🛡️ Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026
Indian Coast Guard Navik GD, DB and Yantrik Exam 2026 - Mock Tests, Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Complete guide for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recruitment for Navik General Duty (GD), Navik Domestic Branch (DB) and Yantrik (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics) posts. Navik GD has a two-section written exam with no negative marking - Section I covers Math, Science, English, Reasoning and GK at Class 10 level while Section II covers Math and Physics at Class 12 level. Yantrik includes trade-specific engineering topics. Free chapter-wise mock tests, syllabus breakdown, physical standards and expert strategy - all in one place.
No Negative Marking
GD - 110 Qs in 75 Min
DB - 50 Qs in 45 Min
10th / 12th / Diploma Eligible
🛡️
110
GD Total Questions
ZERO
Negative Marking
75
Minutes (GD Total)
18-22
Age Limit (Years)
3
Posts - GD, DB, Yantrik
📋 Table of Contents
Jump directly to the section you need
🎯 Practice Mock Tests - Chapter-wise and Subject-wise
Subjects applicable vary by post - GD tests all 5 subjects, DB tests Math, Reasoning, GK and English, Yantrik tests Math, Physics and trade-specific topics.
⚠️ Subject applicability by post: GD Section I - Math, Science, English, Reasoning, GK (Class 10). GD Section II - Math and Physics (Class 12). DB - Math, Reasoning, GK and English (Class 10 only). Yantrik - Math, Physics and trade-specific engineering topics (Diploma level). No negative marking in any ICG written exam.
🔍 Navik GD vs DB vs Yantrik - At a Glance
Three distinct posts with different educational requirements, exam patterns and career roles in the Indian Coast Guard
🛡️
Indian Coast Guard - India's Maritime Guardian
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is an armed force of India that operates under the Ministry of Defence. It guards India's vast 7,516 km coastline, conducts search and rescue operations, enforces maritime laws, and prevents smuggling and poaching. Unlike the Indian Navy which focuses on military operations, the Coast Guard's primary mandate is maritime safety, law enforcement, and humanitarian assistance. ICG officers and personnel serve on patrol vessels, hovercraft, aircraft, and at shore stations across India's entire coastline.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Age, education and physical requirements for Navik GD, Navik DB and Yantrik posts
⚠️ Important for GD: The 60% minimum in Mathematics and Physics individually is a strict requirement for Navik GD - not just the aggregate. Candidates with aggregate 60%+ but below 60% in one of these subjects are ineligible. Check your marksheet carefully before applying.
📊 Exam Pattern - Navik GD, DB and Yantrik
All ICG written exams are Computer Based Tests (CBT) with no negative marking. Sectional qualifying marks apply for GD.
🛡️ Navik GD - Section I
Class 10 level - 60 questions - 45 minutes - Qualifying section
Passing marks: 20 for UR/EWS/OBC; 17 for SC/ST. Must clear Section I to attempt Section II. No negative marking.
🛡️ Navik GD - Section II
Class 12 level - 50 questions - 30 minutes - Final merit basis
Final merit is based on Section II marks only. Section I is qualifying. Score well in Section II - this is what determines your rank in the final list. No negative marking.
🛡️ Navik DB - Domestic Branch
Class 10 level - 50 questions - 45 minutes - Single section
Class 10 level only - no Physics or Science section. No negative marking. Merit based on total CBT score. 45 minutes for 50 questions.
⚙️ Yantrik (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics)
Diploma level - approx. 50 questions - 45 minutes - trade-specific
Trade-specific topics differ by trade - Mechanical covers Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics; Electrical covers Circuit Theory, Power Systems; Electronics covers Analog/Digital Electronics, Microprocessors. No negative marking.
📚 Syllabus - Subject Wise Breakdown
GD Section I and DB are at Class 10 level. GD Section II is at Class 12 level. Yantrik topics are at Diploma engineering level.
📐
Mathematics
Section I (Class 10) and Section II (Class 12) - GD both; DB Class 10 only
Section I - Class 10 Topics
- Number System, LCM, HCF, BODMAS
- Percentage, Profit and Loss, Discount
- Ratio and Proportion, Average
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work, Speed and Distance
- Basic Geometry, Area and Perimeter
- Basic Algebra and Quadratic Equations
Section II - Class 12 Topics (GD only)
- Trigonometry - Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances
- Relations, Functions and Inverse Trigonometry
- Matrices and Determinants
- Limits, Continuity and Differentiation
- Integration and Differential Equations
- Vectors, 3D Geometry and Probability
- Linear Equations and Linear Programming
🔬
Physics
GD Section I (Class 10 General Science) and Section II (Class 12 Physics)
Section I - Class 10 General Science
- Nature of Matter, Motion and Laws of Motion
- Force and Gravitation - Newton's Laws
- Energy, Power and Work
- Heat, Temperature and Sound
- Light - Reflection and Refraction basics
- Electricity - Basic circuits and current
Section II - Class 12 Physics (GD only)
- Electrostatics and Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects and Electromagnetic Induction
- Electromagnetic Waves and Ray Optics
- Wave Optics and Dual Nature of Matter
- Atoms, Nuclei and Semiconductor Devices
- Communication Systems
💡 Section II Physics is the decisive differentiator in GD - it separates serious candidates. Revise NCERT Class 12 Physics units 1 to 15 thoroughly.
🧩
General Intelligence and Reasoning
GD Section I (15 Qs) and DB (10 Qs)
- Analogy - Verbal and Non-verbal
- Classification and Odd One Out
- Series Completion - Number and Alphabet
- Coding and Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance problems
- Ranking and Arrangement
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism and Statement-Conclusion
- Missing Number and Pattern Completion
- Figure Matrix and Non-verbal Reasoning
💡 Reasoning carries 15 out of 60 marks in GD Section I - highest single subject weight in Section I. Scoring full marks here is realistic with practice.
📝
English Language
GD Section I (10 Qs) and DB (10 Qs) - Class 10 to 12 level
- Reading Comprehension - short passages
- Grammar - Tenses, Articles, Prepositions
- Voice - Active and Passive
- Narration - Direct and Indirect Speech
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One-word Substitution and Idioms
- Sentence Correction and Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks and Spelling
💡 English carries only 10 marks in Section I but is a section where all 10 marks are achievable with focused preparation. Grammar rules and vocabulary should be revised in parallel with other subjects.
🌊
General Knowledge and Awareness
GD Section I (15 Qs), DB (15 Qs) and Yantrik (10 Qs)
Coast Guard and Maritime GK (Unique to ICG)
- Indian Coast Guard - history, structure, fleet and achievements
- Coast Guard operations - search and rescue, anti-piracy, pollution control
- India's coastline, maritime zones and exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
- Important ports, harbours and coastal geography
- Naval and Coast Guard exercises
- ISRO maritime surveillance, satellite launches
Static GK and Current Affairs
- Indian History, Culture, Freedom Movement
- Geography - Rivers, Mountains, Ports, Harbours
- Indian Polity and Constitution basics
- Sports, Awards, Defence, Neighbours
- Current Affairs - last 6 months
- National symbols, important personalities
⚙️
Yantrik - Trade-Specific Topics
Diploma engineering level - differs by trade
Mechanical Yantrik
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Strength of Materials and Machine Design
- Theory of Machines and Workshop Technology
- Engineering Drawing basics
Electrical Yantrik
- Circuit Theory and Control Systems
- Power Systems and Electrical Machines
- Instrumentation and Measurements
Electronics Yantrik
- Analog and Digital Electronics
- Microprocessors and Communication Systems
- Network Theory and Signals and Systems
🎯 Selection Process - Step by Step
ICG selection is a multi-stage process. GD candidates must clear Section I before appearing for Section II. Both tests are on the same day.
🏃 Physical Fitness Test Standards
PFT is conducted at Stage 2 at ICG centres after the written exam. All physically qualifying events are pass-fail.
🏃 Running
7 minutes
Complete 1.6 km within this time limit
All posts - timed track run - must complete
🏋️ Squat Ups (Uthak Baithak)
20 times
Full squat repetitions in 2 minutes
All posts - pass/fail basis
💪 Push Ups
10 times
Standard push-up form required
All posts - pass/fail basis
📏 Height and Chest
157 cm height | 77 cm chest
Minimum height 157 cm; chest 77 cm with 5 cm expansion
5 cm height relaxation for hilly regions and specified tribal areas
👁️ Vision Standards
6/6 corrected vision
Colour vision and hearing tested at medical examination
Standards vary slightly by post - check official notification
ℹ️ PFT at Own Risk
The ICG PFT notice states candidates participate at their own risk. Wear comfortable sportswear - T-shirt, sports shoes and pants. Candidates with physical disabilities are not eligible. The PFT is conducted at Stage 2 at ICG centres - not on the written exam day.
📈 Previous Year Cut-off Marks
Indicative cut-offs from recent ICG Navik GD recruitment cycles. GD merit is based on Section II score only.
ℹ️ Cut-offs are indicative estimates from coaching institute data. The Indian Coast Guard does not publicly release official cut-off marks. GD merit is based on Section II score (50 marks) only - aim for 38+ to be safe for the general category. Since there is no negative marking, attempt every question.
💡 Expert Preparation Tips
From our faculty who have trained thousands of Indian Coast Guard successful candidates
1
No negative marking means attempt every single question - never leave any blank - This is the single most important strategic fact about the ICG exam. Unlike Navy SSR (0.25 negative) or Army (1 mark negative), the Coast Guard CBT has zero negative marking. A blank answer gives you 0. A random guess gives you a 25% chance of getting 1 mark. For GD Section I where you need a minimum of 20 out of 60, guessing on the last few questions you are unsure about is always the right call. In Section II where merit is decided, attempt everything and guess intelligently on questions where you can eliminate two options. Never walk out of the exam with unattempted questions.
2
GD Section I is qualifying - pass it comfortably, do not over-invest time here - Section I requires only 20 out of 60 marks (33%) for General/EWS/OBC candidates to qualify. This is a deliberately low bar - it is designed to screen out completely unprepared candidates. If you have studied at all, you will pass Section I. The mistake many GD candidates make is spending excessive preparation time on Section I (Class 10 level) topics and under-preparing for Section II (Class 12 Math and Physics) where your actual rank is decided. Allocate 30% of preparation to Section I and 70% to Section II.
3
GD Section II is the entire exam - your rank depends on these 50 marks - Since final merit for Navik GD is determined solely by Section II performance (Math 25 + Physics 25), candidates who crack Section II win the selection. The competition is sharp - cut-offs of 34-39 out of 50 mean you need 68-78% in Section II. Target 40+ out of 50 to be in a comfortable zone. Study NCERT Class 12 Mathematics and Physics cover to cover. Practice previous year papers for Section II topics. Reasoning and GK preparation only gets you through Section I - it does nothing for your rank.
4
ICG GK has a strong coastal and maritime flavour - build a dedicated fact sheet - The General Knowledge section across all ICG posts - GD, DB and Yantrik - features questions specifically about India's coastline, ports and harbours, the Indian Coast Guard's fleet and operations, maritime zones including the 200 nautical mile EEZ, search and rescue operations, anti-piracy and pollution control activities, and ICG history. Standard GK books written for SSC or banking exams do not cover this maritime GK at all. Prepare a dedicated Coast Guard and maritime fact sheet using the official ICG website (indiancoastguard.gov.in) and Ministry of Defence maritime news. This 15-mark section is often the differentiator in close merit lists.
5
60% in Maths and Physics individually is a hard GD eligibility bar - verify before applying - Navik GD requires a minimum of 60% in aggregate AND 60% individually in both Mathematics and Physics in the 10+2 examination. A candidate with 65% aggregate but 55% in Physics is ineligible. Many candidates discover this only after the application deadline. Check your Class 12 marksheet subject by subject before applying. If you narrowly miss the cut in one subject from an older batch, check if you can appear for compartment or improvement exams before the application window closes.
6
Reasoning and GK are your Section I safety net - score 25+ out of 30 combined - In GD Section I, Reasoning (15 marks) and GK (15 marks) together are 30 out of 60 marks - half the section. If you prepare these two subjects well, you can score 25+ out of 30 on Reasoning and GK alone, comfortably crossing the 20-mark qualifying threshold without needing to rely heavily on Science, Math, or English. This is the most efficient strategy for Section I - dominate GK and Reasoning, then let your Section II preparation handle the merit. For DB candidates, the same principle applies - GK (15) and Reasoning (10) are 25 out of 50 marks in a single section.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions - Indian Coast Guard 2026
Most searched questions about ICG Navik GD, DB and Yantrik recruitment answered by our experts
The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard are two distinct armed forces with different roles. The Navy is a military force focused on national defence and naval warfare, while the Coast Guard is a maritime law enforcement and humanitarian force under the Ministry of Defence focused on coastal security, search and rescue, anti-poaching, anti-smuggling and pollution control. For recruitment, the Navy offers Agniveer SSR and MR posts with a 4-year contractual tenure, while the Coast Guard offers Navik GD, DB and Yantrik posts as regular permanent government service with full career progression and pension. The ICG exam has no negative marking whereas Navy SSR/MR carry 0.25 negative marking. ICG Navik GD requires 60% marks in Math and Physics individually, while Navy SSR has no minimum percentage requirement.
Yes. Indian Coast Guard Navik GD, DB and Yantrik posts are permanent regular government service posts - not contractual like the Agniveer scheme in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Selected candidates join as enrolled personnel and serve a full career until retirement age with pension, medical benefits, and standard government service entitlements. This is one of the key advantages of ICG over Agniveer recruitment - there is no 4-year exit clause and no uncertainty about retention. The job comes with housing accommodation at Coast Guard stations, annual leave, education allowance for children, and other regular government service benefits.
The Indian Coast Guard typically releases two recruitment notifications per year for Navik GD and DB posts - the first (01/XXXX batch) usually in the first quarter and the second (02/XXXX batch) in the third quarter, though the exact schedule varies year to year based on vacancies and organisational requirements. For the 2025 cycle, 260 GD vacancies were announced with Stage I exam held in September 2025. For 2026, notifications are expected to follow a similar pattern. Yantrik recruitment may follow a separate notification schedule. Monitor the official ICG recruitment website joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in regularly for notification updates.
Currently, Navik GD, Navik DB and Yantrik posts in the Indian Coast Guard are open to male candidates only. Female candidates can apply for Indian Coast Guard recruitment through the Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted Officer) entry which is open to both male and female candidates from eligible educational backgrounds. The Assistant Commandant entry is a separate and more competitive process requiring graduation and involving the Coast Guard Preliminary Examination followed by selection at the Coast Guard Headquarters. Female candidates interested in the Coast Guard should check the latest official notifications for the Assistant Commandant recruitment cycle.
The Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) is conducted at Stage 2 during the 1-2 day selection process at ICG centres after candidates clear the CBT. It is a short qualifying written test held alongside biometric verification, document verification, PFT and medical examination. The QAT is typically a brief test on fundamental subjects at a basic qualifying level - it is not as extensive as the main CBT. Most candidates who have prepared well for the main CBT find the QAT manageable. The official notification for each cycle provides details about the QAT format. Since it is qualifying in nature, focus your primary preparation on the main CBT - clearing Section II with a high score is the priority.
Both are excellent defence careers but with fundamental differences. Navy SSR is a 4-year Agniveer contractual tenure with 25% chance of permanent retention - offering maritime and naval technical roles. Coast Guard GD is a permanent government service position from Day 1 with full pension benefits. For career security, Coast Guard GD is significantly stronger since there is no exit at 4 years. The GD exam is also advantageous in having no negative marking. However, GD requires minimum 60% in Math and Physics individually and Section II is competitive with cut-offs around 34-38 out of 50. If you have strong Class 12 Physics and Math marks above 60% individually, target both Navy SSR and Coast Guard GD simultaneously as the preparation significantly overlaps - both test Class 12 Physics and Mathematics at the core.
Indian Coast Guard Navik GD and DB are enrolled in Pay Level 3 under the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix with a basic pay starting at approximately Rs.21,700 per month. With allowances including Dearness Allowance, Military Service Pay, Transport Allowance, Ration Allowance, and other applicable allowances, the gross monthly income for a Navik at initial posting typically ranges from Rs.30,000 to Rs.35,000 per month. The in-hand take-home pay after standard deductions is typically around Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 at the start of service. Pay increases significantly with annual increments and rank promotions. Additionally, accommodation is provided at Coast Guard stations, and medical facilities are available for the Navik and their family at Coast Guard Medical Establishments.
🛡️
Written and Reviewed by Our Defence and Coast Guard Exam Expert Faculty
Indian Coast Guard Specialist | 12+ Years Defence Exam Coaching Experience
This page has been prepared by our senior defence exam faculty with extensive experience coaching Coast Guard Navik GD, DB and Yantrik aspirants. Our faculty has guided thousands of students through ICG CBT preparation, Section II strategy, PFT training, and Stage 2 processes. All exam pattern tables, post-wise syllabus breakdowns, physical standards, pay details, and preparation strategies are verified against official Indian Coast Guard recruitment notifications updated for the 2026 cycle. Monitor joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in for official notification releases.
✅ ICG Navik GD Specialist ✅ Yantrik and DB Expert ✅ 10,000+ Students Trained
Indian Coast Guard Navik GD, DB and Yantrik Exam 2026 - Complete Guide: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Cut-offs and Free Mock Tests
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recruits Navik General Duty (GD), Navik Domestic Branch (DB) and Yantrik (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics) candidates through the Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT). Unlike the Agniveer scheme in the Army and Navy, ICG Navik and Yantrik posts are permanent regular government service positions with full pension, career progression and service benefits from Day 1. A key distinguishing feature of all ICG written exams is no negative marking - candidates should attempt every question. The Navik GD exam has two sections: Section I (60 questions, 45 minutes - Math, Science, English, Reasoning, GK at Class 10 level) which is qualifying only, and Section II (50 questions, 30 minutes - Math and Physics at Class 12 level) on which the final merit is based. Navik DB has a single 50-question paper in 45 minutes at Class 10 level.
Eligibility for Navik GD requires 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics with a minimum of 60% in aggregate and 60% individually in both Mathematics and Physics. Navik DB requires Class 10 pass. Yantrik requires a Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics Engineering. Age limit for all posts is 18 to 22 years. Physical standards include 1.6 km run in 7 minutes, 20 squat-ups, 10 push-ups, height 157 cm and chest 77 cm with 5 cm expansion. The ICG CGEPT is conducted twice yearly with vacancies announced post-notification - the 01/2026 batch notification is expected in early 2026.
Our free Indian Coast Guard mock tests cover all relevant subjects - Numerical and Mathematical Ability (Class 10 for Section I and DB; Class 12 for Section II), Physics (Class 10 General Science for Section I; Class 12 for Section II and Yantrik), General Intelligence and Reasoning (GD Section I and DB), English Language (GD and DB), and General Knowledge and Awareness including maritime and Coast Guard specific GK - available chapter-wise at zero cost at StudiesToday.com.