Indian Coast Guard Exam: Complete Guide
Your comprehensive resource for Indian Coast Guard recruitment exams. Get detailed information on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, and professional form filling assistance.
3 Main Posts
Assistant Commandant, Navik, Yantrik
2-Tier Selection
Computer-Based Test & Physical Fitness
Multiple Notifications
Recruitment throughout the year
Growing Opportunities
Expanding Indian Coast Guard force
About Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters. The organization plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime laws.
Our Mission
To protect India’s maritime interests and enforce maritime laws with a focus on preserving marine environment, assisting mariners in distress, and ensuring safety and protection of artificial islands and offshore terminals.
History
Established in 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, the Indian Coast Guard has grown into a formidable force with numerous ships, aircraft, and personnel dedicated to protecting India’s extensive coastline.
Responsibilities
Maritime security, search and rescue operations, pollution control, anti-smuggling operations, and assistance to fishermen in distress are some of the key responsibilities of the Indian Coast Guard.
Posts & Eligibility Criteria
The Indian Coast Guard offers various opportunities for both men and women. Below are the main posts and their eligibility requirements:
Assistant Commandant
The Assistant Commandant is a Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer position in the Indian Coast Guard. There are several branches to apply for:
Educational Qualifications
General Duty: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with minimum 60% marks
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics, and valid CPL issued by DGCA
Technical: Engineering degree with 60% marks in Naval Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics
Age Limit
21-25 years as of specified date in notification. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government rules.
Physical Standards
Height: Minimum 157 cm (relaxable for certain regions)
Weight: Proportionate to height and age
Chest: Well developed with minimum 5 cm expansion
Vision: 6/6 and 6/9 correctable to 6/6 and 6/6
Yantrik
Yantrik is a technical position in the Indian Coast Guard responsible for maintaining and operating technical equipment on board ships.
Educational Qualifications
10th class passed from recognized education board with 50% marks and 3 years Diploma in Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics/Telecommunication Engineering with 50% marks.
Age Limit
18-22 years as of specified date in notification. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government rules.
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
The Indian Coast Guard selection process varies by position but generally follows a multi-stage process:
Stage 1: Computer-Based Test
First level screening test conducted online at various centers across India.
Stage 2: Physical Fitness Test
Candidates who clear the written test are called for physical standards testing.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Detailed medical examination to ensure fitness as per ICG standards.
Stage 4: Final Merit List
Final selection based on performance in all stages and document verification.
Computer-Based Test Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 30 | 30 | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | |
| English | 25 | 25 | |
| Reasoning | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Note: The exam pattern may vary slightly for different posts. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The test is conducted in English only.
Detailed Syllabus
The Indian Coast Guard exam syllabus covers various subjects. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Current events, history, geography, general polity, Indian Constitution, economic scene, general science, and environmental issues.
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Important Dates & Events
- Awards and Honors
- Books and Authors
- Sports News
- Indian History & Culture
- Geography of India and World
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Basic Economics
- General Science
- Environmental Issues
- Defense Related News
Number systems, decimals, fractions, relationships between numbers, fundamental arithmetical operations, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, mensuration, time and distance, ratio and time, time and work.
- Number Systems
- Decimals and Fractions
- Simplification
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
Spot the error, fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, spelling/detecting misspelled words, idioms & phrases, one word substitution, improvement of sentences, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration, shuffling of sentence parts, shuffling of sentences in a passage, close passage, comprehension passage.
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Structure
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
Verbal and non-verbal types, analogies, similarities and differences, spatial visualization, spatial orientation, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series.
- Analogies
- Similarities and Differences
- Space Visualization
- Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Judgment
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Discrimination
- Observation
- Relationship Concepts
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Verbal and Figure Classification
- Arithmetical Number Series
Preparation Strategy & Tips
Effective preparation is key to success in the Indian Coast Guard exam. Here are some proven strategies:
Time Management
Create a realistic study schedule that allocates time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Include regular breaks and revision sessions.
Study Material
Select the right books and resources. Focus on NCERT books for basics and then move to subject-specific books for advanced preparation.
Mock Tests
Regular practice with mock tests helps improve speed, accuracy, and familiarizes you with the exam pattern and question types.
Subject-wise Preparation Tips
General Awareness
Read newspapers daily, follow news channels, and use current affairs apps. Focus on defense-related news, awards, sports, and important government schemes. Make notes of important events and revise them regularly.
Quantitative Aptitude
Practice calculations regularly to improve speed. Focus on important topics like percentage, profit and loss, average, time and work, and data interpretation. Learn shortcuts and tricks for faster calculations.
English Language
Improve vocabulary by learning new words daily. Read English newspapers, magazines, and books. Practice grammar rules and comprehension passages regularly.
Reasoning Ability
Practice different types of reasoning questions regularly. Develop your own strategies for solving puzzles, coding-decoding, and series questions. Focus on logical thinking and pattern recognition.
Pro Tip: Revision is crucial for retention. Create a revision schedule where you review previously studied topics at regular intervals. Focus on your weak areas but don’t ignore your strengths.
Recommended Books & Resources
Choosing the right study material is essential for effective preparation. Here are some recommended books:
| Subject | Book Title | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Dr. Binay Karna & Manwendra Mukul |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| English Language | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Practice Sets | Indian Coast Guard Navik GD Guide | Arihant Publications |
| Previous Year Papers | Indian Coast Guard Exam Solved Papers | Kirpal Singh |
Online Resources
Official Website: joinindiancoastguard.gov.in – For official notifications and updates
Mobile Apps: Current Affairs apps, Exam preparation apps, and Daily quiz apps
YouTube Channels: Educational channels for quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and general knowledge
Online Test Series: Practice mock tests and previous year question papers
90-Day Study Plan
A structured study plan can help you cover the entire syllabus systematically. Here’s a suggested 90-day plan:
Foundation Building (Days 1-30)
Focus on understanding basic concepts and building a strong foundation in all subjects.
Daily Routine
Morning (3 hours): Conceptual learning and theory
Afternoon (2 hours): Practice questions
Evening (1 hour): Current affairs and revision
Weekly Subject Distribution
Week 1-2: Quantitative Aptitude basics
Week 3: English Language fundamentals
Week 4: Reasoning Ability basics
Daily: General Awareness (current affairs)
Practice & Application (Days 31-60)
Focus on practicing questions and applying the concepts learned in the first month.
Daily Routine
Morning (2 hours): Topic-wise practice
Afternoon (2 hours): Mixed question practice
Evening (2 hours): Revision and weak areas
Weekly Subject Distribution
Week 5-6: Advanced quantitative practice
Week 7: English comprehension and grammar practice
Week 8: Advanced reasoning practice
Daily: General knowledge revision and current affairs
Revision & Mock Tests (Days 61-90)
Focus on full-length mock tests, revision, and improving speed and accuracy.
Daily Routine
Morning (2 hours): Full-length mock test
Afternoon (2 hours): Analysis and weak area revision
Evening (1 hour): Current affairs and quick revision
Weekly Schedule
Week 9: 2 mock tests daily with detailed analysis
Week 10: Revision of all subjects and formulas
Week 11-12: Previous year papers and final revision
Last 2 days: Light revision and mental preparation
Important: Customize this plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate more time to subjects you find difficult. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain consistency in your preparation.
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