Indian Navy Agniveer (Apprentice) Recruitment 2026 represents a pivotal career opportunity in India’s maritime defence sector, offering unmarked male graduates from AICTE-recognised polytechnics a pathway to serve in one of the world’s most technologically advanced naval forces. The Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, has opened applications for the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches, with a customised four-year tenure combining competitive compensation and structured career progression.
This recruitment drive encompasses both Engineering and Electrical streams across multiple diploma specialisations, with an estimated selection pool to be determined based on operational requirements. With a monthly salary ranging from ₹30,000 in Year 1 to ₹40,000 in Year 4, plus a Seva Nidhi corpus of ₹10.04 Lakhs upon completion, the Agniveer scheme merges immediate financial security with long-term benefits, including non-contributory life insurance of ₹48 Lakhs and the potential for permanent cadre selection. The application window runs from 05 June 2026 to 29 June 2026 (17:00 hrs) at https://joinindiannavy.gov.in. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification before applying.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Navy – Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Naval Headquarters, New Delhi |
| Advertisement | Agniveer (Apprentice) – 01/2027 and 02/2027 Batch |
| Post Name | Agniveer (Apprentice) |
| Total Vacancies | To be notified based on service requirement (trade-wise) |
| Job Location | All India (Transferable posting at any Indian Navy location) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Selection Mode | Multi-stage (INET + PFT + Written Exam + Medical) |
| Service Duration | 4 years under Agnipath Scheme (Navy Act 1957) |
| Official Website | https://joinindiannavy.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 05 June 2026 |
| Application Closes | 29 June 2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Correction Window | 06 July 2026 |
| Stage I – INET 2/2026 Examination | August 2026 |
| Stage I Result Declaration | End August / Early September 2026 |
| Stage II (01/2027 Batch) | October 2026 |
| Induction at INS Chilka (01/2027 Batch) | December 2026 |
| Stage II (02/2027 Batch) | March 2027 |
| Induction at INS Chilka (02/2027 Batch) | May 2027 |
Age Limit
| Batch | Date of Birth (Inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Agniveer (Apprentice) 01/2027 | 01 December 2004 – 31 May 2009 |
| Agniveer (Apprentice) 02/2027 | 01 May 2005 – 31 October 2009 |
Note: No age relaxations are available for any candidate category. Candidates born between 01 December 2004 and 31 October 2009 are eligible for INET 2/2026 and will be shortlisted for the respective batch based on age criteria.
Educational Qualification
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Passed Matriculation Examination with a minimum 50% marks in aggregate from MHRD-recognised Boards |
| Diploma Requirement | 3-year Diploma from an AICTE-recognised Polytechnic Institute with minimum 50% marks in aggregate in Engineering or Electrical trade |
| Marital Status | Unmarried male candidates only; marriage during 4-year tenure results in dismissal |
| Nationality | Indian male citizens exclusively |
| Desirable Qualifications | Proficiency in sports, swimming, and extra-curricular activities |
Streams & Trade-wise Vacancy Details
| Stream | Diploma Trade / Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Marine Engineering & Systems, Mechanical, Production/Automobile, Refrigeration & AC, Power Plant, Mechatronics, Metallurgy, Instrumentation, Electronics Instrumentation & Control, Industrial/Production | To be notified based on service requirements |
| Electrical | Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation Technology, Electronics & Control Engineering | To be notified based on service requirements |
Role & Responsibilities
Agniveers serve as technically skilled enlisted personnel responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of complex naval engineering and electrical systems aboard warships, submarines, and shore establishments. Daily responsibilities encompass equipment diagnostics, preventive maintenance schedules, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical faults, and collaborating with senior personnel in the highly compartmentalised environment of naval vessels, where precision and safety protocols are non-negotiable. This role demands familiarity with advanced marine propulsion systems, power generation, navigation electronics, and damage control procedures, requiring continuous learning in a dynamic maritime operational context where system failures can have immediate tactical consequences. The Indian Navy’s technical cadre operates at the forefront of naval modernisation, offering exposure to cutting-edge defence technology and the distinct advantage of serving within a structured, hierarchical organisation known for rigorous professionalism and international maritime standards.
Salary & Emoluments
| Year | Customised Package (Monthly) | In Hand (70%) | Corpus Contribution – Agniveer (30%) | Corpus Contribution – Government of India (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | ₹30,000 | ₹21,000 | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 |
| 2nd Year | ₹33,000 | ₹23,100 | ₹9,900 | ₹9,900 |
| 3rd Year | ₹36,500 | ₹25,550 | ₹10,950 | ₹10,950 |
| 4th Year | ₹40,000 | ₹28,000 | ₹12,000 | ₹12,000 |
Total Seva Nidhi (Agniveer Corpus Fund) on completion of 4-year tenure: ₹10.04 Lakhs
Additional benefits include risk allowance, hardship allowance, dress allowance, travel allowance, non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 Lakhs, death compensation of ₹44 Lakhs (in addition to insurance), disability compensation ranging from ₹44 Lakhs to ₹15 Lakhs based on disability percentage, 30 days annual leave, sick leave as per medical advice, medical facilities at service hospitals, and CSD provisions. No gratuity or pension is applicable.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Candidates (Stage I – INET) | ₹550 + 18% GST (online payment only) |
| Sponsored Candidates & NCC ‘C’ Certificate Holders | Exempted from Stage I; direct call-up for Stage II |
| Payment Method | Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI |
Note: Application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates with unsuccessful payment transactions will receive an automatic refund after 7 working days. Multiple applications will result in rejection and debarment without fee reimbursement.
Selection Process
Stage 1 – Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based examination |
| Total Questions | 100 questions (1 mark each) |
| Language | Bilingual – Hindi and English |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice |
| Sections | English & General Awareness, Science, Mathematics, Diploma Trade-Specific |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per incorrect response |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum passing marks in each section and aggregate (determined by the Indian Navy) |
| Exam Scheduling | Separate examinations for Engineering and Electrical entries; August 2026 with SSC as Exam Partner |
Stage 2 – Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
| Event | Male Candidates |
|---|---|
| 1.6 km run | 6 minutes 30 seconds |
| Squats (Uthak Baithak) | 20 repetitions |
| Push-ups | 15 repetitions |
| Bent Knee Sit-ups | 15 repetitions |
Qualifying in PFT is mandatory for progression to the written examination. Candidates participate in PFT at their own risk.
Stage 2 – Written Examination
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 questions (1 mark each) |
| Language | Bilingual – Hindi and English |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice |
| Sections | English & General Awareness, Science, Mathematics, Diploma Trade-Specific |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum passing marks in each section and aggregate (determined by the Indian Navy) |
Written examination is conducted only for candidates who complete the PFT. Separate examinations are held for the Engineering and Electrical streams.
Stage 2 – Recruitment Medical Examination
Medical fitness assessment is mandatory for all PFT-qualified candidates. Candidates deemed medically unfit may file an appeal within 5 days at a designated Military Hospital assigned by the Indian Navy. Medical certificates from non-designated hospitals are not accepted. Only one appeal is permitted.
Stage 3 – Pre-Enrolment Medical at INS Chilka
All selected candidates undergo pre-enrolment medical formalities at INS Chilka, Odisha, before induction. Induction is conditional upon passing the pre-enrolment medical examination. Candidates failing this stage are rejected.
Physical Standards & Medical Requirements
| Criterion | Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 157 cms |
| Body Tattoos | Permitted only on the inner forearm (elbow to wrist) and the back of the hand; no tattoos on other body parts |
| Visual Acuity – Uncorrected | 6/12 in each eye |
| Visual Acuity – Corrected | 6/6 in each eye |
| Colour Perception | CP PASS |
| Pre-Medical Preparation | Ear cleaning for wax removal and tartar removal from teeth is recommended |
How to Apply for Indian Navy Agniveer (Apprentice) Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official portal at https://joinindiannavy.gov.in and select the Agniveer recruitment section.
- Click the “Register” button and complete registration as an AVR (Apprentice) candidate using your personal details.
- After successful registration, log in with your credentials and navigate to the INET 2/26 application form.
- Carefully fill in all personal, educational, and contact information; any false declaration results in candidature cancellation.
- Upload a recent passport-size colour photograph taken after May 2026, sized between 10 KB and 50 KB, with a clear date written at the bottom; a live webcam photograph is captured during form submission.
- Scan and upload mandatory documents: Matriculation certificate, Diploma certificate, and consolidated marksheet from an AICTE-recognised institute, Domicile certificate, and NCC ‘C’ or Sponsorship certificate if applicable.
- Pay the examination fee of ₹550 plus 18% GST through online channels (net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI).
- Indicate your preferred state for INET examination centre allocation; this selection cannot be changed once submitted or allotted by the Indian Navy.
- Submit the application form; a post-closing correction window is provided, with an additional 2-day window activated after INET examination.
- Download your call-up letter and admit card from https://joinindiannavy.gov.in approximately one week before the examination; no postal communication is sent.
💡 Expert Tip: Ensure all scanned document files are below 500 KB and in a clear, readable format to avoid upload rejections. Triple-check the accuracy of your date of birth, qualification details, and domicile information before final submission, as inconsistencies lead to immediate rejection. Keep your registration credentials secure and do not attempt multiple registrations, as duplicate applications result in debarment.
Documents Required
Documents to be Scanned and Uploaded During Online Application
- Matriculation certificate and marksheet (proof of date of birth and educational qualification)
- Diploma certificate and consolidated marksheet from an AICTE-recognised Polytechnic Institute
- Domicile certificate
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable; to be verified through DG NCC)
- Sponsorship Certificate (if applicable; to be verified through CABS)
- Recent passport-size colour photograph taken after May 2026
Original Documents to be Produced at INS Chilka During Induction
- All original certificates submitted or uploaded during the online application
- Self-attested copies of all certificates
- Original NCC ‘C’ Certificate or Sponsorship Certificate (if applicable)
- Police Verification Form duly verified by the Superintendent of Police of the respective jurisdiction (from place of domicile or residence)
- Call-up letter and Admit Card
Important Instructions
Candidates must adhere to the following terms to maintain eligibility and avoid rejection:
- Only unmarried Indian male candidates are eligible for enrolment; Agniveers are prohibited from marriage during the entire 4-year tenure, and violation results in dismissal from service.
- Agniveers are enrolled under the Navy Act 1957 for a fixed 4-year period; the Indian Navy is not obliged to retain candidates beyond the engagement duration.
- Up to 25% of each batch may be offered permanent enrolment as Sailors (Regular Cadre) or Artificers based on performance and organisational discretion; selection is not guaranteed and remains entirely at the Indian Navy’s discretion.
- Early release requests are not permitted before the completion of the 4-year engagement period.
- Agniveers are not entitled to gratuity, pension, or Naval Pension Regulations benefits.
- Agniveers do not qualify for Ex-Servicemen status upon completion of service.
- Candidates providing false information regarding domicile, gender, or other personal details are permanently barred from appearing in the recruitment, and their candidature is cancelled.
- Candidates arriving 30 minutes or later after the reported examination time for Stage I – INET are not permitted to participate in the examination.
- A candidate’s selection for a specific batch is valid only for that batch; qualified candidates not appearing in the merit list cannot claim admission for subsequent batches.
- Mobile phones and electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited inside examination premises; violation results in disciplinary action and a ban from future examinations.
- Submission of multiple applications results in immediate candidature cancellation.
- A six-month cutoff applies for grievance resolution post-completion of the recruitment cycle for the respective batch; no inquiries are entertained thereafter.
- Advertisement terms and conditions are guidelines subject to modification without notice; Government orders, as amended from time to time, will apply to selected candidates.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Apply Online (Login/Registration) | Register Here |
| Apply Online (Existing Users) | Login Here |
| Official Website | Visit Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Indian Navy Agniveer (Apprentice) Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Indian Navy Agniveer (Apprentice) Recruitment 2026 is an initiative under the Agnipath Scheme to recruit unmarried Indian male graduates from AICTE-recognised polytechnics for a 4-year tenure in Engineering and Electrical streams. Selected candidates will serve in the Indian Navy with a salary ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per month and a Seva Nidhi corpus of ₹10.04 Lakhs upon completion.
Q2. When is the application deadline?
Ans. The application window closes on 29 June 2026 at 17:00 hrs. Candidates must submit their online applications before this deadline at https://joinindiannavy.gov.in.
Q3. What are the eligibility criteria for Indian Navy Agniveer recruitment?
Ans. Candidates must be unmarried Indian males, have passed Matriculation with minimum 50% marks, and possess a 3-year Diploma from an AICTE-recognised Polytechnic Institute with minimum 50% marks in Engineering or Electrical trade. Age criteria vary by batch: 01 December 2004 – 31 May 2009 for the 01/2027 batch, and 01 May 2005 – 31 October 2009 for the 02/2027 batch.
Q4. What is the application fee for Agniveer recruitment?
Ans. The application fee is ₹550 plus 18% GST (total as applicable), payable online through net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Sponsored candidates and NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders are exempted and directly issued call-up letters for Stage II.
Q5. What is the selection process?
Ans. The selection process consists of four stages: Stage I – INET (100 MCQs, 1 hour, computer-based), Stage II – Physical Fitness Test, Written Examination, and Recruitment Medical, and Stage III – Pre-Enrolment Medical at INS Chilka. Candidates must qualify all stages sequentially for induction.
Q6. What is the salary, and what benefits are provided?
Ans. Monthly salary ranges from ₹30,000 (Year 1) to ₹40,000 (Year 4), with 30% contribution to Seva Nidhi Corpus (₹10.04 Lakhs total on completion). Additional benefits include ₹48 Lakhs non-contributory life insurance, death and disability compensation, medical facilities, allowances, and 30 days annual leave. No gratuity or pension is applicable.
Q7. Can Agniveers marry during their tenure?
Ans. No, Agniveers are strictly prohibited from marrying during their entire 4-year tenure. Violation of this condition results in immediate dismissal from service. Candidates must provide an unmarried certificate at the time of enrolment.