More than 3,000 new personnel completed their initial training at INS Chilka on November 13, 2026, as Batch 02/26 passed out in a parade for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The 3,358 trainees are preparing to begin service in the maritime forces.
Batch composition and parade attendees
The batch comprised 2,756 Agniveers, including 142 women Agniveers, 286 Medical Assistants of the Indian Navy and 316 Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard.
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Krishna Swaminathan attended as Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, was also present, along with senior naval officers, civil and military dignitaries, veterans, students and family members of the trainees.
The ceremony began with a wreath-laying at the Chilka War Memorial to honour personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. A march past by the trainees followed, marking the formal conclusion of their training and their transition towards service in the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.
Naval Chief addresses trainees
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan praised the trainees’ turnout and drill, noting that their performance reflected the standard of training at INS Chilka. He urged them to maintain discipline, integrity and professionalism in their careers.
He also highlighted the need to adapt to changing demands in maritime operations and encouraged the trainees to perform their duties with pride, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the nation.
Training awards and valedictory function
The CNS congratulated the trainees and presented trophies and medals to meritorious performers. In the Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR) and Matric Recruit (MR) categories, the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Trainee were awarded to Nachiketa Sanasam, SSR (Med Asst), and Arbaz Amin, AVR (MR), respectively.
Deeksha, AVR (SSR), received the Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Trainee in the Overall Order of Merit. In the Indian Coast Guard categories, Amar Sakthi M, NVK (GD), and Arpit Sangwan, NVK (DB), were named Best Navik (GD) and Best Navik (DB), respectively.
The parade was preceded on November 12, 2026, by a Valedictory Function showcasing Batch 02/26’s training activities and achievements. Marakkar Division won the Overall Championship Trophy, while Shivaji Division took the runner-up position. Distinguished veterans and meritorious trainees were also felicitated.
The function also featured the unveiling of Ankur, INS Chilka’s bilingual trainees’ magazine. It records the batch’s experiences, achievements and memorable moments during its training journey.
With 3,358 personnel completing training, Batch 02/26 marks a new cohort preparing to take up duties in the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The parade brought trainees together with their families, serving personnel and veterans to mark the beginning of their professional journey at sea.
