Coast Guard Assistant Commandant: Latest Eligibility, Selection Process, Exam Pattern and Salary

Every year, thousands of graduates and engineers look for an officer-level career in uniform that offers real responsibility early and a clear, step-by-step selection route. The Coast Guard Assistant Commandant entry fits that description well. It is a direct officer entry into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), and every stage of selection is clearly defined, so a prepared candidate can plan for each one.

This guide is based on the latest ICG notifications, including the 2026 and 2027 batches. It covers who can apply, how each stage works, what the Coast Guard Common Admission Test (CGCAT) tests, the medical standards and the starting pay, so you can plan your preparation in one place.

What Is the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Entry?

The Indian Coast Guard recruits its officers at the rank of Assistant Commandant (AC) through a dedicated entry. It is completely separate from the Indian Navy’s officer entries and from the ICG’s own Navik and Yantrik entries for sailors. This makes it the main Indian Coast Guard officer entry for graduates.

In recent batches, the entry has been offered in two branches:

• General Duty (GD): Officers who handle ship operations, navigation, maritime security and command at sea.

• Technical: Officers from engineering backgrounds who look after the engineering and electrical systems of ships and aircraft. This covers the Technical Engineering branch (mechanical, marine, aeronautical and related disciplines) and the Technical Electrical branch (electrical, electronics, telecommunication and related disciplines).

Older notifications also included Law and pilot entries, but these were not offered in the 2026 and 2027 batches. Always check the branches listed in the notification you are applying for.

The ICG’s work covers maritime security, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries protection and marine pollution response. Because it is a smaller service than the Navy, young officers often get meaningful responsibility early in their careers.

Notifications are published on the official portal, joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in, which is the only reliable source for batch dates, vacancies and application links.

Latest Vacancies at a Glance

Here is how the two most recent batches compare:

As the table shows, most seats go to the General Duty branch AC posts. For the 2027 batch, applications ran in July 2025 and the CGCAT was held on 18 September 2025. Keep an eye on the official portal for the next batch notification, which is expected to follow the same pattern.

Eligibility Criteria: Age, Qualification and Branch Requirements

Eligibility differs slightly by branch, so map your degree to the correct branch before you apply. Applying under the wrong branch can lead to rejection during document checks.

Age: The notification gives an exact birth-date range. For example, the 2026 batch was open to candidates born between 1 July 2000 and 30 June 2004. Upper age relaxation is 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (non-creamy layer) where posts are reserved, and 5 years for serving Coast Guard personnel.

Marks: Some recent notifications have set a minimum percentage for the degree, while others leave it to the ICG to set qualifying marks. Check the exact requirement in your batch’s notification.

Gender: In the 2026 batch notification, both GD and Technical branches were open to male candidates only. Check the latest notification, as this can change from batch to batch.

Nationality: Only Indian citizens can apply.

Complete Selection Process: All Stages Explained

The coast guard assistant commandant selection process has five stages. Failing any stage ends your chances for that batch.

Stage I: CGCAT. An online computer-based test, explained in detail below.

Stage II: Preliminary Selection Board PSB. Candidates who clear the CGCAT attend a one-day PSB at centres such as Noida, Mumbai/Goa, Chennai, Kolkata, Shillong or Gandhinagar. It has two tests:

• Computerised Cognitive Battery Test (CCBT): An objective test of reasoning and mental ability, similar to the Officer Intelligence Rating test used at other selection boards.

• Picture Perception Discussion Test PPDT: You see a picture for a short time, write a story based on it, narrate your story and then discuss it with your group.

The PSB is qualifying only. You are either recommended for the next stage or not.

Stage III: Final Selection Board FSB. Candidates who clear the PSB attend a five-day FSB at the Coast Guard Selection Board in Noida. It includes psychological tests, group tasks run by a Group Task Officer GTO, and a personal interview. Boarding and lodging are provided during the FSB.

Stage IV: Medical examination. Candidates recommended by the FSB go through a detailed medical examination. This is where some candidates are rejected for conditions they did not know about, so a check-up with a doctor well before your FSB is a smart step.

Stage V: Induction. The final merit list is prepared on an all-India basis using your combined marks from the CGCAT (Stage I) and the FSB (Stage III). The PSB does not add marks, as it is qualifying only.

CGCAT Exam Pattern

The CGCAT is the first filter. As per recent notifications, the pattern is:

• Duration: 2 hours

• Marking: 4 marks for each correct answer, and 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer

• Medium: English only

The same paper is set for both GD and Technical candidates. There is no separate technical paper at this stage.

Since your CGCAT score counts towards the final merit list, it matters even after you clear the cut-off. Treat it as a scoring paper, not just a qualifying one.

Medical Standards: What Aspirants Must Know

Many aspirants search for SHAPE 1 medical standards coast guard requirements. SHAPE is the medical category system used by the Armed Forces. The ICG notification does not describe its standards in SHAPE terms. Instead, it lists the standards directly. As per the latest notification:

Other key standards:

• Weight: Must be in proportion to your height and age, with up to 10% variation accepted.

• Chest: Must be well proportioned, with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.

• Hearing: Must be normal.

• Tattoos: Permanent tattoos are generally not allowed. Exceptions apply for tribal communities, and for tattoos on the inner forearm and the back of the hand.

Common reasons for rejection at the medical stage include flat feet, knock knees, varicose veins, colour vision problems and eyesight outside the limits. Getting an informal check-up early gives you time to fix what can be fixed.

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Salary

An Assistant Commandant is placed in the 7th CPC pay matrix Level 10, with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. On top of this, officers receive Dearness Allowance and other allowances as per government rules, which vary with postings and service conditions.

The non-monetary benefits also add real value. These include government accommodation, medical care for the officer and family, canteen facilities and leave travel concessions. For the exact list of allowances, refer to the pay and allowances section of the official notification.

Training After Selection

Selected candidates begin with training at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, in Kerala. In recent batches, this has been a 44-week Naval Orientation Course, followed by further professional training in Coast Guard units and ships.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

All applications are made online through joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in. There is no offline mode.

1. Register on the official portal with your email ID and mobile number.

2. Fill in your personal, educational and branch details carefully.

3. Upload your photograph, signature and the documents asked for in the notification.

4. Pay the application fee online. For the 2027 batch, it was ₹300 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, and nil for SC/ST candidates.

5. Check everything before final submission, and save your application confirmation.

Application windows are usually short, about two to three weeks, so keep your documents ready before the notification is released.

Preparation Strategy: CGCAT to FSB

A 10 to 12-week plan works well for most candidates. For coast guard AC FSB preparation, it helps to plan by stage rather than by subject alone.

Weeks 1 to 5 (CGCAT focus): Cover English, reasoning, numerical ability, basic science and maths. Take timed mock tests every week and analyse every mistake. Because of negative marking, practise answering only when you can rule out wrong options. Read current affairs for 20 minutes every day for the General Knowledge section.

Weeks 6 to 8 (PSB focus): Practise verbal and non-verbal reasoning at speed for the CCBT. For the PPDT, write a short story every day based on a random picture, and practise narrating it aloud within the time limit. Group discussion practice with friends builds the confidence you need.

Weeks 9 to 12 (FSB focus): Work on your personality, communication and fitness. Learn about the ICG’s roles, structure and recent operations for the interview. Practise group tasks and lead small group activities to build your decision-making. Keep up running and basic strength training.

The FSB follows a format similar to the Services Selection Board used by the other forces, but the interview often focuses more on your understanding of the maritime environment and the Coast Guard’s role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for Coast Guard Assistant Commandant?

The age limit is 21 to 25 years for both General Duty and Technical branches, with an exact birth-date range given in each notification. SC/ST candidates get 5 years of relaxation and OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates get 3 years where posts are reserved.

What is the selection process for Coast Guard AC?

The selection process has five stages: the CGCAT online exam, the Preliminary Selection Board (CCBT and PP&DT), the five-day Final Selection Board (psychological tests, group tasks and interview), a medical examination and induction based on the final merit list.

What is the CGCAT exam pattern?

The CGCAT has 100 questions for 400 marks across four sections: English, Reasoning and Numerical Ability, General Science and Mathematical Aptitude, and General Knowledge. The test lasts 2 hours, with 4 marks for each correct answer and 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer.

What are the medical standards for Coast Guard AC?

Candidates need a minimum height of 157 cm, weight in proportion to height and age, a chest expansion of at least 5 cm and normal hearing. General Duty candidates need eyesight of 6/6 and 6/9 without glasses, while Technical candidates need 6/36 and 6/36 without glasses, correctable to 6/6 in both eyes.

What is the salary of a Coast Guard Assistant Commandant?

An Assistant Commandant is placed at Level 10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month, plus Dearness Allowance and other allowances as per government rules.

Can women apply for Coast Guard Assistant Commandant?

In the 2026 batch notification, both General Duty and Technical branches were open to male candidates only. Eligibility rules can change, so check the latest notification on the official ICG recruitment portal before applying.