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Joining the Indian Armed Forces is a matter of pride and honor, and if you aspire to go a step further and become part of one of India’s most elite and secretive special forces, then the MARCOS (Marine Commandos) might be your ultimate goal. Known for their stealth, strength, and specialization in amphibious warfare, MARCOS is often compared to the Navy SEALs of the United States. But how does one become a MARCOS Commando?
This detailed guide will walk you through the complete process, from eligibility to training, selection phases, physical requirements, and more.
Who are MARCOS Commandos?
MARCOS, short for Marine Commandos, is a Special Forces unit of the Indian Navy. They are trained to operate in sea, air, and land—earning them the nickname "Three-dimensional warriors." Their tasks include hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, sabotage missions, and anti-piracy operations. Due to the intensity of their missions, the selection and training process is extremely tough and only a handful make it through.
Eligibility Criteria to Join MARCOS
How to become a MARCOS Commando, there are some basic qualifications that one must meet. Here are the eligibility criteria:
How to Join Indian Navy First?
Since only Navy personnel can apply for MARCOS, you must first join the Indian Navy. You can enter the Navy through one of the following methods:
Once you join the Navy, you can volunteer for the MARCOS selection process.
Selection Process for MARCOS Commandos
The MARCOS selection process is one of the toughest in the Indian Armed Forces. It is divided into the following phases: 1. Pre-Selection Phase (Screening)
Only a small percentage clear this stage. 2. Selection Phase
Physical and Mental Requirements
To become a MARCOS Commando, you need to be in top physical shape and mentally strong. Some requirements include:
Psychological endurance is tested through simulated combat conditions and stress-inducing environments.
Training Facilities
MARCOS training is conducted at multiple specialized training centers:
The training involves:
Salary and Perks of MARCOS Commando
MARCOS Commandos are compensated well for their expertise and risk. Their salary includes:
For a complete breakdown of pay, roles, training, and uniforms, you can refer to this detailed guide:
https://
This detailed guide will walk you through the complete process, from eligibility to training, selection phases, physical requirements, and more.
Who are MARCOS Commandos?
MARCOS, short for Marine Commandos, is a Special Forces unit of the Indian Navy. They are trained to operate in sea, air, and land—earning them the nickname "Three-dimensional warriors." Their tasks include hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, sabotage missions, and anti-piracy operations. Due to the intensity of their missions, the selection and training process is extremely tough and only a handful make it through.
Eligibility Criteria to Join MARCOS
How to become a MARCOS Commando, there are some basic qualifications that one must meet. Here are the eligibility criteria:
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Age: The candidate should be between 18 to 25 years old.
- Educational Qualification: The minimum educational requirement is a 10+2 pass (Class 12). Most candidates are serving naval personnel.
- Service: Only serving personnel of the Indian Navy (officers and sailors) are allowed to volunteer for MARCOS. Civilians cannot directly apply.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must have excellent physical and mental health as per military standards.
How to Join Indian Navy First?
Since only Navy personnel can apply for MARCOS, you must first join the Indian Navy. You can enter the Navy through one of the following methods:
- For Officers:
- NDA (National Defence Academy)
- CDS (Combined Defence Services Examination)
- INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test)
- For Sailors:
- MR (Matric Recruit)
- SSR (Senior Secondary Recruit)
- AA (Artificer Apprentice)
Once you join the Navy, you can volunteer for the MARCOS selection process.
Selection Process for MARCOS Commandos
The MARCOS selection process is one of the toughest in the Indian Armed Forces. It is divided into the following phases: 1. Pre-Selection Phase (Screening)
- Physical fitness tests
- Psychological assessments
- Interview rounds
- Medical check-ups
Only a small percentage clear this stage. 2. Selection Phase
- A rigorous 3-day process that involves extreme physical and mental challenges
- Includes long-distance runs, obstacle courses, long hours without food or sleep, and water survival tests
- Known as "Hell Week," where many candidates drop out
- Lasts 6 months to 1 year
- Intense training in parachuting, diving, weapons handling, counter-insurgency, demolition, and more
- Only those who successfully complete probation become full-fledged MARCOS Commandos
Physical and Mental Requirements
To become a MARCOS Commando, you need to be in top physical shape and mentally strong. Some requirements include:
- Running 5 km in under 20 minutes
- 25 push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups each in under 1 minute
- Excellent swimming skills
- Ability to perform tasks under high stress, sleep deprivation, and fear
Psychological endurance is tested through simulated combat conditions and stress-inducing environments.
Training Facilities
MARCOS training is conducted at multiple specialized training centers:
- INS Abhimanyu, Mumbai – Main training hub for MARCOS
- Indian Navy Diving School, Kochi
- Army’s Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), Mizoram
- High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), Gulmarg
The training involves:
- Combat diving
- Amphibious warfare
- Skydiving and free-fall jumps
- Unarmed combat
- Mountain warfare
- Urban counter-terror operations
Salary and Perks of MARCOS Commando
MARCOS Commandos are compensated well for their expertise and risk. Their salary includes:
- Basic pay according to naval rankance
- Risk and hardship allowance
- Free accommodation and rations
- Medical facilities for self and family
- Insurance coverage
For a complete breakdown of pay, roles, training, and uniforms, you can refer to this detailed guide:
https://