The Indian Navy Entrance Test — INET — is the gateway examination for the Agniveer SSR (Senior Secondary Recruit) and MR (Matric Recruit) entries, and the 2026 notification covers both the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches. If you are a young man between 17 and 21 years old with a burning desire to serve at sea, INET is your ticket. The SSR entry is for 12th pass candidates with Science (Physics and Mathematics), while the MR entry accepts 10th pass candidates, making the Navy accessible to a wider pool than most other defence entries.
Understanding SSR vs MR — Two Very Different Paths
SSR Agniveers are placed in technical and specialized roles — they work on ship engines, electrical systems, weapons, communication equipment, and navigation aids. The 12th Science requirement exists because the training and work involve genuine engineering concepts. An SSR posted on a warship might be responsible for maintaining the gas turbine engine, operating the sonar system, or managing the ship's electrical grid.
MR Agniveers serve in hospitality, steward, chef, and hygiene assistant roles onboard ships and at naval establishments. This does not mean they are less important — the Navy runs on its stomach, and a well-fed crew on a ship deployed for months at sea is a combat-effective crew. MR personnel manage the galley (kitchen), wardroom (officer's dining), ship's laundry, and hygiene standards. The 10th pass requirement reflects the different skill set — culinary skills, service management, and organizational ability matter more than physics and mathematics.
INET Exam Pattern
INET is an online examination conducted at designated test centres. For SSR, the paper covers English, General Awareness, Mathematics, Physics, and General Science. For MR, the paper covers English, General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Science at 10th class level. The total duration is one hour, and questions are objective multiple choice. The cutoff varies by batch and competition level, but generally scoring above 50% gives you a strong chance. After clearing INET, candidates undergo Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km run, squats, push-ups) and then medical examination.
Life as a Navy Agniveer
Training begins at INS Chilka, where you learn naval discipline, customs, swimming (mandatory — you are joining the Navy), seamanship, and basic military skills. After basic training, SSR Agniveers go to specialized schools for branch-specific training. The 4-year engagement includes the possibility of being posted on warships (destroyers, frigates, aircraft carriers), submarines, shore establishments, or naval air stations. You could sail to foreign ports during fleet exercises, participate in humanitarian operations, or serve at remote island bases in the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Compensation and Future Prospects
Monthly package of Rs 30,000-40,000 over four years, plus Seva Nidhi of approximately Rs 11-12 lakh at the end. Free food, accommodation, uniform, medical care, and annual leave. The top 25% are permanently absorbed into the Navy with regular pay and career progression to Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, and Master Chief Petty Officer ranks. Even those who exit after 4 years find that the Navy experience opens doors — merchant shipping companies, port authorities, and maritime security firms actively seek ex-Navy personnel. INET is conducted twice a year, so if you miss this cycle, you can appear again, but do not delay unnecessarily — the age limit is strict.