The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 02/25 batch of trainees was conducted at INS Chilka on January 8, 2026, marking the successful completion of 16 weeks of ab-initio training. Held as an impressive post-sunset ceremonial parade, the event symbolised the transformation of trainees into disciplined, resilient and combat-ready naval professionals.
The batch comprised 2,172 trainees, including 2,103 Agniveers—among them 113 women Agniveers—along with 270 SSR (Medical Assistants), 44 sports entry personnel of the Indian Navy, and 295 Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard.
Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, reviewed the parade as the Chief Guest. Commodore B Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer, INS Chilka, served as the Conducting Officer. The ceremony was attended by senior naval officers, veterans, eminent sports personalities, dignitaries and family members of the trainees.
The parade reflected the high standards of drill, discipline and professionalism achieved during training. The participation of women Agniveers alongside their male counterparts highlighted the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to inclusivity and gender neutrality in operational roles.
Addressing the gathering, the FOC-in-C (South) congratulated the trainees and urged them to continually sharpen their professional skills, remain technologically adept, and uphold the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour and Courage. He called upon them to serve the nation with determination and integrity, while also acknowledging the vital support of parents in nurturing the Agniveers. The Chief Guest also lauded Team Chilka for its sustained efforts in shaping the future of the Navy and the nation.
During the ceremony, medals and trophies were awarded to meritorious trainees. Sashi B Kenchavagol and Jatin Mishra received the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer (SSR) and Best Agniveer (MR) respectively. Anita Yadav was awarded the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer in overall order of merit. Keshav Suryavanshi and Sonendra were declared Best Navik (GD) and Best Navik (DB) respectively.
Earlier, at the Valedictory Function, Kharavela Division won the Overall Championship Trophy, while Ashok Division finished as runners-up. The occasion also saw the release of the second edition of Ankur 2025, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, capturing the experiences and transformative journey of the Agniveers.