Indian Navy set for historic recruitment milestone as largest-ever batch of Agniveers are set to pass out

The Indian Navy is set to witness the passing out of its largest batch of Agniveers and Indian Coast Guard Naviks from INS Chilka on Friday, as more than 3,300 trainees will successfully complete 16 weeks of intensive training.

The passing out parade of the ninth batch of Agniveers will be a major milestone for INS Chilka, the premier naval training establishment, making it the largest batch to pass out from the institution, officials said.

Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will be the chief guest and reviewing officer at the parade.

"INS Chilka, the premier ab initio training establishment, will conduct the passing out parade of the ninth batch of Agniveers of the Indian Navy and Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard on November 13," the defence ministry said in a statement.

The parade will mark the culmination of an intensive training programme designed to transform young recruits into disciplined, physically agile, mentally resilient and professionally competent sea warriors, the officials said.

The training curriculum integrates academics, physical conditioning, swimming, outdoor activities and camp, and parade training, providing a holistic foundation for the trainees' professional journey.

Equal emphasis is laid on character building, leadership, discipline, camaraderie and teamwork, while instilling the core naval values of duty, honour and courage, the statement said.

The passing out parade will be a moment of pride and accomplishment for the trainees, as their families witness the culmination of their training journey and the beginning of a new career, according to the defence ministry.

The valedictory function will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

Awards will be presented to meritorious trainees, the champion division and the best instructor in recognition of their exemplary performance and contribution to training.

The passing out comes days after the government announced a major overhaul of the military recruitment scheme on November 4. Under the revised scheme, Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure will be given a two-year extension and an opportunity for subsequent permanent recruitment, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.