS) officers serving in the Navy.

Each branch offers unique opportunities and experiences.

Educational requirements:

The eligibility for Indian Navy after 12th for male and females is to complete 12th standard with science stream.

  • Pass 12th standard with science stream with Physics & Mathematics and English as mandatory subjects

  • Several specialisations like Naval Aviation (Pilot), Education, and Law among others also require a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline as a minimum requirement.

Selection Procedure:

If you are wondering how to join the Indian Navy after 12th, here are the main ways.

  • NDA/ NDA (Naval Academy) after class 12

  • CDSE/ INET/ NCC entry after graduation.

  • 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme requires a minimum of 70 per cent in 10+2 PCM and JEE (Mains) rank.

The selection process also has a mandatory SSB Interview as the 2nd stage followed by Physical Efficiency Tests and Medical Examination.

Training Centre:

All the candidates selected for the post of Officer have to undergo a Naval Orientation Course at the Indian Naval Academy situated in Ezhimala, Kerala, and professional training at various Naval Training Units or Ships.

Also read- High Salary Government Jobs After 12th

How To Join Indian Navy After 12th - As a Sailor

If you are looking for a way to know how to join the Indian Navy after 12 directly, without pursuing graduation or appearing for competitive exams like NDA/ NDA (NA)/ CDSE/ INET, the Indian Navy offers many direct entry opportunities. Although, joining as a sailor takes its own competitive selection process, including a written exam, Physical Fitness Test (PFT), and Medical Examination.

You can join in the capacity of a Sailor in the roles such as

  • Artificer Apprentice (AA)

  • Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR)

  • Matric Recruit (Chef/ Steward/ Sanitary Hygienist)

  • Musician.

Educational requirements:

  • Agniveer SSR: Passed class 10 and/or 10+2 PCM

  • Agniveer MR (Chef/Steward/Sanitary Hygienist): Minimum qualification required is a 10th pass

  • Agniveer Musician: 10th pass and additional musical aptitude for Musician trade.

Selection Procedure:

  • AA, SSR & MR (Chef/ Steward/ Sanitary Hygienist): written examination and PET & medical examination is mandatory.

  • Musician: No written examination for the Musician trade except for a musical ability test

Training Centre

All the selected candidates will undertake basic Training at INS Chilka. State Professional Training occurs at different specialist schools based on trade.

How to Join the Indian Navy After 12th For Women

If you want to know how to join the Navy after 12th for female candidates, it is important to know that significant opportunities do exist for women. There are many excellent prospects for women in the Navy.

Opportunities for Women in the Indian Navy

Women can be commissioned in the Indian Naval Forces as Short Service Commissioned Officers. Currently, women are inducted as Navy Officers in various branches/ specialisations such as

In addition to SSC, the Government of India has approved Permanent Commission for women in specific branches like Education, Law, and Naval Architecture branches depending on merit and vacancy.

Read More -

Benefits of Joining The Indian Navy

For those exploring how to join the Indian Navy after 12th, it is equally important to know about the benefits of joining the service. Here are a few perks you might enjoy as a member of the Indian Navy.

Excellent salary packages

  • Officers: According to the 7th CPC matrix, at entry-level, entry-level officers are entitled to a pay band of Rs. 56,000 - Rs. 1.77 Lakhs with Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500

  • Sailors: Sailors receive a pay band of Rs. 21,700-Rs. 69,100 with MSP of Rs. 5200 along with additional Grade pay in both cases.

Allowances

Other than the handsome packages, the recruits are also entitled to several allowances like

  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • Travel Allowance
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Sea Duty/Hard Area Allowance
  • Special Duty Allowance

Free Facilities

  • Accommodation for family members near the station
  • ration facilities,
  • high-quality medical facilities, and much more.

Insurance

All recruits can avail of health insurance services under the Naval Group Insurance Scheme at a very minimal monthly premium.

Travel Concessions

Free rail/ air travel once a year for recruits and their family members as well as travel concessions on other occasions for five to six times a year.

Educational/ Industry Training

The Indian Navy sponsors the education and training of its most talented recruits in the best Universities across India.

Sports & Adventure Activities

The Indian Navy gives immense importance to sports and fitness and that is why you will find excellent sports facilities and gymnasiums on board ships. They also conduct adventure sports like

  • Sky diving,
  • Mountaineering
  • Paragliding,
  • Scuba Diving, and many more.

Pension

Lifetime pension is available after completing a minimum of 15 years of service for regular sailors and officers. Agniveer Sailors serve four years, and receive a 'Seva Nidhi' package, instead of traditional pension.

You May Also Like

The eligibility criteria and recruitment process for the Indian Navy may vary depending on the position you are aiming for. This article provides a clear overview about how to join the Navy after 12th. For young and enthusiastic young aspirants, the prospects in the Indian Navy are nothing short of excellent. The Navy not just offers excellent benefits and attractive facilities but also provides an opportunity to serve your country and lead a life of dignity and pride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for the Indian Navy after 12th?

Yes definitely! If you want to join as an Officer after 12th you need to have PCM and appear for NDA/ NDA (Naval Academy) or SSB interview through 10+2(B.Tech Entry) direct entry. You can also join as a Sailor after 12th.

2. Can 12th pass apply for the Indian Navy?

Yes. You apply for the Indian Navy for the post of either an Officer or Sailor. 

3. How do I join the Indian Naval Academy after 12th?

Through NDA/ NDA (Naval Academy) or (10+2)B.Tech Direct Entry.

4. What is Navy MR?

Navy MR is a Matric Recruit (Chef/ Steward/ Sanitary Hygienist) Sailor in the Indian Navy. The highest qualification required for this post is 10th pass i.e. matriculation. 

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