Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for candidates who want to build a career in India’s maritime security services. The Indian Coast Guard, operating under the Ministry of Defence, recruits personnel for a range of positions, including Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), Yantrik, officers and civilian technical and administrative roles.

Recruitment announcements in 2026 cover different categories and recruitment cycles. The Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT) recruitment for batches 01/2027 and 02/2027 was advertised with 365 vacancies across Navik, Yantrik and other posts. The application deadline for that cycle was reported as October 21, 2026, so candidates should check the official portal for subsequent notices, examination updates and any new application opportunities.

Separate civilian recruitment notifications have also been published in 2026. These have different eligibility conditions, application methods and deadlines from the uniformed Navik and Yantrik recruitment process.

This article explains the major recruitment categories, educational qualifications, age limits, salary information, selection stages, application procedure and official links candidates should use to verify the latest information.

Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026: Overview

The Indian Coast Guard offers career opportunities for candidates with different educational backgrounds. Depending on the notification, applicants may be able to apply after Class 10, Class 12, an engineering diploma, or other prescribed technical qualifications.

Important: The number of vacancies, age criteria, qualifications and deadlines are different for each recruitment notification. Candidates should read the advertisement for the exact post and batch before applying.

Latest Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026 Updates

Candidates should distinguish between the uniformed CGEPT recruitment process and civilian recruitment. They are separate recruitment routes and may have different application portals.

1. CGEPT Recruitment 2026 for Navik and Yantrik

The recruitment cycle for CGEPT batches 01/2027 and 02/2027 was advertised with a reported total of 365 vacancies. The posts covered Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), Yantrik in specified engineering disciplines and an additional notified category.

The reported application period began on October 6, 2026, and closed on October 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM. As of October 24, 2026, that reported deadline has passed.

Candidates who submitted an application should monitor the official recruitment portal for examination notices, admit cards, results and further selection instructions. Candidates who missed the deadline should look for a subsequent official recruitment notification rather than assuming that the previous application window remains open.

2. Group B Civilian Recruitment 2026

The Indian Coast Guard also published a notification titled Recruitment of Group B Civilian Personnel – 2026 in September 2026.

Civilian recruitment is different from the Navik and Yantrik selection process. The post-specific advertisement determines the number of vacancies, qualifications, experience requirements, age limit, application format and submission deadline.

Candidates interested in civilian technical or administrative work should download the official notification from the Indian Coast Guard recruitment page. Do not use the eligibility rules for Navik or Yantrik when applying for a civilian post.

3. Coast Guard Region (West) Recruitment 2026

A separate recruitment notice for Coast Guard Region (West) was published in September 2026 under notification number CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026. The reported advertisement covers Group C civilian positions.

The advertised roles include Store Keeper Grade II, Engine Driver, Lascar, Civilian Motor Transport Driver, MTS (Peon) and MTS (Chowkidar). The reported deadline for this notice is November 3, 2026, subject to the official advertisement’s conditions.

Some positions require specific work experience, technical certificates or driving qualifications in addition to educational certificates. Applicants must confirm the exact eligibility and prescribed postal application procedure from the official notification before sending documents.

Indian Coast Guard Vacancy 2026

The reported 365-post CGEPT recruitment cycle includes the following vacancies:

These figures relate to the reported CGEPT 01/2027 and 02/2027 recruitment cycle. They should not be interpreted as vacancies that are currently accepting applications. The reported application deadline for this cycle has passed, and future notifications may have different vacancy numbers.

Civilian vacancies are announced separately. Candidates should refer to the relevant official notice for the latest number of Group B or Group C posts, category-wise distribution and regional requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026

Eligibility depends on the post, recruitment batch and the official advertisement. The following is a general guide to the principal uniformed recruitment categories.

1. Navik (General Duty)

Navik (General Duty), commonly called Navik GD, is a uniformed operational role. Candidates in the reported CGEPT cycle generally needed to have passed Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics from a recognized education board.

Applicants must also meet the prescribed date-of-birth range, medical standards and physical fitness requirements. A Class 12 certificate without the required subjects may not satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Candidates should check the batch-specific notification because the permitted date-of-birth range can differ between recruitment cycles.

2. Navik (Domestic Branch)

Navik (Domestic Branch), or Navik DB, is a separate category with its own educational and service requirements. The reported 2026 recruitment cycle specified a Class 10 qualification for this post.

Candidates should verify the recognized board requirements, date-of-birth range, physical standards and medical conditions in the official advertisement. Do not assume that Navik GD and Navik DB have identical eligibility rules.

3. Yantrik

Yantrik positions are technical roles associated with engineering and equipment maintenance. The recruitment notification specifies acceptable engineering diploma qualifications and relevant disciplines, such as Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics.

Candidates must check the required diploma duration, discipline and recognition criteria. An unrelated diploma or a qualification that does not meet the prescribed standard may not be accepted.

4. Civilian Posts

Civilian posts have different eligibility criteria according to their responsibilities.

Examples include:

• Store Keeper Grade II: prescribed school-level education and relevant experience in handling stores may be required.
• Engine Driver: the relevant engine-driving competency certificate and experience requirements may apply.
• Lascar: educational qualifications and vessel-related experience may be specified.
• Civilian Motor Transport Driver: the required driving licence and driving experience must be checked.
• MTS posts: educational requirements and any additional conditions must be confirmed from the notice.
• Group B technical or administrative roles: relevant qualifications and experience depend on the advertised position.

The official notification is the final authority on whether a particular qualification or experience certificate is acceptable.

Age Limit for Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026

The age limit varies by post and recruitment batch. Candidates should use the date-of-birth range specified in their own notification instead of relying only on a general minimum and maximum age.

For the reported CGEPT cycle, different posts had different date-of-birth ranges. The notification also specified applicable age relaxations under the relevant rules.

Civilian recruitment may use different age limits. For example, some Group C positions have age ranges such as 18–25 or 18–30 years, depending on the post. Government employees and candidates belonging to eligible reserved categories may qualify for relaxation where the advertisement permits it.

Before applying, verify:

1. The minimum and maximum permitted date of birth.
2. The relevant cut-off date for calculating age.
3. Whether age relaxation applies to your category.
4. Which supporting certificate is required to claim relaxation.
5. Whether any special age conditions apply to the particular post.

Incorrect age information or an unsupported relaxation claim can lead to rejection during document verification.

Indian Coast Guard Salary 2026

The salary offered by the Indian Coast Guard depends on the post, pay level, applicable allowances and service conditions.

For the reported CGEPT recruitment cycle, published recruitment information lists pay levels associated with Navik and Yantrik roles. Navik positions are generally associated with a basic pay of ₹21,700 per month, while Yantrik positions are generally associated with a basic pay of ₹29,200 per month, along with applicable technical pay and other admissible benefits under the relevant rules.

Civilian positions follow their own pay levels. For example, the reported Coast Guard Region (West) advertisement lists different pay levels for Store Keeper Grade II, Engine Driver and Lascar positions.

These are indicative figures from the relevant recruitment categories, not a universal salary promise for every Indian Coast Guard employee. Candidates should consult the applicable notification for pay, allowances, deductions, service benefits and promotion provisions.

Application Fee

The application fee depends on the recruitment category and notification.

For the reported CGEPT 01/2027 and 02/2027 cycle, published details state that candidates in the UR, OBC and EWS categories were required to pay ₹550, while SC and ST candidates were exempt. Applicants should confirm the exact fee and exemption conditions in the official advertisement.

Civilian recruitment notices may prescribe a different fee arrangement or no fee. Never assume that the CGEPT fee applies to Group B or Group C civilian recruitment.

Use only the payment method specified by the official recruitment portal. Keep the payment receipt or confirmation number after completing an online transaction.

Selection Process for Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026

The selection process varies by post. Uniformed personnel and civilian employees may undergo different assessments.

Stage 1: Computer-Based Examination

For relevant CGEPT posts, the initial stage generally involves a computer-based examination. The subjects and question distribution depend on the post and qualification level.

Candidates should read the exam pattern and syllabus in the notification. Preparation may include Mathematics, Science, English, reasoning and general awareness, depending on the applicable paper.

Stage 2: Physical Fitness Test

Candidates shortlisted for applicable uniformed posts may need to pass a Physical Fitness Test. The prescribed running distance, completion time and exercise requirements must be checked in the official instructions.

Candidates should build their fitness gradually and prepare in advance. Meeting the written examination cut-off alone does not guarantee selection if the physical requirements are not satisfied.

Stage 3: Assessment or Adaptability Test

Some recruitment categories include an assessment or adaptability stage. This may be used to assess suitability for the relevant service or role.

Follow the instructions issued for your specific recruitment batch because not every post follows an identical sequence.

Stage 4: Document Verification

Candidates may be required to present original certificates and supporting documents, including:

• Class 10 and Class 12 certificates, where applicable.
• Engineering diploma or other technical qualification certificates.
• Date-of-birth proof.
• Government-issued photo identification.
• Category certificate, if applicable.
• Experience certificates for posts that require experience.
• Driving licence or competency certificate for relevant technical posts.
• Other documents specified in the notification.

The details on the application form should match the supporting documents.

Stage 5: Medical Examination

Candidates for uniformed positions must satisfy the applicable medical standards. The medical examination may assess general health, vision and other requirements specified by the Coast Guard.

Civilian posts may have different medical or fitness requirements. Read the recruitment notice carefully and follow the official instructions concerning medical examinations and appeals, if applicable.

How to Apply Online for Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026?

For online recruitment such as CGEPT, use the official recruitment portal and follow the instructions for the relevant batch.

Step 1: Visit the official website.

Open the Indian Coast Guard website at https://indiancoastguard.gov.in/ and go to the recruitment section.

Step 2: Find the relevant notification.

Select the notice for the correct recruitment batch and post. Confirm whether the application window is open before beginning registration.

Step 3: Read the notification.

Check the vacancy count, educational qualifications, age limit, date-of-birth range, physical requirements, fee and application deadline.

Step 4: Register on the official portal.

Create an account or sign in using the details requested by the official system. Enter your name, date of birth, contact information and other details accurately.

Step 5: Complete the application form.

Select the correct post and recruitment batch. Fill in educational qualifications, category information and other required fields.

Step 6: Upload the required documents.

Upload your photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed file formats and sizes. Follow the portal’s instructions rather than using assumed file-size limits.

Step 7: Pay the application fee, if applicable.

Use one of the payment methods authorized by the official portal. Confirm that the transaction has been completed successfully.

Step 8: Review the application.

Check the information for spelling errors, incorrect dates, qualification mistakes and other inconsistencies before submitting.

Step 9: Submit and save confirmation.

After submission, download or print the application confirmation and payment receipt, where applicable. Keep them for future reference.

For civilian recruitment, follow the exact procedure stated in the relevant notice. Some civilian advertisements may require a prescribed application form and supporting documents to be sent by post instead of an online application. Do not send an application by email or post unless the official advertisement permits that method.

Important Links and Information

Use these official links to verify recruitment information. If a link redirects to the main website, open the recruitment section and locate the relevant notice. Avoid unofficial websites that ask for money to provide an application form or guarantee selection.

Preparation Tips for Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026

Candidates preparing for future Coast Guard recruitment cycles can start with a structured study and fitness plan.

Understand the exam pattern: Download the notification and identify the subjects, examination stages and minimum qualifying requirements for your post.

Strengthen core subjects: For Navik GD, revise Mathematics and Physics at the required school level, along with other subjects specified in the syllabus. Technical candidates should review the relevant engineering concepts.

Practise mock tests: Use timed practice papers to improve accuracy, speed and time management. Review incorrect answers instead of simply completing more tests.

Maintain physical fitness: For applicable uniformed posts, prepare for running and prescribed exercises. Increase activity gradually and avoid sudden, excessive training.

Organize your documents: Keep educational certificates, identity proof, photographs, category certificates and relevant technical documents ready in advance.

Monitor official updates: Check the recruitment portal for examination dates, admit cards, result announcements, corrigenda and new vacancies.

Apply before the deadline: When a new application window opens, avoid waiting until the final day. Technical problems, payment failures and incomplete documents can create avoidable difficulties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid several common errors during recruitment:

• Applying for a post without meeting its educational requirements.
• Confusing the age criteria for different batches.
• Assuming a previous recruitment deadline applies to a new notification.
• Entering incorrect personal or educational information.
• Uploading photographs or documents that do not meet the portal’s specifications.
• Missing the application fee payment or failing to save the confirmation.
• Sending a civilian application through the wrong submission method.
• Relying on social media posts instead of official notifications.
• Paying an unofficial agent who promises selection or a guaranteed appointment.

The safest approach is to read the original advertisement, follow the prescribed procedure and retain copies of every submitted document.

FAQ about Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026

Conclusion

Indian Coast Guard Recruitment 2026 offers career opportunities in maritime security, technical services and civilian support roles. The reported CGEPT recruitment cycle for batches 01/2027 and 02/2027 included 365 vacancies, while separate civilian notifications covered additional categories of employment.

The reported CGEPT application deadline of October 21, 2026, has passed. Candidates who have already applied should follow official instructions for the next stages. Those seeking a new opportunity should check the recruitment section regularly, particularly for subsequent CGEPT batches and civilian advertisements with different deadlines.

Before applying, confirm the official notification, educational qualifications, age limit, salary, application fee and selection process. Use only the official website and the prescribed application method. Careful preparation, accurate documentation and regular monitoring of official updates can help candidates avoid mistakes and prepare effectively for future Indian Coast Guard recruitment opportunities.