One Of The Key Requirements Of Being A Submarine

Officer Is The Ability To Function Better Than A Normal

Human Even Without Much Sleep – An Indian Navy
Officer
JULY 7, 2018

Insights

1. As a Naval officer, your family will have to move around every few
years. This may be a positive thing for some as your kids learn to adjust
in different conditions and it may be a negative thing for some other.
 2. The cost of education is minimal, as Government of India takes care of
mostly all expenses.
3. Navy job is not for someone who works only for money.
4. Work-life balance is mostly good, as you have plenty of free time unless
there is an emergency, which is rare these days.
5. Because the costs associated with the training is less, the competition is
increasing every year and it is becoming harder to get in.

Personal Details

Name – Confidential

Profession – Naval Officer on an Indian Navy Submarine

Age – 23 years

Gender – Male

City – Kochi

Industry – Indian Navy

Where have you been born and raised?

I was born in Bhilai and raised around a lot of places, like Mumbai, Delhi,
Vizag. My father was a naval officer as well, my mother is a homemaker.
We used to move a lot during the years I grew up. Consequently, I’ve been to
nine different schools.

Who was the most influential figure in your life?

My parents have had the most influence on me. I always looked up to my

father and was inspired by his dedication to the nation and his principles.

My mother has been the one to instill values in me. I’ve always seen my father
being so proud to be of service to the nation, that’s what really made me want
to do the same as well.

Please give us a summary of your career.

I’ve studied for four and a half years at Indian Naval Academy, finished my
B.Tech. and have a few degrees in Military history as well. As of now, I’m
posted at Kochi Naval base.

Which institutes are best for education/training of Indian Navy?

There’s only one ​Indian Naval Academy​ in India which is in Kerala. It is the
largest naval academy in Asia.

What are the costs associated with the education/training of

this profession?
It’s a very economical course and the fee is very less. While studying here, we
only have to spend Rs. 3000/- INR per month.

How does one enter in this profession?

Entering into Navy can be done only by studying from Indian Naval Academy,
for which you have to crack ​NDA​ exam. This exam involves a written exam
followed by several other tests. These tests are conducted over a seven-day
long period.

Coming up first, there are psychological tests, known as ​SSB​ interview, where
your IQ is tested as well as your determination, reaction to high-pressure
situations, mindset and other behavioral factors are observed.

Then you have GDs (Group Discussions), where you’re tested on your
presentation skills, knowledge, and message delivery in a group.

The psychologists undertaking these tests come from ​DRDO​ (Defense

Research and Development Organization) where they’re particularly trained to
study the ideal behavior of personnel.

After these are done, you have to get your medical tests done.

Based on all the above, a merit list is prepared.

TIP: For cracking the Naval NDA exam, your stream in 12th should be PCM
(Not mandatory for joining Army) and you should have 70% or more
aggregate in your 12th exams (which is 65% for Army).
You should have a good command over English and also be updated about
the matters around the globe.

What is the range of remuneration one can expect when

starting out in your line of career & industry?

Starting out — 70,000 to 80,000 INR per month

5 years’ experience — 1.2 to 1.5 lakhs INR per month

10 years’ experience — 2 to 3 lakhs INR per month

I can’t say anything for sure for 10+ years of experience because it mostly
depends on pay commission, which not only changes every year but also
depends on your promotion status, which again depends on a lot of factors.

Please describe your work.

I usually sleep for 4 and a half hours a day. Generally, I wake up at 4:30 AM
and take my team for a workout.

Then I have breakfast at 7:30 AM and then work from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Then, I go for some outdoor activities, like swimming.

After 8 PM, I have my dinner and use the time for my personal interests.
What are some of the positives, which would encourage
someone to consider this job?

1. This is a very stable career and job security is high.

2. There’s always a sense of being in service to my nation and doing
something for the cause of million people’s safety.
3. The best part of this job is that due to the nature of work, our mental and
physical fitness remains at top notch.
4. There are several governmental perks associated with this profession.

What are some of the challenges that you would want someone
to be aware of when considering this career/job?

1. Being a team leader, my team members can trust me with anything. Be

it their family stresses, financial issues, personal problems, anything at
all. And to be a guiding or counseling so many problems at a time is not
exactly a piece of cake.
2. The work is very demanding, both physically and mentally.
3. Your life is always at risk and you need to be mentally prepared to give
up your life for your country.
4. Because the costs associated with the training is less, the competition is
increasing every year and it is becoming harder to get in.

What are the relevant skills that are considered commanding

premium in your job profile?

Other than being physically and mentally strong enough to withstand high
pressure and stress; one of the basic principles for anyone working in these
services is to be able to function better than a normal human being even after
going without several days of sleep. Situations might arrive where we may not
get enough sleep we need in emergencies; that’s when we are really tested.

Another factor, that you have to have a B.Tech degree since Navy is
technology oriented and you need to have the proper knowledge to
understand your work procedures.

Given another choice, what would you do differently as far as

your professional selections are concerned?

Never. When I do this job, I know it’s not just for me, but for the whole country.
I really wouldn’t leave this feeling for anything ever.

What kind of person would be happy in your career?

This isn’t the kind of job for someone who is money minded or works for the
sole purpose of working and living. Someone who is selfless, with a
tremendous amount of patriotism and will to be of service to their nation would
find this job to satisfy their heart.

What would be your advice to students or professionals who

are just starting their journey on a path similar to yours?

Be focused, and work hard. Dedication reaps results, without discrimination.

Contributing Writer - ​Varidhi Shrivastava

Liked this article? Check out ​our conversation with R&AW Officer​.

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