Indian Navy Agniveer Exam Pattern 2026: INET, PFT and Stage II

The Indian Navy Agniveer exam pattern has two stages. Stage I is the Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET), a computer-based test. Stage II has a Physical Fitness Test (PFT), a written exam that repeats the INET pattern, and a recruitment medical. SSR and MR have different paper sizes, so the numbers you need depend on your entry.

This page explains questions, marks, time, negative marking, qualifying rules and PFT standards for the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches. It also shows what the pattern means for your preparation. Where a detail could not be confirmed from the notification, it is marked clearly.

Table of Contents

• Exam pattern at a glance

• Stage I: INET pattern

• Stage II pattern

• Marking scheme and negative marking

• What the pattern means for you

• Physical Fitness Test standards

• Merit and final selection

• Time management and exam-day tips

Exam pattern at a glance

Stage I: INET pattern

Both papers are bilingual in Hindi and English, with four options per question and one correct answer. You must pass each section and the aggregate, and the Navy sets the pass marks. The notification does not give the question count for each section.

Candidates select three exam city preferences, but the Navy may assign any centre. Reporting more than 30 minutes after the stated reporting time means you will not be allowed to appear.

Who skips INET

Verified sponsored candidates and NCC 'C' certificate holders are exempt from INET and get a direct Stage II call-up. The notification also says the Navy may shortlist on Class 10 or Class 12 board marks if INET cannot be held.

Stage II pattern

Stage II comes after INET shortlisting, and each batch has its own Stage II. The order is fixed.

1. Physical Fitness Test: Mandatory, and candidates attend at their own risk.

2. Written exam: Only for candidates who clear the PFT, in the same format as INET.

3. Recruitment medical: For PFT qualifiers. A candidate found unfit can ask for a review at a designated military hospital within 5 days.

Tentative Stage II timing is October 2026 for the 01/2027 batch and March 2027 for the 02/2027 batch. These dates can change, so rely on your candidate login.

Marking scheme and negative marking

• Correct answer: One mark for each correct answer.

• Wrong answer: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.

• Unattempted question: The notification does not mention a deduction for blanks.

• Qualifying rule: You must pass every section and the overall aggregate.

What the pattern means for you

• Marks per question: Every question is worth one mark in both papers, so an easy question in any section is worth as much as a hard one.

• Cost of a wrong guess: Four wrong answers cancel one correct answer, so guess only when you can remove two options.

• Time per question: Both papers allow about 36 seconds a question, so quick arithmetic and fast reading are essential.

• Sectional risk: A weak section can disqualify you even with a high total, so keep a minimum standard in every section.

• Where effort goes: Because shortlisting is state-wise, aim to score well above the safe minimum rather than a bare pass.

Older pages may still show earlier patterns, so follow the official notification.

Physical Fitness Test standards

The squat count for women is not clear in the notification text we reviewed, so read it on the official portal. Failing any single event means you do not qualify. Sports and swimming skills are desirable but not mandatory.

Merit and final selection

The provisional select list is prepared from Stage II written exam marks, subject to PFT and medical clearance. For MR, the notification mentions all-India merit ranking for men and women separately. Ties are broken in favour of the older candidate. INET marks decide who is shortlisted state-wise.

Time management and exam-day tips

• First pass: Answer the questions you are sure of in about two-thirds of the time.

• Second pass: Return to skipped questions and attempt only those where you can remove options.

• Reach early: Carry your admit card and original documents, and keep phones out of the exam premises.

For the latest official pattern, check the Join Indian Navy portal.