If you have been putting off applying to the Indian Coast Guard, the clock is about to run out. The online application window for the Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT) for the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches closes at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, 21 October. After that, the portal will not accept a single form, no matter how good the excuse. With 365 posts on offer across Navik, Yantrik and Hygienist-I roles, this is one of the biggest defence recruitment drives of the season, and candidates get barely one more day to act.
The Coast Guard, which comes under the Ministry of Defence, opened the window on 6 October, and applications are being taken online through the Staff Selection Commission website. Entries range from Class 10 pass candidates to diploma holders in the Yantrik technical trades. Here is everything you need to know before the deadline.
Vacancies on offer: 365 posts across four categories
The 365 vacancies are split across two batches. The largest share goes to the Navik (General Duty) post, followed by the Yantrik technical trades:
- Navik (General Duty): 260 posts. Qualification is Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. These posts span both the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches, with batch allotment done on merit and availability.
- Yantrik (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics): 60 posts (28 Mechanical, 23 Electrical, 9 Electronics). Qualification is Class 10 pass with a relevant engineering diploma. These posts are only for the 01/2027 batch.
- Navik (Domestic Branch): 25 posts. Qualification is Class 10 pass. Only for the 02/2027 batch.
- Hygienist-I: 20 posts. Qualification is Class 10 pass, ITI or equivalent. Only for the 02/2027 batch.
Pay-wise, Navik (GD) and Navik (DB) start at a basic pay of Rs 21,700 (Level 3), while Yantrik posts start higher at Rs 29,200 (Level 5).
Who can apply: eligibility and age limits
The age bar is 18 to 22 years, but the exact cutoffs are given as date-of-birth ranges for each post, so read them carefully:
- Navik (GD), 01/2027 and 02/2027: born between 1 November 2005 and 1 May 2009
- Yantrik, 01/2027: born between 1 May 2005 and 1 May 2009
- Navik (DB), 02/2027: born between 1 November 2005 and 1 October 2009
- Hygienist-I, 02/2027: born between 1 November 2002 and 1 October 2009
Age relaxation applies for reserved categories: three years for OBC candidates and five years for SC/ST candidates. Both male and female Indian citizens can apply for Navik (General Duty); check the official notification for the gender-wise eligibility of the other posts before filling the form.
The application fee is Rs 550 for General, OBC and EWS candidates. SC and ST candidates pay nothing. The fee can be paid online through net banking, cards or UPI.
How selection works: from CBT to INS Chilka
Selection happens in stages, and it is a long road, so knowing the roadmap helps you plan.
Stage I is a computer-based examination, tentatively in early to mid November 2026, barely weeks after applications close. Those who clear it move to Stage II, which includes the physical fitness test, assessment and adaptability tests, document verification and the recruitment medical examination, expected around the end of February 2027. Stage III is the final verification at INS Chilka, scheduled for early May 2027 for the 01/2027 batch and mid-October 2027 for the 02/2027 batch. Pre-enrolment medicals and final document checks round it off.
How to apply before 5:30 PM tomorrow
Applications are online only, through the Staff Selection Commission portal, and the link goes dead at 5:30 PM on 21 October. Keep these steps in mind:
- Read the full official notification first, especially the post-wise eligibility and date-of-birth ranges.
- Keep scanned copies of your photo, signature, Class 10/12 mark sheets and diploma ready in the prescribed format.
- Fill the form carefully and verify every field before submitting. Errors in the date of birth or category can get the form rejected.
- Pay the fee (if applicable) and save the final submitted application and payment receipt.
- Apply today rather than tomorrow evening. Portals crash under last-hour traffic, and the Coast Guard will not extend the deadline.
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for Coast Guard CGEPT 2026?
The last date is 21 October 2026, up to 5:30 PM. Applications opened on 6 October.
How many vacancies are there in Indian Coast Guard CGEPT 01/2027 and 02/2027?
There are 365 posts: 260 Navik (General Duty), 25 Navik (Domestic Branch), 60 Yantrik and 20 Hygienist-I.
What is the application fee for Coast Guard Navik recruitment?
Rs 550 for General, OBC and EWS candidates; SC and ST candidates are fully exempt.
What is the age limit for Coast Guard Navik (GD)?
Candidates for Navik (GD) in the 01/2027 and 02/2027 batches must have been born between 1 November 2005 and 1 May 2009, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Can women apply for Indian Coast Guard CGEPT 2026?
Female candidates are eligible for the Navik (General Duty) post. Check the official notification for the gender-wise eligibility of Yantrik, Navik (DB) and Hygienist-I posts.
The window shuts tomorrow evening, and defence recruitments rarely get extensions. If you meet the criteria, apply today. Good luck.
