

The Indian Naval Academy (INA) is India’s premier naval training institute where candidates join to become commissioned officers in the Indian Navy. Students, aspirants, and parents often search for details about the location, eligibility, fees, courses, training, and admission. This guide covers everything in a simple, structured format.
Before diving into location, courses, and eligibility, it’s important to understand what the academy actually does.
The Indian Naval Academy is the central training hub for all Naval officer entries—10+2 B.Tech, NDA Naval Wing, CDS Naval Entry, and various technical/graduate levels. Cadets here undergo:
Academic education
Naval orientation
Seamanship training
Leadership and discipline modules
Physical conditioning
INA houses academic wings, training squadrons, accommodation blocks, parade grounds, PT areas, waterfront training zones, and simulator labs used across Executive, Technical, and Naval Architecture branches.
The Indian Naval Academy is located in Ezhimala, a coastal area of the Kannur district, Kerala. It lies along the Arabian Sea, surrounded by hills and open terrain suited for maritime training.
Nearby regions include Payyanur (8 km), Kannur city (35 km), Mangalore (~120 km), and Kozhikode (~115 km). The vast coastal environment allows cadets to train in boat handling, seamanship, and naval operations.
The INA Ezhimala campus covers over 2,500 acres and includes:
Coastal training zones
Piers and jetties for seamanship drills
Hills rising up to ~260 meters
Modern academic blocks
Parade grounds, sports complex, and obstacle courses
Cadet accommodation and mess facilities
The terrain supports both physical and maritime training requirements of officer cadets.
Address:
Indian Naval Academy (INA),
Ezhimala, Kannur District, Kerala
PIN Code: 670310
Indian Naval Academy Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies based on entry type. Below is a simple, exam-wise breakdown.
Qualification: 10+2 with PCM
Marks: 70% in PCM + 50% English (Class 10/12)
Entrance: JEE Main (shortlisting based on rank)
Age Limit: 16.5–19.5 years
Selection: SSB + Medical + Merit list
Graduates join through:
UPSC CDS Exam
INET (as applicable)
Direct technical entries
Branch-wise degree requirements:
Executive: Any discipline (as notified)
Technical: B.Tech in relevant stream
Naval Architecture: B.Tech in Naval Architecture / Mechanical / Civil / Aeronautical
Age varies by entry:
10+2 B.Tech: 16.5–19.5 years
NDA Naval Wing: 16.5–19.5 years
CDS INA: 19–24 years
Indian Naval Academy Admission Process
Joining INA involves:
Apply (NDA/CDS/JEE-based entry/direct entry)
Written Exam (NDA/CDS/JEE Mains/INET)
SSB Interview – 5-day selection process
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Reporting to INA
Common entrance exams:
NDA (for Class 12 students)
CDS (for graduates)
INET (as applicable)
10+2 B.Tech Entry via JEE Main
After 10th: No direct entry; plan for NDA or 10+2 B.Tech Entry.
After 12th: NDA or 10+2 B.Tech Entry.
After Graduation: CDS, INET, or technical entries.
Indian Naval Academy Courses & Training Programmes
INA offers academic and military training through:
B.Tech Engineering programme
Naval Orientation Course
Branch-specific training
Seamanship, navigation, and simulator-based modules
For 10+2 B.Tech cadets:
4-year engineering degree (JNU-affiliated)
Combined naval training + academics
For graduate entries:
Naval basics
Seamanship
Leadersh
Physical conditioning
Includes:
Electrical/Mechanical systems
Navigation
Weapons training
Marine engineering
Cadets undergo:
Swimming
PT tests
Parade drills
Route marches
Boat handling
Cadet life includes academics, training sessions, inspections, sports, and waterfront drills-designed to build discipline and leadership.
Indian Naval Academy Fees & Salary Structure
Key components:
Nominal training charges
Uniform fees
Mess and personal expenses
Security deposit
Most costs are subsidized by the Indian Navy.
Cadets receive a stipend (approx. ₹56,000) during the final training phase before commissioning.
Breakdown:
Mess bill
Uniforms and shoes
Sports kit and gear
Indian Naval Academy Passing Out Parade (POP)
POP is held twice a year-generally in May/June and November/December.
Includes:
March past
Awards
Review by Chief Guest
Shipping of ranks
Families receive passes and instructions from the academy before the ceremony.
Indian Naval Academy Commandant & Administration
The Commandant heads the academy, supported by Deputy Commandant and the training/administration departments.
Includes:
Training Wing
Academic Wing
Executive Cadet Wing
Admin & Logistics Wing
Departments manage academics, drills, simulators, watermanship, and sports training.
Facilities at the Indian Naval Academy
Major facilities include:
Academic blocks
Parade ground
Sports and PT areas
Hostels and mess
Simulator labs
Waterfront and seamanship training bay
Modern classrooms, labs, and auditoriums.
Used for POP, drills, and daily PT sessions.
Cadets live in multi-storey blocks with dining halls and recreation areas.
Includes football ground, courts, running tracks, and swimming pools.
Used for radar, navigation, weapon handling, and ship control training.
FAQs About the Indian Naval Academy
Which state hosts the Indian Naval Academy?
Kerala.
Are mobile phones allowed in INA?
Restricted, permitted only as per academy rules.
Difference between the Indian Navy and Indian Naval Academy?
The Navy is the armed force; INA is the training institute for officers.
Official website of INA?
Refer to the Indian Navy official portal.