Indian Navy 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme July 2026 – A Golden Gateway to a Prestigious Defense Career

The Indian Navy, one of the most respected and technologically advanced branches of the Indian Armed Forces, has launched the 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme for July 2026 intake. This elite program is tailored for academically bright students who have recently completed or are appearing for their Class 12 board exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). It offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully-funded B.Tech degree at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala, followed by a commission as an officer in the Indian Navy’s Executive or Technical Branches.

With 44 coveted seats available (37 for male and 7 for female candidates), this scheme is a rare blend of academic excellence, leadership training, and national service. Best of all—there is no application fee, making it accessible to talented students from all backgrounds.

Important Dates – Mark Your Calendar

Timely application is crucial. The recruitment timeline is as follows:

• Notification Release Date: 1st January 2026
• Online Application Starts: 3rd January 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 19th January 2026 (11:59 PM)
• SSB Interview: March 2026
• Course Commencement: July 2026 at Indian Naval Academy

Candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid server congestion or technical glitches.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?

1. Educational Qualification

Applicants must meet two key academic requirements:

• Passed or appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2025 or earlier, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects.
• Minimum 70% aggregate marks in PCM (not overall percentage).
• Must have appeared in JEE (Main) 2025. This is non-negotiable. The All India Rank (AIR) from JEE Main 2025 will be used for shortlisting.

Note: Candidates who have not appeared in JEE Main 2025, even with excellent 12th marks, are not eligible.

2. Age Limit

Applicants must be born between 2nd January 2007 and 1st July 2009 (inclusive).
This ensures candidates are between 16.5 to 19 years at the time of course commencement—ideal for the rigorous training at INA.

Age relaxation is not applicable, as per official guidelines.

3. Gender and Marital Status

• Both male and female candidates can apply (44 total seats: 37 + 7).
• All applicants must be unmarried at the time of application and joining.

Vacancy Details – Branch-Wise Breakdown

The 44 cadet positions are distributed across two branches:

• Executive Branch: Focuses on leadership, navigation, and operations.
• Technical Branch: Involves engineering roles in naval systems, weapons, propulsion, and electronics.

While the official notification may not specify exact branch-wise numbers, past trends suggest a mix based on service requirements. Final branch allocation is determined after training and performance assessments.

Selection Process – A Multi-Stage Journey

Selection is highly competitive and involves three critical stages:

1. Shortlisting Based on JEE Main 2025 Rank

Only candidates with high JEE Main AIRs are shortlisted. The cutoff varies yearly based on vacancy and applicant pool.

2. SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview

Shortlisted candidates are called for a 5-day assessment at one of the SSB centers (e.g., Bhopal, Bangalore, Allahabad). The process includes:

• Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
• Stage II: Psychological tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview, and Conference

The SSB evaluates officer-like qualities (OLQs)—leadership, decision-making, teamwork, and mental agility.

3. Medical Examination

Candidates who clear the SSB undergo a comprehensive medical test at a Military Hospital or INHS (Indian Navy Hospital Ship). Standards are stringent—covering vision (6/6 uncorrected), hearing, dental, and physical fitness.

Final merit list is prepared based on SSB performance (JEE rank is only for shortlisting, not final selection).

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to submit your application correctly:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
2. Navigate to “Officer Entries” → Select “10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry – July 2026”
3. Read Full Notification carefully before proceeding
4. Click “Apply Online” → Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if new user
5. Fill Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and JEE Main 2025 details
6. Upload Documents:
   • Recent passport-size photo (JPEG, <100 KB)
   • Signature (JPEG, <50 KB)
   • Class 12 marksheet (or provisional if appearing)
7. Preview & Submit: Verify all entries before final submission
8. Print Application: Keep a physical copy for SSB and future reference

Important: No fee payment is required at any stage.

Benefits & Career Prospects

Selected cadets enjoy:

• Fully-funded 4-year B.Tech in disciplines like Naval Architecture, Electronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
• Monthly stipend during training
• Commission as Sub Lieutenant upon graduation
• Lifetime career with promotions, travel, housing, medical benefits, and pension

The Indian Navy offers a dynamic, respected, and secure career with opportunities for specialization, higher studies (including M.Tech/PhD), and international exposure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing JEE Main 2025: Even 95% in PCM won’t help without JEE appearance.
• Incorrect DOB: Ensure your birth date falls within the eligibility window.
• Late Application: Servers may crash on the last day—apply early.
• Ignoring Medical Standards: Get a pre-checkup if unsure about vision or fitness.

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