Indian Navy Agniveer SSR Recruitment 2027 – Complete Guide for 01/2027 & 02/2027 Batch

Indian Navy Agniveer SSR Recruitment 2027 has been officially announced by the Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Naval Headquarters, New Delhi. Online applications are invited from unmarried male and unmarried female Indian candidates for the Agniveer (SSR) 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches. The application window is open from 14 March 2026 (00:01 hrs) to 06 April 2026 (17:00 hrs) at www.joinindiannavy.gov.in. The Stage I examination — INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test) 2026 — will be conducted in May 2026.

The Agniveer scheme, introduced under the Agnipath initiative of the Government of India, is a transformative pathway for young Indians to serve in the Indian Navy for four years. It offers structured pay with annual increments, a significant Seva Nidhi corpus on exit, non-contributory life insurance of ₹48 lakh, and the possibility of permanent enrolment as a Regular Sailor for up to 25% of each batch based on performance. For 10+2 qualified candidates with Physics and Mathematics, this is one of the most structured and prestigious defence career entry points available in 2026.

This recruitment covers two distinct batches — 01/2027 (induction at INS Chilka in December 2026) and 02/2027 (induction in May 2027) — both processed through the same INET 2026 Stage I examination but with separate Stage II processes and separate merit lists. Candidates born between 01 December 2004 and 31 October 2009 are eligible to apply for INET 2026. However, the age eligibility for each batch’s Stage II process differs, so candidates must check their batch eligibility carefully.

Recruitment Overview

The Indian Navy is one of the three primary wings of the Indian Armed Forces, responsible for safeguarding India’s vast maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region. The Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, manages all enlisted personnel recruitment through a rigorous, multi-stage, merit-based process. The Agniveer SSR (Senior Secondary Recruits) entry specifically targets candidates with science backgrounds at the 10+2 level and deploys them across technical, operational, and support roles across the Navy’s ships, submarines, and shore establishments.

Important Dates

The recruitment timeline for Agniveer SSR 2027 is precisely structured across both batches. One key strategic insight: both the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches share the same INET 2026 Stage I examination. This means applying now — and performing well in INET — gives you a chance at two separate induction opportunities within a single year. The application window closes on 06 April 2026 at 17:00 hrs sharp — the portal will be disabled after this, and no late applications are entertained. Candidates are strongly advised to apply at least 5–7 days before the deadline to avoid last-minute portal load issues.

Application Fee

An examination fee of ₹550 plus 18% GST is payable during the Stage I INET application. This is a one-time fee — no separate fee is charged for the Stage II process (PFT, Written Exam, and Medical). Payment must be made online through Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. The admit card for INET will be issued only to candidates who have successfully paid the examination fee. One critical caution: if your online payment is deducted but the admit card is not generated (unsuccessful transaction), wait for 7 working days for an automatic refund before attempting to pay again. Do not pay twice — multiple registrations result in cancellation and no fee reimbursement.

Age Limit

The age eligibility for Agniveer SSR 2027 is defined by birth date ranges, not age as a number — which is a common source of confusion. For INET 2026 application, any candidate born between 01 December 2004 and 31 October 2009 (both dates inclusive) is eligible. However, Stage II eligibility is batch-specific: only those within the 01/2027 birth range qualify for that batch’s Stage II, and similarly for 02/2027. A candidate born between 01 December 2004 and 30 April 2005 qualifies for Stage II of 01/2027 only — they are too old for 02/2027. Conversely, a candidate born between 01 June 2009 and 31 October 2009 qualifies for 02/2027 only — they are too young for 01/2027. Candidates born between 01 May 2005 and 31 May 2009 are eligible for Stage II of both batches. Plan your application accordingly.

Eligibility Criteria

The educational eligibility for Agniveer SSR is well-defined but has nuances that candidates frequently miss. The most important condition is the minimum 50% aggregate marks requirement — this applies to the overall aggregate in the qualifying examination, not individual subjects. Three distinct qualification routes are accepted. The standard route is 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board. Diploma holders in engineering from Central, State, or UT-recognised Polytechnic Institutes are also eligible. A third, less-known route accepts candidates who have passed a 2-year Vocational Course with Physics and Mathematics as non-vocational subjects. Candidates currently appearing in Class 12 for the academic year 2025–26 may apply, but must produce their original mark sheet (not internet copies) at subsequent recruitment stages showing the minimum required marks.

Vacancy Details

The official notification does not specify a fixed number of vacancies for Agniveer SSR 01/2027 and 02/2027. The distribution of trade-wise vacancies for male and female candidates will be decided based on the Indian Navy’s service requirements. What is clearly stated is that shortlisting will be conducted state-wise, meaning that cut-off marks may vary from state to state as vacancies are allotted in a state-wise manner. This is a critical strategic consideration: candidates from states with higher competition (like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan) will face stiffer cut-offs than candidates from smaller or north-eastern states. Preparing for a score well above the minimum qualifying marks is therefore advisable for candidates from high-competition states.

Selection Process

The Agniveer SSR selection process is a comprehensive three-stage system designed to assess academic aptitude, physical fitness, and medical suitability. Each stage is eliminatory — failure at any stage ends that candidate’s progression regardless of performance in previous stages.

Stage I: INET 2026 (Indian Navy Entrance Test)

INET 2026 is a computer-based, bilingual (Hindi and English) objective-type test of 100 questions, 1 mark each, conducted in 1 hour. The paper has four sections — English, Science, Mathematics, and General Awareness — all at the 10+2 standard. Candidates must pass in all sections individually as well as in aggregate. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The Indian Navy reserves the right to determine pass marks. Centre allocation is at the discretion of the Indian Navy — candidates provide three city preferences but can be allotted any centre for administrative reasons. Candidates must report at least 30 minutes before the examination time; late arrivals will not be permitted entry.

Stage II Part A: Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

PFT is mandatory for selection and must be qualified to proceed to the Stage II Written Exam. Candidates undergo PFT at their own risk. The PFT standards differ for male and female candidates and are as follows:

Proficiency in sports, swimming, and extra-curricular activities is desirable. Begin training for these physical standards from day one — particularly the 1.6 km run timing, which requires dedicated cardiovascular conditioning over several weeks.

Stage II Part B: Written Examination

The Stage II written exam is conducted only for candidates who qualify the PFT. It mirrors the INET format — 100 objective questions, 1 mark each, bilingual, 1-hour duration, covering English, Science, Mathematics, and General Awareness at 10+2 standard. Passing in all sections and in aggregate is mandatory. The Provisional Select List for each batch will be prepared based on Stage II written exam performance, subject to PFT qualification and medical fitness.

Stage II Part C: Recruitment Medical Examination

Medical examination is conducted for PFT qualifiers by authorised military doctors. Candidates found medically unfit may appeal for review at a designated military hospital (allocated by the Indian Navy) within 5 days. Medical certificates from any other hospital are not accepted, and no further review is permissible after the designated hospital review. Pre-enrolment medicals are also conducted at INS Chilka before final induction — candidates not qualifying this final medical will be rejected even at that stage.

The Provisional Select List is prepared batch-wise on state-wise merit. Selection in one batch does not guarantee or entitle selection in another — 01/2027 and 02/2027 are entirely separate processes.

Exam Syllabus & Pattern

The syllabus and sample papers for both INET (Stage I) and Stage II written examination are available on the official website at joinindiannavy.gov.in. The examination at both stages covers the same four sections at 10+2 standard. Below is the confirmed exam pattern from the notification.

INET 2026 & Stage II Written Exam Pattern

Preparation Tips

Given that both INET and Stage II cover the same four sections at 10+2 standard, a single focused preparation strategy serves both exams. For Science, prioritize Physics and Chemistry topics from your 11th and 12th syllabi — particularly mechanics, electricity, waves, and basic chemistry. For Mathematics, practice coordinate geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and statistics. For English, focus on grammar rules, comprehension, and vocabulary at board-exam level. For General Awareness, develop a daily habit of reading defence news, current affairs, and basic facts about the Indian Navy — ship names, bases, recent exercises, and national honours. Since there is negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer, adopt a conservative approach: attempt only questions you are reasonably confident about rather than attempting all 100.

Salary, Seva Nidhi & Financial Benefits

The Agniveer SSR pay structure is uniquely designed with annual increments and a government-matched corpus fund called Seva Nidhi. The monthly package starts at ₹30,000 in Year 1 and rises to ₹40,000 in Year 4. Of each monthly package, 70% is paid as in-hand salary and 30% is contributed to the Agniveer Corpus Fund — with the Government of India matching this 30% contribution every month. On completion of the 4-year engagement, the total Seva Nidhi payout is approximately ₹10.04 lakh (₹5.02 lakh from candidate contributions + ₹5.02 lakh matching government contribution). Additionally, risk and hardship, dress, and travel allowances are paid on top of the base package.

Additional Financial Benefits: Non-contributory Life Insurance cover of ₹48 lakh for the full engagement period. In case of death attributable to service, an additional one-time ex-gratia of ₹44 lakh is paid to the next of kin (NOK) over and above the insurance. Disability compensation of ₹44/₹25/₹15 lakh applies based on percentage of disability (100%/75%/50%). Medical facilities at service hospitals and CSD provisions are available for the full 4-year tenure. There is no gratuity or pension entitlement under the Agniveer scheme.

How to Apply Online – Step by Step

1. Visit the official recruitment portal at joinindiannavy.gov.in from 14 March 2026 (00:01 hrs) to 06 April 2026 (17:00 hrs).
2. Register and create your account on the Candidates Registration Portal. Use only your own working mobile number and email ID — all future communications including admit card, results, and call-up letters will be sent only through these.
3. Fill the application form carefully with accurate personal, educational, and domicile details. Select your preferred city choices for INET (three cities required).
4. Upload all required documents including your scanned photograph (holding black slate as specified), mark sheets, domicile certificate, and NCC/Sponsorship certificate if applicable.
5. Capture live photograph through the webcam as required during the application form filling. Ensure good lighting and clarity — blurry or dark webcam photos can cause cancellation of candidature.
6. Pay the examination fee of ₹550 + 18% GST through the online payment gateway. Wait for admit card generation to confirm successful payment — if payment is deducted but admit card not generated, wait 7 working days for automatic refund.
7. Submit the application and save the confirmation. Download your admit card tentatively one week before the INET examination date from joinindiannavy.gov.in.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips to Crack Indian Navy Agniveer SSR Recruitment 2027

Apply in the First Week

The application window closes on 06 April 2026 at 17:00 hrs. Apply between 14–20 March to avoid the inevitable server congestion in the final days. Early application also ensures you use the 2-day correction window (10–11 April 2026) if you spot any errors, and a second correction window post-INET. Both windows are your only opportunities to fix mistakes — there is no flexibility after they close. Candidates using the optional CSC (Common Service Centre) facility should visit a CSC near them early in the application period since CSC operators in high-demand areas are typically overwhelmed closer to the deadline.

Read the Full Notification Before Filling the Form

The domicile certificate condition is the single most critical eligibility parameter in Agniveer SSR that candidates overlook. Your state domicile directly determines which state-wise merit list you compete in — and state-wise cut-offs vary significantly. If you have recently relocated or have a domicile issue, resolve it before applying. Additionally, carefully check your birth date against both batch age ranges — if you qualify for both 01/2027 and 02/2027 Stage II, you have two opportunities through a single INET attempt.

Prepare All Documents Before Starting the Application

The photograph requirement for Agniveer SSR is uniquely strict — it must be taken no earlier than March 2026 and must show you holding a black slate with your name and the date written in white chalk. This is not a standard passport photo requirement. Prepare this photograph specifically for this application before you begin filling the form. Also, have your domicile certificate, 10th and 12th mark sheets, and NCC/Sponsorship certificates (if applicable) scanned and ready — the portal requires simultaneous upload of multiple documents.

Begin Physical and Academic Preparation from Day One

INET is in May 2026 — giving you approximately 6–8 weeks of preparation time from the application window opening. Begin immediately with two parallel tracks: academic preparation (INET subjects) and physical training (PFT standards). For physical fitness, the 1.6 km run in 6:30 (male) or 8:00 (female) minutes requires at least 4–6 weeks of consistent cardio training to achieve from a moderate base fitness level. Do not leave PFT preparation for after the INET result — Stage II comes fast, with Stage II for 01/2027 batch tentatively in October 2026.

Avoid the Most Common Rejection Reasons

Beyond documentation and photograph issues, the most common reasons for rejection in Agniveer SSR Stage II are: failing the negative-marking penalty in INET (attempting too many uncertain questions), not meeting the tattoo placement rules discovered during medical examination, and vision not meeting the uncorrected vision standard of 6/12 in both eyes. Candidates with corrected vision of 6/6 after spectacles qualify, but uncorrected vision must be at least 6/12 — check this with an ophthalmologist well before the medical examination date.

Stay Updated on Results, Call-up Letters, and INS Chilka Instructions

All results, shortlisting notices, call-up letters, and admit cards will be published exclusively on your online dashboard at joinindiannavy.gov.in — no communication by post at any stage. Keep your registered mobile number and email ID active throughout the entire process, which runs from March 2026 to May 2027 for the 02/2027 batch. Set calendar reminders for each tentative milestone — INET result (May–June 2026), 01/2027 Stage II call-up (September 2026), and 02/2027 Stage II call-up (February 2027). No enquiry will be entertained after six months of completion of the respective batch’s recruitment cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for Agniveer SSR 01/2027 and 02/2027?

The last date to submit the online application is 06 April 2026 at 17:00 hrs. No application will be accepted after this deadline. A correction window is available from 10–11 April 2026 for candidates who need to rectify details.

Q2. What is the educational qualification required for Agniveer SSR 2027?

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board with minimum 50% aggregate marks. Alternatively, a 3-year engineering diploma or a 2-year Vocational Course with Physics and Mathematics (50% aggregate) are also accepted. Class 12 appearing candidates for 2025–26 may also apply.

Q3. What is the age limit for Agniveer SSR 01/2027 and 02/2027?

For INET 2026, candidates born between 01 December 2004 and 31 October 2009 are eligible. For Stage II of 01/2027 batch, the birth date range is 01 Dec 2004 to 31 May 2009. For Stage II of 02/2027 batch, it is 01 May 2005 to 31 Oct 2009. Both candidates and examiners use these birth date ranges — not an age number — to determine eligibility.

Q4. What is the application fee for Agniveer SSR 2027?

The examination fee is ₹550 plus 18% GST, payable online during Stage I INET application only. There is no separate fee for Stage II. The fee is non-refundable once paid.

Q5. What is the salary of an Agniveer SSR in the Indian Navy?

The monthly package starts at ₹30,000 (in-hand: ₹21,000) in the 1st year and rises to ₹40,000 (in-hand: ₹28,000) in the 4th year. Additionally, 30% of the monthly package is contributed to the Seva Nidhi corpus fund, with a matching government contribution, resulting in approximately ₹10.04 lakh total Seva Nidhi on completion of 4 years.

Q6. What is Seva Nidhi in Agniveer SSR?

Seva Nidhi is a one-time exit corpus fund paid on completion of the 4-year Agniveer tenure. It consists of the Agniveer’s own monthly contributions (30% of package) plus an equal government matching contribution each month. The total Seva Nidhi payout on completion is approximately ₹10.04 lakh (₹5.02 lakh from candidate + ₹5.02 lakh from Government). There is no gratuity or pension.

Q7. What is INET and what is the exam pattern?

INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test) is the Stage I computer-based examination. It has 100 objective-type MCQs (1 mark each) in four sections — English, Science, Mathematics, and General Awareness — at 10+2 standard, completed in 1 hour. Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer applies. Candidates must pass in all sections and in aggregate.

Q8. What are the PFT standards for Agniveer SSR?

Male candidates must complete a 1.6 km run in 6 minutes 30 seconds, 20 squats, 15 push-ups, and 15 bent knee sit-ups. Female candidates must complete a 1.6 km run in 8 minutes, 15 squats, 10 push-ups, and 10 bent knee sit-ups. PFT is qualifying and mandatory — candidates undergo it at their own risk.

Q9. Are there any tattoo restrictions for Agniveer SSR?

Yes. Permanent tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of forearms (inside of elbow to wrist) and the reversed/back (dorsal) side of the palm. Tattoos on any other part of the body — including the neck, face, chest, or legs — will result in disqualification from recruitment.

Q10. Can NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders skip INET?

Yes. Verified NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders and Sponsor candidates are exempted from Stage I INET exam. They must upload their original certificates during the Stage I application process. Verification is done through DG NCC and CABS respectively. Verified candidates are directly issued call-up letters for Stage II recruitment.

Q11. What is the chance of permanent enrolment after Agniveer tenure?

On completion of the 4-year Agniveer tenure, up to 25% of each specific batch may be offered permanent enrolment as regular sailors in the Indian Navy, based on organizational requirements and performance during service. This is at the discretion of the Indian Navy — Agniveer has no right to claim permanent enrolment.

Q12. What is the minimum height requirement for Agniveer SSR?

The minimum height standard for both male and female candidates is 157 cm. Height relaxation regulations are available on the official website at joinindiannavy.gov.in. Candidates should check the website for any relaxation applicable to their category or region.