COMMISSIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND ENROLMENTSCentral

Section 13 of The Navy Act, 1957

Every officer and every 1[sailor] shall, as soon as may be, after appointment or enrolment make and subscribe before the commanding officer of the ship to which he belongs, or the prescribed officer an oath or affirmation in the following form, that is to say:-- "I.........................do swear in the name of God Solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully serve in the naval service and go wherever ordered by sea, land or air, and that I will observe and obey all commands of the President and the commands of any superior officer set over me, even to the peril of my life.".

Summary

Section 13 requires every officer and sailor to make and subscribe an oath or affirmation.
This pledge must happen as soon as possible after they are appointed or enrolled.
The person must take this oath before the commanding officer of their ship or another prescribed officer.
The oath includes a promise of true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
It also includes a promise to honestly serve, go wherever ordered, and obey all commands even at the risk of their life.

Practical examples

1Sunita is newly appointed as an officer in the Navy in March 2026. Shortly after her appointment, she stands before her commanding officer and solemnly affirms that she will bear true faith to the Constitution and obey all commands.

2Dev enrolls as a sailor and is assigned to his first ship. On his first day aboard, the prescribed officer gathers the new recruits to read the exact wording of the oath aloud, pledging their service by sea, land, or air, even to the peril of their lives.

FAQ

1. Who must take the oath under Section 13 of The Navy Act, 1957?

Every officer and every sailor must take the oath or affirmation as soon as possible after their appointment or enrolment under Section 13 of the naval law.

2. Before whom is the oath taken according to Section 13 of the naval statute?

According to Section 13 of The Navy Act, 1957, the oath is taken before the commanding officer of the ship to which the person belongs or before a prescribed officer.

3. Does Section 13 of the 1957 Navy Act allow a person to affirm instead of swearing to God?

Yes, Section 13 of the Act provides the option to either swear in the name of God or to solemnly affirm the pledge.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 13 of The Navy Act, 1957, which of the following is a specific promise included in the text of the oath?

Q2.According to Section 13 of The Navy Act, 1957, where must the person promise to go when ordered?

Q3.Under Section 13 of the 1957 naval act, whose commands does the oath specifically require the officer or sailor to obey?

Q4.Based on Section 13 of The Navy Act, 1957, to what extent must a person obey commands?

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