Indian Coast Guard Recruitment Guide — Entry Schemes and Selection

What is Indian Coast Guard Recruitment?

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime armed force under the Ministry of Defence responsible for coastal security, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine environment protection. The Coast Guard recruits officers and enrolled personnel (Navik and Yantrik) through periodic recruitment drives.

The ICG offers a rewarding career combining maritime operations, national security, and adventure.

Officer Entry Schemes

Assistant Commandant (General Duty)

• Qualification: Bachelor's degree with 60% marks AND Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level (60%)
• Age: Below 25 years
• Commission: Permanent/Short Service

Assistant Commandant (GD — Pilot/Navigator)

• Qualification: Bachelor's degree with 60% marks AND Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 (60%)
• Age: Below 25 years (pilot), Below 25 years (navigator)
• Must pass PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test)

Assistant Commandant (Technical — Mechanical/Electrical)

• Qualification: BE/BTech in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics Engineering with 60%
• Age: Below 30 years
• Duration: Permanent commission

Assistant Commandant (Law)

• Qualification: LLB with 60% marks
• Age: Below 30 years

Assistant Commandant (Commercial Pilot License — CPL)

• Qualification: CPL holders from DGCA-approved FTO
• Age: Below 25 years

Enrolled Personnel Entry Schemes

Navik (General Duty)

• Qualification: 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics (60% aggregate)
• Age: 18-22 years
• Role: Ship operations, navigation, communication

Navik (Domestic Branch)

• Qualification: 10th pass with 50% marks
• Age: 18-22 years
• Role: Catering, housekeeping, stores

Yantrik

• Qualification: Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics Engineering with 60%
• Age: 18-22 years
• Role: Technical maintenance of ships, aircraft, and equipment

Note: All enrolled personnel entries are now under the Agniveer scheme (4-year engagement, 25% retention).

Selection Process

For Officers (Assistant Commandant)

1. Preliminary Selection

   • Online application screening
   • Mental ability test, picture perception, and discussion test at Selection Board

2. Stage I (FSB — Final Selection Board)

   • Psychological tests
   • Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks
   • Personal interview
   • Duration: 5 days

3. Medical Examination

   • At military hospitals
   • Vision: 6/6 for GD and Pilot entries
   • Strict physical and medical standards

4. Document Verification and Merit List

   • DGHQ publishes the final merit list

For Enrolled Personnel (Navik/Yantrik)

1. Stage I: Online Exam

   • Mathematics, Science, English, General Awareness, Reasoning
   • Duration: 60 minutes
   • Negative marking applies

2. Stage II: Physical Fitness Test

   • 1.6 km run in 7 minutes
   • 20 squats, 10 push-ups
   • Swimming (must be able to learn during training)

3. Stage III: Document Verification

   • Original certificates and marks sheets

4. Stage IV: Medical Examination

   • Comprehensive medical check

5. Merit List

   • Zone-wise merit based on exam score

Training

Officer Training

• INS Mandovi, Goa (Naval training)
• CGTC Mangalore (Coast Guard-specific training)
• Duration: Approximately 22-52 weeks depending on entry
• Covers navigation, seamanship, law of the sea, and maritime operations

Enrolled Personnel Training

• INS Chilka, Odisha (basic training — 16 weeks)
• Specialized training at Coast Guard establishments
• Professional courses throughout career

Salary and Benefits

Officers

Enrolled Personnel (Agniveer)

Benefits for All

• Free accommodation and messing
• Medical cover (ECHS after retirement for permanent cadre)
• Canteen and CSD facilities
• Group insurance and pension (permanent cadre)
• Maritime and adventure activities
• Posting at coastal stations — Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Vizag, Port Blair

Application Process

1. Visit joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in
2. Register with valid email and Aadhaar
3. Apply for the relevant entry when notification is published
4. Fill in personal, educational, and physical details
5. Upload photograph and signature
6. No application fee for most entries
7. Download admit card when available

Important Tips

• Coast Guard is smaller and less competitive than Army/Navy/Air Force — higher chances of selection
• Maritime interest is valued — research Coast Guard operations, roles, and recent achievements before interview
• Physical fitness and swimming — Coast Guard operations are maritime; be comfortable with water
• Coastal postings — be prepared for posting in port cities and island territories
• Multiple notification cycles — Coast Guard publishes recruitment notifications 3-4 times per year; keep checking the website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coast Guard part of the military?

The Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Defence but is not technically part of the military (Army/Navy/Air Force). However, Coast Guard officers hold equivalent ranks and receive similar pay and benefits.

Can women join the Coast Guard?

Yes, women can join as officers (Assistant Commandant) through specific entries. Enrolled personnel entries are currently for male candidates.

What is the difference between Navy and Coast Guard?

The Navy focuses on national defence and war-fighting. The Coast Guard handles coastal security, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, pollution control, and anti-smuggling operations. Both operate at sea but have different mandates.

Is there a written exam for Coast Guard officer entry?

Coast Guard officer entry does not have a traditional written exam. Selection is through a Selection Board process similar to SSB, including mental ability tests, psychological tests, GTO tasks, and interview.

What is the retirement age in the Coast Guard?

Officers retire between 54-58 years depending on rank. Enrolled personnel (permanent cadre) retire at 42-52 years depending on rank.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the Indian Coast Guard. Visit indiancoastguard.gov.in for official information.