Defence & Police · Updated October 2026
Coast Guard Navik ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Indian Coast Guard Navik
Conducted by the Indian Coast Guard through the CGEPT computer-based examination, this recruitment drive enlists sailors as Navik (General Duty) and Navik (Domestic Branch) for maritime patrol, coastal security, and search-and-rescue operations. Selection spans four stages including an online written test, physical fitness assessment, document verification, and medical board.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Defence
Start for free with Coast Guard Navik syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
Coast Guard Navik exam overview and highlights
About Coast Guard Navik
The Indian Coast Guard recruits Navik (General Duty) and Navik (Domestic Branch) sailors through the Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT). Selection involves a computer-based written test, a physical fitness test, document verification and medical examinations, followed by training at INS Chilka. Naviks serve on Coast Guard ships and shore units on maritime security, search and rescue and pollution control duties.
The examination process for Coast Guard Navik comprises 4 stages: Stage I: Computer-based written test, followed by Stage II: PFT, document verification and initial medical, followed by Stage III: Final medical examination, followed by Stage IV: Training. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — Mathematics, Science and Physics, English, Reasoning, General Knowledge — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Stage I is the online test; candidates shortlisted by marks go through Stage II (physical fitness test, document verification and initial medicals), followed by final medicals. Final merit is based on Stage I marks among candidates who clear every stage.
Key subjects
- Mathematics
- Science and Physics
- English
- Reasoning
- General Knowledge
What clearing Coast Guard Navik leads to
- Navik (General Duty)
- Navik (Domestic Branch)
- Promotion through the sailor ranks of the Indian Coast Guard
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Navik (General Duty) at pay Level 3, around ₹21,700 basic plus allowances; Navik (Domestic Branch) at pay Level 2
- Central / Institutional appointment through Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
Quick facts
- Full name
- Indian Coast Guard Navik
- Conducting body
- Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC)
- Frequency
- Usually twice a year (CGEPT batches)
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English and Hindi
- Stages & papers
- 4 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in
Coast Guard Navik — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of Coast Guard Navik conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Coast Guard Navik — Indian Coast Guard Navik |
| Conducting Body | Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) |
| Exam Category | Defence & Police |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Usually twice a year (CGEPT batches) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Usually twice a year, with registration a few months before each CGEPT batch and stages spread over the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi |
| Selection Stages | 4 Stages (2 Papers Total): Stage I: Computer-based written test → Stage II: PFT, document verification and initial medical → Stage III: Final medical examination → Stage IV: Training |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Stage I is the online test; candidates shortlisted by marks go through Stage II (physical fitness test, document verification and initial medicals), followed by final medicals. Final merit is based on Stage I marks among candidates who clear every stage. |
| Educational Qualification | Navik (General Duty): Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics from a recognised board. Navik (Domestic Branch): Class 10 pass. |
| Age Limit | Typically 18 to 22 years |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Navik (General Duty) at pay Level 3, around ₹21,700 basic plus allowances; Navik (Domestic Branch) at pay Level 2 |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | A few lakh candidates apply for a few hundred vacancies per batch |
| Official Website | joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
Coast Guard Navik exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for Coast Guard Navik. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Defence website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Coast Guard Navik Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Usually twice a year, with registration a few months before each CGEPT batch and stages spread over the following months | Usually twice a year (CGEPT batches) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) |
| Coast Guard Navik — Stage I: Computer-based written test | Usually twice a year, with registration a few months before each CGEPT batch and stages spread over the following months | Online (computer-based test) |
| Coast Guard Navik — Stage II: PFT, document verification and initial medical | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- A few lakh candidates apply for a few hundred vacancies per batch. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official Coast Guard Navik recruitment advertisement published by Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official Coast Guard Navik advertisement.
How to apply online for Coast Guard Navik
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the Coast Guard Navik application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final Coast Guard Navik Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
Coast Guard Navik eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for Coast Guard Navik must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Defence.
Educational qualification
Navik (General Duty): Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics from a recognised board. Navik (Domestic Branch): Class 10 pass.
Age limit & relaxations
Typically 18 to 22 years.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Unmarried male candidates for most batches; check the notification for the current position on female entry. Minimum height is usually 157 cm with specified vision standards. The PFT includes a 1.6 km run in about 7 minutes, 20 squats and 10 push-ups.
Coast Guard Navik — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
Coast Guard Navik selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Stage I is the online test; candidates shortlisted by marks go through Stage II (physical fitness test, document verification and initial medicals), followed by final medicals. Final merit is based on Stage I marks among candidates who clear every stage.
Stage 1: Stage I: Computer-based written test
Online (computer-based test) • 2 Papers (Section I, Section II) • 110 Questions • 110 Total Marks • Duration: 45 minutes • All candidates write Section I.
All candidates write Section I. Navik (GD) candidates also write Section II, which tests Class 12 Mathematics and Physics.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Section IClass 10 level Mathematics, Science, English, Reasoning and General Knowledge 60 60 45 minutes Section IIClass 12 level Mathematics and Physics, for Navik (GD) only 50 50 30 minutes Stage 2: Stage II: PFT, document verification and initial medical
Online (computer-based test) • Shortlisted candidates take the physical fitness test, have their documents verified and undergo an initial medical examination.
Shortlisted candidates take the physical fitness test, have their documents verified and undergo an initial medical examination.
Stage 3: Stage III: Final medical examination
Online (computer-based test) • Candidates on the provisional merit list undergo a final medical at INS Chilka before enrolment.
Candidates on the provisional merit list undergo a final medical at INS Chilka before enrolment.
Stage 4: Stage IV: Training
Online (computer-based test) • Enrolled Naviks undergo basic training at INS Chilka followed by professional training.
Enrolled Naviks undergo basic training at INS Chilka followed by professional training.
Coast Guard Navik subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Mathematics — Part I (Number system, HCF and LCM)
- Number system, HCF and LCM
- Percentage, ratio and proportion
- Simple and compound interest
- Algebra and linear equations
Mathematics — Part II (Trigonometry and coordinate geometry)
- Trigonometry and coordinate geometry
- Mensuration
- Calculus basics (Section II)
Science and Physics — Part I (Matter, atoms and molecules)
- Matter, atoms and molecules
- Motion, force and work
- Heat, sound and light
- Electricity and magnetism
Science and Physics — Part II (Kinematics and laws of motion)
- Kinematics and laws of motion (Section II)
- Thermodynamics and optics (Section II)
- Modern physics (Section II)
English — Part I (Passage comprehension)
- Passage comprehension
- Grammar: tenses, prepositions, articles
- Synonyms and antonyms
English — Part II (Active and passive voice)
- Active and passive voice
- Direct and indirect speech
Reasoning: Series and analogies & Coding and decoding
- Series and analogies
- Coding and decoding
- Blood relations and directions
- Non-verbal reasoning
General Knowledge: Indian history and culture & Geography of India
- Indian history and culture
- Geography of India
- Indian polity
- Current affairs and sports
- Indian Coast Guard and maritime facts
Coast Guard Navik salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Navik (General Duty) at pay Level 3, around ₹21,700 basic plus allowances; Navik (Domestic Branch) at pay Level 2. Appointments under Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Navik (General Duty) at pay Level 3, around ₹21,700 basic plus allowances; Navik (Domestic Branch) at pay Level 2.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
Coast Guard Navik cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) releases stage-wise and category-wise Coast Guard Navik cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
Coast Guard Navik — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When Coast Guard Navik is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of a mark deducted per wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining Coast Guard Navik Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the Coast Guard Navik cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
Coast Guard Navik admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
Coast Guard Navik Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official Coast Guard Navik Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the Coast Guard Navik e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
Coast Guard Navik Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
Coast Guard Navik Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) declares the Coast Guard Navik result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official Coast Guard Navik Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
Coast Guard Navik mock tests
Practice in the official Coast Guard Navik pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
- Start freeFREE
Coast Guard Navik Full Mock Test 1
Stage I: Computer-based written test · 60 questions · 45 minutes
- Start freeFREE
Coast Guard Navik Full Mock Test 2
Stage I: Computer-based written test · 60 questions · 45 minutes
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Coast Guard Navik Full Mock Test 3
Stage I: Computer-based written test · 60 questions · 45 minutes
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Coast Guard Navik Full Mock Test 4
Stage I: Computer-based written test · 60 questions · 45 minutes
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Coast Guard Navik Full Mock Test 5
Stage I: Computer-based written test · 60 questions · 45 minutes
Coast Guard Navik previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all Coast Guard Navik previous year papers by year
- Explore freeFREE
Recent Coast Guard Navik question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Complete 10-year Coast Guard Navik paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Predicted questions for Coast Guard Navik
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for Coast Guard Navik
- Section I is at Class 10 level and common to all posts, so secure it first before spending time on Section II.
- Navik (GD) candidates should revise Class 12 Physics and Maths numericals, since Section II is quick and formula-based.
- Avoid guesswork because of the 0.25 negative marking; shortlisting for Stage II is purely on written marks.
- Practice the 1.6 km run in under 7 minutes along with squats and push-ups well before the exam.
- Keep Class 10 and 12 marksheets, domicile and identity documents ready for the verification stage.
- Read the official Coast Guard Navik notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
Coast Guard Navik FAQs
What is the qualification for Coast Guard Navik GD?
Candidates need Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics from a recognised board.
What is the difference between Navik GD and Navik DB?
Navik (General Duty) needs Class 12 with Maths and Physics and writes two sections in the test. Navik (Domestic Branch) needs Class 10 and writes only Section I, serving in cook and steward roles.
Is there negative marking in the Coast Guard Navik exam?
Yes. One-fourth of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
What is the age limit for Coast Guard Navik?
Candidates are usually required to be between 18 and 22 years old on the date given in the notification.
Where is Coast Guard Navik training conducted?
Basic training is held at INS Chilka in Odisha, followed by professional training at Coast Guard establishments.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for Coast Guard Navik?
Coast Guard Navik is conducted by Indian Coast Guard (online test administered through CDAC) across 4 stages: Stage I: Computer-based written test → Stage II: PFT, document verification and initial medical → Stage III: Final medical examination → Stage IV: Training. Stage I is the online test; candidates shortlisted by marks go through Stage II (physical fitness test, document verification and initial medicals), followed by final medicals. Final merit is based on Stage I marks among candidates who clear every stage.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for Coast Guard Navik?
Educational Qualification: Navik (General Duty): Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics from a recognised board. Navik (Domestic Branch): Class 10 pass. Age Limit: Typically 18 to 22 years.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing Coast Guard Navik?
Navik (General Duty) at pay Level 3, around ₹21,700 basic plus allowances; Navik (Domestic Branch) at pay Level 2.
When is the Coast Guard Navik notification released and how can I apply online?
Coast Guard Navik is held usually twice a year (CGEPT batches) (Usually twice a year, with registration a few months before each CGEPT batch and stages spread over the following months). Online on joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in.
Where can I practice free Coast Guard Navik mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select Coast Guard Navik as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Mathematics, Science and Physics, English, Reasoning, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact Coast Guard Navik pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for Coast Guard Navik on SmartRank?
Select Coast Guard Navik as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Mathematics, Science and Physics, English, Reasoning, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact Coast Guard Navik pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.