Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

Organization Overview

The Indian Coast Guard is responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and protection of India's exclusive economic zone. Headquartered in New Delhi with five regional commands (West, East, North-East, North-West, and Andaman & Nicobar), it operates a fleet of specialized ships and aircraft. Recruitment is highly competitive, focusing on mental agility through the Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT) and the Coast Guard Common Admission Test (CGCAT), alongside rigorous physical and medical benchmarks.

About Indian Coast Guard Careers 2026

Key Job Profiles & 2026 Vacancies

• Navik (General Duty): Core sailor role requiring 10+2 (Maths & Physics). Expected vacancies for 2026 batches are approx. 260 per batch.
• Navik (Domestic Branch): Logistics and catering roles requiring a 10th-grade pass.
• Yantrik: Technical sailor roles in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics streams (Requires 10th + Diploma). Pay Level 5.
• Assistant Commandant (GD/Tech): Group A Gazetted Officers. Entry basic ₹56,100 (Level 10). Selection for 01/2026 is in final stages.
• Civilian Personnel: Group B & C roles like Foreman of Stores, MTS, and Engine Driver (Recruitment active in early 2026).

Salary & Benefits

Remuneration is governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) with extensive defence-specific allowances.

• Navik (GD/DB): Entry Basic ₹21,700 (Level 3). Total monthly in-hand approx. ₹35,000–₹40,000 including DA and Hardship allowance.
• Yantrik: Entry Basic ₹29,200 (Level 5) plus a Yantrik pay of ₹6,200 per month.
• Assistant Commandant: Starting Basic ₹56,100 (Level 10). Annual package approx. ₹12 Lakhs.
• Perks: Free ration, clothing, medical cover for self and family, Canteen (CSD) facilities, and Government accommodation.

Selection Process

The ICG follows a multi-stage, eliminated-based selection system:

• Stage I (Written Exam): Computer Based Test (CBT). No negative marking for Navik/Yantrik; -1 negative marking for CGCAT (Officers).
• Stage II (Physical Fitness Test): 1.6 km run in 7 mins, 20 Squats, and 10 Push-ups. This is qualifying in nature.
• Stage III/IV (Medical & Merit): Final medical examination at INS Chilka for sailors or FSB for officers, followed by the All India Merit List.
• Age Limit: Generally 18–22 years for Naviks and 21–25 years for Assistant Commandants (as of 2026 cut-off).

How to Crack ICG Exams

For Navik GD, master the NCERT 10+2 Physics and Maths syllabus, as Section II of the exam is the primary tie-breaker. For the Assistant Commandant (CGCAT), focus on Reasoning and General Science. Physical preparation should start 3 months in advance to ensure the 1.6 km run is comfortable. Since ICG uses the Samarth and C-DAC portals, ensure your Aadhaar-linked mobile is active for OTPs. Monitor the 'News Events' at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in for the 01/2026 Stage-III schedules tentatively set for late February 2026. Ensure your photo has a black slate with your name and date of photograph in white chalk—a common reason for application rejection.