DefenceCentral Govt⚓ Indian Coast GuardBiannual Recruitment
Coast Guard Navik GD 2026
– Complete Preparation Guide
Join India's maritime security force as a General Duty Navik. Two recruitment batches per year, 12th pass with Maths & Physics required. Sea duty, ship postings, and a clear path to commissioned officer rank.
Vacancies (Per Batch)
250–350
Next Notification
Nov–Dec 2026 (Est.)
Age Limit
18–22 years
Monthly Package
₹28,000–₹40,000
📖 Quick Navigation
📋 Vacancies (Per Batch)
250–350
📅 Next Notification
Nov–Dec 2026 (Est.)
🪪 Nationality
Indian Male Citizens
💰 Monthly Package
₹28,000–₹40,000
💡 Key Update 2026: The CGEPT 01/2026 and 02/2026 batches are in progress — Stage I was held in Sep 2025 and Stage II in Nov 2025. The next notification (01/2027 batch) is expected in November–December 2026. Meanwhile, if you are preparing, this is the ideal time to start. Apply only at the official website — joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in. Beware of fake websites charging fees.
1📅 Important Dates – Coast Guard Navik GD 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 II (PFT + Medical + DV) | Nov 2025 (Both batches together) | Completed |
| Stage III (Final Medical – INS Chilka) | Feb 2026 (01/2026) / Jul 2026 (02/2026) | Upcoming |
| Basic Training Commences (01/2026 batch) | Feb 2026 at INS Chilka | Upcoming |
| Basic Training Commences (02/2026 batch) | Jul 2026 at INS Chilka | Upcoming |
| Next Notification (01/2027 batch – estimated) | Nov–Dec 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| Next Application Window (01/2027 batch) | Nov–Dec 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| Next Stage I CBT (01/2027 batch) | Feb–Mar 2027 (TBN) | TBN |
⚠️ Future dates are estimated based on previous cycles. TBN = To Be Notified. Always verify at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in before applying.
2🎓 Eligibility Criteria
🪪 Nationality
Indian Male Citizens only
Currently open to male candidates only
📋 Age Limit
18–22 years (on date of enrolment)
Exact date-of-birth cut-off specified in notification
🎓 Educational Qualification
12th Pass with Maths & Physics
Min. 60% aggregate from COBSE-recognised board
📋 Marital Status
Must be unmarried at time of enrolment
Marriage not permitted during initial service period
Age Relaxation
SC / ST
+5 years
OBC (NCL)
+3 years
EWS
No relaxation
Ex-Servicemen Ward
As per rules
* Always verify relaxation categories from the official notification. Category-based reservations apply as per Government of India norms.
⚠️ Important: You can apply for only one post per cycle — either Navik GD, Navik DB, or Yantrik. Applying to multiple posts with the same application will result in rejection. Application fee is ₹250 for General/OBC/EWS; SC/ST candidates are exempt.
3🔄 Selection Process (4 Stages)
1
Stage I – Computer Based Test (CBT)
Online objective test covering Mathematics, Physics, English, Reasoning & GK. Negative marking of -0.25 per wrong answer. Conducted at designated exam centres across India. E-admit card released 2–3 days before the exam.
2
Stage II – PFT + Document Verification + Initial Medical
1.6 km run in 7 min, 20 squat-ups, 10 push-ups (pass/fail). Original documents verified. Initial medical examination. Both 01/2026 and 02/2026 batches had Stage II together in Nov 2025.
3
Stage III – Final Medical Examination (INS Chilka)
All-India merit list prepared after Stage I & II. Candidates shortlisted as per vacancies and merit are called for final medicals at INS Chilka, Odisha. This stage is decisive.
4
Stage IV – Basic Training at INS Chilka
Candidates who clear Stage III and are provisionally selected join basic training at INS Chilka. Followed by sea training and professional training. Branch/trade allocated as per service requirement and training performance.
4📋 Stage I – CBT Exam Pattern
| Section | Subjects | Level | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I – Common | Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Knowledge & Current Affairs | Class 10th standard | Applicable to all posts (GD, DB, Yantrik) |
| Section II – GD Specific | Mathematics, Physics | Class 12th standard (PCM) | Only for Navik GD and Yantrik candidates |
⏱ Duration
Approx. 45–60 min per section
❌ Negative Marking
–0.25 per wrong answer
🖥 Mode
Online – Computer Based Test
5🏃 Physical Fitness Test (Stage II)
| Test | Standard | 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 (General/OBC/EWS) | 155 cm for SC/ST (as per notification) |
| Chest | Minimum 5 cm expansion | Both normal and expanded measurement taken |
| Weight | Proportionate to height (±10% acceptable) | As per Coast Guard medical norms |
⚠️ Important: The PFT is pass/fail — there are no extra attempts or appeals if you fail. Candidates with physical disabilities are not eligible. Wear proper sportswear (T-shirt, track pants, sports shoes). The PFT is conducted at the candidate's own risk. Start training well in advance — aim to complete 1.6 km in under 6:30 minutes before the exam date.
6📚 Detailed Syllabus
Mathematics (Class 12)
- ✓Sets, Relations & Functions
- ✓Algebra (Polynomials, Matrices, Determinants)
- ✓Trigonometry
- ✓Coordinate Geometry (Straight Lines, Circles, Conics)
- ✓Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integration basics)
- ✓Probability & Statistics
- ✓Vectors & 3D Geometry
Physics (Class 12)
- ✓Electrostatics & Electric Potential
- ✓Current Electricity & Circuits
- ✓Magnetism & Electromagnetic Induction
- ✓Optics (Reflection, Refraction, Wave Optics)
- ✓Modern Physics (Dual Nature, Atoms, Nuclei)
- ✓Semiconductor Devices & Communication Systems
- ✓Waves & Oscillations
English (Class 10)
- ✓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
- ✓Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- ✓Time & Work, Speed & Distance
- ✓Simplification & Approximation
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- ✓Indian Coast Guard – History, Roles, Ships
- ✓Indian Geography & Economy basics
- ✓Science & Technology News
- ✓Defence & National Security updates
- ✓Sports, Awards & Books
- ✓Indian Polity & Constitution basics
- ✓Important Days & Events
Syllabus based on Class 10th and 12th (PCM) curriculum. NCERT textbooks are the most reliable source for Section II preparation.
7💰 Salary, Allowances & Benefits
| Component | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹21,700/month | Pay Level 3 (7th CPC) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~₹11,700/month | Revised quarterly; approx. 54% of basic (Jan 2026 rate) |
| 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 | Applicable at shore postings; not paid during sea duty |
| Kit Maintenance Allowance | ₹400/month | Standard for enrolled personnel |
| Gross (Shore Posting) | ~₹33,000–40,000/month | X-class cities like Mumbai, Chennai |
| Gross (Sea Posting) | ~₹38,000–45,000/month | SDA replaces HRA during sea duty |
💡 8th Pay Commission: The Central Government has announced the 8th Pay Commission. Once implemented (expected from 2026–27 onwards), pay scales for all central government employees including Coast Guard enrolled personnel are expected to be revised upward. The exact multiplier is not yet finalised — check official announcements once released.
Additional Perks & Benefits
🏠
Free Government Accommodation
Barracks/family quarters at posting station
🍽️
Free Rations at Sea
Meals provided on board ships; ₹4,000–5,000/month equivalent
🏥
Free Medical (ECHS)
For self, spouse, children and dependent parents
🛒
CSD Canteen Facilities
Subsidised groceries, electronics, vehicles
✈️
Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
45 days earned leave + 8 days casual leave per year
🎓
Education Allowance
For children's schooling; annual concession
💼
NPS Pension Scheme
Government contributes 14% of (Basic + DA) to NPS
⚓
Free Uniform & Kit
Full uniform kit provided on joining
8📈 Career Growth & Promotion Ladder
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approximate Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navik GD (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 |
| Assistant Commandant (via CGEPT) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | After 2+ years via internal exam |
🌟 CGEPT – Path to Officer Rank: After 2+ years of service, Naviks can appear for the Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT) — an internal competitive exam that promotes meritorious sailors to Assistant Commandant (Level 10, ₹56,100 basic). This is the biggest career jump possible in the ICG and is one of the strongest reasons candidates prefer the Coast Guard over other paramilitary services.
9📅 6-Month Preparation Plan
1
1Month 1–2Physics + Mathematics (Class 12 NCERT)
- →Complete NCERT Phy & Maths chapters
- →Make formula notes
- →Start 1.6 km running practice
2
2Month 3–4English + Reasoning + GK
- →S.P. Bakshi for English grammar
- →R.S. Aggarwal for Reasoning
- →Daily current affairs + Coast Guard news
- →Run 1.6 km daily, add push-ups
3
3Month 5–6Mock Tests + Revision + Physical Fitness
- →Solve 3–4 previous year papers per week
- →Timed practice for each section
- →Achieve 1.6 km in under 6:30 min
- →Full syllabus revision + weak areas
10📖 Best Books for ICG Navik GD 2026
| Book | Author | Subject | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics for NDA/Coast Guard/Navy | Arihant Publications | Mathematics | — |
| NCERT Physics Part I & II (Class 12) | NCERT | Physics (Class 12) | Free → |
| Objective English for Competitive Exams | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) | English | Buy |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications | General Knowledge | Buy |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Reasoning & Aptitude | Buy |
| ICG Navik GD Previous Year Papers | Arihant / Oswaal | Previous Year Papers | — |
Tip: Start with NCERT Physics (Class 11 & 12) and Class 12 Maths for Section II. These are available free at ncert.nic.in. Previous year papers from Arihant or Oswaal are highly recommended for Stage I practice.
11❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for Indian Coast Guard Navik GD 2026?
Candidates must be between 18 and 22 years of age. For the 2025 recruitment cycle (01/2026 and 02/2026 batches), the eligible birth date range was 01 March 2003 to 28 February 2007 (both inclusive) for Navik GD and Yantrik. The exact date-of-birth range for the next 2026 notification will be specified in the official notification at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
What is the minimum qualification for Coast Guard Navik GD 2026?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) with Mathematics and Physics as compulsory subjects from a board recognized by the Council of Boards for School Education (COBSE). A minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Class 12 is required. Verify the exact percentage requirement in the official notification as it may vary slightly by cycle.
How many vacancies are released for Coast Guard Navik GD each year?
The Indian Coast Guard conducts recruitment twice a year. For the 2025 cycle (batches 01/2026 and 02/2026), 260 and 310 vacancies were released respectively, totalling approximately 570 opportunities for Navik GD in that year. Historically, 250–350 vacancies per batch are common. Exact numbers are announced in the official notification.
What is the selection process for ICG Navik GD?
The selection process has four stages: Stage I is a Computer Based Test (CBT) with negative marking. Stage II includes the Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km run in 7 min, 20 squat-ups, 10 push-ups), document verification, and initial medical examination. Stage III is the final medical at INS Chilka, Odisha. Stage IV is basic training at INS Chilka followed by sea and professional training.
What is the in-hand salary for a Coast Guard Navik GD?
The basic pay is ₹21,700/month at Pay Level 3 under the 7th Pay Commission. After adding Dearness Allowance, Military Service Pay, HRA, and other allowances, the gross in-hand salary at a shore posting is approximately ₹28,000–33,000/month. When deployed at sea, the Sea Duty Allowance of ~₹6,200/month applies, raising in-hand pay to approximately ₹35,000–40,000/month. The 8th Pay Commission recommendations, once implemented, are expected to further revise pay scales.
Disclaimer: All information on this page is compiled from the official Indian Coast Guard recruitment notifications and is updated to the best of our knowledge. Exam dates, vacancies, and eligibility may change. Always verify from joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in before applying. TaiyarHo.in is a free educational resource — no paywalls, no spam.