Indian Navy has released the recruitment notification for Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR) — Medical Branch. SSR (Medical) is an enlisted position in the Indian Navy where candidates serve as medical support staff at Naval Hospitals, ships, submarines, and shore establishments. Training is conducted at INS Chilka, Odisha — India's premier Naval Training Establishment. This entry opens doors to a 20-year+ career in the Indian Navy with excellent pay, promotions, and government benefits.
SSR Medical personnel assist Naval Medical Officers (NMOs) in clinical work, assist in Operating Theatres (OT), handle medical equipment, maintain medical stores, provide first aid on ships and submarines, and serve at Naval Hospitals across India. After completing 15 years of service, SSR personnel are eligible for promotion to Petty Officer (PO), Chief Petty Officer (CPO), and ultimately Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) — the highest enlisted rank. Women candidates are eligible for some SSR branches.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Online Application Start | 15 May 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 11 June 2026 |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) Date | July – August 2026 |
| Physical Fitness Test (PFT) | After CBT result — at Naval Selection Centres |
| Medical Examination | After PFT — at INS Chilka or designated Naval Hospitals |
| Training Commencement | November 2026 – January 2027 (estimated) |
| Official Website | joinindiannavy.gov.in |
APPLICATION FEE
| All Candidates | NIL — No application fee for Indian Navy recruitment |
| Application Mode | Online only — joinindiannavy.gov.in |
| Note | FREE application. Beware of any agent/website charging fees for Navy forms. |
AGE LIMIT
| Minimum Age | 17 Years |
| Maximum Age | 20 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | Date of enrolment (Course Commencement) |
| Born Between | Born between 01 November 2006 and 30 April 2010 (approximate for Nov 2026 batch) |
| Marital Status | UNMARRIED Male candidates only (Female candidates may apply for specific branches — check notification) |
| No Age Relaxation | Age limits are STRICT — SC/ST/OBC candidates do NOT get age relaxation for Navy SSR entry |
EDUCATION QUALIFICATION
| Minimum Qualification | 10+2 (Class XII) in SCIENCE STREAM from any recognized State/Central Board |
| Subjects Required (Option A — Medical) | Physics + Chemistry + Biology — Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB |
| Subjects Required (Option B — Technical) | Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics — Minimum 50% aggregate in PCM |
| English Mandatory | English as a subject in 10+2 mandatory — must have passed English |
| Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing in 10+2 exam in 2026 are eligible — they will be given PROVISIONAL admission, final joining only after passing 10+2 |
| Note | Candidates with NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) qualification may be considered — check notification for confirmation |
PHYSICAL STANDARDS
| Minimum Height | 157 cm (General) | 152 cm for candidates from Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar |
| Weight | As per height and age chart — Proportionate weight required |
| Chest | Minimum 5 cm expansion required |
| Eyesight — Distant Vision | 6/6 in both eyes (without glasses/contact lenses) — UNAIDED vision must be perfect for SSR |
| Colour Vision | Must have Normal Colour Vision (CP-I or CP-II). Candidates with colour blindness are NOT eligible. |
| Hearing | Normal hearing in both ears |
| Tattoo Policy | Permanent tattoos are NOT permitted on visible areas (face, neck, hands below wrist, above collar line). Small tattoos on arms/legs may be considered. |
| General Fitness | No knock knee, flat feet, varicose veins, or any major physical deformity |
PAY SCALE & CAREER PROGRESSION
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Gross Salary (approx with allowances) |
|---|---|---|---|
| During Training (INS Chilka) | Stipend | Rs. 14,600/month | Stipend only — accommodation, food, uniform provided free |
| SSR (After Training) | Level-3 | Rs. 21,700 – Rs. 69,100/month | Rs. 30,000–40,000/month (with MSP Rs.3,600 + DA + kit maintenance + ration) |
| Leading Seaman (4+ years) | Level-4 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100/month | Rs. 38,000–50,000/month (with all allowances) |
| Petty Officer (PO) | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300/month | Rs. 45,000–60,000/month |
| Chief Petty Officer (CPO) | Level-6 | Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 1,12,400/month | Rs. 55,000–75,000/month |
| Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) | Level-7 to 8 | Rs. 44,900+/month | Rs. 70,000–90,000/month |
NAVY BENEFITS & PRIVILEGES
▶ Free accommodation in Naval barracks / ships (no rent to pay)
▶ Free medical treatment for self and family at Naval Hospitals (best healthcare in India)
▶ Free ration / food allowance
▶ Uniform and kit maintenance allowance
▶ CSD (Canteen Stores Department) facility — subsidized goods including electronics, groceries, liquor
▶ Leave Travel Concession (LTC) — free rail/air travel to home once a year
▶ Sea Duty Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, Hard Area Allowance (when posted in operational areas)
▶ ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) — lifetime medical for self and spouse after retirement
▶ One-time Resettlement Training after 15 years of service — skill development for civilian life
▶ Navy Group Insurance — Rs.50 lakh insurance cover during service
▶ Pension after 15 years of qualifying service — Regular pension for life
SELECTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online Registration & Application | Apply at joinindiannavy.gov.in. Submit application with 10+2 Science details + physical details. |
| 2 | Computer Based Test (CBT) | MCQ test on: English (25 Qs), Science — Physics, Chemistry, Biology (25+25+25 Qs), Mathematics (25 Qs), General Knowledge (25 Qs). Total 150 Qs, 150 marks. Negative marking 0.25 per wrong answer. |
| 3 | Physical Fitness Test (PFT) | 1.6 km run in under 7 minutes, 20 pushups, 10 sit-ups, 6 chin-ups. Physical fitness is mandatory — failure = disqualification. |
| 4 | Medical Examination | At Naval Selection Centre or INS Chilka. Eyesight, hearing, blood tests, ECG, X-ray, general fitness assessed by Navy Medical Officer (NMO). |
| 5 | Document Verification | 10+2 certificate/marksheet, Aadhaar, birth certificate, caste certificate verified |
| 6 | Training at INS Chilka | 20-week basic training at INS Chilka, Odisha. Then branch-specific training at Naval Hospitals/establishments. |
HOW TO APPLY — STEP BY STEP
▶ Step 1: Visit joinindiannavy.gov.in — official Indian Navy recruitment website
▶ Step 2: Click on 'Sailor Entry — SSR Medical' notification link
▶ Step 3: Click 'Apply Online' — Register with Email ID and Mobile Number
▶ Step 4: Login and fill the application form with personal details
▶ Step 5: Enter 10+2 Science details — Board name, Roll Number, marks in PCB/PCM + English
▶ Step 6: Enter physical details — Height (in cm), Weight (in kg)
▶ Step 7: Upload Passport Photo (JPG, 10-40 KB, white background) and Signature (JPG, 3-20 KB)
▶ Step 8: Application fee is NIL — No payment required
▶ Step 9: Review all details and click 'Final Submit'
▶ Step 10: Print Application Form and Confirmation Number for future reference
▶ Step 11: Admit Card for CBT will be available at joinindiannavy.gov.in — download and carry to exam centre
▶ PREPARATION TIP: Focus on Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) + Mathematics + English + GK from 10+2 level for CBT
