New Delhi

Rear Admiral S.M. Urooj Athar has assumed office as the Principal of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, stepping into one of the Indian Navy's most significant leadership roles in officer training and military education.

A seasoned naval officer commissioned in February 1992, Rear Admiral Athar brings more than 34 years of distinguished service spanning operational assignments, scientific specialisation and academic leadership. His appointment reflects the Navy's continued focus on strengthening professional military education while preparing officers for the demands of a rapidly evolving maritime environment.

Rear Admiral S M Urooj Athar assumed charge as Principal, @IN_NavalAcademy.

Commissioned into the #indiannavy in February 1992, he is an Electronics Engineer from #AMU and a specialist in Meteorology, Oceanography, Satellite Meteorology from #IMDPune and #SACAhmedabad.

He is… pic.twitter.com/4iMu8F1zt3

— Indian Naval Academy (@IN_NavalAcademy) August 2, 2026

An Electronics Engineering graduate from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Rear Admiral Athar has developed deep expertise in Meteorology, Oceanography and Satellite Meteorology. He underwent advanced training at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune, and the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, contributing significantly to the Navy's environmental and maritime operational planning capabilities.

His academic credentials also include higher military education at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, and the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, where he received advanced training in strategic leadership and defence management.

Before taking over at INA, Ezhimala, Rear Admiral Athar headed the Directorate of Naval Education at Naval Headquarters. In that role, he was instrumental in modernising education policies, refining training curricula and strengthening professional development across the Navy. He also served as Commodore (Naval Education) and Vice Chairperson of the Naval Education Society (NES), overseeing the administration and growth of the Navy's educational institutions nationwide.

As Principal of the Indian Naval Academy, Rear Admiral Athar will lead the institution responsible for shaping the next generation of Indian Navy officers. The Academy imparts comprehensive military, academic, physical and leadership training to cadets across multiple branches, equipping them to meet the challenges of modern naval warfare and maritime security.

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With his rare combination of operational experience, scientific knowledge and educational leadership, Rear Admiral S.M. Urooj Athar is expected to further strengthen the Academy's reputation for excellence and help produce future-ready naval leaders committed to safeguarding India's maritime interests.