What Is The Indian Coast Guard Recruitment Process?

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a multi-mission organization responsible for maritime security, safety, and pollution control along India's vast coastline. To maintain operational readiness and strength, the ICG regularly conducts recruitment to select officers and sailors for various roles. The recruitment process involves multiple stages, including written exams, physical fitness tests, medical examinations, and interviews, followed by rigorous training.

What Is the Indian Coast Guard Recruitment Process?

The Indian Coast Guard recruitment process is designed to assess the candidates' physical, mental, and academic abilities to determine their suitability for different roles within the organization. The recruitment process varies based on the position being applied for—officer or sailor.

1. Officer Recruitment Process (Short Service Commission / SSC)

The Indian Coast Guard recruits officers under the Short Service Commission (SSC) scheme for various branches, including the General Duty (GD), Pilot, Engineer, and Law branches. The recruitment process is as follows:

Eligibility Criteria for Officer Recruitment:

• Nationality: Indian citizen.
• Age Limit:
  • General Duty (GD): 18 to 22 years (for male and female candidates).
  • Pilot: 19 to 23 years.
  • Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical): 18 to 22 years.
  • Law: 21 to 25 years.
• Educational Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have a degree (Bachelor’s degree) from a recognized university.
  • For technical posts (Engineering), candidates should have a B.Tech/B.E. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics disciplines.
  • Pilot posts require candidates to have a minimum 60% aggregate in their engineering degree.
• Marital Status: Unmarried at the time of joining.

Selection Process for Officer Recruitment:

Written Examination:

The selection begins with an online written exam, which is generally conducted by the Indian Coast Guard. It assesses knowledge in subjects like General Knowledge, Mathematics, Physics, English, and Aptitude.

Psychological Test and Group Discussion (GD):

After the written exam, shortlisted candidates are called for psychological testing, followed by a group discussion (GD) and an interview.

Medical Examination:

Candidates who clear the interview and psychological tests undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the physical and health requirements of the Indian Coast Guard.

Final Selection and Training:

After successful completion of the medical tests, candidates are placed on the merit list, and those who are selected are called for training at the Indian Coast Guard Academy.

2. Sailor Recruitment Process

The Indian Coast Guard also recruits sailors for various roles, such as Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), and Yantrik. The recruitment process for sailors involves the following steps:

Eligibility Criteria for Sailor Recruitment:

• Nationality: Indian citizen.
• Age Limit:
  • Navik (General Duty): 18 to 22 years.
  • Navik (Domestic Branch): 18 to 22 years.
  • Yantrik (Technical): 18 to 22 years.
• Educational Qualifications:
  • Navik (General Duty): 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics.
  • Navik (Domestic Branch): 10th standard pass.
  • Yantrik: 10th standard pass with a diploma in engineering (mechanical, electrical, or electronics).
• Physical Fitness Standards: Must meet the physical fitness standards as prescribed by the Indian Coast Guard.

Selection Process for Sailor Recruitment:

Application and Written Exam:

Candidates must apply online through the official Indian Coast Guard recruitment website. After shortlisting, they must appear for the written exam.

The written exam includes sections on Mathematics, Science, English, General Knowledge, and Aptitude.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT):

Candidates who clear the written exam are required to undergo a Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which involves running, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.6 km run to be completed in 7 minutes.

Medical Examination:

After passing the PFT, candidates undergo a medical examination at the Coast Guard Medical Center to ensure they meet the required medical standards for duty.

Final Selection and Training:

Candidates who pass all stages are called for training at the Indian Coast Guard Training Centre, where they receive basic training in various aspects of the Coast Guard’s operations.

3. Special Entry and Other Posts

The Indian Coast Guard also recruits personnel for specific posts, including Civilian Posts and Special Entry for candidates with specific qualifications. For instance, candidates with an MBA may apply for roles in Human Resources, while candidates with a Law Degree can apply for legal positions. The recruitment process for these roles may involve:

• Written Examination (if applicable)
• Interview
• Skill Tests (for certain technical positions)
• Medical Examination

Example:

A candidate from Mumbai, after completing his 12th grade with a background in Mathematics and Physics, decides to apply for the Navik (General Duty) role in the Indian Coast Guard. After submitting his application online and clearing the written exam, he undergoes the Physical Fitness Test, clears it, and passes the medical examination. He is then selected and sent for training at the Indian Coast Guard Academy.

Training at the Indian Coast Guard Academy:

After selection, candidates undergo a rigorous training program at the Indian Coast Guard Academy in Azhikkal, Kerala for officers, or other training centers for sailors. The training includes:

• Physical fitness training
• Naval tactics and operations
• Safety and rescue procedures
• Weapon handling and maritime law enforcement