While many Navy sailors enter the military straight away following high school, others opt to wait until they earn a degree from a recognized college or university.

Without a college degree, one can only join the Navy as an enlisted service member. With a college degree, one enter as a commissioned officer.

Going into the Navy as a commissioned officer requires one to commit to a minimum of three to five years of service.

SELECTION AND ENTRY
Officers recruitment is advertised through the Employment News as well as all important National and Regional news papers/dailies. Selection for Permanent Commission through 10 + 2 NDA / Indian Naval Academy cadet entry and CDSE (Graduate) entry is through a written test conducted by the UPSC, followed by interview by the Service Selection Board (SSB).

For all other Permanent Commission entries as well as Short Service Commission entries there is no written test. The applications are short listed as per the criterion laid down by the Naval Headquarters, Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment. Selection is through merit alone.

EDUCATIONAL & OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
It is mandatory that all Degrees as well as educational qualifications are from Educational Institutions acknowledged by the competent authority in the field.

Degrees/mark sheets must be original or attested by appropriate authorities, as required in the advertisement. No compromise or relaxation will be made on this issue. All aspirants desirous of joining the Indian Navy must be physically/mentally fit as per rules laid down standards. Proficiency in sports, swimming as well as extra-curricular activities is desirable.

Broad Classification Of Branches
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
(a)Gunnery & Missiles
(b)Navigation and Direction
(c)Anti-Submarine Warfare
(d)Communications
(e)Pilot
(f)Observer
(g)Submarine
(h)Hydrography
(j)Diving

ENGINEERING BRANCH
Modern ships, submarines as well as aircraft are fitted with advanced technology machinery and propulsion systems. As an Engineer Officer, one will be responsible for keeping all these Hi-tech systems serviceable.

ELECTRICAL BRANCH
A warship is a mini floating city with an integral power generation as well as distribution system. In adding up, complex missile systems, underwater weapons, radar and radio communication equipment form major part of a warship’s equipment.

EDUCATION BRANCH
Any service will be as good as the training its officers as well as men receive. As an Education Officer one will play a major role in the training of naval officers/sailors. Education Officers are accountable for scientific and methodical instructions, including theoretical aspects of technical subjects of all branches of the navy and also for their general education.