The Indian Navy 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme allows young men to join the Indian Navy as permanent commissioned officers after Class 12. Shortlisting is based on Class 12 PCM marks combined with JEE Main rank - no separate Navy written exam. Around 35-45 vacancies are notified annually. Selected candidates train for 4 years at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala, completing a B.Tech in Electronics & Communication / Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering, before being commissioned as Sub-Lieutenants in the Executive/Engineering/Electrical branches.
Exam Pattern
Mode:No written test - selection via Class 12 PCM marks + JEE Main rank shortlist + 5-day SSB Interview at Bangalore/Bhopal
Duration:SSB Interview spans 5 days
Total Marks:Recommendation basis (qualitative); merit list of recommended candidates by composite criteria
Marking Scheme:No numerical scoring published - Recommended / Not Recommended
Sections
Shortlist
Based on Class 12 PCM aggregate (minimum 70%) AND JEE Main rank as published by Navy Questions•Qualifying Marks
SSB Interview Stage 1
Officer Intelligence Rating Test + Picture Perception & Description Test Questions•Screening Marks
SSB Interview Stage 2
Psychology tests, GTO tasks, Personal Interview, Conference Questions•Holistic personality assessment Marks
Syllabus
No Separate Syllabus
Candidates must score competitively in JEE Main (no specific cutoff, but the Navy publishes a JEE rank-based shortlist)
Class 12 PCM aggregate must be at least 70%
Knowledge of naval operations, current defence affairs is useful for SSB
Eligibility Criteria
Unmarried male candidates only
Age 16.5-19 years at the time of joining INA
Class 12 with PCM, minimum 70% aggregate and 50% in English (Class 10 or 12)
Appeared for JEE Main of the same year - Navy uses JEE rank for shortlisting
Indian citizen, physically/medically fit per defence standards
Important Dates
Notification
November 2026 (tentative - confirm on joinindiannavy.gov.in)
Application window
November-December 2026 (tentative)
Shortlist announcement
February 2027 (tentative)
SSB Interviews
February-April 2027 (tentative)
Course commencement at INA
July 2027 (tentative)
Application Process
Register on joinindiannavy.gov.in during the notification window (typically Nov-Dec)
Fill the application with Class 12 marks and JEE Main application number/rank
Upload documents - Class 10 & 12 marksheets, photograph, signature
No application fee
Navy releases a shortlist based on JEE Main rank + PCM marks (cutoffs vary year to year)
5-day SSB Interview, followed by medical at Military Hospital
Final merit list and joining at INA Ezhimala
💡 Preparation Tips
Prepare seriously for JEE Main - the Navy uses JEE rank as a key shortlist criterion
Maintain strong Class 12 PCM marks (target 85%+ for safe shortlisting)
Read about the Indian Navy - ships, submarines, naval traditions, recent ops
Practice SSB tasks: TAT, WAT, SRT essays, GD topics, lecturette
Physical fitness, swimming ability and clear communication are SSB advantages
❓ FAQs
Is JEE Main mandatory for this entry?
Yes. The Indian Navy uses JEE Main rank along with Class 12 PCM percentage to shortlist candidates for SSB. There is no separate Navy written test.
What is the salary during training?
Cadets at INA Ezhimala receive a stipend of about Rs. 56,100/month during the 4-year B.Tech training. After commissioning, salary follows the Sub-Lieutenant pay scale.
Which branches can I be commissioned into?
Cadets join the Executive, Engineering or Electrical branches based on academic performance and the Navy's needs. Some go into sub-specialisations like Hydrography, Information Technology or Education branch.