Maiden 360 Degree appraisal system in Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has introduced a groundbreaking “360 Degree Appraisal Mechanism” as part of its efforts to enhance the professional and personal development of its personnel. This initiative aims to revolutionize the existing appraisal process, which primarily relies on periodic Confidential Reports submitted by senior officers and follows a ‘Top-down’ approach.

The new appraisal mechanism seeks to address the limitations of the existing system by incorporating a broader perspective. It involves conducting large-scale surveys among peers and subordinates who work with each officer being considered for promotion. These surveys encompass a wide range of questions, covering areas such as professional knowledge, leadership qualities, suitability in war or crisis situations, and potential for higher-ranking positions.

The collected inputs from these surveys are then quantified and analyzed independently by a designated Board of Officers, led by a Flag Officer. The results of this appraisal are also provided as feedback to the officers under consideration, with the aim of facilitating behavioral changes and improvements.

This 360 Degree Appraisal Mechanism aligns with international best practices seen in various national and international learning organizations. The Indian Navy’s commitment to adopting such best practices underscores its dedication to being a “Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Proof Force.”