INS Chilka Set to Host Passing Out Parade for 02/25 Batch of Agniveer Trainees

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 05, 2026 – The Indian Navy is prepared to celebrate a major training milestone as the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the 02/25 batch of trainees is scheduled to take place at INS Chilka on January 8, 2026.

This event marks the successful completion of 16 weeks of rigorous ab-initio training designed to prepare new sailors for the complexities of modern naval operations. The graduating class consists of approximately 2,700 trainees, including 2,100 Agniveers, of whom more than 110 are women.

Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, will serve as the Chief Guest and review the post-sunset ceremony, which will be attended by families of the trainees, distinguished veterans, and eminent sports personalities.

Beyond the parade, the Chief Guest will preside over a valedictory function to present awards and trophies to meritorious trainees and the Champion Division, alongside the unveiling of the bilingual trainees’ magazine, ‘Ankur’.

The ceremony highlights the pivotal role of INS Chilka in transforming recruits into resilient, disciplined sailors capable of serving on advanced naval platforms. For those unable to attend in person, the Passing Out Parade will be live-streamed across the Indian Navy’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on the regional Doordarshan network.