[4] He was assigned to the minesweeper HMIS Carnatic on 19 October 1942,[5] and was promoted lieutenant on 1 July 1943.

[13] He then served as Director National Cadet Corps for Gujarat for a year, and was appointed Naval Officer-in-Charge, Goa in 1964.

[10] On 23 December 1968, Kulkarni was promoted acting rear admiral and appointed Chief of Material.

[15] In March 1973, he was promoted acting Vice admiral and appointed Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command.

[10] The appointment was subsequently upgraded,[13] and Kulkarni was promoted substantive vice-admiral on 27 October 1973.