Are you interested in serving your country as an officer in the Indian Navy? The Indian Navy has released the official notification for the Short Service Commission (SSC) Officer Recruitment 2026, offering a golden opportunity for eligible candidates to join one of the most prestigious defense services in India. This comprehensive job description provides all essential details to help you understand the application process, eligibility criteria, vacancies, salary structure, and other vital information to pave your way toward a distinguished naval career.
Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026 – Complete Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release Date | 24th January 2026 |
| Official Website | www.joinindiannavy.gov.in |
| Total Vacancies | 260 |
| Post Name | Various Posts including Executive GS (X)/ Hydro, Pilot, Naval Air Operations Officer, ATC, Logistics, Education, Engineering GS, Submarine Tech Engineering, Electrical GS, Submarine Tech Electrical etc. |
| Salary | Rs.1,25,000/- approximately per month (initial gross salary of Sub Lieutenant + allowances) |
| Qualification | B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech/B.E, M.A, M.Sc, MBA/PGDM, MCA with minimum 60% marks |
| Age Limit | Varies by branch; generally born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jul 2007 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Short Service Commission (initial 12 years, extendable by 2 years) |
| Application Start Date | 24th January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24th February 2026 |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
Vacancy Distribution and Branch Details
The Indian Navy is offering 260 vacancies across various branches and cadres, catering to different academic backgrounds and skill sets. Candidates should carefully review the vacancy distribution to choose their preferred branches during application.
Vacancy Breakdown by Branch
| Branch / Cadre | Number of Vacancies | Gender | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Branch (GS(X)/ Hydro Cadre) | 76 (including 6 Hydro) | Men and Women | Maximum 10 vacancies in GS(X) and 1 in Hydro for women |
| Pilot | 25 | Men and Women | Maximum 3 vacancies for women |
| Naval Air Operations Officer (Observers) | 20 | Men and Women | Maximum 3 vacancies for women |
| Air Traffic Controller (ATC) | 18 | Men and Women | |
| Logistics | 10 | Men and Women | Maximum 1 vacancy for women |
| Education | 7 | Men and Women | |
| Engineering Branch (GS) | 42 | Men and Women | Maximum 7 vacancies for women |
| Submarine Tech Engineering | 8 | Only for Men | |
| Electrical Branch (GS) | 38 | Men and Women | Maximum 7 vacancies for women |
| Submarine Tech Electrical | 8 | Only for Men |
Eligibility Criteria for Aspiring Candidates
The eligibility requirements are specific to each branch, focusing on educational qualifications, age limits, and physical standards. Please review the detailed criteria below to ensure you qualify before applying.
Educational Qualification
Executive Branch (GS(X)/ Hydro Cadre)
BE/B.Tech in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks.
Pilot & Naval Air Operations Officer (Observers)
BE/B.Tech in any discipline with 60% marks. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Class X and XII, along with at least 60% in English in either class.
Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
BE/B.Tech in any discipline with 60% marks, with similar mid-school criteria as above.
Logistics
BE/B.Tech with First Class, MBA with First Class, B.Sc./B.Com./B.Sc.(H) with First Class, or MCA/M.Sc.(H) with First Class, along with PG Diploma in Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or Material Management.
Education
M.Sc./MA with at least 60% marks in specialized subjects such as Maths, Physics, Operational Research, Meteorology, Oceanography, or relevant engineering streams. Candidates must also have scored minimum 60% in Class X or XII.
Engineering Branch (GS)
BE/B.Tech with minimum 60% marks in fields such as Marine Engineering, Aerospace, Metallurgy, Instrumentation, Automobiles, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Instrumentation, Thermal, Production Engineering, and more.
Submarine Tech Engineering
BE/B.Tech with at least 60% in Production, Control, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering & Management.
Electrical Branch (GS)
BE/B.Tech in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunication, or Power Engineering with 60% marks.
Submarine Tech Electrical
BE/B.Tech in Electronics & Telecommunication, Applied Electronics & Communication, or Electronics & Telecommunication with at least 60% marks.
Age Criteria (as on 01-01-2027)
| Branch / Cadre | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Executive (GS(X)/ Hydro) | Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jul 2007 |
| Pilot | Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2008 |
| Naval Air Operations Officer | Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2008 |
| ATC & Logistics | Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2006 / 01 Jun 2007 |
| Education & Engineering (GS) | Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jul 2007 / 01 Jan 2006 |
| Electrical & Submarine Technical | Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jul 2007 |
Application Process & Important Dates
The Indian Navy SSC Officer application process is entirely online. Make sure to adhere to the schedule and submit your application correctly to avoid disqualification.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 24th January 2026 |
| Submission Last Date | 24th February 2026 |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Final Notification & Result Announcement (Tentative) | Before 20th December 2026 |
How to Apply
- Visit the official Indian Navy recruitment portal: www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
- Register as a new user and fill in the required personal details.
- Upload scanned copies of essential documents, including educational certificates, identity proof, and photographs, in the prescribed JPG/TIFF format.
- Complete the application form carefully, verify all details, and submit online.
- Print the confirmation page for future reference and to carry during SSB interviews.
Selection Process for Indian Navy SSC Officer
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Shortlisting Based on Academic Performance
Initial screening will consider the marks obtained in qualifying degrees, normalized as per guidelines on the Indian Navy official website.
2. SSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview through email/SMS. Selection involves multiple stages, including psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the SSB will undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the medical standards set by the Indian Navy.
4. Final Merit List & Training
Based on SSB performance, medical clearance, and available vacancies, candidates will be ranked on the final merit list. Successful candidates will receive joining instructions for training at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala.
Salary & Allowances
The initial gross monthly salary for a Sub Lieutenant is approximately Rs. 1,25,000/- plus allowances. Specific branches such as Pilot or Submarine Officers are eligible for additional allowances like Rs. 31,250/- post training, including submarine and pilot allowances.
Additional Benefits
- Allowances for special postings like submarines or aviation
- Participation in the Naval Group Insurance Scheme (NGIS)
- Medical facilities and pension schemes post-retirement
- Opportunities for further education and career progression
Important Notes & Guidelines
Candidates are advised to thoroughly read the official notification PDF before applying. Ensure all eligibility criteria are met, and all documents are accurate and legible. Incomplete or incorrect applications may lead to rejection.
Additional Instructions
- Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications will cancel your candidature.
- Candidates must be unmarried during training and service period.
- Candidates need to fulfill physical and medical standards applicable to their chosen branches.
- Adherence to the stipulated age limits, educational qualifications, and medical standards is mandatory.
- In case of any discrepancy or false declaration, candidatures will be canceled, and legal action may be taken.
Official Links and Resources
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online
- Official Website: www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
Conclusion
The Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026 offers a distinguished career path for individuals aiming to serve the nation through a challenging and rewarding naval career. Candidates must prepare diligently, adhere to the guidelines, and ensure timely submission of their applications. For detailed instructions, eligibility details, and updates, frequently check the official Indian Navy recruitment portal and download the official notification PDF.
Best of luck to all applicants aspiring to join the Indian Navy and make a meaningful contribution to national security!