The Indian Navy recruits Matric Recruits in three service trades: Chef (responsible for preparing food in naval messes and ships), Steward (responsible for serving officers in wardrooms and maintaining officers' messes), and Hygienist (responsible for health, sanitation, and preventive medicine support in naval establishments). Each trade involves specialised training after enrolment at the INS Chilka training centre before posting to operational units.

Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a government-recognised board. There is no requirement for higher education. Candidates aged between 17 and 20 years are eligible. This makes the Navy MR one of the most accessible entry points into the Indian Navy for candidates who have not pursued Class 11–12 or any technical qualification. Candidates must be Indian nationals and unmarried at the time of application.

The written test for Navy MR consists of 100 objective-type questions to be attempted in just 30 minutes, making speed a critical factor. The paper covers Science, Mathematics, and General Knowledge at the Class 10 level. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in the written test to proceed to the physical fitness test.

Navy MR candidates must meet minimum physical standards: height of 157 cm (with relaxation for candidates from hill states and tribal areas), weight of 50 kg minimum, and proportionate chest expansion. During the physical fitness test, candidates are required to complete a 1.6 km run within 7 minutes, followed by 20 squats (Uthak-Baithak) and 10 push-ups. Candidates who clear the written test are called for physical and medical examination at the nearest Naval Selection Centre.

Matric Recruits join the Navy at the lowest enrolled rank and can be promoted to Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, and Master Chief Petty Officer over a service career of 15–20 years. Talented MRs who qualify the qualifying examinations can also be upgraded to the Sailor category and eventually to JCO equivalent ranks. They receive all Naval benefits including accommodation, medical facilities, education grants for children, and pension on completion of qualifying service.