ICG Navik & Yantrik Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 320 Posts, Eligibility, Salary, Exam Pattern

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, officially released the detailed recruitment notification for the 01/2026 Batch on 28 October 2026. This national-level recruitment drive offers a total of 320 vacancies for young, enthusiastic, and patriotic Indian male citizens across three distinct cadre profiles: Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), and Yantrik (Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics).

As an armed force of the Union, the Indian Coast Guard protects India's vast maritime interest, enforces maritime law, assists sailors in distress, and prevents coastal smuggling. Joining the ICG as an Enrolled Personnel (EP) provides not only an adventurous career on high seas and coastal stations but also attractive Central Government pay scales, job security, medical benefits, and rapid promotion channels. Below is an exhaustive recruitment guide prepared by our senior career advisory panel, detailing eligibility parameters, stage-wise selection procedures, physical fitness criteria, salary scales, and step-by-step application instructions.

1. Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026: Overview & Highlights

The recruitment process for Navik (GD), Navik (DB), and Yantrik is conducted via a centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) managed by C-DAC on behalf of the Indian Coast Guard. Candidates selected through this notification will undergo basic military and technical training at INS Chilka, followed by professional training in their allotted cadres.

2. Important Dates & Recruitment Schedule

Candidates must carefully adhere to the official timelines specified by C-DAC and the Indian Coast Guard. The examination is conducted in four distinct stages (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV). Below is the projected and verified timeline schedule for the 01/2026 Batch cycle.

3. Category-Wise Application Fee Structure

Applicants are required to submit an online examination fee during the submission of the application form. Payments can be executed using Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Net Banking, or UPI modes via the integrated payment gateway. Fees once remitted are non-refundable under any operational circumstance.

4. Comprehensive Educational & Age Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility requirements in terms of educational qualifications, mandatory subject combinations, age windows, and physical/medical standards before filling out the registration form. Educational qualifications must be completed from a recognized Board of Education or AICTE-approved Polytechnic/Technical Institute.

Physical & Medical Fitness Standards

• Height: Minimum 157 cms. (5 cms relaxation for candidates belonging to North-East, Garhwal/Kumaon hills, Andaman & Nicobar; 2 cms for Lakshadweep).
• Chest Expansion: Well-proportioned with a minimum expansion capability of 5 cms.
• Weight: Proportionate to height and age (+/- 10% acceptable).
• Hearing: Normal hearing ability.
• Visual Standards: 6/6 (Good Eye) and 6/9 (Bad Eye) without glasses for Navik (GD); 6/6 and 6/6 without glasses for Navik (DB); 6/6 and 6/9 for Yantrik.
• Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are strictly forbidden on any part of the body, except on the inner face of the forearm (from inside of elbow to wrist) and back/reverse side of palm/dorsal face of hand for tribal candidates as per Central Govt guidelines.

5. Post-Wise & Category-Wise Vacancy Breakdown

The total 320 vacancies for the 01/2026 Batch are distributed across posts and reservation categories in accordance with Central Government recruitment rules. Below is the detailed post-wise allotment:

6. Salary Structure, Pay Scale & Career Progression

Candidates selected as Navik or Yantrik receive competitive pay governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), along with DA, Dearness Relief, Ration Allowances, and free medical care for self and dependents.

Key Perquisites & Perks

• Ration & Clothing: Free ration and clothing as per government rules.
• Medical Coverage: Free medical treatment for self and family including dependent parents under CCHS/Naval Medical facilities.
• Accommodation: Government accommodation for self and family or House Rent Allowance (HRA).
• Leave Entitlements: 60 days Annual Leave and 18 days Casual Leave per year.
• Insurance Cover: Group Insurance cover of ₹50 Lakhs at a nominal premium.
• Promotions: Promotion prospects exist up to the rank of Pradhan Adhikari / Pradhan Sahayak Engineer with a pay scale of Level 8 (₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100).

7. Selection Process & Detailed Written Exam Scheme

The recruitment for ICG Enrolled Personnel follows a multi-tiered elimination process ensuring academic competence, physical fitness, and medical suitability.

Selection Stages Explained

1. Stage-I (Computer Based Test): All registered candidates undergo a CBT examination consisting of multiple-choice questions. No negative marking is applicable in Stage-I.
2. Stage-II (Physical Fitness Test & Document Verification): Candidates qualified based on Stage-I cut-offs are called for Stage-II. It involves:
   • Physical Fitness Test (PFT): 1.6 Km run in 7 minutes, 20 Squat ups (Uthak Baithak), and 10 Push-ups (all in continuous sequence).
   • Document Verification (DV): Pass/Fail verification of all original documents uploaded during application.
   • Assessment Test: Pass/Fail biometric and identity audit.
3. Stage-III (Final Medicals & Enrolment at INS Chilka): Selected candidates from Stage-II who feature in the All India Merit List undergo final document checking and rigorous medical examination at INS Chilka.
4. Stage-IV (Submission of Original Documents): Training commences upon validation of original certificates by educational boards/universities.

Stage-I CBT Written Examination Pattern

Candidates must qualify individually in all compulsory sections corresponding to their applied post, as detailed below: