INS Chilka witnessed a grand Passing Out Parade (POP) of Batch 02/26 on November 13, 2026, marking the successful completion of ab initio training by 3,358 trainees of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. The parade marked a significant milestone in their careers as the trainees prepared to join the maritime forces as disciplined, proficient and motivated Sea Warriors, ready to embrace the challenges of life at sea.
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. The diverse composition of the batch reflected the participation of personnel from different streams who successfully completed their initial training at the naval training establishment.
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Krishna Swaminathan attended the ceremony as the 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, dignitaries from civil and military establishments, veterans, students and family members of the passing-out trainees.
The proceedings commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Chilka War Memorial, where homage was paid to the brave personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. The ceremony was followed by an impressive march past by the passing-out trainees, marking the formal culmination of their training and their transition towards service in the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
Addressing the parade, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan complimented the trainees for their immaculate turnout and the high standards of drill displayed during the ceremony. He noted that their performance reflected the quality of training imparted at INS Chilka. The Reviewing Officer exhorted the trainees to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and professionalism throughout their careers.
He also emphasised the importance of remaining adaptable to the evolving demands of maritime operations. The trainees were encouraged to discharge their duties with pride, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the nation as they prepared to take on their responsibilities in the maritime forces.
The CNS congratulated the passing-out trainees and felicitated meritorious performers with trophies and medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements during training. 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 adjudged Best Navik (GD) and Best Navik (DB), respectively. The awards recognised their exceptional performance and dedication throughout the training programme.
The Passing Out Parade was preceded by a Valedictory Function held on November 12, 2026, showcasing the training activities and achievements of Batch 02/26. During the function, Marakkar Division was awarded the Overall Championship Trophy, while Shivaji Division secured the runner-up position. Distinguished veterans and meritorious trainees were also felicitated during the occasion.
A key highlight of the Valedictory Function was the unveiling of Ankur, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka. The magazine chronicles the experiences, achievements and memorable moments of the batch during its training journey, documenting an important phase in the lives of the trainees.
The successful completion of ab initio training by 3,358 personnel marks an important occasion for INS Chilka and the trainees’ respective services. With 2,756 Agniveers, 286 Medical Assistants and 316 Coast Guard Naviks passing out, Batch 02/26 represents a new cohort of trained personnel preparing to undertake their duties in the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. The ceremony brought together the trainees, their families, serving personnel and veterans to mark the beginning of their professional journey at sea.
