Coast Guard Navik GD Eligibility 2026 – Qualification, Age, Physical & Medical Standards

The Indian Coast Guard Navik (General Duty) has specific eligibility requirements that filter the candidate pool significantly. The critical filter is educational: you must have 10+2 (Class 12) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, with a minimum 60% aggregate (50% for SC/ST). This means candidates who did Arts or Commerce without Maths/Physics in Class 12 are ineligible — regardless of any other qualification. This article walks through every eligibility criterion in detail.

👉 Coast Guard Navik Syllabus 2026 — Physics and Maths are also the heaviest sections in the CBT — start revision now.

Educational Qualification

Criterion	Requirement	Notes
Minimum Qualification	10+2 (Class 12) from recognized board (CBSE/State/ICSE)	No degree required — 12th pass is the entry point
Mandatory Subjects	Physics AND Mathematics must be subjects in Class 12	Commerce/Arts students without Maths & Physics are NOT eligible
Minimum Aggregate	60% overall in Class 12	Calculated on all subjects in 12th, not just Phy+Maths
SC/ST Minimum Aggregate	50% overall in Class 12	Relaxed threshold for reserved categories
Gap in Studies	No specific bar, but age limit applies	If you passed 12th at 18 and are now 22, you must apply by the age cutoff
Appearing Candidates	Final year 12th students can apply if result expected before training	Must have results before joining

Age Limit

Category	Age Limit	Born Between (for 2026 notification)
General / EWS	18 to 22 years	Check specific notification for exact dates
OBC (NCL)	18 to 25 years (+3 years relaxation)	Check notification
SC / ST	18 to 27 years (+5 years relaxation)	Check notification
Ex-Servicemen	As per DoPT/defence norms	Notification specifies

The age limit of 18–22 years (General) is strict. This means if you are currently 22 and have not applied yet, check the exact cutoff date in the current notification carefully. With 2–3 notifications per year, most candidates get 2–4 chances between the ages of 18 and 22 before aging out.

Physical Standards

Measurement	Male Standard	Female Standard	Notes
Height (minimum)	157 cm	152 cm	Measured without shoes; relaxable for certain states
Weight	Proportionate to height	Proportionate to height	BMI-based assessment at medical
Chest (Male only)	77 cm unexpanded, 82 cm expanded (5 cm expansion)	N/A	Chest expansion must be at least 5 cm
Eyesight	6/6 (unaided) or correctable to 6/6	6/6 or correctable to 6/6	Colour blindness disqualifying
Hearing	Normal	Normal	Tested at medical examination

Height relaxation applies for candidates from North East states, Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Leh & Ladakh, Sikkim, and tribal areas — typically 5 cm relaxation. Check the specific notification for the list of states where relaxation applies.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Standards

Test	Male	Female
1.6 km Run	Complete in 7 minutes	Complete in 8 minutes
Squat Jumps	20 repetitions in 2 minutes	15 repetitions in 2 minutes
Push-ups	10 in 2 minutes	5 in 2 minutes
Sit-ups	10 in 2 minutes	10 in 2 minutes

Medical Standards: What Disqualifies

ICG conducts a thorough medical examination at Stage 2. Common reasons for medical rejection:

• Colour blindness: Any degree of colour vision deficiency disqualifies for GD post (seafaring requires colour vision for navigation lights)
• Flat feet (Grade 2 or 3): Moderate to severe flat feet can be disqualifying
• Corrected eyesight beyond limits: Power beyond -2.5D or +3.5D typically disqualifies
• Hearing deficiency: Any significant hearing loss
• Tattoos: Tattoos on visible areas (face, neck, hands) are generally not permitted in ICG; small tattoos on non-visible areas may be acceptable — check current notification
• BMI outside range: Significant underweight or overweight

Documents Required at Verification

• 10th certificate (date of birth proof)
• 12th marksheet and certificate (must show Physics + Maths and aggregate ≥60%)
• Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS (latest, within validity)
• Domicile certificate (state-wise relaxation claims)
• Aadhaar card or government photo ID
• NCC Certificate (A/B/C grade) if applicable — NCC candidates get preference
• 2 recent passport-size photographs

10+2 Physics and Maths: The Absolute Gate

The single most important eligibility requirement for Coast Guard Navik (GD) is Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in 10+2. This is not the same as "PCM" — you need Physics AND Maths, but Chemistry is not required. Students from PCB (Biology stream) without Maths are not eligible regardless of percentage.

Stream	Physics	Maths	Eligible for Navik GD?
PCM (Science)	Yes	Yes	Yes — if 60% aggregate
PCB (Biology)	Yes	No	No — Maths mandatory
Commerce (with Maths)	No	Yes	No — Physics mandatory
Arts (with Maths)	No	Yes	No — Physics mandatory
Navik (Domestic Branch)	Not required	Not required	Yes — any stream, 10+2 pass
B.Tech / Diploma (relevant)	Yes (inherent)	Yes (inherent)	Yes — check notification

Navik Domestic Branch (NDB / DB) is the stream without Physics+Maths requirement. NDB candidates work in catering, stores, administrative roles aboard ships. If you are from Arts/Commerce or PCB without Maths, check whether the NDB notification is open.

Age Limit: Exact Calculation

Age eligibility is calculated as of the specified cut-off date in the notification — not your application date. The general upper age limit is 22 years, which is lower than most CAPF exams (where it's typically 25). Plan your applications accordingly if you are in the 22-25 age range.

Category	Lower Limit	Upper Limit	Age Relaxation
General / EWS	18 years	22 years	Nil
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	18 years	25 years	+3 years
SC / ST	18 years	27 years	+5 years
Ex-Servicemen	18 years	Age + service years (varies)	As per DoPT rules
J&K Residents (pre-2002)	18 years	27 years (Gen) / 30 (SC/ST)	+5 years

The 22-year upper limit for General category means most successful candidates apply in their first or second year after Class 12 — or right after completing a diploma. Students who take a year's gap must track the cut-off date carefully.

Physical and Medical Standards: What Disqualifies

Parameter	Minimum Standard (GD)	Common Disqualifiers
Height	157 cm (male)	Below 157 cm
Weight	Proportional to height (BMI check)	Obesity or underweight
Chest	80 cm (unexpanded) / 85 cm expanded	Less than 5 cm expansion
Vision	6/6 (with/without glasses)	Colour blindness (any type)
Hearing	Normal in both ears	Hearing aid dependency
Tattoo	Visible tattoo not permitted	Visible tattoo anywhere

Colour blindness is an absolute bar — it disqualifies at the medical stage regardless of all other scores. Check your colour vision before applying using an Ishihara test (available at any optometrist). The chest expansion requirement (minimum 5 cm) is often overlooked — practice deep breathing exercises in the months before medical.

Training at INS Chilka: What to Expect

Selected candidates report to INS Chilka in Odisha for basic training. This is the Indian Coast Guard's primary training establishment and is shared with the Indian Navy for some courses.

• Duration: Approximately 6–9 months of basic sea training
• Location: Chilka Lake, Odisha (coastal training environment)
• Discipline: Naval training routines — early reveille, physical training, seamanship, firefighting, damage control
• Stipend: Monthly stipend paid during training; full salary begins on passing-out
• Posting: After training, posted to a ship or shore station based on batch requirement

The training period is the hardest part of the Coast Guard career for most Naviks. Physical conditioning before joining significantly increases the pass rate at INS Chilka. Candidates who fail training are discharged without completing service.

Documents Required: Complete Checklist

At every stage of the selection process, you will need specific documents. Missing even one can lead to provisional rejection at that stage. Prepare all of these before the CBT date:

Document	Stage Required	Format / Notes
10th Marksheet + Certificate	Document Verification	Original + 2 attested copies
12th Marksheet + Certificate	Document Verification	Physics and Maths marks must be clearly visible
Provisional / Final 10+2 Pass Certificate	DV	Original + copies
Caste Certificate (OBC/SC/ST)	DV	Issued by competent authority, in Hindi/English
EWS Certificate	DV	Financial year of issue must match notification year
Domicile / Residence Certificate	DV if applicable	Some states require this
ID Proof (Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID)	All stages	Aadhaar preferred
Passport-size Photos	All stages	12–15 copies, white background, recent
Medical Fitness Certificate (if required)	Medical exam stage	From empanelled hospital

OBC candidates must ensure their certificate uses the central government format (not state government OBC list). Central OBC list and state OBC list are different — several state OBC communities are not in the central OBC list, making them ineligible for Coast Guard OBC reservation.

How the Selection Rounds Work: Full Timeline

Stage	Venue	Qualifying?	Marks Counted?	Typical Gap from CBT
CBT (Online Written Test)	Online test centres	Yes — cutoff by category	Yes — merit list	N/A (Stage 1)
PFT (Physical Fitness Test)	Designated CG stations	Yes — pass/fail	No — qualifying only	4–8 weeks after CBT result
Medical Examination	CG/Govt hospital	Yes — pass/fail	No — qualifying only	Same week as PFT or next week
Document Verification	CG office	Yes	No	Same day as medical
Final Merit List	Online	—	CBT marks only	4–6 weeks after medical
Training (INS Chilka)	Odisha	—	—	4–8 weeks after final merit

The final merit list is based solely on CBT marks — PFT and medical are qualifying (pass/fail) only. This means your rank in the written exam determines your posting preference and branch allocation. A higher CBT score gives you better posting options during training allocation.

Frequently Confused: GD vs Domestic Branch vs Yantrik

There are three distinct Navik tracks in Coast Guard and many candidates apply to the wrong one. Here is a clear comparison:

Track	Full Form	Educational Requirement	Role Aboard Ship	Pay Level
Navik GD	Navik General Duty	10+2 with Physics + Maths, 60% aggregate	Seamanship, navigation, patrol, SAR	Level 3 — ₹21,700
Navik DB	Navik Domestic Branch	10+2 pass (any stream), 50% aggregate	Catering, steward, stores, admin	Level 3 — ₹21,700
Yantrik	Yantrik (Technical)	Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics (3-yr)	Engine room, technical maintenance	Level 5 — ₹29,200

Yantrik is a higher entry-level than Navik GD — it requires a 3-year diploma and enters at Pay Level 5 directly. If you have a diploma in a relevant engineering discipline, applying for Yantrik gives you a ₹7,500 higher starting basic pay and a more technical career trajectory. Check whether the Yantrik notification is open simultaneously with Navik.

Applying Online: Step-by-Step

• Applications are submitted at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in — the official recruitment portal. No other link is valid.
• Register with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. OTP verification is mandatory.
• Fill personal details: name (exactly as on 10th certificate), father's name, date of birth, domicile state, category.
• Educational details: enter 12th board, year, roll number, percentage. Upload marksheet PDF (under 200 KB).
• Upload photograph (JPEG, white background, under 50 KB) and signature (JPEG, white background, under 30 KB).
• No application fee for any category in Navik recruitment — fee is nil.
• Download and print the final form. Keep the application number safe — used for admit card download.

Common mistake: candidates enter their 10+2 percentage incorrectly (e.g., entering subject-average instead of aggregate). Aggregate percentage means total marks obtained across all subjects ÷ total maximum marks × 100. Verify your calculation before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a Commerce student apply for Coast Guard Navik GD?

Only if Physics and Mathematics were subjects in their Class 12 (some commerce streams include Maths as a subject). Pure Commerce without Maths, or Arts without both Physics and Maths, does not qualify. The requirement is mandatory Physics AND Mathematics in Class 12 — not just one of the two.

Q: What if my Class 12 aggregate is exactly 59.8%?

The 60% threshold is typically applied strictly. 59.8% is below the cutoff for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST candidates have a 50% threshold and would qualify. If your board rounds up to 60% in the official marksheet, that would qualify — what matters is the percentage on your Class 12 certificate/marksheet as issued by the board.

Q: Does NCC certificate give any advantage in Coast Guard?

Yes — NCC (A, B, or C certificate) candidates are given preference in selection. NCC ‘C’ certificate holders with sea/water sports background have the strongest advantage. If you have NCC, carry the original certificate to document verification.

Q: How many times can I attempt Coast Guard Navik GD?

There is no attempt limit stated — you can apply for every notification until you exceed the maximum age limit. ICG releases 2–3 notifications per year, so candidates have approximately 4–6 opportunities between 18 and 22 years of age.

Coast Guard Navik GD पात्रता 2026 – शैक्षिक योग्यता, आयु सीमा, Physical और Medical Standards

Indian Coast Guard Navik GD ke liye sabse important filter education hai: 10+2 mein Physics aur Mathematics compulsory subjects hone chahiye, minimum 60% aggregate ke saath (SC/ST ke liye 50%)। Arts ya Commerce ke students jinhone 12th mein Maths/Physics nahi li, vo ineligible hain। Is article mein poori eligibility detail di gayi hai।

Educational Qualification

क्रिटेरिया	Requirement	Notes
Minimum Qualification	10+2 (12th pass) recognized board se	Degree zaroori nahi
Compulsory Subjects	Physics aur Mathematics dono 12th mein hone chahiye	Sirf ek subject se kaam nahi chalega
General/OBC/EWS Aggregate	60% minimum	Saare subjects ka aggregate
SC/ST Aggregate	50% minimum	Reserved category relaxation

Age Limit

Category	Age Limit
General / EWS	18 se 22 saal
OBC (NCL)	18 se 25 saal (+3 saal relaxation)
SC / ST	18 se 27 saal (+5 saal relaxation)

18–22 saal ki age limit (General) strict hai। Saal mein 2–3 notifications aate hain, isliye typically 2–4 chances milte hain 18–22 ke beech।

Physical Standards

माप	Male	Female
Height (minimum)	157 cm	152 cm
Chest (sirf Male)	77 cm unexpanded, 82 cm expanded	N/A
Eyesight	6/6 unaided ya correctable	6/6 ya correctable

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

Test	Male	Female
1.6 km Run	7 minutes mein	8 minutes mein
Squat Jumps	20 in 2 min	15 in 2 min
Push-ups	10 in 2 min	5 in 2 min
Sit-ups	10 in 2 min	10 in 2 min

Medical mein kya disqualify karta hai

• Colour Blindness: Kisi bhi degree ka colour vision deficiency disqualify karta hai
• Flat Feet (Grade 2-3): Moderate se severe flat feet disqualifying
• Eye power: -2.5D ya +3.5D se zyada generally disqualify
• Tattoos: Face, neck, haath par visible tattoos generally allowed nahi

Documents Required

• 10th certificate (DOB proof)
• 12th marksheet (Physics + Maths show karne wali, aggregate ≥60%)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
• Aadhaar card ya govt photo ID
• NCC Certificate (A/B/C) agar hai — preference milti hai
• 2 passport size photos

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

Q: Commerce student apply kar sakta hai?

Sirf tab jab 12th mein Physics aur Maths dono subjects hoon। Pure Commerce ya Arts bina Maths/Physics ke ineligible hain।

Q: NCC certificate ka koi advantage hai?

Haan — NCC (A, B, ya C certificate) holders ko selection mein preference milti hai। NCC ‘C’ with sea sports background sabse zyada advantage deta hai।

Q: Kitni baar apply kar sakte hain?

Koi attempt limit nahi — jab tak age limit hai, har notification mein apply kar sakte hain। ICG 2–3 notifications saal mein nikalta hai, isliye 18–22 ke beech 4–6 chances milte hain।

Physics aur Maths: Sabse Important Condition

Navik (GD) ke liye 10+2 mein Physics aur Mathematics compulsory subjects hone chahiye. PCB (Biology) wale students — Maths nahi toh eligible nahi. Commerce/Arts wale — Physics nahi toh eligible nahi.

Navik Domestic Branch (NDB/DB) ke liye Physics+Maths ki zaroorat nahi — any stream 10+2 pass. NDB candidates ship pe catering, stores, admin roles mein kaam karte hain. Agar aap Arts/Commerce/PCB se hain, NDB notification check karein.

Age Limit: Exact Calculation

Category	Upper Age Limit	Relaxation
General / EWS	22 years	Nil
OBC (NCL)	25 years	+3 years
SC / ST	27 years	+5 years
Ex-Servicemen	As per DoPT rules	Varies

General category ke liye 22 saal upper limit hai — yeh CAPF exams (25 saal) se kam hai. Isliye Class 12 ke baad pehle ya doosre saal mein apply karna best strategy hai. Cut-off date notification mein check karein — application date nahi.

Physical Standards: Kya Disqualify Karta Hai

Parameter	Minimum Standard	Common Disqualifier
Height	157 cm	157 cm se kam
Chest	80 cm / 85 cm expanded	5 cm se kam expansion
Vision	6/6 (glasses allowed)	Colour blindness
Tattoo	Visible tattoo allowed nahi	Koi bhi visible tattoo

Colour blindness absolute bar hai — koi bhi score ho, medical mein disqualify. Optometrist se Ishihara test karwa ke pehle confirm karein. Chest expansion (5 cm minimum) ke liye deep breathing exercises practice karein.

INS Chilka Training: Kya Expect Karein

Selection ke baad candidates INS Chilka, Odisha report karte hain — Coast Guard ka primary training establishment. Training duration approximately 6–9 months hai. Iske dauran monthly stipend milta hai; full salary pass-out ke baad shuru hoti hai.

Training period physically demanding hota hai — early reveille, PT, seamanship, firefighting, damage control sab include hai. Join karne se pehle physical conditioning strong rakhein. Training fail hone par discharge ho jaate hain.

Documents Checklist

Selection ke har stage pe documents chahiye. Koi ek missing ho toh provisional rejection ho sakta hai. CBT se pehle yeh sab prepare kar lein:

• 10th + 12th Marksheet + Certificate (original + 2 attested copies)
• 12th mein Physics aur Maths marks clearly visible hone chahiye
• Caste Certificate — competent authority issued, Hindi/English mein
• OBC candidates — central government format ka certificate chahiye, state OBC nahi chalega
• EWS Certificate — notification year ka financial year
• Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID
• 15 passport-size photos (white background, recent)

Selection Process ka Full Timeline

Stage	Qualifying/Marks?	CBT se Gap (approx)
CBT (Online Written Test)	Marks counted — merit list	Stage 1
PFT (Physical Fitness Test)	Pass/Fail only	4–8 weeks
Medical Examination	Pass/Fail only	PFT ke saath ya next week
Document Verification	Pass/Fail	Medical ke saath
Final Merit List	CBT marks only	4–6 weeks after medical
Training — INS Chilka	—	4–8 weeks after merit list

Final merit list sirf CBT marks pe based hai — PFT aur medical sirf qualifying hain. Isliye written exam mein jitna zyada score, utna better posting preference milega training allocation mein.

GD vs Domestic Branch vs Yantrik: Confusion Clear Karein

Track	Qualification	Role	Pay Level
Navik GD	10+2 Physics+Maths, 60%	Seamanship, patrol, SAR	Level 3 — ₹21,700
Navik DB	10+2 any stream, 50%	Catering, stores, admin	Level 3 — ₹21,700
Yantrik	Diploma (Mech/Elec/Electronics)	Engine room, technical	Level 5 — ₹29,200

Yantrik entry Level 5 pe hoti hai — Navik se ₹7,500 zyada basic. Agar aapke paas relevant engineering diploma hai, Yantrik ke liye zaroor check karein — often same time pe notification aati hai.

Online Apply: Step-by-Step

• Official portal: joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in — koi aur link valid nahi
• Aadhaar-linked mobile se OTP registration karein
• Personal details: naam exactly 10th certificate jaisa, DOB, category
• 12th marksheet PDF upload karein (200 KB se kam)
• Photo (JPEG, white BG, 50 KB) aur signature (30 KB) upload
• Application fee: kisi bhi category ke liye NIL hai
• Final form download + print karein, application number save karein

Common mistake: 10+2 percentage galat enter karna. Aggregate = total marks obtained ÷ total maximum marks × 100. Subject-average nahi — submit karne se pehle check karein.

Aavedan Karne Se Pehle: Checklist

Apply karne se pehle yeh sab verify karein:

• ✔ 10+2 mein Physics aur Mathematics dono hain (Navik GD ke liye mandatory)
• ✔ Aggregate percentage 60% hai (General/OBC/EWS) ya 50% (SC/ST)
• ✔ Age cut-off date tak 18–22 saal (General) ya 25/27 (OBC/SC/ST)
• ✔ Colour blindness nahi hai — Ishihara test se confirm karein
• ✔ Height 157 cm+ hai
• ✔ Koi visible tattoo nahi hai
• ✔ OBC hai toh central government OBC list mein aapki community hai

Agar in sabse satisfy hote hain toh apply zaroor karein. Coast Guard Navik recruitment ek genuine career opportunity hai — job security, growth, aur decent in-hand salary ke saath. Application fee bhi zero hai — koi financial risk nahi.