The Indian Navy has commenced the next phase of the Agniveer recruitment drive for the 02/2025, 01/2026, and 02/2026 batches, specifically for the Sailor (SSR) and Matric Recruit (MR) roles. With the first stage of the recruitment process, the Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET), on the horizon, candidates are eagerly awaiting crucial updates regarding their examination city and centre details. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need, from understanding the recruitment timeline and selection stages to details on downloading your admit card and preparing for the examinations.
Key Stages and Important Dates at a Glance
The recruitment process for the Indian Navy Agniveer scheme is structured into distinct stages. Candidates should pay close attention to the stipulated timelines to ensure they do not miss any critical deadlines or events.
Here are some of the key dates associated with the Agniveer 02/2025 (MR & SSR) batch, following the initial application phase:
- Release of Admit Card with Examination City Details (CBT Exams for MR & SSR): May 12, 2025 (10:00 AM)
- Release of Specific Examination Centre Details: 72 hours prior to the commencement of your scheduled examination.
- Date of Examination (MR): May 22, 2025, to May 24, 2025
- Date of Examination (SSR): May 25, 2025, to May 26, 2025
Note: The application window for Stage I INET 2025 for Agniveer 02/2025, 01/2026, and 02/2026 batches was from March 29, 2025, to April 10, 2025. A correction window was also provided between April 14 and April 16, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the Indian Navy Agniveer entry, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements concerning their educational background, age, and marital status.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Candidates must have qualified in 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics from a Board of School Education recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. A minimum aggregate of 50% marks is mandatory.
- Alternatively, candidates holding a three-year diploma course in Engineering (Mechanical/ Electrical/ Automobiles/ Computer Science/ Instrumentation Technology/ Information Technology) from a recognized Polytechnic Institute with 50% marks in aggregate are eligible.
- Candidates who have passed a two-year Vocational Course with non-vocational subjects viz., Physics and Mathematics from Education Boards recognized by Central, State, and UTs with 50% marks in aggregate are also eligible.
- Important Note: Candidates currently appearing in their 12th Board Exams during the academic year 2024-25 are also eligible to apply, provided they satisfy all other criteria. However, their final selection is contingent upon producing the original marksheet during subsequent recruitment stages and meeting the minimum required aggregate and subject-wise marks.
- Age Limit:
- For the Agniveer 02/2025 Batch, candidates must have been born between September 01, 2004, and February 29, 2008 (both dates inclusive).
- (Age criteria for 01/2026 and 02/2026 batches are separate and were relevant during the application phase).
- Marital Status: Only unmarried Indian male and female candidates are eligible. Agniveers must remain unmarried throughout their four-year tenure. Marriage during this period or being found married despite declaring otherwise will lead to dismissal from service.
The Selection Process: A Multi-Stage Approach
The selection process for the Indian Navy Agniveer recruitment involves multiple stages designed to assess candidates’ aptitude, physical fitness, and medical suitability.
- Stage I: Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET)
- This is a computer-based examination conducted across various centres.
- Candidates are shortlisted for Stage II based on the marks obtained in the Stage I INET.
- Shortlisting is carried out on a state-wise basis, and the cut-off marks may vary from state to state due to the state-wise allocation of vacancies.
- In case of a tie in marks, candidates with an earlier Date of Birth (DOB) are given priority.
- Stage II: Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Written Examination, and Recruitment Medical
- Candidates shortlisted from Stage I are called for Stage II.
- This stage includes a Physical Fitness Test, followed by another Written Examination and a Recruitment Medical Examination for those who qualify the PFT.
Detailed Breakdown of Stage I: The Computer-Based Test (INET)
The first hurdle in the selection process is the INET examination. Understanding its pattern and requirements is crucial for preparation.
- Exam Format: The test is computer-based and comprises multiple-choice questions.
- Question Paper: The paper is bilingual (Hindi and English) and consists of a total of 100 questions. Each question carries 1 mark.
- Sections: The examination is divided into four sections: English, Science, Mathematics, and General Awareness.
- Standard: The difficulty level of the questions is based on the 10+2 curriculum. The syllabus and sample papers are available on the official Indian Navy recruitment website (joinindiannavy.gov.in).
- Duration: The total time allotted for the examination is one hour.
- Passing Criteria: Candidates must pass in all individual sections as well as in the aggregate. The Indian Navy reserves the right to determine the minimum passing marks for each section and overall.
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty for incorrect answers. One-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Examination Fee: An examination fee of Rs. 550/- plus 18% GST was required to be paid during the Stage I application process. Admit cards are issued only to candidates who successfully pay this fee. Note that this fee is non-refundable and cannot be held in reserve for future exams. There is no separate fee for the Stage II process.
How to Download Your Admit Card and View Application
The admit card is a mandatory document faor appearing in the examination. It contains vital information such as your roll number, examination city, centre, date, and time.
- Admit Card Release: The admit card containing the examination city details for the Agniveer 02/2025 MR & SSR CBT exams was released on May 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The precise examination centre details will be made available 72 hours before your exam date.
- Website for Download: You can download your admit card from the official Indian Navy recruitment website. While the application was hosted on https://agniveernavy.cdac.in/ the admit card download is typically facilitated through the main recruitment portal: https://joinindiannavy.gov.in.
- Steps to Download:
- Visit the official Indian Navy recruitment website: https://agniveernavy.cdac.in.
- Look for the link related to ‘Agniveer 02/2025 Admit Card Download’ or ‘Candidate Login’.
- Click on the relevant link.
- You will likely be directed to a login page. Enter your registered Email ID and Password.
- After logging in, navigate to your dashboard.
- Find the link to download your Admit Card for the Stage I INET 2025.
- Download the PDF file of your admit card.
- Take a printout of the admit card. Ensure all details are clearly visible.
- You can also view your application details by clicking on the link provided during the application period: https://agniveernavy.cdac.in/sailorscycle4/.
Note: No physical admit cards will be sent via post. All communication and document downloads are electronic.
Detailed Breakdown of Stage II
Qualifying Stage I leads you to the second phase of selection, which is physically and medically demanding, followed by another written test.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): This test is mandatory, and candidates undertake it at their own risk. The standards are:
- Male Candidates: 1.6 Km run in 06 minutes 30 seconds, 20 Squats (Uthak Baithak), 15 Pushups, 15 Bent Knee Situps.
- Female Candidates: 1.6 Km run in 08 minutes, 15 Squats (Uthak Baithak), 10 Bent Knee Situps, 10 Pushups.
- Proficiency in sports, swimming, and extra-curricular activities is desirable.
- Stage II Written Examination: This exam is only for candidates who successfully clear the PFT.
- The paper contains 100 objective-type questions, each carrying 1 mark.
- It is bilingual (Hindi & English) and covers English, Science, Mathematics, and General Awareness (10+2 standard).
- Duration is one hour.
- Candidates must pass in all sections and the aggregate. The Navy determines the pass marks.
- Recruitment Medical Examination: Conducted for candidates who qualify the PFT.
- Medical examination is carried out by authorized military doctors based on prescribed standards.
- Minimum height for both male and female candidates is 157 cm.
- Specific standards apply for visual acuity (Uncorrected: 6/12, 6/12; Corrected: 6/6, 6/6; Colour Perception: CP PASS), gender characteristics, and pregnancy (female candidates must not be pregnant).
- Permanent body tattoos are generally restricted to the inner face of forearms and the back of the hand. Tattoos elsewhere are not permitted.
- Candidates found medically unfit can appeal for a review within 5 days at a designated military hospital. Certificates from other hospitals are not considered. No further appeal is allowed.
Provisional Select List and Final Induction
A Provisional Select List (PSL) is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the Stage II written examination, subject to qualifying the PFT and Recruitment Medical Examination.
- The merit list for Agniveer (SSR) is prepared state-wise, and the cut-off marks for receiving the call-up letter for recruitment at INS Chilka may differ between states.
- Results are published on the candidate’s dashboard on https://joinindiannavy.gov.in.
- The PSL and Stage II process are separate for each batch (02/2025, 01/2026, 02/2026). Selection in one does not guarantee selection in another.
- Selected candidates undergo Pre-Enrolment Medical formalities at INS Chilka. Induction is strictly subject to clearing these medicals.
Terms of Service and Benefits for Agniveers
Agniveers will serve in the Indian Navy for a period of four years under the Navy Act 1957. They will hold a distinct, junior-most rank.
- Duration: Four years, with no obligation for the Navy to retain them beyond this period.
- Leave: 30 days per year, plus sick leave based on medical advice.
- Pay & Allowances: A customized monthly package starting at ₹30,000, with fixed yearly increments. Risk, hardship, dress, and travel allowances are also provided.
- Seva Nidhi Package: Upon completing four years, Agniveers receive a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package, combining their contributions and a matching government contribution. This package is approximately ₹10.04 Lakhs. Gratuity and pensionary benefits are not applicable.
- Insurance: Non-contributory Life Insurance cover of ₹48 Lakh is provided.
- Compensation: Ex-gratia payment of ₹44 Lakh for death attributable to service (in addition to insurance). Disability compensation ranges from ₹15 Lakh to ₹44 Lakh based on the percentage of disability.
- Permanent Enrolment: Up to 25% of each batch of Agniveers may be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the Indian Navy based on organizational requirements, policies, and objective criteria including performance. This selection is discretionary, and Agniveers do not have an automatic right to be selected for further enrolment.
- Ex-servicemen Status: Agniveers are not eligible for Ex-Servicemen status.
- Facilities: Medical facilities at service hospitals and CSD provisions are available during their engagement period.
Important Instructions and Notes for Candidates
Candidates must adhere to specific instructions throughout the recruitment process.
- Online Application: Applications were accepted online only via https://joinindiannavy.gov.in. Correct details must be filled, as discrepancies with original documents at any stage will lead to cancellation.
- Document Verification: Original certificates, mark sheets, domicile certificate, and NCC certificate (if applicable) must be scanned and uploaded during the online application. These original documents must be presented at all stages of recruitment, including reporting at INS Chilka.
- Communication: The Indian Navy will communicate with candidates only through electronic means. No documents will be sent by post.
- Examination Centre: Candidates provided three city preferences for the Stage I INET. The Navy reserves the right to allot any other location due to administrative reasons. The chosen/allotted centre cannot be changed.
- Reporting Time: Candidates must report on the date and time mentioned in their call letter. Candidates reporting 30 minutes after the scheduled time for the Stage I INET will not be allowed to appear.
- Police Verification: Selected candidates will need to download a Police Verification Form (or use an online equivalent) along with their call-up letter for INS Chilka. This form, verified by the Superintendent of Police of their domicile or residence, must be submitted at INS Chilka. Candidates without a verified report or with adverse comments will be ineligible for enrolment.
- Multiple Applications: Candidates should submit only one application. Multiple applications will lead to the cancellation of candidature.
- Correction Windows: Specific windows were provided for correcting details submitted during the application process. No further corrections will be entertained outside these periods.
- Warnings: Be cautious of agents, cheats, or touts promising recruitment in exchange for money. Such practices are not possible, and candidates are advised to report any such harassment to the police. Do not use unfair means during the examination or recruitment process. The Indian Navy’s decision regarding eligibility and selection is final.
Training
Training for the Agniveer 02/2025 batch is tentatively scheduled to commence in September 2025 at INS Chilka, Odisha. Subsequent batches (01/2026 and 02/2026) will have their training commencing in February 2026 and July 2026, respectively. Agniveers may be discharged as “UNSUITABLE” if their performance is unsatisfactory during training or service.
For further queries or assistance, candidates can contact the Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, IHQ MOD (N), New Delhi, via email at sailor[at]navy[dot]gov[dot]in or by phone at 011-21410669.
Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official website https://joinindiannavy.gov.in regularly for the latest updates and notifications regarding the Agniveer recruitment process.
