Coast Guard Navik DB 2026
– Complete Preparation Guide
Join the Indian Coast Guard as a Domestic Branch Navik (Cook / Steward). Only 10th pass with 50% marks required. Biannual recruitment, sea postings across India, and a clear career path in India's premier maritime force.
1📅 Important Dates – Coast Guard Navik DB 2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Released (01/2026 & 02/2026 batch) | 11 June 2025 | Completed |
| Online Application Opens | 11 June 2025 | Completed |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 25 June 2025 | Completed |
| Stage I (CBT) – CGEPT 01/2026 & 02/2026 | 19–22 Sep 2025 | Completed |
| Stage I Result Declared | 29 Oct 2025 | Completed |
| Stage II (PFT + Initial Medical + DV) | Nov 2025 (Both batches together) | Completed |
| Stage III Final Medical (01/2026 batch) | Feb 2026 at INS Chilka – Completed | Completed |
| Basic Training Commences (01/2026 batch) | Feb 2026 at INS Chilka – Commenced | Completed |
| Stage III Final Medical (02/2026 batch) | Jul 2026 at INS Chilka | Upcoming |
| Basic Training Commences (02/2026 batch) | Jul 2026 at INS Chilka | Upcoming |
| Next Notification (01/2027 batch – estimated) | Jun–Jul 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| Next Application Window (01/2027 batch) | Jun–Jul 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| Next Stage I CBT (01/2027 batch) | Sep–Oct 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
⚠️ TBN = To Be Notified. Estimated dates based on historical ICG recruitment cycle (biannual). Always verify on joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
2🎓 Eligibility Criteria – Navik DB 2026
Age relaxation: SC/ST candidates get +5 years; OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get +3 years. There is no age relaxation for EWS candidates.
Tattoo policy: Permanent tattoos are generally not permitted except on the inner face of the forearm (elbow to wrist) and the back of the hand. Tribal community candidates have specific concessions with a valid certificate.
Candidates with physical disabilities are not eligible for this recruitment.
3📋 Selection Process – 4 Stages
Online objective test covering Mathematics, Science, English, Reasoning & GK. Navik (DB) candidates attempt Section I only (no Section II). No negative marking. Standard is Class 10th level. Shortlisted in a 1:10 ratio per vacancy. Marks are normalised across shifts.
1.6 km run in 7 min, 20 squat-ups (Uthak Baithak), 10 push-ups (pass/fail). Original documents verified on the same day. Initial medical examination conducted. Both 01/2026 and 02/2026 batches had Stage II together in Nov 2025.
All-India merit list prepared after Stage I & II scores. Candidates shortlisted as per vacancies and merit are called for final medicals at INS Chilka, Odisha. Vision, colour vision, hearing and full-body exam. This stage is decisive.
Provisionally selected candidates join basic training at INS Chilka, Odisha. Followed by professional training in the allotted trade — Cook or Steward. Branch allocation is as per service requirement and performance in training.
4📝 Stage I Exam Pattern – Navik DB
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Section | Section I only (Navik DB does NOT attempt Section II) |
| Subjects | Mathematics, Science, English, Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude, General Knowledge |
| Standard | Class 10th (Matriculation) level |
| Question Type | Objective – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 60 marks |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Negative Marking | NIL — No negative marking for Navik DB |
| Passing Marks | 30 marks (UR/OBC/EWS); 27 marks (SC/ST) |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) at designated centres |
| Normalisation | Marks normalised for candidates in different shifts |
5🏃 Physical & Medical Standards
| Test / Standard | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 km Run | To be completed in 7 minutes | Timed, no rest; must be done in one go |
| Squat-Ups (Uthak Baithak) | 20 repetitions | Full squats, no break in between |
| Push-Ups | 10 repetitions | Full extension required |
| Height | Minimum 157 cm | 5 cm relaxation for NE states & Gorkhas; 2 cm for Lakshadweep (domicile certificate required) |
| Chest | Minimum 5 cm expansion | Both normal and expanded measurement taken |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age (±10%) | As per BMI standards of the Coast Guard |
| Vision | 6/6 (better eye), 6/9 (worse eye) | Correctable to 6/6 with spectacles; no colour blindness |
| Hearing | Normal in both ears | Tested during Stage III medical |
Start physical training well before the exam. Achieve the 1.6 km run in under 6:30 minutes during practice to build a safety buffer. Both squat-ups and push-ups are straightforward if trained regularly.
6📚 Syllabus – Section I (Class 10 Level)
Mathematics
- Number Systems & HCF/LCM
- Algebra (Linear Equations, Polynomials)
- Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals)
- Trigonometry (Basic ratios, Heights & Distances)
- Statistics & Probability
- Mensuration (Area, Volume of 2D & 3D shapes)
- Ratio, Proportion, Percentage & Profit/Loss
Science
- Physics: Force, Motion, Work & Energy, Light, Electricity
- Chemistry: Acids, Bases & Salts, Metals & Non-Metals, Carbon compounds, Chemical reactions
- Biology: Human body systems, Nutrition, Diseases and their causes, Cell structure
English
- Grammar & Parts of Speech
- Tenses & Active/Passive Voice
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms, Antonyms & Idioms
- Sentence Improvement & Error Correction
- One-Word Substitution
- Fill in the Blanks
Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Series & Analogy
- Coding–Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Time & Work, Speed & Distance
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Simplification & Approximation
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Indian Coast Guard – History, Roles, Ships, Operations
- Indian Geography, Economy & Polity basics
- Science & Technology
- Defence & National Security
- Sports, Awards & Important Personalities
- Important Days & National Symbols
- Current events – national & international
7💰 Salary & Benefits – Navik DB
| Component | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹21,700/month | Pay Level 3 (7th CPC) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~₹11,700/month | Approx. 54% of basic (revised quarterly) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹5,200/month | Fixed for all defence enrolled personnel |
| Sea Duty Allowance (SDA) | ₹6,200/month | Only when deployed on a vessel/ship |
| HRA | 16–24% of basic | At shore postings; waived during sea duty |
| Kit Maintenance Allowance | ₹400/month | Standard for enrolled personnel |
| Gross (Shore Posting) | ~₹28,000–₹35,000/month | Varies by city type and family allowances |
| Gross (Sea Posting) | ~₹33,000–₹38,000/month | SDA replaces HRA during sea duty |
Additional Non-Monetary Benefits:
- Free ration and clothing while on duty
- Free medical treatment for self, spouse, dependent children and dependent parents
- Government accommodation (or HRA in lieu)
- 45 days Earned Leave + 8 days Casual Leave per year with LTC
- NPS (National Pension System) — employer contributes 14% of Basic + DA
- CSD (Canteen Stores Department) access for subsidised goods
- ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) post-retirement
Note: The 8th Pay Commission recommendations, once implemented, are expected to revise pay scales upward across all Central Govt defence posts.
8📈 Career Growth & Promotion Path
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navik DB (Entry) | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | On joining |
| Uttam Navik | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ~3–5 years |
| Adhikari (Petty Officer) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ~6–10 years |
| Pradhan Navik | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ~10–14 years |
| Pradhan Adhikari | Level 8 | ₹47,600 | ~15–20 years |
| Officer cadre (via internal exam) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | Merit-based after 2+ years of service |
The Indian Coast Guard offers a well-defined promotion ladder. With consistent performance and passing internal examinations, Navik (DB) personnel can rise to Pradhan Adhikari and even apply for Officer cadre. Each promotion brings a significant jump in pay and allowances.
9🗓️ 6-Month Preparation Plan
- Complete NCERT Maths & Science (Class 10)
- Focus on Algebra, Geometry, Physics basics, Chemical reactions
- Make concise formula & definition notes
- Start 1.6 km running practice daily
- English Grammar: tenses, comprehension, synonyms (Wren & Martin or S.P. Bakshi)
- R.S. Aggarwal Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Daily current affairs (focus on Coast Guard, Defence, India)
- Increase running pace; add squat-ups & push-ups
- Solve 3–4 previous year CGEPT papers per week
- Timed 45-minute mock tests
- Achieve 1.6 km in under 6:30 min
- Full syllabus revision + focus on weak areas
10📖 Best Books for Navik DB 2026
| Book | Author | Subject | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCERT Mathematics Class 10 | NCERT | Mathematics (Class 10) | Free → |
| NCERT Science Class 10 | NCERT | Science (Class 10) | Free → |
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | English | — |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Reasoning & Aptitude | Buy |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications | General Knowledge | Buy |
| ICG Navik DB Previous Year Papers | Arihant / Oswaal | Previous Year Papers | — |
11❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational qualification for Coast Guard Navik DB 2026?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from an education board recognised by the Council of Boards for School Education (COBSE). SC/ST candidates and outstanding national-level sports persons receive a 5% relaxation, i.e., 45% aggregate is sufficient for them.
What is the difference between Navik GD and Navik DB in Coast Guard?
Navik GD (General Duty) involves operational sea duties — navigation, search & rescue, patrolling. It requires Class 12 with Maths & Physics. Navik DB (Domestic Branch) handles catering, cooking, and steward duties on ships and shore establishments. DB requires only Class 10 with 50% marks. The exam for DB is Section I only (Class 10 level), whereas GD candidates additionally attempt Section II (Class 12 Maths & Physics).
How many vacancies are released for Coast Guard Navik DB?
Navik DB vacancies are part of the combined CGEPT notification that also covers Navik GD and Yantrik. For the 2025 cycle (batches 01/2026 and 02/2026), a total of 630 vacancies were released across all posts. The exact DB-specific count varies by notification — typically 50–100 per batch. Always check the official notification at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in for category-wise and post-wise vacancy breakdowns.
What is the selection process for ICG Navik DB?
Selection has four stages. Stage I is the Computer Based Test (Section I only — Maths, Science, English, Reasoning, GK at Class 10 level, no negative marking). Stage II includes the Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km run in 7 minutes, 20 squat-ups, 10 push-ups), document verification, and initial medical. Stage III is the final medical examination at INS Chilka, Odisha. Stage IV is basic training at INS Chilka followed by professional trade training as Cook or Steward.
What is the in-hand salary for a Coast Guard Navik DB?
The basic pay is ₹21,700/month at Pay Level 3 (7th CPC). After adding Dearness Allowance (~₹11,700), Military Service Pay (₹5,200), and HRA, the gross in-hand at a shore posting is approximately ₹28,000–₹35,000/month. During sea deployment, the Sea Duty Allowance of ₹6,200/month applies, raising gross pay to approximately ₹33,000–₹38,000/month. Additional perks include free ration/clothing on duty, free medical for self and dependents, CSD canteen access, and government accommodation.