Coast Guard Navik DB 2026
– Complete Preparation Guide
Join the Indian Coast Guard as a Domestic Branch Navik (Cook / Steward). A Class 10 pass is all you need — the current notification sets no minimum percentage. Same pay as Navik GD, sea postings across India, and a clear career path in the country's 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 — extended to 29 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 (INS Chilka) – 02/2026 batch | Jul 2026 – Completed | Completed |
| Basic Training Commenced (02/2026 batch) | Jul 2026 at INS Chilka | Completed |
| Next Notification (next CGEPT cycle) | TBN ⚠️ — not released as of 26 Aug 2026 | TBN |
| Next Application Window | TBN ⚠️ | TBN |
| Next Stage I CBT | 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 any kind of disability are not eligible, as the Indian Coast Guard is an Armed Force under the Ministry of Defence.
You may apply for only one post per cycle — Navik GD, Navik DB or Yantrik. If more than one application is submitted, only the latest is accepted and the earlier ones are rejected without a fee refund.
Candidates from open schools whose institutes are not recognised by COBSE / AICTE are not eligible. A valid domicile certificate is mandatory, as it determines your recruitment zone.
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 — 60 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes. Marks are normalised across shifts using a published statistical formula. Shortlisting for Stage II depends on your score and on the handling capacity of ICG recruitment centres.
Entirely qualifying. First a biometric check, then an OMR-based Assessment Test whose result is announced about an hour later and whose marks do NOT count towards the final merit — but you must clear it to reach the PFT. The PFT is 1.6 km in 7 minutes, 20 squat-ups (Uthak Baithak) and 10 push-ups, all three in continuity without any break. Then document verification and the recruitment medical. A candidate declared medically unfit may appeal at a designated military hospital.
Merit is prepared zone-wise and category-wise from Stage I marks alone. Shortlisted candidates report to INS Chilka, Odisha at their own expense for Aadhaar-based identity checks, final document verification, pre-enrolment medicals, and submission of original documents including the police verification certificate.
After joining, the Coast Guard sends every certificate to the issuing Board / University / State Government for verification. Any document found to be not genuine leads to termination from service. Basic training itself runs at INS Chilka, followed by professional training in the allotted trade — Cook or Steward — with branch allocation as per service requirement and training performance.
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 Questions | 60 questions |
| Question Split | Maths 20 · Science 10 · English 15 · Reasoning 10 · GK 5 |
| 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 | Up to 5 cm relaxation for domiciles of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Garhwal, Sikkim and local tribes of A&N Islands; 5 cm for Gorkhas; up to 2 cm for Lakshadweep. Domicile certificate mandatory |
| Chest | Minimum 5 cm expansion | Both normal and expanded measurement taken |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age (+10%) | As per Coast Guard medical norms |
| Hearing | Normal | Get ears cleaned of wax before the medical examination |
| Vision | As per ICG medical standards | The notification does not publish figures — detailed standards are hosted on the official ICG recruitment site |
| Tattoo | Not permitted on any part of the body | Exception: inner face of forearm (elbow to wrist) and back of the hand. Concessions for notified tribal communities |
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 — identical to Navik GD. The only pay figure stated in the ICG notification |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹5,200/month | Standard for all defence enrolled personnel; counts as basic pay for DA |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) @ 60% | ₹16,140/month | DA is 60% w.e.f. 1 Jan 2026, payable on Basic Pay + MSP (₹26,900 × 60%) |
| HRA (30% / 20% / 10%) | ₹6,510 / ₹4,340 / ₹2,170 | X / Y / Z cities. Rates rose to 30-20-10% after DA crossed 50% in Jan 2024. Not paid when accommodation is provided or during sea duty |
| Sea Going Allowance | TBN ⚠️ | Payable during ship deployment under the 7th CPC Risk & Hardship matrix. The ICG notification does not publish the rate |
| Gross (Shore Posting) | ~₹45,000–₹49,500/month | Lower figure = Z-city, higher = X-city (Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi) |
| In-Hand (Shore Posting) | ~₹39,000–₹44,000/month | After NPS/UPS (10%) and insurance contributions |
| Gross (Sea Posting) | ~₹49,000/month + | Sea Going Allowance replaces HRA; free rations on board |
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
- Insurance cover of ₹75 lakh (on contribution) for enrolled personnel
8th Pay Commission — not yet in effect. It was constituted in November 2025 under Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai and its report is expected around mid-2027. Until the Government accepts and notifies those recommendations, every figure above stays on the 7th CPC with DA at 60%. Treat any "8th CPC Navik salary" figure seen elsewhere as speculation.
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 | Find Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Find on Amazon |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications | General Knowledge | Find on Amazon |
| ICG Navik DB Previous Year Papers | Arihant / Oswaal | Previous Year Papers | — |
Book links open a search on Amazon.in so you can find the title quickly. These are plain links — TaiyarHo.in does not earn any commission from purchases, and we are not paid to recommend any book.
11❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational qualification for Coast Guard Navik DB 2026?
You need to have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from an education board recognised by the Council of Boards for School Education (COBSE). That is the whole requirement — the current notification specifies NO minimum percentage. A number of websites still show a 50% aggregate condition (with 45% for SC/ST); that requirement appeared in Coast Guard notifications from several years ago and does not appear in the CGEPT 01/2026 & 02/2026 advertisement. Candidates from open schools whose institutes are not recognised by COBSE/AICTE are not eligible.
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 — and requires Class 12 with Maths and Physics. Navik DB (Domestic Branch) handles catering, cooking and steward duties on ships and at shore establishments, and requires only a Class 10 pass. In the exam, DB attempts Section I only (60 marks, 45 minutes, Class 10 level) while GD additionally attempts Section II (Class 12 Maths & Physics). One practical difference matters a lot: GD is recruited in both batches of a cycle, whereas DB is often recruited in only one — in the last cycle, all 50 DB posts sat in the 02/2026 batch alone.
How many vacancies are released for Coast Guard Navik DB?
Navik DB vacancies form part of a combined CGEPT notification that also covers Navik GD and Yantrik. In the last cycle (batches 01/2026 and 02/2026, 630 posts in total), Navik DB got exactly 50 vacancies — 20 UR, 5 EWS, 16 OBC, 8 SC and 1 ST — and all of them fell in the 02/2026 batch. DB is a small intake, so competition is sharp. The 50 posts are further split across five zones with a separate merit list per zone, meaning your domicile decides your competition pool. Always check the official notification at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in for the current post-wise and zone-wise numbers.
What is the selection process for ICG Navik DB?
Four stages. Stage I is the Computer Based Test — Section I only (Maths 20, Science 10, English 15, Reasoning 10, GK 5 at Class 10 level), 60 marks in 45 minutes, with no negative marking; you need 30 marks to pass (27 for SC/ST). Stage II is entirely qualifying: an OMR-based Assessment Test, then the Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km in 7 minutes, 20 squat-ups, 10 push-ups without a break), then document verification and the recruitment medical. Stage III is final selection at INS Chilka, Odisha. Stage IV is verification of your original certificates with the issuing boards after you join. Because Stage II is only qualifying, your final merit rests entirely on your Stage I marks.
What is the application fee for Coast Guard Navik DB?
The examination fee is ₹300 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, payable online by net banking, Visa/Master/Maestro/RuPay card or UPI. SC and ST candidates applying against vacancies reserved for their category are exempt. The fee is never refunded. You may apply for only one post per cycle — Navik GD, Navik DB or Yantrik — and if you submit more than one application, only the latest is accepted while all earlier ones are rejected without a refund.
What is the in-hand salary for a Coast Guard Navik DB?
Basic pay is ₹21,700/month at Pay Level 3 of the 7th Pay Commission — exactly the same as Navik GD, so choosing DB costs you nothing in pay. On top come Military Service Pay of ₹5,200, Dearness Allowance at 60% (effective 1 January 2026) calculated on Basic + MSP, and HRA at 30/20/10% of basic by city class. That gives a gross of roughly ₹45,000–₹49,500/month at a shore posting and about ₹39,000–₹44,000 in hand after NPS/UPS and insurance deductions. At sea, HRA is replaced by the Sea Going Allowance and rations are free on board. Perks include free ration and clothing, free medical for self and dependents including parents, CSD canteen access, government accommodation, and an insurance cover of ₹75 lakh on contribution.