How to join indian coast guard

Nov 28, 2022, 16:45 IST

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a multi-mission agency that protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law. It is an armed force of the Union government and operates under the Ministry of Defense.

It was established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act of 1978 as an independent agency to promote maritime safety and protect India's coastal environment.

They conduct various defence exams to recruit a candidate for ICG jobs.

If you're interested in joining the Indian Coast Guard, here's what you need to know. This article discusses all the processes through which one can join the Indian Coast Guard.

You can also check how to get into Indian defence services.

How to join indian coast guard

Overview

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is the Government of India's coastal defence and maritime law enforcement agency. The ICG has a workforce of about 15,000 personnel and 155 vessels.

Their main responsibilities are search, and rescue, enforcement of maritime law, prevention and reduction of marine pollution, and maintenance of continuity of supplies and services essential to the off-shore areas, in particular, oil installations, etc. Also, check for various defence entrance exams.

Indian Coast Guard- Recruitment

  • It is a multi-mission body that safeguards India's maritime interests and enforces martial law at sea.
  • It holds multiple national-level recruiting defence exams for various positions each year. Undoubtedly, the Coast Guard provides an excellent opportunity for all mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineering diploma holders.
  • The Indian Coast Guard Yantrik is the backbone of the ICG. They operate and maintain the machinery and other equipment installed on Coast Guard ships and aircraft.
  • It is one of the most awaited defence exams for aspirants who want to join as a Navik, Yantrik, or Assistant Commandant. 
  • There is no backdoor entry for Indian Coast Guard recruitment; therefore, all appointments are based solely on merit. To apply for these tests, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements.
  • The notifications for these exams are posted on the ICG's official website, and the rest of the processes are also completed online. 
  • The exams, however, are held offline. A written test is followed by a physical fitness test (PFT) and a medical examination as part of the hiring process.
  • Also, check for defence jobs for females after the 12th.

Indian Coast Guard Exam Highlights

The following are the key points about the Indian Coast Guard's recruitment

Particulars Details
Exam Name Indian Coast Guard Recruitment Exam
Name of the Organization Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
Exam Level National
Frequency Annually
Name of the Posts Navik (General Duty) Navik (Domestic Branch) Yantrik Assistant Commandant
Name of the Posts Navik (General Duty) Navik (Domestic Branch) Yantrik Assistant Commandant
Mode of Application Online
Application Fees
  • SC/ST: Exempted
  • All Other Candidates: INR 250
Selection Process
  • Written Examination
  • Physical Fitness Test
  • Document Verification
  • Medical Test

Indian Coast Guard Eligibility Criteria

The Eligibility Criteria includes everything that a candidate must meet before applying for this exam.

Assistant Commandant Eligibility Criteria

Post Name Branch Age Limit Educational Qualification
Assistant Commandant Post(GD) - (Male) General Duty(GD) Branch Between 21 to 25 years of age Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from any well-known university recognised by the Central or State Governments / UGC, with Mathematics & Physics as subjects up to 12th class of the 10+2+3 educational system.
Assistant Commandant Post (GD)-SSA - (Female) GD Branch Between 21 to 25 years of age Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from any well-known university recognised by the Central or State Governments / UGC, with Mathematics & Physics as subjects up to 12th class of the 10+2+3 educational system.
Assistant Commandant Post (GD-P/ N) - (Male) GD Branch (Pilot or Navigator) Between 19 to 25 years of age Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from any well-known university recognised by the Central or State Governments / UGC, with Mathematics & Physics as subjects up to 12th class of the 10+2+3 educational system.
Assistant Commandant Post (GD-P-CPL) SSA (Male/ Female) GD Branch (Pilot – Commercial Pilot License) 19 to 25 years 12th or equivalent, and must hold a current Commercial Pilot License on the date of application submission.
Assistant Commandant Post (Tech) (Male) Technical Branch Between 21 to 25 years of age Must hold a Degree in Naval Architecture/ Mechanical/ Marine/ Electrical/ Electronics and Telecommunications/ Design OR Production or Aeronautical or Control Engineering or any relevant degree.
Assistant Commandant Post (Law) (Male/ Female) Law Branch Between 21-30 years of age Must hold a degree in Law is usually required. OR Must have a postgraduate degree in Law & Knowledge or Experience Assignment elated to International Law/Maritime Law

Yantrik Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for Yantriks is mentioned below:

Post Age Educational Qualification
Yantrik 18-22 years (5 years relaxation in case of SC/ ST & 3 years for OBC) Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical or Electronics

Navik Eligibility Criteria

Below are the eligibility criteria for the Indian Coast Guard Navik post:

Post Age Educational Qualification
Navik (General Duty) 18-22 years (5 years relaxation in case of SC/ST & 3 years for OBC) 10+2 having Maths & Physics from a well-reputed education board recognised by Central or State Government
Navik (Domestic Branch) 18-22 years (5 years relaxation in case of SC/ST & 3 years for OBC) Matriculation

Indian Coast Guard Exam Pattern

  • The Recruitment is conducted across India for three positions. The ICG defence Exam Pattern for the written paper varies depending on the position applied for.
  • The Paper will be divided into five sections based on the position for which the candidate has applied. Given below is the exam pattern under Indian Coast Guard Recruitment.  Also, check for national defence academy course admissions.

Navik & Yantrik Exam Pattern

  • The paper will have objective-type questions.
  • There would be no negative marking.
  • There will be two sections for each post, and passing both sections separately is mandatory.

Here is the exam pattern for Navik & Yantrik posts examination:

Post Written Test Passing Marks
Navik (DB) Section I
  • 30 (UR/EWS/ OBC)
  • 27 (for SC/ST)
Navik (GD) Section (I+II)
  • 30+20=50 (UR/ EWS/ OBC)
  • 27+17= 44 (SC/ST
Yantrik (Electrical) Section (I+III)
  • 30+20= 50 (UR/ EWS/ OBC)
  • 27+17= 44 (SC/ST)
Yantrik (Electronics) Section (I+IV) 30+20= 50 (UR/ EWS/ OBC) 27+17= 44 (SC/ST)
Yantrik (Mechanical) Section (I+V) 30+20= 50 (UR/ EWS/ OBC) 27+17= 44 (SC/ST)

The section-wise marks distribution, duration, and the total number of questions for the exam are as follows:

Section Marks Distribution Duration of Exam Total Questions & Total Marks
I
  • Maths: 20
  • Science: 10
  • English: 15
  • Reasoning: 10
  • GK: 5
45 mins 60
II
  • Maths: 25
  • Physics: 25
30 mins. 50
III Electrical Engineering: 50 30 mins. 50
IV Electronics Engineering: 50 30 mins. 50
V Mechanical Engineering: 50 30 mins. 50

Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern

The exam pattern for the Assistant Commandant post under ICG is as follows:

Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern
Mental Ability Test Objective Type
Aptitude Test

Indian Coast Guard Syllabus

To prepare well for the defence exam, every candidate must be familiar with the Syllabus. The syllabus for the Indian Coast Guard selection for the positions of Yantrik and Navik is mentioned below. Also, check for the combined defence services examination syllabus.

Section Marks Distribution ICG Syllabus
1
  • Maths: 20
  • Science: 10
  • English: 15
  • Reasoning: 10
  • GK: 5
Class 10th Syllabus
2
  • Maths: 25
  • Physics: 25
Class 12th Maths & Physics Syllabus
3 Electrical Engineering: 50 Diploma Level Electrical Engineering syllabus
4 Electronics Engineering: 50 Diploma Level Electronics Engineering syllabus
5 Mechanical Engineering: 50 Diploma Level Mechanical Engineering syllabus

Conclusion

  • If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career, the Indian Coast Guard might be the perfect fit for you. 
  • If you really want to start a career in maritime safety and security, the ICG is an excellent place to do it because it offers excellent training and development opportunities.
  • To join the Indian Coast Guard, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous selection process. We have discussed all the ways to join the Indian Coast Guard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the application fee for the Indian Coast Guard examination?

Ans. The recruitment application fee is Rs. 250. SC and ST candidates are exempted from paying the application fee. Other candidates must pay the cost at the time of application submission.

Q2. What is the age limit for the Indian Coast Guard examination?

Ans. Candidates should be between 18 and 22 to apply for ICG Yantrik and Navik positions. Those who do not meet the age requirements will not be considered for recruitment.

Q3. Can I choose an exam centre while applying?

Ans. There is no option for candidates to choose their own test location independently. The allocation of test locations is solely determined by the organization.

Q4. How does the Indian Coast Guard Job?

Ans. Getting a job with the Indian Coast Guard opens up many opportunities. Aside from a good salary, this position ensures a good life and, According to government norms, a career because the organisation will provide various other benefits.

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