The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), an Armed Force of the Union operating under the Ministry of Defence, has officially released the detailed recruitment notification for the 01/2026 Batch on 29 October 2026. This central recruitment drive offers prestigious uniformed career opportunities for Indian male citizens across three distinct cadres: Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), and Yantrik (Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics/Telecommunication). A total of 320 vacancies have been advertised for direct appointment following a rigorous four-stage recruitment process known as the Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT).
For aspirants seeking an adventurous career at sea combined with job security, lucrative pay structures under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), and military honors, this recruitment drive is a prime opportunity. Below is an exhaustive, authoritative advisory on eligibility conditions, category-wise vacancy distribution, selection stages, physical fitness benchmarks, and step-by-step guidance to submit your online application seamlessly.
Recruitment Overview & Key Highlights
The Indian Coast Guard ensures maritime security, marine environmental protection, and law enforcement in India's ocean zones. Cadre allocation in ICG depends on specific technical and non-technical qualifications. Candidates must review the administrative and operational summary of the recruitment process before initiating their applications.
Important Dates & Official Schedule
Candidates must carefully monitor the timetable for the CGEPT 01/2026 batch. The registration window remains open for a limited period, and applicants must ensure all digital credentials, certificates, and thumb impressions are properly scanned and uploaded prior to the deadline.
Application Fee Structure & Payment Modes
The application fee must be deposited online through the secure C-DAC gateway using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Applications submitted without successful fee payment (where applicable) will be summarily rejected.
Post-Wise Educational Eligibility & Age Criteria
Educational qualifications and age limits vary based on the targeted post. Candidates must ensure that their educational board/institute is recognized by the Council of Boards for School Education (COBSE) or the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
Age Relaxation Policy
The upper age boundary is strictly enforced. However, statutory age relaxation is granted under Central Government directives as follows:
- SC/ST Candidates: Upper age relaxation of up to 5 years (Age limit relaxed up to 27 years).
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: Upper age relaxation of up to 3 years (Age limit relaxed up to 25 years).
Category-Wise & Cadre-Wise Vacancy Distribution
A total of 320 vacancies are distributed across cadres and reservation categories. Candidates are advised to review the cadre breakdown before filling out their preferences on the portal.
Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary & Service Benefits
Recruits in the Indian Coast Guard receive an attractive remuneration packet under the 7th CPC Matrix, along with allowances suited to maritime and military operations.
Key Service Allowances & Perquisites
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Calculated as per the revised Central Government rates.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) / Free Accommodation: Provided based on post station or government quarter availability.
- Ration Allowance / Free Rations: Granted as per service entitlement.
- Medical Cover: Free medical treatment for self and dependent family members through Military Hospitals and CG Empanelled Hospitals.
- Canteen & Travel Privileges: Access to Canteen Stores Department (CSD) facilities and Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
- Insurance Cover: Contributory insurance cover of ₹50 Lakhs for personnel.
Selection Process, CGEPT Stages & Detailed Exam Pattern
The recruitment process for the Indian Coast Guard follows four consecutive stages. Qualifying in each stage is mandatory for progression to the next phase of evaluation.
Stage-I: Computer Based Examination (CBT)
The Stage-I exam consists of objective-type multiple-choice tests divided into specific sections depending on the post applied for. Candidates must achieve minimum passing marks in each section individually.
Breakdown of Exam Sections
- Section I: Maths (20 Qs), Science (10 Qs), English (15 Qs), Reasoning (10 Qs), GK (5 Qs). Syllabus based on Class 10th standard.
- Section II: Physics (25 Qs), Mathematics (25 Qs). Syllabus based on Class 12th standard (Maths & Physics).
- Section III: Electrical Engineering subjects (50 Qs) as per Diploma standard.
- Section IV: Electronics Engineering subjects (50 Qs) as per Diploma standard.
- Section V: Mechanical Engineering subjects (50 Qs) as per Diploma standard.
Note: There is NO negative marking in the Stage-I written examination.
To prepare effectively for the general awareness and reasoning sections, candidates can utilize our Daily Current Affairs Quiz (25 MCQs) and evaluate their readiness through our comprehensive Free Mock Test Series.
Stage-II: Assessment Test, Physical Fitness Test (PFT) & Initial Document Verification
Candidates qualifying Stage-I based on merit and cut-offs will be issued Stage-II admit cards. Stage-II consists of:
- Assessment Test: OMR-based adaptivity check to assess candidate aptitude for military conditions.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Must be completed in continuous flow:
- 1.6 Km Run: To be completed within 7 minutes.
- Squats (Uthak Baithak): 20 repetitions.
- Push-ups: 10 repetitions.
- Initial Document Verification: Strict verification of original certificates against data submitted in the online application form. Any mismatch results in immediate disqualification.
Stage-III: Document Verification & Final Medical Examination at INS Chilka
Shortlisted candidates who clear Stage-II are called to INS Chilka for Stage-III. This stage involves final document verification and comprehensive medical examination conducted by Armed Forces medical specialists.
Stage-IV: Final Document Review & Enrollment
All original educational, identity, and category documents submitted by