The Indian Navy has officially invited online applications for the Short Service Commission (SSC) Officer Recruitment 2026 for a course commencing in January 2027 at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for young graduates and engineering aspirants who dream of serving the nation in one of India’s most prestigious defence forces.
As per the notification details, the Navy has announced 260 vacancies across multiple branches including Executive Branch, Education Branch and Technical Branch. Candidates who fulfil the required age criteria, educational qualification and medical fitness standards can apply through the official Join Indian Navy portal within the stipulated dates.
Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026: Highlights
The Indian Navy SSC Officer entry is one of the most sought-after defence recruitments for graduates. Selected candidates will be appointed as officers and will undergo training at INA. After successful completion, they will be commissioned in the respective branches.
Key Details
- Recruiting Organisation: Indian Navy
- Post Name: SSC Officers (Executive / Technical / Education)
- Total Vacancies: 260 Posts
- Course Starts: January 2027
- Training Venue: Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala
- Mode of Application: Online
- Application Fee: No fee
- Selection Method: Shortlisting + SSB Interview + Medical Exam + Merit List
- Application Dates: 24 January 2026 to 24 February 2026
Indian Navy SSC Officer Vacancy 2026 (Branch-Wise)
The total number of vacancies announced is 260. These posts are divided across Executive, Education, and Technical branches.
✅ Executive Branch – 149 Posts
- GS (X) / Hydro Cadre: 76
- Pilot: 25
- Naval Air Operations Officer: 20
- Air Traffic Controller (ATC): 18
- Logistics: 10
✅ Education Branch – 15 Posts
- M.Sc./MA: 07
- B.E./B.Tech: 08
✅ Technical Branch – 92 Posts
- Engineering (GS): 42
- Submarine Technical (Engineering): 08
- Electrical (GS): 38
- Submarine Technical (Electrical): 08
Why Choose Indian Navy SSC Officer Entry?
Joining the Indian Navy as an SSC Officer offers:
- Prestigious government defence job
- Excellent salary and allowances
- Free medical facilities
- Subsidised accommodation and canteen benefits
- Adventurous career and international exposure
- Opportunity to serve the nation with pride
SSC officers also enjoy leadership roles early in their career, along with well-structured training and professional development.
Indian Navy SSC Officer Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must carefully check eligibility. Eligibility conditions include age limit, educational qualification, and medical fitness.
1) Age Limit
The required age limit differs according to branch/cadre. In general, eligible candidates must be born between 02 January 2002 and 01 July 2007 (the exact range depends on entry type such as Pilot, ATC, etc.).
👉 Candidates should refer to the official notification for cadre-wise age requirements.
2) Educational Qualification
The required qualification depends on the branch:
✅ Executive Branch
- B.E./B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks
- Discipline-specific requirements may apply (especially for Hydro and Aviation-related entries)
✅ Technical Branch
- B.E./B.Tech in relevant disciplines (Engineering / Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical / etc.)
- Minimum 60% marks in qualifying degree
✅ Education Branch
- First Class M.Sc./MA in relevant subjects for Education branch OR
- B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline with strong academic background
📌 Only candidates from AICTE/UGC recognised universities/institutes are eligible.
3) Marital Status
- Candidates must generally be unmarried at the time of applying (as per Navy entry norms).
4) Medical Fitness
- Candidates must meet Indian Navy medical standards.
- Medical examination will be held after SSB recommendation.
Indian Navy SSC Officer Salary 2026 (Pay Scale)
Candidates selected through this recruitment will be granted SSC as an officer and will receive salary as per the 7th Pay Commission.
Pay Level and Rank
Selected officers are generally commissioned as:
- Sub Lieutenant
Approx Monthly Salary
- Initial gross salary can be around ₹1,10,000 per month (including allowances, as applicable)
Allowances & Benefits
Indian Navy SSC Officers are entitled to:
- Military service pay
- Dearness allowance (DA)
- Kit maintenance allowance
- Uniform allowance
- Free medical treatment for self & dependents
- Leave travel concession (as applicable)
- Accommodation and other service facilities
Indian Navy SSC Officer Selection Process 2026
Selection for SSC Officers is conducted in multiple stages and candidates must clear each stage to get final appointment.
Step 1: Shortlisting of Applications
- Candidates are shortlisted based on marks obtained in qualifying degree
- The Indian Navy uses normalized marks for fair evaluation across universities
Step 2: SSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB Interview, which includes:
✅ Stage I
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
✅ Stage II
Stage II includes:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Step 3: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB will undergo medical fitness tests at designated military hospitals.
Step 4: Final Merit List
Final selection is based on:
- SSB marks
- Medical fitness
- Vacancy availability
- Merit position
Indian Navy SSC Officer Training Details
Selected candidates will undergo professional training at: ✅ Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala
The training includes:
- Naval orientation
- Physical fitness and drill
- Academic and technical subjects
- Seamanship and naval operations
- Leadership training
After completion of training, candidates will be commissioned as SSC Officers in their respective branches.
Important Dates: Indian Navy SSC Recruitment 2026
Candidates must not miss the deadlines:
- Starting Date of Online Application: 24 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 24 February 2026
- Course Commencement: January 2027
How to Apply for Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026?
Applicants can apply online only through the official portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the Join Indian Navy official website
- Register with valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill personal and educational details carefully
- Upload required documents:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Mark sheets
- Degree certificate / provisional certificate
- ID proof (as required)
- Preview the application before final submission
- Submit the form and take a printout
📌 No application fee is required.
Documents Required for Indian Navy SSC Officer Application
Candidates should keep the following ready:
- 10th certificate (DOB proof)
- 12th certificate
- Graduation mark sheets
- Degree/provisional certificate
- Valid ID proof
- Passport-size photo & signature
- Any category certificate (if applicable)
Tips to Prepare for Indian Navy SSC Officer SSB Interview
SSB is one of the toughest selection stages. Candidates should prepare well.
Preparation Tips:
✅ Improve communication skills
✅ Stay updated with current affairs
✅ Practise PPDT and narration
✅ Build leadership qualities and teamwork
✅ Work on fitness and stamina
✅ Practise psychological tests and reasoning
Candidates who maintain confidence, clarity of thought and physical fitness often succeed in SSB.
Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026: Important Points
- Apply only through official online portal
- Enter correct details, especially DOB, marks and discipline
- Shortlisting is based on degree marks—higher scores improve chances
- SSB is mandatory and competitive
- Medical fitness is crucial—avoid last-minute issues
FAQs: Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are announced under Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026?
A total of 260 posts have been announced across Executive, Education and Technical branches.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for Indian Navy SSC Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online is 24 February 2026.
Q3. Is there any application fee for SSC Officer recruitment?
No. There is no application fee for this recruitment.
Q4. What is the salary of Indian Navy SSC Officer?
The starting salary (gross) can be approximately ₹1,10,000 per month, along with other allowances.
Q5. What is the selection process?
Selection includes:
- Shortlisting
- SSB Interview
- Medical Exam
- Merit List
The Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates and engineers looking for a respected career in defence services. With 260 vacancies, zero application fee, and an excellent pay structure, this recruitment offers both prestige and professional growth.
Interested candidates should apply on time and begin preparing for the SSB interview, as it plays a decisive role in selection.
