Careers in Indian Coast Guard

Indian Coastguard or Bharatiya Tatraksha enforces maritime law, protects India’ coastline and maritime interests. It works in close collaboration with the Indian Navy and the Department of Fisheries. Working in Coast Guard is much beyond simple employment or a job. Meeting the unpredicted challenges at sea, protecting the sea from enemies is not an easy task. If you are looking for a life full of adventure, risk and hardships, then joining the Indian Coastguard is a good career choice.

For effective control, India is divided into 5 coast guard regions namely: North-West, West, East, North-East and Andaman & Nicobar. Officers of the ranks of Inspector General commands the regions.

Mission of the Coast Guard

EEZ Security
Coastal Security
Offshore Security
Marine Safety
Marine Environment Protection
Scientific Assistance
National Defence (in War)

How to Join Coast Guard

Opportunities for enrolment in the Coast Guard are advertised regularly in national dailies and Employment News. The candidates have to clear a written test and interview and then appear before Coast Guard Selection Board (CGSB) in Delhi.

The following are the job prospects of the rank of officer in Coast Guard:

Officers General Duty Branch

The most important branch of the Indian Coast Guard as officers of General Duty Branch are the ones to take command of the ships. One also gets to operate weapons and other equipments as an officer of General Duty Branch. Safety and controlling the ship in times of war and in peace is the responsibility of the officer.

Pilot

One can join Indian Coast Guard as a pilot operating fixed wing aircraft for surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zone. Local monitoring of the seas is also done with helicopters. As an officer of the Pilot branch, you will have opportunity to serve both in the shore Air Stations along the coasts of India, as well as embark ships.

Technical Branch

As part of the technical branch, you will be responsible for the upkeep of all equipments and would be working in Coast Guard repair organisations. As an engineer you will be working with all the latest technology which will also help your personal growth.

Women in Coast Guard

Women are recruited in Coast Guard only as officers in General Duty (Pilot / Navigation) and General Duty (CPL Holders, Short Service entry) branches. The selection process is the same as that of their male counterparts.

Rank And Pay Structure

Assistant Commandant: Rs. 15600-39100 with Grade Pay Rs 5400/-
Deputy Commandant: Rs. 15600-39100 with Grade Pay Rs 6600/-
Commandant(Junior Grade): Rs. 15600-39100 with Grade Pay Rs 7600/-
Commandant: Rs. 37400-67000 with Grade Pay Rs 8700/-
Deputy Inspector General: Rs. 37400-67000 with Grade Pay Rs 8900/-
Inspector General: Rs. 37400-67000 with Grade Pay Rs 10000/-
Director General: Rs. 37400-67000 with Grade Pay Rs 12000/-

For details on how to join the Indian Coast Guard, click here