Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Exam - 2023, Exam Date, Apply Online

ICG Assistant Commandant 2025 Highlights 

Founded by the Coast Guard Act of 1978 of the Parliament of India, the Indian Coast Guard is one of our country's maritime law enforcement agencies. Every year it recruits eligible candidates for Assistant Commandant posts. The recently released ICG recruitment for the 2026 batch which has overall 140 Assistant Commandant vacancies (Group 'A' Gazetted Officers). For more info on ICG Assistant Commandant recruitment 2024 refer to the table below. 

The Indian Coast Guard has issued its notification recently for the recruitment of Assistant Commandant (AC) for the 2026 batch. Candidates interested in this prestigious opportunity may apply online from December 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM to December 24, 2024, at 5:30 PM. Aspirants who are looking for General Duty (GD) and Technical (Engineering/Electrical) branches can start preparing themselves for a gruelling selection process of five stages. The tentative examination schedule will start with Stage-I on February 25, 2025, followed by Stage-II on March 25, 2025, and proceed to further stages from April to December 2025. This recruitment opportunity has the potential to make service for the nation a moment of pride and honor. 

ICG Assistant Commandant Notification 2025 

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has issued a notification for Assistant Commandants, 2026 batch with 140 vacancies in the two branches, namely General Duty (GD) and Technical (Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics). It is one of the most coveted opportunities for those seeking to serve their nation with pride and responsibility. 

 This entire process is strictly on merit, based on the scores of the applicants in each of the five compulsory examination stages. These stages include a probable calendar beginning February 25, 2025 as Stage-I followed by March 25, 2025 with Stage-II and then continued stages III to IV with a calendar planned between April 2025 to November, 2025 and with the final, fifth stage on December 2025. 

 All five stages are a must to be cleared for final recruitment as Assistant Commandant. Throughout the process, candidates will undergo biometric verification, photo identification, and document verification for authenticity and eligibility criteria. This multi-tiered selection process is the hallmark of the Indian Coast Guard, which recruits only the best and most deserving candidates. 

 With 140 vacancies open, this is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of one of India's elite maritime forces. 110 of those vacancies are for the General Duty branch and 30 are for the Technical branch. Prepare hard and grab this chance to start a distinguished career in the Indian Coast Guard. 

ICG Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025 

The Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant (AC) recruits through a detailed and multistage selection process wherein the most capable candidates join the organization. Here follows an overview of the examination pattern and syllabus for 2026. 

 Stage I: Screening Test (CGCAT) 

The first level of the selection process of the Coast Guard Common Admission Test (CGCAT) computer-based online screening test undertaken at the designated centers pan India. 

The total number of multiple-choice questions is 100 in the Coast Guard Common Admission Test, CGCAT. The marking scheme is very simple. Each correct answer is rewarded with 4 marks and 1 negative mark is deducted for every wrong answer. The exam duration is set for 2 hours, giving candidates enough time to attempt the test. The medium of the exam is English alone, ensuring uniformity in all candidates.

Stage-II: Preliminary Selection Board (PSB) 

Candidates, who succeed in Stage-I, would be shortlisted for Stage-II, also known as Preliminary Selection Board (PSB). This will be a one-day process at identified centers at Noida, Mumbai/Goa, Chennai, Kolkata, Shillong, and Gandhinagar. Applicants are required to choose their PSB center while filling out the application form. 

 During Stage-II, candidates will be evaluated for two tests: the Computerised Cognitive Battery Test and the Picture Perception & Discussion Test. The CCBT is a test of objective type and it would be conducted only in the English language. The PP&DT is to discuss and analyze situations where one would be free to present thoughts in English, Hindi or both languages. 

 Note also that Stage-II is a qualifying type of assessment, where candidates are graded with a "Pass" or "Fail" grade. 

Stage-III Final Selection Board (FSB) 

Candidates who qualify for Stage-III will be informed after the completion of Stage-II at their respective centers. The detailed schedule for Stage-III will be communicated to candidates through their personal login IDs. 

The Final Selection Board (FSB) is conducted at the Coast Guard Selection Board (CGSB) in Noida and lasts for five days. In this stage, candidates are subjected to a Psychological Test, Group Tasks, and an Interview (Personality Test). 

In addition, the original copies of all documents and certificates verified in the PSB must be produced for further verification. The Board Conference is done on the final day after which the recommended candidates move to Stage-IV, the first or special medical examination. 

Stage-IV Medical Examination 

Those candidates who have cleared Stage-III will have to undergo special medical examination at the Base Hospital, New Delhi. The candidates declared unfit by the Special Medical Board (SMB) shall be included in the merit list as such, as they are entitled to an appeal. Such candidates shall report for an appeal medical examination at a service hospital so designated within 21 days of the decision of the SMB. 

 If the candidate is declared unfit again during the appeal medical examination, he can apply for review to the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) through the Directorate of Recruitment, Coast Guard Headquarters. The Coast Guard Headquarters will examine the application, and based on the merits of the case, a Review Medical Board (RMB) may be sanctioned and sent to the Armed Forces Medical Services Headquarters for further consideration. 

 It is noted that RMB is not assured as of right. When the review is approved, it should indicate the specific hospital at which the examination shall take place. There is no provision for appeal further, and the decision of RMB is final and decisive. 

Stage-V Final Selection 

Candidates who successfully clear Stage-IV and secure a position in the All India Merit List, based on the number of available vacancies, will be provisionally selected for training. These candidates will be required to report to the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, to attend the Naval Orientation Course (NOC) as per the provided instructions. 

 The All India Merit List will be prepared by combining the marks obtained in Stage-I and Stage-III. The candidates reporting at INA Ezhimala will be first subjected to photo and biometric verification to confirm their identity. 

It may please be noted that the last date for induction at INA is tentatively December 27, 2025. This date would be mentioned in the appointment letter. Induction thereafter will not be permitted on any account beyond December 31, 2025. 

ICG Assistant Commandant 2025 Exam Dates 

The preliminary schedule of the Assistant Commandant (2026 Batch) exam, with respect to different phases of selection in various departments like General Duty (GD) and Technical (Engineering/Electrical), specifies that Stage-I will be undertaken on February 25, 2025; Stage-II is scheduled for March 25, 2025; Stage-III will be executed from April to October, 2025; while Stage-IV is scheduled for the period of May to November, 2025. The last stage is Stage-V, which would take place by the end of December 2025. 

Candidates are advised to check the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) website for regular updates on e-admit cards for each stage. Please note that no e-mail notification will be sent about the availability of admit cards. The examination city details will be provided in the candidate's login 10 days prior to Stage-I, and the exact examination center address and email updates will be sent 2-3 days before the examination. Candidates are also reminded to use the same mobile number and email ID throughout the recruitment cycle so that they receive regular updates. Their candidature will be cancelled if they do not download the e-admit card, or for failure to present themselves at any stage of the recruitment process. 

ICG Assistant Commandant 2025 Salary 

A Level 10 salary is provided by the Indian Coast Guard for Assistant Commandants, according to the 7th Pay Commission. ICG Assistant Commandant is entitled to receive a basic pay of Rs. 56,100/-. Besides this you will also get a number of benefits such as DA, HRA, and Medical Facility. 

ICG Assistant Commandant 2025 Eligibility Criteria 

Eligibility criteria for Assistant Commandant (2026 Batch) recruitment are defined according to the branch, age, gender, and educational qualification requirements for candidates to be eligible for the application. 

The General Duty (GD) branch accepts candidates who are between 21 and 25 years of age on July 1, 2025. Only male candidates are eligible to apply. Regarding the educational qualification, candidates must have a degree from any recognized university. In this context, Mathematics and Physics have been compulsory subjects in higher secondary (12th) or equivalent examinations. 

 For the Technical (Engineering/Electronics) branch, candidates must also be between 21 to 25 years old as of July 1, 2025. Only male candidates are eligible to apply. The required educational qualification is an Engineering degree in relevant fields such as Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunication, Instrumentation, Control, or Power Engineering from a recognized university. 

 With Multi Options Entry Scheme, candidates meeting the eligibility criteria for both General Duty and Technical branches can apply by submitting preferences for both the branches. In the application process, Option-I and Option-II are marked. For the Stage-II results and shortlisting for Physical Standards Test, they shall be considered for the first preference branch. The second choice will be considered only during the final merit list. 

 Applicants holding an engineering degree in any of the areas like Naval Architecture, Mechanical, Marine, Aerospace Engineering, and allied fields are eligible for consideration in both the General Duty (GD) and Technical branches. Those having a three-year degree in a non-technical field may apply for the General Duty (GD) branch. 

 Applicants should know that submitting multiple applications within the same recruiting cycle will have all applications voided except for the application submitted last. In addition, all online applications received will be screened for eligibility in their entirety, and applicants not meeting the eligibility requirements at any point will be disqualified with no refund of the application fees.