Artificer Apprentices are technical sailors who, after a 4-year training programme, become Artificers — the backbone of the Navy's technical maintenance force. Artificers work on the propulsion systems, electrical systems, weapons systems, and electronic/communication equipment of naval warships and submarines. The AA category is considered one of the most prestigious enrolled sailor entries due to the high PCM requirement and the advanced technical training provided. After qualifying the Artificer's examination, AAs are promoted to the Petty Officer rank.

Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, achieving a minimum aggregate of 60% marks in PCM. English must also be studied as a subject. This 60% PCM minimum makes the AA entry more selective than SSR (which requires 55% in aggregate). Age limit is 17 to 20 years. Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.

The Navy AA written test is demanding due to its time constraint: 100 questions in just 30 minutes means candidates must answer one question every 18 seconds. The questions cover Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the Class 11–12 level, and the conceptual difficulty is higher than most other enrolled sailor entries. Questions on differentiation, integration, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry fundamentals appear regularly. Speed and accuracy are both critical, and the negative marking of 0.25 discourages random guessing.

Artificer Apprentices undergo a 4-year residential training programme at INS Chilka (basic training) followed by technical training at the Naval Training Establishment. The training covers advanced engineering subjects, hands-on maintenance of naval equipment, seamanship, naval discipline, and physical fitness. Upon successful completion of all phases and the Artificer's qualifying examination, AAs are promoted and classified as Artificers in their respective trades (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Ordnance). The training is equivalent to a polytechnic diploma level.

Artificers are among the best-paid and most career-progressive enrolled sailors in the Indian Navy. After qualification, they receive additional technical pay and faster promotions compared to non-technical categories. Career progression goes from Artificer to Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Petty Officer, and ultimately Commissioned Officer ranks for outstanding performers through the departmental commission scheme. The technical skills acquired make ex-Artificers highly sought after in the maritime, defence, and engineering industries on leaving service.