What does a newly initiated Freemason in India do next?

An Entered Apprentice rises to be a Master Mason in due course, passing through the Second Degree of Fellowcraft (the Grand Lodge of India states). To take this next step, an Entered Apprentice is examined in his proficiency before being passed to the Fellow Craft Degree (the Grand Lodge of India states).

As part of this preparation for advancement, every Entered Apprentice is required to learn by heart a part of the ritual and ceremonies through which he has passed 4, which includes memorising the definition of Freemasonry as part of his progress (the Grand Lodge of India states). Historical practice required operative apprentices to labour seven years, but in speculative Masonry this has shrunk to a minimum of one month before an initiate may seek advancement 4.

Once he has demonstrated suitable proficiency before the lodge or a committee 4, he may be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, which is considered a stepping-stone toward the degree of Master Mason 1. In this second degree, the candidate assumes new duties toward his fellows and takes upon himself obligations not entrusted to an Entered Apprentice 1.

Advancement is not automatic; a lodge retains the right to ballot on an Entered Apprentice's application to pass to the second degree 2. If moral objections exist, these are tested by trial, but a candidate for advancement generally maintains the right to apply at regular meetings once prepared 3.

Instruction in the ritual relies on oral transmission, traditionally described as mouth-to-ear instruction for the secret work, alongside printed texts for non-secret portions 4. Because unprinted ritual is handed down directly from person to person, meticulous care is required during instruction to preserve the traditional phrases accurately over time without introducing accidental alterations 4.

The responsibility to instruct an Entered Apprentice derives from ancient operative custom. Early Masonic documents, such as the Regius Manuscript, explicitly charged the Master to teach his apprentice thoroughly 3. The Charges of 1723 similarly directed that a younger brother be instructed in working to prevent spoiling the materials through lack of judgment 3. In turn, the initiate bears a corresponding obligation to receive and profit by those instructions until he achieves a full comprehension of the degree 3.

This process of learning culminates in demonstrating suitable proficiency before advancement 3. The candidate is required to undergo an examination in open lodge upon the subjects taught in the Entered Apprentice degree, allowing the members present to inspect his knowledge and judge his fitness for progress 3.

An Entered Apprentice is expected to memorize the ritual test questions and answers required for his degree proficiency, while studying, abiding by, and fulfilling his duties under the Constitutions, Rules, and Bylaws (the Grand Lodge of India states). Symbolically, an Entered Apprentice works upon the Rough Ashlar—representing the unformed mind—applying Masonic labor and knowledge to polish it into shape (the Grand Lodge of India states).

During this period, an Entered Apprentice is taught foundational moral and ethical principles, which encompass a duty to God or spiritual devotion, a duty to self, and an altruistic duty to those less fortunate (the Regional Grand Lodge of Northern India notes). Anyone entering the fraternity is expected to understand its high ideals and actively put into practice its motto of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, carrying outside the lodge the duties and virtues learned within it (the Grand Lodge of India states).

A Mason is further expected to remain patriotic and loyal to his country and the fraternity at all times (the Grand Lodge of India states). He is expected to treat charity as a primary characteristic, treat others as he would wish to be treated, and contribute positively to Freemasonry rather than seeking personal benefit (the Grand Lodge of India states).