The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has officially released the merit list for the 2025 Assistant Commandant examination, which was conducted on 18th September 2025. This prestigious recruitment drive aims to fill 170 vacancies for Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer positions within the organization. These openings cover vital branches including General Duty (GD) and Technical streams (Engineering & Electrical/Electronics) for the 2027 batch. Candidates who participated in the selection process can now access their scorecards and check their status on the official portal managed by the Indian Coast Guard.
This national-level examination is held annually to induct highly capable individuals into the maritime security forces. The selection process is rigorous, involving five distinct stages—ranging from the Screening Test (CGCAT) to the final induction. Performance across these stages determines the final all-India merit list. The organization offers a competitive pay scale, starting at Level 10 of the 7th CPC (Rs. 56,100), with potential career progression up to the rank of Director General. As a premier maritime armed force, the Indian Coast Guard provides unique career paths for eligible graduates and engineering professionals who meet the stringent selection criteria established for the 2027 batch.
The Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant exam is a comprehensive recruitment program designed to identify top-tier talent for leadership roles. It operates at a national level, attracting thousands of aspirants annually. The recruitment cycle for the 2027 batch, which saw exam activities in 2025, emphasizes both academic prowess and cognitive capabilities. The examination is conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and follows a structured, multi-stage selection model to ensure only the most qualified candidates are inducted into the force.
The structure of the exam ensures that candidates are evaluated on multiple dimensions. The initial phase is the Screening Test (CGCAT), a computer-based examination that serves as the primary filter. Following this, candidates must qualify through a series of board evaluations, including the Preliminary Selection Board (PSB) and the Final Selection Board (FSB), which assess personality, leadership potential, psychological fitness, and teamwork. Furthermore, physical and medical fitness are mandatory prerequisites, evaluated through specialized medical examinations at military hospitals. The entire process culminates in an All India Merit List, ensuring transparency and fairness. This systematic approach allows the organization to maintain high standards for its officers, who are entrusted with the security and regulation of India's maritime zones.
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Candidates are expected to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations provided in the official notification to ensure a smooth recruitment experience. Before appearing for any stage, including the Screening Test (CGCAT), candidates should familiarize themselves with the following instructions:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recruits Assistant Commandant officers through a centralized selection process governed by the Ministry of Defence. Candidates must monitor the official website joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in for the latest notifications. All recruitment communication is strictly disseminated via the official portal; no third-party platforms are authorized. Applicants are advised to ensure their email IDs and mobile numbers remain active throughout the selection duration, as all stage-wise call letters are issued digitally.
To download the official Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant notification, follow these steps:
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | As per official notification |
| Application End Date | As per official notification |
| Stage I Exam Date | Announced post-application |
| Result Declaration | Post-evaluation |
The number of vacancies is determined by the Ministry of Defence based on force requirements per batch. The breakdown is as follows:
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 70 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| Designation | Pay Level | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant | Level 10 | Operational/Technical Command |
The application fee for the Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant examination is INR 250. Payments must be made exclusively through the online payment gateway integrated into the recruitment portal using Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card. SC/ST candidates are exempted from the application fee payment as per government norms.
Candidates must be between 21 and 25 years of age on the crucial date mentioned in the official notification.
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. Mathematics and Physics must have been subjects in 10+2 level. Specific technical entries require an Engineering degree in relevant branches (Naval Architecture, Mechanical, Marine, Automotive, Mechatronics, Industrial and Production, Metallurgy, Design, Aeronautical, Aerospace).
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability/Reasoning | 100 | 400 | 120 Minutes |
Note: Negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer applies.
Assistant Commandants are inducted at Pay Level 10 with a starting basic pay of INR 56,100. In addition to basic pay, officers receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other specialized service allowances as per the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Admit cards are issued via the joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in portal. Candidates must log in with their registered credentials to download the document. On the day of the exam, candidates must carry the original printout of the admit card, a valid photo ID (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport), and two passport-sized photographs.
Official answer keys are published on the recruitment portal after the completion of the Computer Based Examination. Candidates can access their response sheets and challenge specific questions by paying the prescribed fee per question within the stipulated objection window announced by the ICG.
Final merit lists are prepared based on the cumulative performance in the Computer Based Examination, Psychological Test, and Final Selection Board. Normalization is applied to scores if the examination is conducted in multiple shifts to ensure fairness across candidates.
Focus on high-weightage topics in Mathematics and Reasoning. Utilize official mock tests available on the C-DAC portal to understand the interface. Maintain a strict revision schedule for technical subjects if applying for the Technical entry. Prioritize physical fitness alongside cognitive preparation to excel in the later stages of the selection process.
The ICG Assistant Commandant cut-off marks are determined based on several factors, including the total number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the examination, and the overall performance of the candidates who appeared for the test. The cut-off is released shortly after the examination process for each stage.
As these marks serve as the primary threshold for moving to the next stage of the selection process, candidates must achieve a score equal to or higher than the designated category-wise cut-off. The final merit list is also heavily influenced by the cut-off thresholds established for the Screening Test and the board interviews. Candidates should regularly monitor the official recruitment website for the latest updates on cut-off announcements and qualifying score requirements for their specific category.
Applying for the Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant recruitment requires strict adherence to the official online procedure. Candidates must ensure they meet all criteria before beginning the process to avoid disqualification. Below is the step-by-step guide for submitting an application:
Please note that admit cards are issued exclusively to candidates who successfully process their payment or qualify for fee exemptions, such as those in the SC/ST categories.
