Commodore Udai Rao was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1st Jan, 1974. During his 32 years of naval service, he has served in various appointments, both ashore and afloat, with rich command, staff and administrative experience. He has commanded three frontline ships, INS Kavaratti, INS Hosdurg and INS Gomati as also other shore units. He holds an MSc (Defence studies) degree from Madras University and is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington. He has subsequently also been a Directing Staff on the faculty of DSSC Wellington.