The Indian Navy has officially released the notification for the Agniveer (Apprentice) Recruitment 2026, covering the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches. The recruitment notice was published in the Employment News issue dated June 6–12, 2026. Online applications will be accepted through the official recruitment portal from June 5 to June 29, 2026.
Eligibility and Application Details
This recruitment drive is open to unmarried Indian male candidates who have passed Matriculation and completed a three-year AICTE-recognised Diploma course in the prescribed engineering disciplines. The selection process will involve multiple stages, beginning with the Indian Navy Entrance Test, INET 2/2026.
Application Schedule and Examination Timeline
The online registration process will start on June 5, 2026, and conclude on June 29, 2026. A correction window will be available on July 9, 2026. The Stage-I examination, INET 2/2026, is scheduled for August 2026, with results expected by the end of August or early September 2026.
For the 01/2027 batch, shortlisted candidates will receive call letters in September 2026, followed by Stage-II examinations in October 2026. Induction at INS Chilka is scheduled for December 2026. For the 02/2027 batch, call letters are planned for February 2027, Stage-II will be held in March 2027, and induction is scheduled for May 2027.
Eligibility Criteria and Age Requirements
Candidates must have secured at least 50 per cent marks in Class 10 and 50 per cent marks in the relevant engineering diploma programme. The notification has not disclosed the number of vacancies.
For the 01/2027 batch, applicants must be born between December 1, 2004, and May 31, 2008. For the 02/2027 batch, the eligible birth period is between May 1, 2005, and October 31, 2009. Candidates born between December 1, 2004, and October 31, 2009, can apply for INET 2/2026, subject to batch-specific eligibility during later stages.
Selection Process and Application Fee
The recruitment process includes INET 2/2026, merit-based shortlisting, Physical Fitness Test, Stage-II written examination, Recruitment Medical Examination, preparation of a state-wise merit list, and final medical formalities at INS Chilka.
All candidates are required to pay an examination fee of Rs 550 plus 18 per cent GST through online payment modes, including Net Banking, UPI, and debit or credit cards. Applications can be submitted only through the Indian Navy recruitment portal after registration as an Apprentice Volunteer Recruit.
About the Author
Sanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in the media industry. Currently serving as Assistant Editor - Education at TimesofIndia.com, he specializes in education-related content, including board results, job notifications, and studying abroad. Since joining TOI in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s digital presence and spearheading major education events. Previously, Sanjay held leadership positions in sports journalism, covering high-profile events such as the Cricket World Cup and Olympics. He holds a PG Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and is proficient in various content management systems.
