What are the career prospects for women in the Indian Navy?
Author: Dr. Paresh Gujarati Post Date: 03 Jun 2023 The Indian Navy, once considered a male-dominated domain, has now opened its doors to women, giving them the ability to serve the country. In recent years, the Indian Navy has expanded women's roles and responsibilities and offered them two different ways of entry: UPSC and non-UPCC routes. Let's explore these opportunities and requirements to be a part of the Indian Navy. As per my knowledge, these two entry details are as under:
Selection Process for Women in Indian Navy:
Through UPSC Entry: One way for women to join the Indian Navy is through the Union Civil Service Commission (UPSC). UPSC conducts the National Defense Academy (NDA) exam twice a year as an entry for promising youth. Age Criteria: Women between the ages of 16-19 can participate. Education: Candidates must have completed the 12th standard in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Written Exam: The NDA exam consists of two papers, the Mathematical Test and the Technical Test. Passing the written exam is the first step toward becoming a member of the Indian Navy. SSB Interview: Candidates who successfully complete the exam will have to attend the Selection Committee (SSB) interview in the future, a rigorous evaluation process that assesses their personalities, abilities, and capital military structure. Medical Test: After passing the SSB interview, candidates undergo a medical test to confirm their suitability and physical fitness for the required role. Once the written test, interview, and medical test are completed, the All India Merit List is prepared and candidates are posted based on the vacancy in the NDA Naval wing as a Permanent Commission officer in Education, law, and Naval Armament cadre.
In addition to the UPSC entry route, women now have the opportunity to join the Indian Navy via a non-UPSC route.
Graduate/Post-Graduate: Graduate or postgraduate women with BE and BTech are eligible to apply for non-UPSC entry jobs in the Indian Navy. These roles provide the opportunity to work with advanced technology and contribute to the Navy's engineering program.
Notice of Admission and Online Application: Indian Navy announces non-UPSC recruitment through job news and official notification. Candidates can find detailed information about open positions, eligibility criteria, and the application process on the official website https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/ By inviting online applications, the application process is simplified and candidates are given wider access. Indian Navy Entrance Examination (INET): The Indian Navy conducts the Indian Navy Entrance Examination (INET) as part of the non-UPSC selection process to enroll candidates. This online test assesses the candidate's ability, attitude, and knowledge of military operations.
SSB Interview and Medical Exam: shortlisted candidates from INET are called for a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview where their personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for service in the Indian Navy are fully assessed. Successful candidates then go through a comprehensive medical examination to ensure their eligibility and medical fitness.
Selection and Course: Selection for non-UPSC entry in the Indian Navy is merit-based. Once selected, candidates receive a letter of acceptance and are commissioned as Sub Lieutenant – Trainee to begin training at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala. The service period is usually around 10 years. Depending on their performance, health, and needs, individuals can choose to extend their service for another two years twice (a total of four years)
The Indian Navy, one of the branches of the Indian Armed Forces, offers numerous career opportunities for women. Over the years, the Indian Navy has taken significant strides toward gender inclusivity and has opened up several roles and positions for women to serve their country at sea. This article explores the career prospects for women in the Indian Navy and highlights the opportunities available to them.
SSC (Short Service Commission)
The Indian Navy offers women the opportunity to join as Short Service Commissioned Officers. Short Service Commission is a temporary commission that allows individuals to serve for a fixed duration, typically between 10 to 14 years. Women can join the Indian Navy through various entry schemes like the Indian Naval Academy (INA) and the Indian Naval Academy Cadet Entry Scheme (NAC) for the Executive and Technical branches. Upon completion of their service, women can choose to pursue a permanent career or transition to civilian life.
Executive Branch
In the Executive Branch, women can opt for various roles such as Logistics, Law, Air Traffic Control, Naval Armament Inspectorate, and Observers. These positions involve administrative, legal, and operational responsibilities. Women officers have the opportunity to serve on warships, submarines, and shore establishments, gaining valuable experience in managing naval operations.
Technical Branch
The Indian Navy also offers technical roles to women in its Engineering and Electrical Branches. Women can serve as Naval Architects, Marine Engineers, and Electrical Engineers. They are involved in the maintenance, repair, and operation of the Navy's sophisticated equipment and machinery, contributing to the technological advancement of the Indian Navy.
Education Branch
The Education Branch of the Indian Navy provides opportunities for women with a passion for teaching and research. Women officers in this branch are responsible for training and educating naval personnel in various technical and non-technical subjects. They also contribute to curriculum development, instructional design, and research initiatives.
Support Services
Women officers can also join the Indian Navy's Support Services, including the Medical, Dental, and Nursing branches. In these roles, they provide crucial healthcare services to naval personnel and their families, ensuring their well-being and fitness. These positions offer women the chance to combine their professional skills with their desire to serve others.
Benefits and Challenges
Women in the Indian Navy receive several benefits, including a competitive salary, allowances, medical facilities, accommodation, and opportunities for professional growth. They are also eligible for various welfare and retirement benefits. However, like any career in the armed forces, serving in the Indian Navy requires dedication, physical fitness, mental agility, and the willingness to face challenges.
Conclusion
The Indian Navy has made significant progress in creating equal opportunities for women, enabling them to pursue rewarding careers at sea. With the expansion of roles and responsibilities, women in the Indian Navy can contribute to national security, leadership, and technological advancements. By embracing a career in the Indian Navy, women can serve their country with pride and make a positive impact on the maritime defense capabilities of India.
Author: Sheo Shankar Jha Post Date: 30 May 2023 We can see positive changes when we observe that women no longer shy away from choosing the tough opportunities in Navy. Till the year 1992, they were inducted in Medical Services of Armed Forces but from July 1992 onward, the Indian Navy started recruitment of women in the Officers Cadre in the Short Service Commission as well.
Women are occupying positions of officers in Indian Navy and as of now, they are regarded as the integral part of Law/ Logistics/ Education Departments of the Navy.
The eligibility criteria for entry to different positions in Indian Navy are indicated below- 1) Naval Architecture- a) Candidates should be aged between 19 and half years and 25 years. b) Candidates should have completed B.E/ B.Tech degree in Civil/ Mechanical/ Naval/ Metallurgy/ Aeronautics with a minimum 60 % of marks.
2) Pilot - a) Candidates should be between 19 and 25 years of age. b) They should have BE/ B.Tech degrees in any stream from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at their 12th levels.
3) Law -
a) Age - Candidates should be between 22 and 27 years of age. b) They should have a law degree so that they can qualify to enroll as advocates.
4) Air Traffic Controllers- a) Age - Candidates should be between 19 and 25 years of age. b) They should have BE/ B. Tech degrees in any stream from a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics in their twelve levels.
5) Naval Armaments Inspection- a) Age - The candidates should be between 19 and half years and 25 years of age. b) They should possess BE/ B.Tech degree in IT/ Chemical/ Mechanical/ Electrical/ Instrumentation/ Metallurgy/ Aerospace Engineering.
Though at present, they are inducted in some of branches of Indian Navy but in the days ahead they would occupy positions in every branch be it Army, Navy or Air Force.