- Largest-ever batch: More than 3,300 trainees to complete 16 weeks of intensive ab-initio training at INS Chilka
- Historic milestone: Ninth batch of Indian Navy Agniveers and Indian Coast Guard Naviks to pass out together
- Naval leadership: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan to review the parade on Friday
- Beyond physical fitness: Integrated training builds academic proficiency, swimming skills, leadership, discipline and mental resilience
- Honouring excellence: Meritorious trainees to receive awards; bilingual magazine Ankur to be unveiled
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, NOV 9
More than 3,300 young men and women are poised to take a decisive step towards serving the nation at sea, as INS Chilka prepares to stage the largest-ever Passing Out Parade in its history on Friday-November 13, 2026. The ceremony will mark the successful completion of 16 weeks of intensive foundational training by the ninth batch of Agniveers of the Indian Navy and Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard, signalling the beginning of their professional journey in India’s maritime security establishment.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer at the parade, which will showcase the transformation of young recruits into disciplined, physically agile, mentally resilient and professionally prepared personnel.
Training that goes beyond the parade ground
INS Chilka, the Indian Navy’s premier ab-initio training establishment, has designed an integrated curriculum that combines academic instruction with physical conditioning, swimming, parade training, outdoor activities and camp exercises. The programme seeks to equip trainees with the foundational skills and adaptability required for the demanding responsibilities of maritime service.
Alongside professional preparedness, considerable emphasis is placed on character building, leadership, discipline, camaraderie and teamwork. The training also reinforces the core naval values of Duty, Honour and Courage — principles expected to guide the recruits throughout their careers.
A proud milestone for trainees and families
For the trainees, the Passing Out Parade will represent the culmination of an exacting training journey and the threshold of a new chapter in uniform. Their families, naval veterans and distinguished guests will witness the occasion, celebrating the commitment and perseverance that have brought the recruits to this milestone.
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 outstanding trainees, the champion division and the best instructor, recognising excellence in performance and contribution to the training programme.
The event will also feature the unveiling of Ankur, the bilingual magazine of the trainees, offering a platform to showcase their experiences, creativity and collective journey at INS Chilka.
The nation invited to witness the milestone
The Passing Out Parade will be streamed live on the Indian Navy’s official social media platforms, allowing people across the country to witness the ceremony and share in the achievement of the young recruits.
As the largest batch to graduate from INS Chilka, the ninth cohort represents a significant milestone for the establishment and a fresh generation of personnel preparing to shoulder responsibilities in India’s maritime domain.