Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 is now open for eligible Indian citizens. Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (West), Mumbai has released Notification No. CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026 to fill 6 Group C civilian posts — Store Keeper Grade II, Engine Driver, Lascar, Civilian Motor Transport Driver, MTS (Peon), and MTS (Chowkidar) — through direct recruitment. Applications are accepted only by ordinary post, and the last date is 3 November 2026. This guide is for Indian job seekers with Class 10 or Class 12 qualification looking for a stable central government job with 7th CPC pay and pension benefits. It covers every detail you need: vacancies, salary, eligibility, age limit, selection process, and step-by-step application instructions.
Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 offers 6 civilian posts including Store Keeper, Engine Driver, Lascar, Driver, Peon, and Chowkidar under Notification CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026. Salary ranges from Rs.18,000 to Rs.81,100 per month (7th CPC). The last date to apply offline by ordinary post is 3 November 2026. No application fee is required.
- Organisation: Indian Coast Guard, HQ Coast Guard Region (West), Mumbai
- Advt. No.: CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026
- Total Vacancies: 6 Group C Civilian Posts
- Posts: Store Keeper Gr. II, Engine Driver, Lascar, CMT Driver, MTS (Peon), MTS (Chowkidar)
- Salary Range: Rs.18,000 – Rs.81,100/month (Pay Level 1 to Level 4, 7th CPC)
- Application Mode: Offline — Ordinary Post Only
- Application Fee: Nil (No fee for any category)
- Age Limit: 18–25 to 18–30 years (post-wise, as of 3 Nov 2026)
- Qualification: Class 10 / Class 12 pass (post-wise)
- Last Date: 3 November 2026
- Official Website: indiancoastguard.gov.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for This Recruitment?
- Vacancy Details and Salary (Post-Wise)
- Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Qualification
- Selection Process: Written Test, Trade Test and Verification
- Indian Coast Guard Group C vs Other Defence Civilian Jobs 2026
- Pros and Cons of Indian Coast Guard Civilian Jobs
- Important Terms and Concepts for Coast Guard Recruitment
- Important Dates and Timeline
- How to Apply for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026?
Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 refers to the direct recruitment drive by Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (West), Mumbai to fill 6 non-gazetted, non-ministerial civilian posts under the Ministry of Defence. These are permanent central government positions governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission, offering stable employment, job security, and pension benefits. The notification — CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026 — was published in the Employment News dated 19–25 September 2026.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a multi-mission maritime force responsible for protecting India’s coastline, exclusive economic zone, and maritime interests. As a civilian employee, you support the ICG’s operational and administrative functions on shore. These Group C posts are General Central Service positions — meaning they come with All India transfer liability, central government pay matrix, and service rules applicable to Union government employees.
Candidates with Class 10 or Class 12 qualifications, depending on the post, and relevant trade experience can apply. No application fee is charged for any category. The entire application process is offline only — applications must be sent by ordinary post to the Mumbai headquarters.
Who Should Apply for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026?
This recruitment is ideal for candidates who want a stable central government job without competitive entrance exams at the graduate level. Here are the specific profiles best suited to apply:
- 🎓 Class 10 pass candidates aged 18–30 looking for their first government job in a defence organisation
- 📦 Store management professionals with 1+ year of experience in handling stores at a government or PSU organisation — ideal for the Store Keeper Grade II post
- ⚓ Maritime or boat-service workers with experience in sea-going vessels — the Lascar post is designed for you
- 🚢 Inland engine driver certificate holders who want to formalise their career with a government employer — apply for Engine Driver
- 🚗 HMV licence holders with 2+ years of driving experience in government or private transport — ideal for the Civilian Motor Transport Driver post
- 👷 Class 10 pass candidates from any state seeking MTS (Peon) or MTS (Chowkidar) posts with a steady monthly income starting at Rs.18,000
- 📋 Government employees seeking a lateral transfer to a central defence organisation — age relaxation up to 40 years applies for select posts
- 🏷️ SC and OBC NCL candidates who benefit from additional age relaxation (5 years for SC, 3 years for OBC NCL) against reserved vacancies
Indian Coast Guard Group C 2026 — Vacancy Details and Salary (Post-Wise)
The Indian Coast Guard has announced 6 vacancies under Notification No. CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026 — one for each post. Salaries are as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) matrix and vary by pay level. Here is the complete post-wise breakdown:
| Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store Keeper Grade II | 1 | Level 2 | Rs.19,900 – Rs.63,200/month |
| Engine Driver | 1 | Level 4 | Rs.25,500 – Rs.81,100/month |
| Lascar | 1 | Level 1 | Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900/month |
| Civilian Motor Transport Driver | 1 | Level 2 | Rs.19,900 – Rs.63,200/month |
| MTS (Peon) | 1 | Level 1 | Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900/month |
| MTS (Chowkidar) | 1 | Level 1 | Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900/month |
In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other central government perquisites as applicable. The Engine Driver post offers the highest pay at Level 4 (up to Rs.81,100/month), while MTS and Lascar posts start at Level 1 (Rs.18,000/month). All posts carry pension benefits under the National Pension System (NPS).
Note: The number of vacancies is subject to change as per the official notification. Always verify with the official portal before applying.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026
Candidates must meet post-specific educational qualification, experience, and age requirements as of the last date — 3 November 2026. There is no application fee for any category. Below is the complete eligibility breakdown:
Educational Qualification (Post-Wise)
| Post | Qualification | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Store Keeper Grade II | Class 12 pass from recognised Board | 1 year in handling stores (Govt/PSU/recognised firm) |
| Engine Driver | Class 10 pass + Certificate of Competency as Engine Driver (Inland) | Relevant experience as per certificate |
| Lascar | Class 10 pass | Experience in sea-going vessels |
| CMT Driver (Ordinary Grade) | Class 10 pass + valid HMV and LMV driving licence | 2 years driving experience + knowledge of motor mechanism |
| MTS (Peon) | Class 10 pass or equivalent | Not specified |
| MTS (Chowkidar) | Class 10 pass or equivalent | Not specified |
Age Limit (As on 3 November 2026)
| Post | Age Limit (General) |
|---|---|
| Store Keeper Grade II | 18 – 25 years |
| Engine Driver | 18 – 30 years |
| Lascar | 18 – 30 years |
| CMT Driver (Ordinary Grade) | 18 – 27 years |
| MTS (Peon) | 18 – 27 years |
| MTS (Chowkidar) | 18 – 27 years |
Age Relaxation
- SC candidates (Engine Driver reserved vacancy): 5 years relaxation
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer (reserved vacancies): 3 years relaxation
- Government servants (Store Keeper Grade II & Lascar): Up to 40 years of age
- Other categories: As per Central Government instructions in force
Selection Process for Indian Coast Guard Group C 2026
The Indian Coast Guard Group C selection process for 2026 consists of five clearly defined stages. There is no physical fitness test for these civilian posts — selection is based primarily on a written examination and trade test where applicable.
- Application Scrutiny: All received applications are checked for eligibility compliance. Incomplete or deficient applications are summarily rejected. Biometric data (thumb impression and photograph) is captured during this stage.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are called to verify original documents — educational certificates, experience certificates, category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), photo ID, and NOC (if applicable). Candidates must bring originals plus two sets of self-attested photocopies.
- Biometric Verification: Identity is confirmed at multiple stages using the biometric data captured during document verification.
- Written Examination: A pen-paper based objective test of 80 questions, 80 marks, duration 1 hour. Questions are based on the educational qualification prescribed for each post. Qualifying marks: 50% for General/OBC/EWS candidates and 45% for SC/ST candidates. There is no negative marking.
- Trade Test (where applicable): Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for a trade test specific to their post. This applies particularly to Engine Driver, Lascar, and CMT Driver posts. The final merit list is prepared based on written examination marks.
Do not send original certificates with your application — only self-attested photocopies are required at the application stage. Original documents will be checked only during document verification after shortlisting. Also, remember to enclose a self-addressed blank envelope with a Rs.50 postal stamp affixed — applications without this envelope are liable to be rejected.
Indian Coast Guard Group C vs Other Defence Civilian Jobs 2026
How does the Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 compare to similar defence civilian recruitment drives for 10th/12th pass candidates? Here is a detailed comparison:
| Parameter | ICG Group C 2026 (West) | Indian Army Civilian MTS | BSF Group C Civilian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacancies | 6 posts | Varies (100s annually) | Varies by region |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 10 | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Starting Salary | Rs.18,000/month (Level 1) | Rs.18,000/month (Level 1) | Rs.18,000/month (Level 1) |
| Highest Pay Level Available | Level 4 (Rs.25,500 – Rs.81,100) | Level 1 to Level 2 | Level 1 to Level 2 |
| Application Mode | Offline (ordinary post) | Offline or online | Offline or online |
| Application Fee | Nil | Nil/Rs.100 (varies) | Nil (varies) |
| Selection Process | Scrutiny + DV + Written + Trade Test | Scrutiny + Written + Skill | Scrutiny + Written + Physical |
| Physical Test Required | No | No (civilian posts) | Yes (some posts) |
| Transfer Liability | All India (pan-India posting) | Pan-India | Pan-India |
| Pension / NPS | Yes (NPS) | Yes (NPS) | Yes (NPS) |
The Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 stands out for its zero application fee, the availability of a Level 4 Engine Driver post (highest pay among comparable MTS-level recruitments), and a selection process with no physical fitness test. If you hold a Certificate of Competency as Engine Driver (Inland) or an HMV driving licence, this is one of the best civilian defence job opportunities in September–November 2026. Even for MTS posts, the ICG offers job stability and coastal posting in Mumbai — a prime location for government employees.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Indian Coast Guard Civilian Jobs
✅ Advantages
- Zero application fee: No financial barrier — candidates from any economic background can apply without paying a single rupee
- 7th CPC salary + DA + HRA: Monthly pay up to Rs.81,100 for Engine Driver, with regular DA hikes tied to inflation
- No physical fitness test: Selection for these civilian posts is based purely on written examination performance — no running or physical endurance tests
- Pension and NPS benefits: Secure post-retirement income under the National Pension System applicable to all central government employees
- Class 10 qualification eligible: Five of the six posts require only matriculation — accessible to a wide pool of candidates across India
❌ Disadvantages
- Very limited vacancies: Only 6 posts total — competition per seat will be extremely high, especially for MTS and Driver posts
- All India transfer liability: Selected candidates can be posted anywhere in India, not necessarily near their home state
- Offline-only application: Candidates must physically post the application — no online submission option, which creates delays for remote applicants
- Experience mandatory for most posts: Store Keeper, Engine Driver, Lascar, and Driver posts require verifiable experience certificates — freshers without experience cannot apply for these
Important Terms and Concepts for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment
Understanding these key terms helps you navigate the notification, apply correctly, and prepare effectively:
- Group C Civilian Post: Non-gazetted, non-officer level central government position. These are permanent posts with service rules, increments, and central government pay matrix.
- 7th CPC Pay Matrix: The salary structure recommended by the 7th Central Pay Commission in 2016 and still in effect. Pay Levels 1–4 are relevant for this recruitment (Rs.18,000 to Rs.81,100).
- Direct Recruitment: Appointment made directly from the open market — not through internal promotion or deputation. All 6 posts in this notification are direct recruitment.
- Lascar: A maritime support role on board or in support of vessels — typically handling ropes, anchors, boat maintenance, and deck operations at a coast guard station or harbour.
- Certificate of Competency (Engine Driver — Inland): A licence issued by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) or equivalent authority, required to legally operate inland vessel engines. Mandatory for the Engine Driver post.
- HMV Licence (Heavy Motor Vehicle): A transport ministry licence authorising the holder to drive heavy commercial vehicles. Required for the CMT Driver post along with 2 years of driving experience.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate): A document issued by your current government employer permitting you to apply for another government position. Required if you are already a central or state government employee.
- NPS (National Pension System): The defined-contribution pension system applicable to all central government employees who joined service after 2004. Provides retirement corpus and pension income.
- Biometric Verification: Thumb impression and photograph captured during document verification; used to confirm identity at each stage of the recruitment process to prevent impersonation.
- Ordinary Post: Standard postal service (not speed post, courier, or registered post). The notification specifically requires applications to be sent only by ordinary post — other modes may be rejected.
Important Dates and Timeline — Indian Coast Guard Group C 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification published in Employment News | 19 – 25 September 2026 |
| Notification number issued | CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026 (dated 23 September 2026) |
| Application window opens | 19 September 2026 |
| Last date to receive application (by ordinary post) | 3 November 2026 |
| Written examination date | To be announced (check official portal) |
| Trade test date (where applicable) | After written examination result |
| Final merit list | As per official schedule |
How to Apply for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
All applications must be submitted offline by ordinary post only. No online or hand-delivery submission is accepted. Follow these steps precisely to avoid rejection:
- Download the application form: Visit indiancoastguard.gov.in and download the prescribed application form (Annexure-I) attached with Notification No. CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026.
- Fill the form carefully: Complete the application in English or Hindi only. Double-check all details — name, date of birth, post applied for, category — against your original documents. Any mismatch leads to rejection.
- Affix photograph: Paste a recent self-attested colour passport-size photograph in the designated space on the application form.
- Prepare your document copies: Self-attest photocopies of the following and attach them to your application:
— Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID)
— Class 10 / Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
— Category certificate (SC / ST / OBC / EWS) if applicable
— Experience certificate (mandatory for Store Keeper, Engine Driver, Lascar, Driver posts)
— Certificate of competency / driving licence (Engine Driver / CMT Driver)
— NOC from employer (if currently in a government position) - Attach two extra photographs: Include 2 additional recent passport-size colour photographs with your application.
- Prepare the self-addressed envelope: Take a blank envelope, write your own complete postal address on it, and affix a Rs.50 postal stamp. Enclose this envelope inside the main envelope. Applications without this self-addressed envelope are liable to be summarily rejected.
- Seal and label the main envelope: Write the post applied for clearly on the outer envelope — e.g., “Application for the Post of MTS (Peon) — CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026”.
- Send by ordinary post only: Post your application to:
Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (West),
Alexander Graham Bell Road, PO Malabar Hill,
Mumbai – 400006
Applications must be received by 3 November 2026. Allow sufficient time for postal transit — do not post at the last moment.
Applications sent by speed post, courier, hand delivery, or email are NOT accepted. Only ordinary post is valid. Also, do not send original certificates — send only self-attested photocopies. Government employees must route their application through the proper channel and enclose an NOC from their department.
Important Links — Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Indian Coast Guard Website | indiancoastguard.gov.in |
| Ministry of Defence (Employer Authority) | mod.gov.in |
| Employment News (Notification Source) | employmentnews.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal (Govt Jobs India) | ncs.gov.in |
| Agrijob.in — More Government Job Alerts | agrijob.in |
| Agrijob.in — Defence & Government Recruitment Updates | agrijob.in/category/government-jobs/ |
Conclusion — Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026
Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 is a genuine central government opportunity for Class 10 and Class 12 qualified candidates to join one of India’s premier maritime defence organisations. With 6 posts offering salaries from Rs.18,000 to Rs.81,100 per month, zero application fee, and a selection process free of physical tests, this recruitment is accessible and competitive. The key differentiator from similar MTS-level recruitments is the Engine Driver post at Pay Level 4 — one of the highest paying Group C posts open to Class 10 candidates in 2026.
Do not wait for the last minute. Send your application by ordinary post well before 3 November 2026. Download the prescribed form from indiancoastguard.gov.in, fill it carefully, attach all required documents, and post it to HQ Coast Guard Region (West), Mumbai. Bookmark this page — we update it whenever official data changes on the Coast Guard portal.
- Indian Coast Guard has released 6 Group C civilian posts under Notification CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026 for the West Region (Mumbai)
- Salary ranges from Rs.18,000 to Rs.81,100/month — the Engine Driver post at Level 4 offers the highest pay among the 6 posts
- Minimum qualification is Class 10 pass for 5 of the 6 posts; Store Keeper Grade II requires Class 12
- Applications must reach HQ Coast Guard Region (West), Mumbai by ordinary post on or before 3 November 2026 — no fee, no online mode
- Selection involves scrutiny, document verification, biometric check, an 80-question written exam (no negative marking), and trade test where applicable
- Read the official notification at indiancoastguard.gov.in before applying — check our Government Jobs section at Agrijob.in for similar alerts
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026
What is the total number of vacancies in Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026?
Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 has 6 vacancies in total under Notification No. CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026. Each post — Store Keeper Grade II, Engine Driver, Lascar, Civilian Motor Transport Driver, MTS (Peon), and MTS (Chowkidar) — has one vacancy. The number of vacancies is subject to change as per the official notification.
What is the salary for Indian Coast Guard Group C posts in 2026?
Salaries for Indian Coast Guard Group C posts in 2026 range from Rs.18,000 to Rs.81,100 per month as per the 7th Central Pay Commission matrix. Engine Driver falls under Level 4 (Rs.25,500 – Rs.81,100), Store Keeper Grade II and CMT Driver under Level 2 (Rs.19,900 – Rs.63,200), and Lascar, MTS (Peon), and MTS (Chowkidar) under Level 1 (Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900). Additional allowances such as DA and HRA are paid as per central government rules.
What is the last date to apply for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026?
The last date to receive applications for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 is 3 November 2026. Applications must reach Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (West), Mumbai by this date. Since applications are accepted by ordinary post only, candidates are advised to post their application at least 10–14 days before the deadline to account for postal transit time.
Is there an application fee for Indian Coast Guard Group C posts?
No, there is no application fee for any category — General, OBC, SC, ST, or EWS — for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026. However, candidates must enclose a self-addressed blank envelope with a Rs.50 postal stamp affixed, addressed to themselves. This envelope is used to send the admit card and is not a fee — it must be included or the application may be rejected.
What is the selection process for Indian Coast Guard Group C 2026?
The selection process for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 includes: (1) Application scrutiny and shortlisting, (2) Document verification with biometric capture, (3) Written examination — 80 objective questions, 80 marks, 1 hour, no negative marking — qualifying marks are 50% for General/OBC/EWS and 45% for SC/ST, and (4) Trade test where applicable (Engine Driver, Lascar, CMT Driver). The final merit list is prepared based on written examination marks.
What qualification is required for MTS (Peon) and MTS (Chowkidar) posts in ICG 2026?
For both MTS (Peon) and MTS (Chowkidar) posts in Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026, the minimum qualification is Class 10 pass (Matriculation or equivalent) from a recognised Board. No specific experience certificate is required for these two posts. The age limit for both MTS posts is 18 to 27 years as on 3 November 2026, with applicable relaxations for reserved categories.
Can candidates from all states of India apply for this ICG recruitment?
Yes. Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 is open to all eligible Indian citizens regardless of their home state. However, please note that selected candidates will be posted under Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (West) — which covers India’s western coastline — and are subject to All India transfer liability. Candidates must be prepared for postings anywhere in India after joining.
What documents are required to apply for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026?
The following self-attested photocopies must be attached with your application: (1) Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID), (2) Class 10 / Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate, (3) Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — if applicable, (4) Experience certificate (mandatory for Store Keeper, Engine Driver, Lascar, and CMT Driver posts), (5) Certificate of competency for Engine Driver or valid HMV/LMV driving licence for CMT Driver, (6) NOC from employer if currently serving in a government organisation. Do not send original certificates — only photocopies at the application stage.
What is the age limit for Engine Driver post in ICG Group C Recruitment 2026?
The age limit for the Engine Driver post in Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026 is 18 to 30 years as on 3 November 2026. SC candidates applying against the reserved Engine Driver vacancy receive an age relaxation of 5 years (making the upper limit 35 years). OBC NCL candidates receive 3 years of relaxation against reserved vacancies. Government servants may be eligible for relaxation up to a prescribed limit as per central government rules.
Where should the application be sent for Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026?
The completed application must be sent only by ordinary post to: Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (West), Alexander Graham Bell Road, PO Malabar Hill, Mumbai – 400006. Applications sent by speed post, registered post, courier, or hand delivery are not accepted. The main envelope must be clearly superscribed with the name of the post applied for and the notification number CGRHQ(WEST)/01/2026.
Last Updated: September 2026. This post is reviewed regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on Indian Coast Guard Group C Recruitment 2026. Always verify details at the official portal — indiancoastguard.gov.in — before applying.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with the Indian Coast Guard or any government department. All recruitment data is sourced from the official Employment News notification (19–25 September 2026) and official portal. Candidates are advised to read the official notification in full before submitting their application. All figures are as per official data available as of September 2026 — check the official portal for the latest updates.
