Indian Navy Ranks and Insignia

Looking back at the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, even though it has been more than a decade, the terror doesn’t seem to fade with time in the hearts of the survivors and their families. This was when our generation popularly learned about the active role of the Indian Navy, Army & Air Force. Undoubtedly, the timely intervention by the NSG, an elite counter-terrorism unit, and MARCOS, or Marine Commandos, the Special Operations Forces Unit of the Indian Navy, saved many lives of those trapped in the Taj Hotel. 

But have you known that these MARCOS personnel are males selected from the Indian Navy? An individual can join MARCOS only if he is part of the Indian Navy. Navy officers are high-ranking members of the naval military who hold leadership roles. Even movies like Ghazi, Rustom also showed many nuances of the Indian Navy. So, before digging into the details of the Indian Navy Ranks, one must know that a candidate can join the Indian Navy as an Officer or a Sailor. Each of these is subjected to ample opportunities, growth, and promotions. 

In this article, we will discuss the ranks of navy officers & sailors along with the insignia or badges with which they are rewarded. Let’s get started.

Ranks for Indian Navy Officers

 The ranks and insignia of Army officers in India. Read Here!

Ranks for Indian Navy Sailors

Indian Navy New Flag

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had unveiled the new Naval Ensign that attracted proposals from the seal of the great Indian emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also commissioned INS Vikrant, India's biggest ship ever constructed in the country's maritime history, at the Cochin Shipyard. Naval Ensigns are flags that naval ships or formations endure indicating nationality. The present-day Indian Naval Ensign includes a St. George`s Cross, a pink go with white background. 

How to join the Indian Navy as Officer and Sailor?

One can join the Indian Navy either as a Sailor or an Officer. For this, there are multiple options available:

1. National Defence Academy or NDA Exam

2. 10+2 B.Tech. Entry

3. Combined Defence Service or CDS Exam

4. University Entry Scheme or UEE

5. Direct Entries

To join as a Sailor, the following options are available:

1. Artificer Apprentice (AA)

2. Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR)

3. Matric Recruit (MR)

4. Non-Matric Recruit

How are sailors promoted to officer rank of the Indian Navy?

There is a provision to get promoted from Sailor to Officer Rank of the Indian Navy. Eligible Sailors (concerning age, educational qualification, etc.) of the Indian Navy who have unique leadership qualities can become Commissioned officers in the Navy. This promotion is possible with the help of the Commission Worthy (CW) scheme and the Special Duties (SD) scheme. Also, sailors who are very dedicated and sincere in their work can even rise to the Admiral level. This kind of opportunity is mainly given by the Indian Navy to its Sailors who might not have reached to officer level because of some unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion

You might have understood that what's unique about the prestigious Indian Navy is that once you've embarked on this career, the only way to go from here is up. Joining the Indian Navy is only the first step up the ladder. The Navy offers a professional support system wherein you are immensely groomed and trained to rise up in your career.