Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Apply for Indian Navy Courses in 2025: Eligibility and Selection
If you want to join the Indian Navy as an officer, there are different ways to apply.
One way is through the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Kerala, which offers training.
This training takes 4 years for cadets and about 22 weeks for graduates.
Another path is the Short Service Commission (SSC), where you can be selected based on your marks from school or college.
If you get into the SSC program, you'll start as a Sub-Lieutenant.
You can apply for these programs on the official Indian Navy websites.
Some candidates might get to specialize later based on needs and their health.
Trainees at the academy live and train together, focusing on academics, fitness, and leadership.
Aspirants can join the Indian Navy through various entry routes like the Indian Naval Academy (INA) Course, Short Service Commission (SSC), and exams like CDS and AFCAT.
The Indian Naval Academy in Kannur, Kerala, provides foundational training for officers.
INA training duration is 4 years for cadets and 22 weeks for direct entry graduates.
The 118th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) begins on July 2, 2026.
Short Service Commission (SSC) candidates are shortlisted based on qualifying exam marks and join as Sub-Lieutenants.
- Who
- Aspirants seeking to join the Indian Navy
- What
- Information on applying to the Indian Navy through the Indian Naval Academy (INA) Course and Short Service Commission (SSC) entries, detailing eligibility, training, and selection processes.
- When
- Applications announced throughout the year; 118th INAC commences July 2, 2026.
- Where
- Indian Naval Academy in Kannur (Cannanore), Kerala.
- Why
- To inform prospective candidates about the available entry routes, training durations, and application procedures for joining the Indian Navy.
Candidate Type
Eligibility/Application Focus
Engineering Background for SSC
Candidate Type
Candidates with or without engineering degrees are eligible for SSC.
Eligibility/Application Focus
Selection for SSC is based on marks in qualifying examinations like B.E. or B.Tech, with specific document requirements for semester marks.
Application Portals
Candidate Type
INA course applications are submitted via upsc.gov.in.
Eligibility/Application Focus
SSC applications are submitted online through joinindiannavy.gov.in.
- Indian Naval Academy Location
- Kannur (Cannanore), Kerala
- INA Training Duration
- 4 years (cadet entry), 22 weeks (direct entry graduate)
- 118th INAC Start Date
- July 2, 2026
- SSC Initial Rank
- Sub-Lieutenant
- INA Application Portal
- upsc.gov.in
- SSC Application Portal
- joinindiannavy.gov.in