The Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry selects Class 12 students to pursue a 4-year B.Tech degree at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kerala, and is conducted through the UPSC NDA & Naval Academy Examination. The Navy's separate 10+2 B.Tech entry (via Navy's own written test) may lead to B.Tech at IIST or other institutions. Both lead to commissioning as Sub-Lieutenants in the Executive Branch, but the Naval Academy entry is specifically for the INA programme and uses the NDA exam format for Physics and Mathematics.

The Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala in Kerala is one of the largest Naval academies in Asia. Established in 2009, it serves as the premier training institution for officer cadets of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The campus spans over 2,500 acres with state-of-the-art facilities including simulators, sailing ships, and a sailing school. Cadets undergo a rigorous 4-year B.Tech programme combined with naval training, emerging as commissioned Sub-Lieutenants.

The written examination for Naval Academy Cadet Entry is conducted by UPSC as part of the NDA & Naval Academy Examination. The paper consists of Mathematics (300 marks) covering Class 11–12 Maths including Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Vectors, Statistics, and Probability, and a General Ability Test which for Naval Academy focuses on Physics. Questions are at Class 11–12 level but require deep conceptual understanding. Candidates who qualify the written test are called for the SSB interview.

Physical standards include minimum height of 157 cm, proportionate weight (typically 50 kg minimum), and chest measurement of 77–82 cm with 5 cm expansion. Eyesight must be 6/6 without glasses for the Executive Branch (correctable to 6/6 is insufficient for the Executive Branch; however, candidates with certain corrected vision may be eligible for Engineering Branch). Colour vision must be normal (CP-I). Candidates undergo medical examination at INHS Asvini (Mumbai) or INS Kalyani after SSB recommendation.

After completing the 4-year B.Tech and training at the Naval Academy, cadets are commissioned as Sub-Lieutenants in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. They typically serve as navigating officers, communications officers, or operations officers on warships. After mandatory sea time and qualifying examinations, they can specialise in Submarines, Naval Aviation (as pilots), Hydrography, Information Technology, or Anti-Submarine Warfare. The career path can lead up to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet, the highest rank in the Indian Navy.