The Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme is a great opportunity for 12th pass candidates who have appeared in JEE Main and aspire to become Naval Officers.
Through this entry, selected candidates get a direct Permanent Commission after completing a 4-year B.Tech course at the Indian Naval Academy.
With 44 vacancies, including reserved seats for women candidates, this scheme offers a secure, prestigious, and long-term career in the Indian Navy. Below, you will find all the important details related to the Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry Scheme explained in simple terms.
Table of Contents
Indian Navy 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry July 2026 notification overview
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Name | Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry Scheme |
| Course Duration | 4 Years (B.Tech) |
| Training Location | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala |
| Degree Awarded | B.Tech from JNU |
| Selection Basis | JEE Main CRL Rank + SSB |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission |
| Starting Rank | Sub-Lieutenant |
| Salary Package | Approx. ₹12–15 LPA |
| Career Type | Long-term Defence Career |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 3 January 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 19 January 2026 |
| SSB Interviews | March 2026 |
| Course Start Date | July 2026 |
| Training Location | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala |
Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Gen / OBC / EWS | ₹0 (Nil) |
| SC / ST / Female | ₹0 (Nil) |
The Indian Navy does not charge any application fee for this entry scheme. Your registration and application are completely free.
Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date Range | 02 January 2007 to 01 July 2009 (both dates inclusive) |
| Approximate Age | 16.5 to 19.5 years as on 01 January 2026 |
| Age Relaxation | NO relaxation for any category (SC/ST/OBC/Women/Ex-Servicemen) |
Critical Note: If you fall outside this age window, you are ineligible. The Navy strictly adheres to this criterion and does not grant any exceptions whatsoever.
Vacancy Details
| Branch | Total Vacancies | Reserved for Women | For Male Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Branch | Allocated by INA | Included | Remaining |
| Engineering Branch | Allocated by INA | Included | Remaining |
| Electrical Branch | Allocated by INA | Included | Remaining |
| TOTAL | 44 | Maximum 7 | Balance |
Note: The Indian Naval Academy determines exact branch-wise allocation based on merit and operational requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
Part A – 10+2 Board Examination (Compulsory)
You will be eligible only if:
- You have passed 10+2 (Class 12)
- The board can be CBSE / ICSE / State Board or any government-recognised board
- The year of passing can be 2024, 2025, or earlier
There is no issue with the board name or passing year, as long as the board is recognised.
Part B – Minimum Marks (Strict Rule)
| Subject | Minimum Marks Required |
|---|---|
| Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics (PCM) | 70 percent aggregate |
| English (Class 10 or Class 12) | 50 percent minimum |
There is no relaxation in marks. Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, or EWS categories must also meet the same minimum marks.
2. JEE Main 2025 (Mandatory)
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Examination | JEE Main 2025 (must have appeared) |
| Rank Used | All India Common Rank List (CRL) |
| Other Exams | State CET, BITSAT, and KVPY are not valid |
| Cut-off | Fixed by the Navy based on vacancies |
In simple terms, only the JEE Main CRL rank is considered. No other examination or alternative route is accepted.
3. Nationality and Marital Status (Strict Conditions)
Candidates must fully satisfy the following conditions:
Eligible only if:
- You are an Indian citizen
- You are unmarried (applicable to both male and female candidates)
- You must remain unmarried until completion of training
Disqualified if:
- You marry before the final selection
- You marry after selection but before joining training
- you have any pending criminal cases or serious disciplinary issues?
Important Note
- There is no compromise in marks, JEE Main requirements, or marital status
- This entry is completely merit-based
- Providing incorrect information can lead to direct rejection
application process
- Visit www.joinindiannavy.gov.in or click on Apply Now below
- Select 10+2 B.Tech Entry and register using your email ID and mobile number
- Fill in your personal details exactly as per your 10th certificate
- Enter educational information, including PCM marks and JEE Main 2025 CRL Rank
- Upload required documents like 10th & 12th mark sheets, JEE scorecard, photo, and ID proof
- Accept the declaration, review all details, and submit the application
- Save your Application ID for future reference
Once submitted, the application cannot be edited, so check all details carefully before final submission.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Selection Process
The selection process of the Indian Navy is merit-based and aims to select candidates with strong academics, leadership qualities, and officer-like personality.
Stage 1: JEE Main Rank-Based Shortlisting
Shortlisting is done strictly based on JEE Main 2025 All India CRL Rank. The cut-off is decided by Naval Headquarters based on vacancies and overall performance.
In recent years, the cut-off trend has increased, showing higher competition. Candidates with ranks under 1,50,000 are advised to seriously prepare for the SSB interview.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
The SSB Interview evaluates personality, leadership, and decision-making skills and is conducted in two stages.
Stage I (Screening – One Day):
- OIR Test (verbal and non-verbal reasoning)
- PPIT (story writing and discussion)
- Group Discussion
Only candidates who clear Stage I move to Stage II.
Stage II (4 Days):
- Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT)
- Group Tasks and Command Tasks
- Personal Interview
SSB centres include Bangalore, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a 3–5 day medical examination as per Navy standards, including vision, hearing, blood tests, X-ray, and general health checks.
Stage 4: Final Selection
Final selection is based on:
- SSB marks
- Medical fitness
- Police and character verification
- Availability of vacancies
A final merit list is published, and selected candidates receive joining instructions.
Training & B.Tech Course Details
Training Location
Training is conducted at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala. INA is the main officer training institute of the Indian Navy, known for its disciplined environment and high training standards.
Available B.Tech Branches
| Branch | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Applied Electronics & Communication Engineering (Executive Branch) | Weapons systems, sensors, radar, navigation |
| Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Branch) | Ship engines, propulsion systems, and marine engineering |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering (Electrical Branch) | Power systems, electrical equipment, and electronics maintenance |
Branch allotment is done based on the candidate’s merit rank and the operational requirements of the Indian Navy. Preferences may be considered, but the final decision rests with the Navy.
What Happens During the 4-Year Training Period?
Year 1 – Foundation Year
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academics | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and basic engineering subjects |
| Military Training | Drill, discipline, leadership basics, physical fitness |
| Training Location | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala |
| Status | Cadet (Trainee Officer) |
| Salary | Cadet pay (approx. ₹21,000 per month) |
The first year focuses on building a strong academic base along with military discipline.
Year 2–3 – Specialisation Phase
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academics | Advanced subjects of the allotted engineering branch |
| Branches | Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Electronics |
| Practical Training | Ship visits, simulator training, hands-on practice |
| Military Duties | Leadership tasks and officer-level responsibilities |
| Status | Cadet / Under-training Officer |
| Salary | Cadet pay continues |
These years focus on technical expertise and leadership development.
Year 4 – Final Training and Sea Exposure
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Project | Engineering capstone project |
| Sea Training | 2–3 months onboard naval ships |
| Assessment | Final leadership and performance evaluation |
| Preparation | Transition from cadet to commissioned officer |
| Status | Cadet (Final Phase) |
| Salary | Cadet pay continues |
Candidates get real operational exposure during this phase.
After 4 Years (Commission as a Naval Officer)
Commissioning and First Posting
- Promotion from Cadet to Sub-Lieutenant (SLt)
- Formal commissioning as an Indian Naval Officer
- Appointment letter issued
- First posting at a naval ship or shore establishment
Salary & Financial Benefits
| Component | Approximate Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay (7th CPC) | Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Around 17% of basic pay |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 30–35% of basic pay (depends on posting) |
| Medical Benefits | Free treatment under AFMS |
| Pension | Lifetime pension after retirement + family pension |
| Housing | Government accommodation at naval bases |
| Other Benefits | LTC, children’s education allowance, leave benefits |
Total Package (Approximate): ₹12–15 LPA including salary, allowances, and long-term benefits.
Commission Type & Career Growth
This entry offers Permanent Commission, which means a long-term and secure career.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission |
| Career Tenure | Till retirement |
| Starting Rank | Sub-Lieutenant |
| Job Security | High, with pension and benefits |
Career Progression (Rank Order)
After commissioning, officers are promoted as per service rules:
- Sub-Lieutenant
- Lieutenant
- Lieutenant Commander
- Commander
- Captain
- Rear Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Admiral
FAQs: Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme 2026
Can I apply after completing graduation, or must I apply immediately after 12th?
You MUST apply as a 12th pass student. If you have already pursued any graduation degree, you are ineligible for this scheme. However, the Navy has a separate B.Tech Entry for engineering graduates. This 10+2 entry is specifically for students who have cleared 12th standard.
How important is the JEE Main rank for shortlisting?
Extremely important. Your JEE Main All India Rank (CRL Rank) is the primary criterion for shortlisting. If your rank is approximately in the top 90,000-100,000, you have a good chance of being shortlisted for SSB. The Navy looks at merit and fills vacancies accordingly.
Can married candidates or divorced candidates apply?
No. Only unmarried candidates are eligible. If you get married before the final selection announcement or during the training period, your candidature will be immediately cancelled. This is a strict, non-negotiable condition.
What if I don’t have exactly 70% in PCM? Can the Navy relax this requirement?
No relaxation whatsoever. The 70% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is a hard cut-off. Even if you are from the SC/ ST/ OBC category or have any other consideration, the Navy does not relax this requirement. Your percentage must be at least 70%.
What is the success rate in the SSB interview? How competitive is it?
The SSB acceptance rate is approximately 5-10%. This means if 1,000 candidates appear for SSB, only 50-100 will be selected. It’s highly competitive because the assessment is comprehensive, the Navy is very selective, multiple evaluation parameters are used, and the Navy is looking for future leaders.
Is 50% English mark a strict requirement?
Yes, it is. You need a minimum 50% in English, and this can be from either Class X or Class XII. If you scored 45% in 12th English, you must have scored at least 50% in 10th English. If neither is 50%, you are ineligible.
After 4 years of training, what is the guaranteed job?
Upon successful completion of B.Tech and training, you will be commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) in the Indian Navy with a Permanent Commission. This guarantees full-time employment in the Navy, a lifelong career (~35+ years), government salary and allowances, a pension after retirement, and job security and stability.
Can I change my branch/specialisation after joining the academy?
Generally, no. Once you are allotted a branch during the selection process, that is your specialisation for the 4-year course. Very rare exceptions are made under extreme circumstances, but typically branch change is not permitted.
What if I fail SSB? Can I reapply?
If you don’t qualify for SSB in one batch, you can reapply in the next notification if you meet the age and other eligibility criteria. However, you must remember that the age window is limited (only 2.5 years), so plan accordingly. Make the most of your preparation during the gap.
conclusion
The Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme offers a stable and prestigious career with Permanent Commission, good salary, and long-term benefits. It is a great choice for candidates aiming to become Naval Officers.
Meanwhile, aspirants interested in state government jobs can also check the JKSSB Various Post Online Form 2026 for multiple job opportunities. Choose wisely based on your career goals and apply on time.
