The Indian Navy has opened a fresh recruitment drive for Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers with 260 vacancies across multiple branches. This is a golden chance for unmarried men and women who meet the academic and age criteria to serve the nation on the high seas. Applications are accepted online from 24 January 2026 to 24 February 2026 – act fast before the window closes!
Vacancy Overview
| Recruitment Organization | Post Name | Total Vacancies | Salary / Pay Scale* | Job Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Navy | Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers (Sub‑Lieutenant) | 260 | ₹ 1,10,000 per month | All India (Training at INA, Ezhimala, Kerala) |
*Monthly salary as per the latest defence pay commission; additional allowances apply after commissioning.
Important Dates & Fees
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 24 January 2026 |
| Online Application End | 24 February 2026 |
| Notification Release | 24 January 2026 |
| Commencement of Training (INA) | January 2027 |
| Final Merit List Publication | Expected Q4 2026 |
Application Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹ 0 (Free) | No payment required; submit the form online. |
| Document Verification Fee | ₹ 0 | Covered by the Navy; only genuine documents are accepted. |
Eligibility & Selection
Age Limit
| No. | Branch / Cadre | Total Posts | Eligible Birth Dates (DD‑MM‑YYYY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Executive Branch (GS‑X) / Hydro Cadre | 76 (incl. 06 Hydro) | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jul 2007 |
| 2 | Pilot | 25 | 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008 |
| 3 | Naval Air Operations Officer (Observer) | 20 | 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008 |
| 4 | Air Traffic Controller (ATC) | 18 | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2006 |
| 5 | Logistics | 10 | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jun 2007 |
| 6 | Education | 15 | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2006 |
| 7 | Engineering Branch (GS) | 42 | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jul 2007 |
| 8 | Submarine Tech Engineering | 8 | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jul 2007 |
| 9 | Electrical Branch (GS) | 38 | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jul 2007 |
| 10 | Submarine Tech Electrical | 8 | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jul 2007 |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation (years) |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Ex‑Servicemen (wounded) | 5 years |
| Differently‑abled (PWD) | 5 years |
| Women (General) | 5 years |
*Relaxation is added to the upper age limit mentioned above. Candidates must still satisfy the minimum age requirement (usually 18 years).
Selection Process
- Online Application Shortlisting – The system screens for completeness, age, and academic eligibility.
- Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview – A five‑day assessment covering psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Document Verification – Original certificates, service records (if any), and background checks.
- Medical Examination – Comprehensive physical and ophthalmic tests at a designated Naval Hospital.
- Final Merit List – Candidates clearing all stages are posted on the official website.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Total Posts | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Branch (GS‑X) / Hydro Cadre | 76 | Engineering degree (B.E./B.Tech) with ≥ 60 % marks (or equivalent) |
| Pilot | 25 | Engineering degree (Aeronautical, Mechanical, or related) with ≥ 60 % |
| Naval Air Operations Officer (Observer) | 20 | Engineering degree with ≥ 60 % |
| Air Traffic Controller (ATC) | 18 | Engineering degree (Electronics/Communication) with ≥ 60 % |
| Logistics | 10 | Graduation in any discipline with ≥ 60 % (preferably Business/Management) |
| Education | 15 | Graduation with ≥ 60 % (B.Ed. preferred) |
| Engineering Branch (GS) | 42 | Engineering degree (any discipline) with ≥ 60 % |
| Submarine Tech Engineering | 8 | Engineering degree (Mechanical/Electrical) with ≥ 60 % |
| Electrical Branch (GS) | 38 | Engineering degree (Electrical/Electronics) with ≥ 60 % |
| Submarine Tech Electrical | 8 | Engineering degree (Electrical/Electronics) with ≥ 60 % |
*Candidates with a B.Sc. (Physics/Mathematics) and a B.E./B.Tech (dual degree) are also eligible for technical branches, provided the aggregate meets the 60 % threshold.
Application Process
Follow these steps to submit a flawless application:
- Visit the Official Portal – Go to joinindiannavy.gov.in.
- Locate the SSC Officer 2026 Link – Click on “SSC Officer Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online.”
- Register a New Account – Provide a valid email ID and mobile number, then create a password.
- Log In – Use the credentials to access the application dashboard.
- Fill Personal Details – Enter name, date of birth, category, and contact information exactly as per official documents.
- Enter Academic Records – Upload scanned copies of mark sheets, degree certificates, and any professional qualifications.
- Select Preferred Branch – Choose one or more branches according to your eligibility and career interest.
- Upload Required Documents – Passport‑size photograph (JPEG, 10 KB–100 KB), digital signature, and any caste/disabled certificates.
- Review & Submit – Verify every entry; a single mistake can lead to rejection. Click Submit to lock your application.
- Print Confirmation – Download the acknowledgment slip (PDF) and keep it safe for future reference and SSB invitation.
Tip: Keep a backup of all uploaded files on a cloud drive; the portal may ask for re‑upload during verification.
Important Links
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification | Detailed recruitment notice (PDF) | Click Here |
| Online Application Portal | Start your application | Apply Now |
| WhatsApp Channel | Join for daily updates | Join Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a married candidate apply for the SSC Officer 2026 batch?
No. The recruitment explicitly states that only unmarried candidates (both men and women) are eligible. Candidates must remain single until the completion of the training period.
2. Is there any provision for candidates with a diploma in engineering instead of a full degree?
The notification requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech) with at least 60 % marks. Diploma holders are not eligible unless they have also completed an equivalent degree program.
3. What happens if I miss the 24 February 2026 deadline?
The online portal closes automatically at 23:59 IST on the last day. Late submissions are not accepted, and the candidate will have to wait for the next recruitment cycle, typically announced every two years.
