Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2025: It is a golden opportunity for aspirants who are looking for a defence job. Yes, you are right — the Indian Coast Guard invites online applications for Assistant Commandant (General Duty & Technical) for the 2025 batch. The Indian Coast Guard is responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. So, it is time for the youth of India who want to take responsibility to protect their motherland. Eligible and interested candidates can apply for it from 8th July onwards. There are a total of 170 vacancies. Eligible candidates have to go through the Coast Guard selection process as mentioned in the official notification. We have covered all the information in detail so that candidates can get it in one place. For any confusion or doubt, candidates are advised to read the detailed official notification before applying for this post.
Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2025
Quick Summary
| Job Title | Assistant Commandant (General Duty & Technical) Recruitment |
| Total Vacancy | 170 |
| Application Dates | 08/07/2025 to 23/07/2025 |
| Official Website | https://joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in |
A Deeper Look at the Role
As an Assistant Commandant in the Indian Coast Guard, you will serve as a commissioned officer in one of India's premier maritime security forces. This role involves protecting India's maritime interests, enforcing maritime laws, conducting search and rescue operations, pollution control, and safeguarding the marine environment. The position offers a challenging career with opportunities to work at sea, in the air, and on shore. You will lead teams, operate advanced equipment and vessels, and participate in national security operations. The role demands physical fitness, mental agility, leadership qualities, and a commitment to serving the nation. It provides unique opportunities for professional growth, adventure, and the pride of wearing the uniform of an armed force officer.
Important Dates for Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant
Indian Coast Guard has released a notification for the recruitment of Assistant Commandant. However, if we talk about the important dates of this recruitment, then we can see the online application will start from 8th July 2025 and will continue till 23rd July 2025. If we talk about the date of examination, we can see that Stage-I (CGCAT) Exam will be held on 18th September 2025. Stage-II (PSB) Exam may happen in November 2025. However, all these exam dates are tentative.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 08 Jul 2025 (1600 HRS) |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 Jul 2025 (2330 HRS) |
| Stage-I (CGCAT) Exam Date | 18 Sep 2025 (Tentative) |
| Stage-II (PSB) | Nov 2025 (Tentative) |
| Stage-III (FSB) | Jan-Oct 2026 (Tentative) |
| Induction at INA Ezhimala | Dec 2026 (Tentative) |
Assistant Commandant Vacancy Details
As we mentioned earlier, there are a total of 170 vacancies in this recruitment, in which General Duty has 140 posts and Technical (Engg/Elect) has 30 posts. We have provided the post and category-wise vacancy details below. Candidates are advised to check them properly and apply accordingly.
| Post Name | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | UR | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Duty (GD) | 25 | 24 | 35 | 10 | 46 | 140 |
| Technical (Engg/Elect) | 03 | 04 | 08 | 02 | 13 | 30 |
| Total | 28 | 28 | 43 | 12 | 59 | 170 |
Eligibility Criteria
If we talk about the eligibility criteria of this recruitment, then we can see only Indian citizens can apply for this recruitment. However, other eligibility criteria like educational qualifications and age limits are given below. Candidates must read them properly before applying for it.
Education Qualification: As we know, there is more than one post in this recruitment like General Duty, Technical (Engineering), and Technical (Electrical/Electronics). Therefore, the educational qualification for each post is different. We have discussed the post-wise educational qualification below.
- General Duty (GD): Graduate degree with Mathematics & Physics at 10+2 level. Diploma holders with Physics/Math are also eligible if they possess a graduation degree.
- Technical (Engineering): Engineering degree in Naval Architecture, Mechanical, Marine, Automotive, Mechatronics, Industrial & Production, Metallurgy, Design, Aeronautical, or Aerospace.
- Technical (Electrical/Electronics): Engineering degree in Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunication, Instrumentation, Instrumentation & Control, Electronics & Communication, Power Engineering, or Power Electronics.
Age Limit (as on 01 Jul 2026): If we talk about the age limits of this recruitment, then we can find that the age of the interested candidates must be between 21 to 25 years (born between 01 Jul 2001 and 30 Jun 2005). However, age relaxation will be available as per the government rules. Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (non-creamy layer), and 5 years for serving Coast Guard/Armed Forces personnel.
Application Fee
Eligible and interested candidates have to pay the application fee for this recruitment, in which General, OBC, and EWS candidates have to pay ₹300 as the application fee. However, SC and ST candidates are exempted from this application fee. Candidates have to pay this application fee through online mode only.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹300 |
| SC/ST | Exempted |
Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Selection Process
If we talk about the selection process, then we can see that at first eligible candidates have to appear for the Stage-I (CGCAT) exam. Then selected candidates will be called for the Stage-II (PSB) test, followed by Stage-III (FSB), and at last Stage-IV (Medical Examination) will be conducted for the selected candidates. We have discussed all the points below. However, for more detailed information, candidates are advised to read the official notification properly.
- Stage-I (CGCAT): Online screening test (100 MCQs in English). Subjects: English, Reasoning & Numerical Ability, General Science & Math, General Knowledge.
- Stage-II (PSB): Computerised Cognitive Battery Test (CCBT) and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT).
- Stage-III (FSB): Psychological Test, Group Task, and Interview at CGSB Noida.
- Stage-IV (Medical Examination): Conducted at Base Hospital, New Delhi.
- Stage-V (Induction): Final merit-based selection and training at INA Ezhimala.
Exam Preparation Strategy
The Indian Coast Guard conducts the Assistant Commandant (AC) recruitment for General Duty (GD) and Technical (Engineering/Electrical) branches. The selection process typically includes:
- Stage I: Computer Based Examination (CGCAT) – covers English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Science, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Technical subjects (for Technical branch).
- Stage II: Preliminary Selection Board (PSB) – Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT) and Psychological tests.
- Stage III: Final Selection Board (FSB) – Group tasks, Interview, Psychology.
- Stage IV: Medical Examination.
- Stage V: Merit List preparation.
A clear, structured preparation plan is essential because competition is tough and the syllabus is broad — especially for Technical candidates.
Daily Routine (12-Hour Format)
05:30 AM – 06:15 AM: Wake up & light exercise (running/stretching to build fitness for PSB).
06:30 AM – 08:00 AM: Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning practice (new concepts + 20 timed questions).
08:00 AM – 08:45 AM: Breakfast + short break.
09:00 AM – 10:30 AM: English (grammar, comprehension, vocabulary drills).
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: General Knowledge & Current Affairs (newspaper + monthly magazine).
12:15 PM – 01:00 PM: Lunch + relaxation.
01:30 PM – 03:00 PM: Technical Subjects (Branch-specific: Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics).
03:15 PM – 04:00 PM: Revise morning concepts + solve 10 mixed practice questions.
04:00 PM – 05:00 PM: Break / light outdoor activity.
05:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Sectional test (alternate between Aptitude, English, Technical, GK).
06:30 PM – 07:00 PM: Dinner.
07:30 PM – 09:00 PM: Mock test review / short notes revision / weak area practice.
09:15 PM – 10:00 PM: Light reading (Current Affairs, Defence news, Coast Guard/Maritime GK).
10:30 PM: Sleep.
Weekly Routine
Monday–Friday: Follow the daily schedule focusing on concepts, practice and revisions.
Saturday: Full-length CGCAT mock test under exam conditions + 1.5-hour detailed analysis.
Sunday: Revision of weak topics, reading monthly current affairs, and practicing PP&DT picture analysis for PSB.
Every 2 weeks: Take one timed test at the same time as the real exam to adapt your body clock.
Best Books & Resources
Quantitative Aptitude:
- R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude.
- Arihant Fast Track Objective Arithmetic.
Reasoning:
- R.S. Aggarwal – Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Online mock reasoning sets (coding-decoding, series, puzzles, syllogisms).
English:
- Wren & Martin Grammar Book.
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis.
- Editorial reading from The Hindu / Indian Express for comprehension practice.
General Knowledge & Current Affairs:
- Lucent’s General Knowledge.
- Monthly magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan / AffairsCloud PDF).
- Daily newspaper + PIB + Defence-related current affairs (ICG, Navy, DRDO, ISRO).
Technical Subjects:
- For Mechanical: R.K. Bansal (Fluid Mechanics), Made Easy / ACE notes (Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials).
- For Electrical/Electronics: Networks (Van Valkenburg), Electrical Machines (P.S. Bimbhra), Control Systems, Power Systems, Digital Electronics (Morris Mano), Signals & Systems.
- Previous year GATE/IES objective questions (topic-wise).
Mock Tests:
- Official Coast Guard sample papers (if released).
- Reliable online test series (defence recruitment oriented).
- GATE-level sectional tests for technical depth (for Technical branch).
How to Take Mock Tests
Start with topic-wise tests after completing each chapter.
Move to sectional tests (Quant, Reasoning, English, GK, Technical).
Take at least 1 full-length mock per week under strict timing (Stage I pattern).
Simulate exam hall conditions (no breaks, silence, fixed time).
How to Analyse Mock Tests
Step 1: Identify all wrong & skipped questions immediately after the test.
Step 2: Re-solve wrong ones without help; then check solutions.
Step 3: Maintain an error log with columns – Topic | Error Type | Time Taken | Correct Approach.
Step 4: Revise weak topics within 2 days of analysis.
Step 5: Track improvement in accuracy and speed weekly.
Time Management Strategy (Exam Day)
The CGCAT is typically 100 questions in 2 hours. Keep an average pace of ~1.2 min/question including review.
Follow a 3-round approach:
- Round 1 (45 min): Attempt all easy questions across sections quickly.
- Round 2 (45 min): Moderate-level questions and technical numericals.
- Round 3 (30 min): Revisit skipped/difficult questions carefully.
Avoid spending >2 minutes on any single question in Round 1.
If negative marking applies, avoid blind guesses.
Revision Plan (Last 4 Weeks)
Week 4: Complete syllabus; revise technical fundamentals; take 2 mocks.
Week 3: Focused practice on weak topics + 2 mocks.
Week 2: 3 mocks (alternate days) + short GK/CA revision daily.
Week 1: Light revision, short quizzes, and 2 mocks at exam time slot.
Preparation for PP&DT (Stage II)
Practice daily picture description within 30 seconds and write short stories.
Improve observation skills — describe the setting, characters, and situation logically.
Practice group discussion with friends / coaching peers to improve clarity and confidence.
Additional Tips
Keep physical fitness consistent (running, push-ups, swimming if possible) for Stage II/III.
Make concise short notes for each technical subject and revise them weekly.
Focus on clarity of concepts over rote memorization — especially for engineering subjects.
Track Defence & Maritime current affairs regularly (ICG/Navy missions, exercises, operations, ships commissioned, ranks, mottos).
Quick 8-Week Plan (Snapshot)
Weeks 1–2: Quant, Reasoning, English basics + start Technical fundamentals.
Weeks 3–4: Technical depth + sectional tests + start GK revision.
Weeks 5–6: 2 full mocks/week + PP&DT practice + error log revision.
Weeks 7–8: Intensive mocks, timed tests, light revision, and fitness polishing.
Tip: Consistency matters more than intensity. Even 4 well-planned hours daily with structured mock analysis can outperform unplanned 10-hour study days.
Exam Pattern (Stage-I: CGCAT)
If we talk about the exam pattern of Stage-I: CGCAT, then we can say a candidate will get 2 hours to answer 100 questions. The total marks of this examination are 200. It includes four sections such as English, Reasoning & Numerical Ability, General Science & Math, and General Knowledge. Each section has 25 questions. For more detailed information, read the official notification.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 25 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Reasoning & Numerical Ability | 25 | 100 | |
| General Science & Math | 25 | 100 | |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 100 | |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Physical Standards
Physical standards are required for this recruitment, like height, weight, and chest. We have provided all the information below. Candidates should check it carefully.
- Height: 157 cm minimum (relaxation for hilly/tribal areas as per Govt. norms).
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age (±10% acceptable).
- Chest: Minimum expansion of 5 cm.
- Hearing: Normal.
Medical Standards
All the medical standards of this recruitment are given below, like vision, hearing, etc. For more detailed information, candidates must read the official notification.
- Vision (GD): 6/6 (corrected), 6/9 (uncorrected).
- Vision (Tech): 6/6 (corrected), 6/36 (uncorrected).
- Tattoos: Not permitted except on inner forearm or dorsal side of hand (tribal community exceptions apply).
- No disability allowed.
How to Apply for Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant
Eligible and interested candidates can apply for this recruitment through its official website. Candidates have to provide a valid email ID and phone number to register. Candidates must collect all the documents before applying for it. Candidates are also advised to enter all the correct details while filling out the application form, otherwise, they may face problems in the future. We have provided all the steps below. However, after submitting the application form, candidates must take a printout of the application form for future reference.
- Visit the official website: https://joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
- Register with email/mobile number and fill the online application form.
- Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, educational certificates, etc.).
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) via net banking/debit/credit card.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
Important Links
All the important links like the official notification, official website, and application portal are given below. Candidates can use these links to download the official notification and directly navigate to the application portal easily.
Additional Details
- Candidates must retain the same mobile number and email ID until the recruitment process concludes.
- Original documents will be verified at Stage-II (PSB) and Stage-III (FSB).
- Travel allowance reimbursement for SC/ST candidates for Stage-I, II, and III.
- Training duration: 44 weeks for GD, 22 weeks for Technical at INA Ezhimala.
FAQs – Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant 2025
What is the salary of an Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant?
Answer: As per the 7th CPC, the starting basic pay is ₹56,100/- (Pay Level 10) plus allowances (DA, HRA, etc.). Total in-hand salary ranges from ₹80,000–₹1,00,000/month.
Is Indian Coast Guard a permanent job?
Answer: Yes, Assistant Commandant is a permanent Group 'A' Gazetted Officer post under the Ministry of Defence, with benefits like pension, medical cover, and government accommodation.
Is an Assistant Commandant a gazetted officer?
Answer: Yes, Assistant Commandant is a Group 'A' Gazetted Officer with executive powers, equivalent to an entry-level officer in the armed forces.
Do Assistant Commandants get pension?
Answer: Yes. They are covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) or Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), with gratuity and post-retirement medical benefits (ECHS).
What is the next promotion for Assistant Commandant?
Answer: Promotion hierarchy:
Assistant Commandant (PL-10) → Deputy Commandant (PL-11) → Commandant (JG) (PL-12) → Commandant (PL-13), and so on up to Director General (PL-16).
What is the retirement age for Assistant Commandant?
Answer: The retirement age varies by rank:
- Assistant Commandant: 57 years (or earlier based on promotion timelines).
- Director General (highest rank): Up to 60 years.
Is Assistant Commandant equal to DSP?
Answer: Yes, in terms of rank and pay scale, an Assistant Commandant (Level-10) is broadly equivalent to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in state police services. Both are Group 'A' Gazetted Officers.
