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The Merchant Navy plays a crucial sector of the global shipping industry, facilitates the transportation of goods and passengers across the seas. Comprised of civilian vessels and skilled seafarers, it serves as a backbone for international trade following maritime regulations. With its diverse workforce and vital role in connecting nations, Merchant Navy propels economic growth and ensures the smooth flow of commodities worldwide.
The Indian Navy is a part of Indian Armed Forces that works in the nearby waters and oceans to secure the border and protect the country from outer threats.Â
The establishment of the Indian Navy can be traced back to the 17th Century when the East India Company established the maritime force. Many years later, the Royal Indian Navy was established in 1934.Â
The Indian Navy is responsible for protection of Indian Borders, determine threats and provide aid.Â
The Indian Navy is divided into 2 operational commands and 1 training command. The operational commands include:
The Indian Navy currently has 150 ships and submarines with 50 more ongoing projects. Indian Navy has now shifted its focus from number-driven to capabilities-driven
Protection: The Indian Navy guards India’s long coastline and keeps the Indian Ocean safe from threats like invasions and piracy.
Security: It protects shipping routes, ensuring smooth trade and transporting important goods.Â
Promoting Peace: The Navy helps in disaster relief, builds friendships with other countries, and keeps the region peaceful.
1:- Contribute to Global Supply Chain
Merchant Navy has become an inseparable part of the global supply chain contributing almost 90% of the global supply chain including importing and exporting fruits, grains, and even cars. Without Merchant Navy, half of the world will starve and half of the world will freeze.
2:- Economical BackboneÂ
Apart from that Merchant Navy also contributes a lot to the GDP of a country. It is one of the main sources of income for some countries, for instance, Egypt for its Suez Canal. A strong Merchant Navy means a good economy.Â
3:- More than Trade
Merchant Navy has ships that contribute to the environmental study, oil extraction, surveys, and retrieval of Objects from the ocean.
| Post | Age | Educational Qualification |
| Executive (GS)/ Hydro Cadre | 19 ½ to 25 | BE/B.Tech (Any discipline) |
| Info Tech | 19 ½ to 25 | (a) BE/B.Tech (Computer Science/Computer Engineering/IT) (b) B.Sc (IT) (c) M.Tech (Computer Science) (d) M.Sc (Computer) (e) BCA/MCA |
| Technical (General Service) Branch (‘E’ & ‘L’) | 19 ½ to 25 | (a) Engineering Branch (E) (i) Marine (ii) Mechanical (iii) Aeronautical (iv) Production (v) Metallurgy (vii) Control (viii) Any other allied discipline (b) Electrical Branch (L) (i) Electrical (ii) Electronics (iii) Tele Communication (iv) Any other allied discipline |
| Submarine | 19 ½ to 25 | The candidates must possess at least 55% marks in their BE/B Tech Degree from a recognized university in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or Control Engineering or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Institute of Engineers (India) as exempted from sections ‘A’ and ‘B’ of their Associate membership examination. |
| Naval Architecture | 19 ½ to 25 | BE/B Tech in Mechanical/Civil/Aeronautical/ Metallurgy/ Naval Architecture |
| Musician | 21 to 25 | (a) Educational Qualification A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university (relaxed to Higher Secondary for applicants having exceptional professional ability in music) (b) Professional Qualification Ability to play at least one military band musical instrument competently, in addition to the Piano-Forte. Should possess one of the following Diplomas or equivalent:- LRAM / ARCM / ATCL (c) Preferable:- Experience as a Conductor of an Orchestra/Band or as a Teacher of Music. |
| Pilot (MR) & Pilot (NMR) General CPL Holders | 19-24 19-25 | (a) Educational Qualification BE/B. Tech degree in any discipline from AICTE recognized institute/university with a minimum of 60% marks. The candidates must have 60% aggregate marks in Class X & XII and a minimum of 60% in English in Class X OR XII. (b) Professional Qualification (not mandatory) Holding valid and current CPL issued by DGCA(India). |
| Observer | 19-24 | BE/B. Tech degree in any discipline from AICTE recognized institute/university with a minimum of 60% marks. The candidates must have 60% aggregate marks in Class X & XII and a minimum of 60% in English in Class X OR XII. |
| Logistics / Works | 19 ½ to 25 | a) For Logistics Cadre (i) BE/B Tech in any discipline with 1st class (ii) MBA with 1st class (iii) B Sc/B Com/BSc (IT) with 1st class and PG Diploma in  Finance/Logistics/Supply Chain Mgt/Material Mgt (iv) MCA/M Sc(IT) with 1st class For Works BE/B Tech(Civil)/B Architecture from a AICTE recognized University/Institute with First Class. For Catering M Sc(HM)/MBA(HM)/B Sc or BA with 1st class and PG Diploma in HM |
| Law | 22-27 | Candidates should possess a degree in Law qualifying them for enrolment as advocates under the Advocates Act, 1961 |
| ATC | 21-25 | BE/B. Tech degree in any discipline from AICTE recognized institute/university with a minimum of 60% marks. The candidates must have 60% aggregate marks in Class X & XII and a minimum of 60% in English in Class X OR XII. |
| NDA | 16/2 -19 | 12th pass or Appearing with PCM |
| CDSE/NCC | 19-24 | Degree in Engg. For NCC Entry – holding NCC Naval senior wing ‘C’ Certificate |
The age limit in the Indian Navy is different for different ranks and jobs. Mostly, young people are allowed to apply for officer roles through the exams while there are other roles that anyone with eligibility can apply for. The age limit also depends on how you join the Indian Navy, i.e. through NDA, CDS, or other entries. These rules are made so that the right people get the opportunity to serve in the Indian Navy at the right time.Â
| Post | Age |
| Executive (GS)/ Hydro Cadre | 19 ½ to 25 |
| Info Tech | 19 ½ to 25 |
| Technical (General Service) Branch (‘E’ & ‘L’) | 19 ½ to 25 |
| Submarine | 19 ½ to 25 |
| Naval Architecture | 19 ½ to 25 |
| Musician | 21 to 25 |
| Pilot (MR) & Pilot (NMR) General CPL Holders | 19-24 |
| Observer | 19-24 |
| Logistics / Works | 19 ½ to 25 |
| Law | 22-27 |
| ATC | 21-25 |
| NDA | 16/2 -19 |
| CDSE/NCC | 19-24 |
The Indian Navy ranks and Insignia shows the position of the personnel in the navy. The Indian Navy is divided into 2 ranks, Officers and Sailors handling different areas of the Indian Navy. Each rank has a badge, that is Insignia worn on the dress to show their position, and role in the Indian Navy. These ranks and Insignia help the navy to work efficiently.Â
| Officer Rank | Insignia |
| Admiral |  |
| Vice Admiral |  |
| Rear Admiral |  |
| Commodore |  |
| Captain |  |
| Commander |  |
| Lieutenant Commander |  |
| Lieutenant |  |
| Sub Lieutenant |  |
| Midshipman |  |
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| Sailor Rank | Insignia |
| Master Chief Petty Officer Ist Class |  |
| Master Chief Petty Officer IInd Class |  |
| Chief Petty Officer |  |
| Petty Officer |  |
| Leading Rate |  |
| Seaman Ist Class | —— |
| Seaman 2nd Class | —— |
The Indian Navy Salary depends on various factors such as the department (Officer or Sailor), and the rank of the Officer or Sailor. The salary starts at a basic level and then increases according to the promotion. Apart from salary, the Indian Navy also provides additional benefits such as medical care, travel allowances, food and beverages allowance, etc. Officers and sailors get additional allowances if they are posted in some high-risk areas. The rank-wise salaries of the Indian Navy for 2025 are given below. Â
| Rank | Level | MSP | Pay Band |
| Sub Lieutenant | 10 | ₹15500 | ₹56,100-₹1,77,500 |
| Lieutenant | 10B | ₹15500 | ₹61,300-₹1,93,900 |
| Lieutenant Commander | 11 | ₹15500 | ₹69,400-₹2,07,200 |
| Commander | 12A | ₹15500 | ₹1,21,200-₹2,12,400 |
| Captain | 13 | ₹15500 | ₹1,30,600-₹2,15,900 |
| Commodore | 13A | ₹15500 | ₹1,39,600-₹2,17,600 |
| Rear Admiral | 14 | Nil | ₹1,44,200-₹2,18,200 |
| Vice Admiral | 15 | Nil | ₹1,82,200-₹2,24,100 |
| Vice Admiral & Equivalent | 16 | Nil | ₹2,05,400-₹2,24,400 |
| DGAFMS | 17 | Nil | ₹2,25,000 |
| VCNS / C-IN-C/ EQUIVALENT | 17 | Nil | ₹2,25,000 |
| CNS / EQUIVALENT | 18 | Nil | ₹2,50,000 |
The Agnipath scheme in the armed forces allows candidates to join the Indian Navy for four years as Agniveers and is then assessed based on their performance. Of these Agniveers only 25% of the candidate will be selected to permanently serve the Indian Navy or other armed forces.Â
Here’s a breakout of the Agnipath Scheme:
| Who Can Apply? | Male and Female candidates between the age of 17.5 to 21. |
| What will they do? | Agniveers will do a variety of tasks such as operating tasks, participating in drills, and weapon training. |
| What’s the Selection Process? | Agniveers are now getting selected based on online exams, physical tests, and campus interviews. |
| What after 4 Years? | Agniveers can apply for further service but only 25% of the candidates will be selected to serve in the armed forces. |
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The rest of the candidates who are not selected to serve in the armed forces after 4 years will be given a 12 lakh package to give them a head start in life.Â
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People often confuse the Indian Navy with the Merchant Navy but, in reality, they are quite different where Indian Navy is responsible for the defense and protection of a country’s coastal line while the Merchant Navy is responsible for transferring the cargo from one place to another.Â
Many youngsters try to get into the Indian Navy but only a few manage to do so, even if you do not get selected for the Indian Navy there are many other options that you can try after class 12th or even after graduation. Merchant Navy is one such profession that you can look into if not the Indian Navy.Â
Related Read: Find out the difference between Indian Navy and Merchant Navy
| Merchant Navy | Indian Navy |
| Easy to join | Very tough to get an entry |
| Faster Promotion | Promotion takes time |
| After becoming 3rd Officer, your salary will be around 1.5 Lakhs | After becoming a lieutenant, your salary will be around 70 to 80 thousand. |
| After 10 years, your salary will be around 10 to 12 Lakhs | It takes you around 20 to 25 years of service to become a Chief of Army Staff, with a salary of 2 to 2.5 lakhs per month. |
| Less reputable compared to the Indian Navy | One of the most reputable professions in India. |
| You can stay at home as much as you want after the completion of a contract. | Limited holidays, with risk of life, and constant risk on ship. |
At last, if you are selected in both the Indian Navy and Merchant Navy, then for sure you should go for the Indian Navy because of the perks and reputation it comes with, but if you are struggling to get into the Indian Navy then Merchant Navy is another option that you can look forward to that provides a good reputation, career growth and even a lucrative salary that is something missing in Indian Navy.
Both the Indian Navy and Merchant Navy have different goals, duties, and advantages. If we talk about salary then the Merchant Navy has the upper hand, while in reputation and pride, the Indian Navy takes the lead.
In the merchant navy, the salary can go from ₹50,000 and can increase up to ₹2,50,000 per month, whereas in the merchant navy, it starts from ₹30,000 per month but can go to up to ₹10 lakhs per month without tax.
Merchant Navy is a tax-free profession as long as you maintain your NRI status and complete 183 days outside India.
There are four ways through which you can join the Indian Navy: UPSC Entries, Direct Entries, INET Tests, and NDA.Â
