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.
GD Vacancies (Last Cycle)
260 per batch
Next Notification
TBN ⚠️
Age Limit
18–22 years
Gross Salary
₹45,000–₹49,500
📖 Quick Navigation
📋 GD Vacancies (Last Cycle)
260 per batch (520 total)
📅 Next Notification
TBN ⚠️
🪪 Nationality
Indian Male Citizens
💰 Gross Salary
₹45,000–₹49,500
💡 Key Update 26 August 2026: The CGEPT 01/2026 & 02/2026 cycle (630 posts across Navik GD, Navik DB & Yantrik) is now complete — Stage I was held 19–22 Sep 2025, results came on 29 Oct 2025, Stage II ran in Nov 2025, and both batches began training at INS Chilka in Feb and Jul 2026. The next notification has not been released as of 26 August 2026. The Coast Guard normally issues its first-batch advertisement around June–July and the second around November–December, but the June–July 2026 window passed without an announcement, so we are showing TBN rather than guessing a date. Two corrections worth knowing if you have read this elsewhere: there is no negative marking in the Stage I CBT, and the current notification sets no minimum percentage in Class 12 — a plain pass with Maths and Physics qualifies. Apply only at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in; beware of fake sites 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 (1100 hrs) | 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 (Assessment Test + PFT + DV + Medical) | Nov 2025 (Both batches together) | Completed |
| Stage III (INS Chilka) – 01/2026 batch | Feb 2026 | Completed |
| Basic Training Commenced (01/2026 batch) | Feb 2026 at INS Chilka | Completed |
| Stage III (INS Chilka) – 02/2026 batch | Jul 2026 | Completed |
| Basic Training Commenced (02/2026 batch) | Jul 2026 at INS Chilka | Completed |
| Next Notification (01/2027 & 02/2027 batches) | TBN ⚠️ — not released as of 26 Aug 2026 | TBN |
| Next Application Window | TBN ⚠️ | TBN |
| Next Stage I CBT | TBN ⚠️ | TBN |
⚠️ TBN = To Be Notified. We do not publish guessed dates. Always verify at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in before applying.
Vacancy Breakdown — CGEPT 01/2026 & 02/2026 (Last Cycle)
| Batch | Post | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGEPT-01/2026 | Navik (General Duty) | 99 | 25 | 65 | 46 | 25 | 260 |
| CGEPT-01/2026 | Yantrik (Mechanical) | 11 | 04 | 09 | 06 | 00 | 30 |
| CGEPT-01/2026 | Yantrik (Electrical) | 04 | 01 | 02 | 02 | 02 | 11 |
| CGEPT-01/2026 | Yantrik (Electronics) | 09 | 01 | 03 | 05 | 01 | 19 |
| CGEPT-02/2026 | Navik (General Duty) | 104 | 26 | 71 | 40 | 19 | 260 |
| CGEPT-02/2026 | Navik (Domestic Branch) | 20 | 05 | 16 | 08 | 01 | 50 |
🗺️ Zone-wise recruitment: Navik (GD) and Navik (DB) vacancies are split across five zones and a separate merit list is prepared for each zone, so you compete only against candidates from your own zone. A valid domicile certificate decides your zone. North — J&K, Ladakh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, UP, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh. West — Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, DNH & Daman-Diu. East — West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal, Mizoram, Sikkim, Odisha. South — Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, A&N Islands, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep. Central — Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar.
2🎓 Eligibility Criteria
🪪 Nationality
Indian Male Citizens only
Currently open to male candidates only
📋 Age Limit
18–22 years
Last cycle: born 01 Aug 2004 – 01 Aug 2008. New window in each notification
🎓 Educational Qualification
12th Pass with Maths & Physics
COBSE-recognised board. No minimum percentage required
📋 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. If you submit multiple applications in the same cycle, only the latest is accepted and all earlier ones are rejected; fees paid on the rejected ones are not refunded. Application fee is ₹300 for General/OBC/EWS; SC/ST candidates applying against reserved vacancies are exempt. Persons with any kind of disability are not eligible, as the ICG is an Armed Force under the Ministry of Defence.
3🔄 Selection Process (4 Stages)
1
Stage I – Computer Based Test (CBT)
Navik (GD) attempts Section I + Section II. There is NO negative marking. Passing each section separately is compulsory. Marks are normalised across shifts. Conducted at designated exam centres across India; the e-admit card with the exact centre address is released 2–3 days before the exam.
2
Stage II – Assessment Test + PFT + DV + Medical
Entirely qualifying in nature. Order: biometric verification → Assessment Test (OMR-based; result announced about an hour later; marks do NOT count towards the final merit) → Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km run in 7 min, 20 squat-ups, 10 push-ups, all three in continuity without any break) → document verification → recruitment medical examination. Candidates found medically unfit may go for an appeal medical at a designated military hospital.
3
Stage III – Final Selection at INS Chilka
Merit is prepared zone-wise and category-wise from Stage I marks alone (Stage II is only qualifying). Shortlisted candidates report to INS Chilka, Odisha for Aadhaar-based identity check, final document verification, pre-enrolment medicals, and submission of original documents including the police verification certificate. Travel to INS Chilka is at the candidate’s own expense.
4
Stage IV – Verification of Original Documents
After joining, the Indian Coast Guard sends every certificate for verification to the issuing Board / University / State Government. If any document is reported as not genuine, the candidate is terminated from service. Basic training itself runs at INS Chilka, followed by sea training and professional training; branch/trade is allotted as per service requirement and training performance.
4📋 Stage I – CBT Exam Pattern
| Section | Subjects | Level | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I – Common | Maths 20 · Science 10 · English 15 · Reasoning 10 · GK 5 | Class 10th · 60 Qs · 60 marks · 45 min | Passing: 30 (UR/EWS/OBC), 27 (SC/ST) |
| Section II – GD Specific | Mathematics 25 · Physics 25 | Class 12th (Maths & Physics) · 50 Qs · 50 marks · 30 min | Passing: 20 (UR/EWS/OBC), 17 (SC/ST) |
⏱ Duration
Section I 45 min + Section II 30 min
✅ Negative Marking
NIL — no marks deducted
🎯 Passing (GD)
50/110 (UR/EWS/OBC) · 44 (SC/ST)
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 | 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 | Should be well proportioned |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age (+10% acceptable) | As per Coast Guard medical norms |
| Hearing | Normal | Get ears cleaned of wax before the medical |
| 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. |
⚠️ 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 & Science (Class 10 – Section I)
- ✓Number Systems, HCF & LCM
- ✓Algebra (Linear Equations, Polynomials)
- ✓Geometry & Mensuration
- ✓Basic Trigonometry, Statistics & Probability
- ✓Physics: Force, Motion, Work & Energy, Light, Electricity
- ✓Chemistry: Acids & Bases, Metals & Non-Metals, Chemical Reactions
- ✓Biology: Human body systems, Nutrition, Cell structure
Mathematics (Class 12 – Section II)
- ✓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 – Section II)
- ✓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 — 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 — verify from your pay slip on joining |
| 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 |
💡 8th Pay Commission — not yet in effect: The 8th Central Pay Commission 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 remains on the 7th CPC with DA at 60%. Treat any website showing "8th CPC Navik salary" as speculation — no revised pay matrix exists yet.
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 or UPS + Gratuity
Pension scheme plus gratuity on retirement
⚓
Free Uniform & Kit
Free ration and clothing as per existing rules
🛡️
Insurance Cover ₹75 Lakh
On contribution, for enrolled personnel
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
Advertisement
10📖 Best Books for ICG Navik GD 2026
| Book | Author | Subject | Find Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Find on Amazon |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications | General Knowledge | Find on Amazon |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Reasoning & Aptitude | Find on Amazon |
| ICG Navik GD 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.
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. In the last cycle (CGEPT 01/2026 & 02/2026), Navik (GD) applicants had to be born between 01 August 2004 and 01 August 2008, both dates inclusive. Upper age relaxation of 5 years applies to SC/ST and 3 years to OBC (non-creamy layer), but only where posts are reserved for that category. The date-of-birth window for the next notification will be specified afresh at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
What is the minimum qualification for Coast Guard Navik GD 2026?
You need to have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Mathematics and Physics as subjects, from a board recognised by the Council of Boards for School Education (COBSE). Importantly, the current notification specifies NO minimum percentage — a plain pass with Maths and Physics is enough to apply. Older notifications from several years ago did carry a 50–60% requirement, and many websites still repeat it; that condition 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.
How many vacancies are released for Coast Guard Navik GD each year?
In the last cycle, Navik (General Duty) had exactly 260 vacancies in the CGEPT 01/2026 batch and another 260 in the CGEPT 02/2026 batch — 520 GD posts out of 630 total. The remaining 110 were 60 Yantrik posts (01/2026 batch) and 50 Navik DB posts (02/2026 batch). GD vacancies are distributed across five zones (North, West, East, South, Central) and a separate merit list is drawn for each zone, so your domicile decides which pool you compete in. Exact post-wise and zone-wise numbers are published only in the official notification at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
What is the selection process for ICG Navik GD?
Four stages. Stage I is a Computer Based Test — Navik GD attempts Section I and Section II, and there is NO negative marking. Stage II is entirely qualifying: an OMR-based Assessment Test, then the Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km run in 7 minutes, 20 squat-ups, 10 push-ups, all three without a break), then document verification and the recruitment medical. Stage III is final selection at INS Chilka, Odisha — identity check, document verification and pre-enrolment medicals. Stage IV is verification of your original certificates with the issuing boards and universities after you join. Because Stage II is only qualifying, your final merit rests entirely on your Stage I marks.
Is there negative marking in the ICG Navik GD exam?
No. The Coast Guard notification states plainly that there is no negative marking in the Stage I Computer Based Test, so you lose nothing for a wrong answer and should attempt every question. What does matter is that you must clear Section I and Section II separately — clearing one and failing the other means you are out. Marks are also normalised across shifts using a published statistical formula, so an easier or harder slot does not advantage or penalise you.
What is the application fee for Coast Guard Navik GD?
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 fully exempt. The fee is never refunded, including if you accidentally submit more than one application in the same cycle — only your latest application is accepted and all earlier ones are rejected.
What is the in-hand salary for a Coast Guard Navik GD?
Basic pay is ₹21,700/month at Pay Level 3 of the 7th Pay Commission — that is the only pay figure the ICG notification actually states. On top of it 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 depending on city class. That works out to a gross of roughly ₹45,000–₹49,500/month at a shore posting, with 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. Note that the 8th Pay Commission has only been constituted — nothing has been revised yet.
Disclaimer: All information on this page is compiled from the official Indian Coast Guard recruitment notification (CGEPT 01/2026 & 02/2026) and is updated to the best of our knowledge. Last Updated: 26 August 2026. 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.