ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026 includes application scrutiny, document verification, biometric verification, written examination, and trade test wherever applicable. This recruitment is released for various posts available: Store Keeper Grade-II, Engine Driver, Lascar, Civilian Motor Transport Driver (Ordinary Grade), and MTS (MT Cleaner). Check all details in the article below.
Is a trade test compulsory for all posts?
The notification provides for a relevant trade test for technical posts, including Store Keeper Grade-II, Engine Driver, Lascar and Civilian Motor Transport Driver (Ordinary Grade). MTS (MT Cleaner) has a Mental Ability Test in the fourth section instead.
Indian Coast Guard Civilian Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Coast Guard |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Recruiting Authority | Coast Guard Region (East) |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment |
| Post Category | Group C Civilian |
| Posts | Store Keeper Grade-II, Engine Driver, Lascar, CMTD (Ordinary Grade), MTS (MT Cleaner) |
| Advertisement Date | 7 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 December 2026 |
| Selection Process | Application Scrutiny, Document Verification, Biometric Verification, Written Examination and Trade Test wherever applicable |
| Written Exam Duration | 1 Hour |
| Total Questions | 80 |
| Maximum Marks | 80 |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Official Website | indiancoastguard.gov.in |
ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026: Stages Explained
The recruitment authority has prescribed the following stages for selecting candidates for Group C civilian posts.
Stage-1: Scrutiny of Applications
The first stage of the recruitment process is the scrutiny of applications received from candidates. The Indian Coast Guard will examine the applications to verify whether candidates fulfil the prescribed eligibility criteria for their respective posts.
The scrutiny will cover:
- Educational qualifications.
- Essential work experience.
- Age limit and applicable relaxation.
- Category-related eligibility.
- Required certificates and supporting documents.
- Completeness of the application form.
Candidates whose applications satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements will be shortlisted. The Admit cards or call letters will be issued to shortlisted candidates for document verification and appearing in the written examination. After the ICG civilian admit card 2026 is released, candidates must check all the information mentioned on it.
Stage-2: Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted after application scrutiny will be called for document verification before appearing in the written examination. At this stage, candidates must produce their original certificates and documents for verification. Candidates are also required to carry two sets of self-attested photocopies of the relevant documents, along with their original admit card/call letter.
The documents required during verification include:
- Original photo identity proof.
- Matriculation or equivalent certificate and mark sheet.
- Class 12 certificate and mark sheet, wherever applicable.
- Graduation, postgraduate, or diploma certificates and mark sheets, wherever applicable.
- Latest SC/ST/OBC category certificate, as applicable.
- Experience certificate issued by a recognised firm or organisation with its GST number.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the present employer, wherever applicable.
- Other documents mentioned in the admit card/call letter.
Stage-3: Biometric Data Capturing and Verification
Biometric verification is another important stage of the ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026. The recruitment authority will capture and verify the biometric data (thumb impression) and photograph of candidates during the recruitment process.
Biometric verification may take place:
- During document verification.
- Before entering the examination hall.
- At other stages of recruitment, if required by the Indian Coast Guard.
Important biometric instructions for candidates:
- Candidates whose biometric data does not match at any stage of the ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026 will not be allowed to appear in the written examination.
- Refusal to participate in biometric capture or verification may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Candidates should thoroughly wash their fingers if they have ink, mehndi, or any coloured coating.
- Candidates should ensure that their fingers are clean and free from dust or dirt before fingerprint capture.
- Both hands should be dry. If fingers are moist, candidates should wipe them properly.
- If the right thumb (primary finger) is injured or damaged, impressions of other fingers or toes may be captured.
Stage-4: Written Examination
All shortlisted candidates who complete document verification will have to appear in the written examination. The written examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode. It’s good news to all of you: the question paper will be bilingual, meaning candidates will receive the examination paper in two languages.
Indian Coast Guard Civilian Written Exam 2026: Important Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper Based) |
| Question Type | Objective Type |
| Total Questions | 80 |
| Total Marks | 80 |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 1 Mark |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Duration | 1 Hour |
| Question Paper | Bilingual |
| Subjects | General Knowledge, Mathematics, General English and Relevant Trade/Mental Ability |
ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026: Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination will consist of four parts, carrying 20 questions and 20 marks each.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Part II | Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| Part III | General English | 20 | 20 |
| Part IV | Relevant Trade Test for Technical Posts / Mental Ability Test for MTS (MT Cleaner) | 20 | 20 |
| Total | <escape> </escape> | 80 | 80 |
Time allotted: 1 Hour
Subject-wise Examination Details
General Knowledge
- This section will contain 20 objective-type questions carrying 20 marks.
- Candidates should prepare general awareness topics and other relevant knowledge according to the prescribed examination level.
Mathematics
- The Mathematics section will contain 20 questions carrying 20 marks.
- Candidates should prepare mathematical concepts according to the educational qualification prescribed for their respective posts.
General English
- This section will consist of 20 questions carrying 20 marks.
- Candidates should prepare English language topics according to the prescribed educational level.
Relevant Trade Test / Mental Ability Test
- The fourth section will differ according to the post applied for.
- For technical posts, including Store Keeper Grade-II, Engine Driver, Lascar and Civilian Motor Transport Driver (Ordinary Grade), the section will cover the relevant trade test.
- For MTS (MT Cleaner), this section will cover the Mental Ability Test.
- The notification specifies that the examination will be based on the educational qualifications prescribed for the post and relevant trade.
Indian Coast Guard Civilian Qualifying Marks 2026
Candidates must obtain the prescribed minimum qualifying marks in the written examination to be considered for the next stage. The qualifying marks are different for SC/ST candidates compared with other categories for the ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General/UR | 40 out of 80 | 50% |
| EWS | 40 out of 80 | 50% |
| OBC | 40 out of 80 | 50% |
| SC | 36 out of 80 | 45% |
| ST | 36 out of 80 | 45% |
Important points:
- General, EWS and OBC candidates must secure at least 50% marks.
- SC and ST candidates must secure at least 45% marks.
- No relaxation in qualifying marks is admissible to OBC and EWS candidates.
- Candidates qualifying in the written examination will be shortlisted for the trade test wherever applicable.
The qualifying marks are the minimum marks required to qualify. Securing these marks does not guarantee final selection in the ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026.
Stage-5: Trade Test for Technical Posts
Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be shortlisted for the trade test wherever applicable.
- Store Keeper Grade-II.
- Engine Driver.
- Lascar.
- Civilian Motor Transport Driver (Ordinary Grade).
Stage-6: Preparation of Merit List
- The Indian Coast Guard will prepare the merit list strictly according to the merit position based on marks obtained in the written examination.
- The merit list will be published on the official Indian Coast Guard website along with the necessary instructions.
- Candidates should remember that merely appearing in or qualifying in the written examination does not provide an automatic right to appointment.
- Final appointment will be subject to fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility conditions and other recruitment requirements.
Is There Any Physical Test in Indian Coast Guard Civilian Recruitment 2026?
As per the ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026 mentioned in the notification, the prescribed stages are application scrutiny, document verification, biometric verification, written examination, and trade test wherever applicable. The notification does not prescribe a separate Physical Efficiency Test (PET) or Physical Standard Test (PST) as a selection stage for these Group C civilian posts.
Post-wise Eligibility Requirements for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Civilian Recruitment 2026
Check the post-wise eligibility criteria below:
| Post | Educational Qualification | Essential Experience / Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Store Keeper Grade-II | 12th pass from a recognised Board or University | One year of experience in handling stores from a recognised firm, Central/State Government organisation or Public Sector Undertaking |
| Engine Driver | Matriculation pass | Certificate of competency as Engine Driver from a recognised Government Institute or equivalent |
| Lascar | Matriculation pass or equivalent | Three years of experience in service on a boat |
| Civilian Motor Transport Driver (Ordinary Grade) | 10th pass | Valid driving licence for Heavy and Light Motor Vehicles and two years of driving experience |
| MTS (MT Cleaner) | Matriculation pass | Two years of experience in a mechanical workshop |
- Desirable qualification for Engine Driver: Two years of service as a Sarang on a vessel of over 400 Boat Horse Power.
- Additional requirement for Civilian Motor Transport Driver: Candidates should know motor mechanisms and should be able to remove minor defects in vehicles.
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ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026: Important Age Limit Details
The age limit varies according to the post and category.
| Post | Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Store Keeper Grade-II | General age limit | 18–25 years |
| Store Keeper Grade-II | SC | Up to 30 years |
| Store Keeper Grade-II | SC-PwBD | Up to 40 years |
| Engine Driver | General age limit | 18–30 years |
| Engine Driver | SC | Relaxation of 5 years |
| Lascar | EWS | 18–30 years |
| Civilian Motor Transport Driver | UR | 18–27 years |
| MTS (MT Cleaner) | General age limit | 18–27 years |
| MTS (MT Cleaner) | SC | Up to 32 years |
| MTS (MT Cleaner) | SC-PwBD | Up to 42 years |
- Age calculation date: The age of candidates will be calculated as on 21 December 2026, the last date for receipt of applications.
How to Apply for Indian Coast Guard Civilian Recruitment 2026?
To apply for the Indian Coast Guard Civilian Recruitment 2026, follow the steps below:
- Step-1: Download the prescribed application form from the recruitment notification.
- Step-2: Fill in the applicant’s name, post applied for, date of birth, and other personal details.
- Step-3: Enter permanent and correspondence addresses with PIN code.
- Step-4: Provide educational qualifications and relevant work experience.
- Step-5: Mention gender, nationality, and category details.
- Step-6: Provide mobile number and email ID.
- Step-7: Mention whether you are a departmental candidate.
- Step-8: Affix a recent passport-size colour photograph and self-attest it.
- Step-9: Sign the application form and provide the required thumb impression.
- Step-10: Attach self-attested photocopies of all required certificates and documents.
- Step-11: Check the application form carefully before sending it.
Documents Required with the Application Form
Candidates must attach self-attested photocopies of the following documents:
- Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID or Passport).
- Matriculation certificate and mark sheet.
- Class 12/UG/PG/Diploma certificates and mark sheets, as applicable.
- Latest category certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
- Experience certificate from a government-recognised firm with GST number.
- NOC from the present employer for candidates working in a government organisation.
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs without sunglasses or a cap.
Where to Send the Application Form?
The duly filled application form, along with the required documents, must be sent through Ordinary Post only.
Postal Address: The Commander, Guard Region (East), Near Napier Bridge, Fort St George (PO), Chennai – 600009
The application must reach the above address within 45 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News.
Last date for receipt of applications: 21 December 2026.
Reasons for Rejection of Indian Coast Guard Civilian Applications
The ICG Civilian Selection Process 2026 authority has specified certain deficiencies that may lead to the rejection of applications.
Applications may be rejected for the following reasons:
- Incomplete application forms.
- Candidates exceeding the prescribed age limit on the closing date.
- Overwriting, cuttings, corrections, or incorrect information in the application.
- Photographs not affixed or not self-attested.
- Required self-attested photocopies of documents not enclosed.
- Application envelopes not superscribed with the prescribed post and category details.
Government employees must forward their applications through the proper channel along with an NOC issued by the concerned authority before the last date.
Candidates should provide correct information because their candidature may be cancelled at any stage, including after appointment or joining, if any information is found false or inconsistent with the eligibility conditions.
Travel Allowance for SC/ST Candidates
SC/ST candidates are entitled to second-class rail or bus fare by the shortest route, as per Government rules. The reimbursement will be made at the examination venue upon submission of the relevant travel tickets.
However, this travel concession is not admissible to SC/ST candidates who are already employed in Central or State Government service.
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ICG Civilian B Posting & Transfer Policy
Candidates selected for appointment to Group C posts in 2026 will initially be liable for posting at any unit or establishment under Coast Guard Region (East). The recruitment notification also specifies all-India transfer liability. Therefore, selected candidates may be posted or transferred according to the service requirements and applicable rules.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Carefully check the eligibility conditions before applying.
- Submit the application in the prescribed format only.
- Do not send original certificates with the application.
- Ensure that all supporting documents are self-attested with name and date.
- Complete the biometric verification process whenever required.
- Carry original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies during document verification.
- Follow the instructions mentioned in the admit card/call letter.
- Regularly visit the official Indian Coast Guard website for recruitment updates.
- Merely qualifying in the written examination does not guarantee appointment.