Highlights of Indian Coast Guard Exam 2024
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit:
- For General Duty (GD) Cadre: 18 to 22 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
- For Technical (Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical) Cadre: 18 to 25 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
2. Educational Qualification:
- For General Duty (GD) Cadre: 10+2 pass with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- For Technical (Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical) Cadre: Diploma in relevant engineering discipline from a recognized institute.
3. Physical Standards:
- Height: Minimum 165 cm for General Duty (GD) and 168 cm for Technical Cadre.
- Chest: Minimum 80 cm (expandable to 85 cm) for General Duty (GD) and 84 cm (expandable to 89 cm) for Technical Cadre.
- Weight: Proportionate to height.
- Other Physical Standards: Candidates must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Indian Coast Guard.
4. Nationality:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens.
Exam Pattern
1. Stages of Examination:
- Stage 1: Written Examination
- Stage 2: Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
- Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Stage 4: Psychological Test
2. Written Examination:
- Exam Pattern: Objective type, multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Subjects:
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, science, etc.
- Reasoning and Numerical Ability: Logical reasoning, data interpretation, quantitative aptitude, etc.
- English Language: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, etc.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Technical Subjects (for Technical Cadre): Relevant engineering subjects
3. Physical Fitness Test (PFT):
- For General Duty (GD) Cadre:
- 1.6 km Run: To be completed within 7 minutes
- Push-ups: 15 repetitions
- Pull-ups: 5 repetitions
- Rope Climbing: 4.5 meters in 20 seconds
- For Technical Cadre:
- 1.6 km Run: To be completed within 7 minutes
- Push-ups: 10 repetitions
- Pull-ups: 3 repetitions
- Rope Climbing: 4.5 meters in 20 seconds
4. Medical Examination:
- Candidates must undergo a medical examination by a panel of doctors.
- The medical standards are as per the Indian Coast Guard regulations.
5. Psychological Test:
- Candidates will undergo a psychological test to assess their mental aptitude and suitability for the Coast Guard.
Syllabus
1. General Knowledge:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India
- Geography of India
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Indian Polity
- Economics
- General Awareness
2. Reasoning and Numerical Ability:
- Logical reasoning
- Data interpretation
- Quantitative aptitude
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
3. English Language:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Composition
- Usage
4. General Science:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
5. Technical Subjects (for Technical Cadre):
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Important Dates
- Notification Release: Usually in the month of January/February
- Online Application: Starts after the notification release and lasts for a few weeks
- Written Examination: Usually conducted in the month of April/May
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Conducted after the written examination
- Medical Examination: Conducted after the PFT
- Psychological Test: Conducted after the medical examination
- Final Merit List: Released after all stages of the examination are completed
Preparation Tips
- Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance of the exam.
- Know the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Refer to Good Study Material: Use reliable study materials like textbooks, online resources, and mock tests.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern and improve your time management skills.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and work on them diligently.
- Stay Healthy and Fit: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly to prepare for the PFT.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and general knowledge.
- Stay Motivated: Stay positive and motivated throughout your preparation journey.
Important Resources
- Indian Coast Guard Official Website: https://www.indiancoastguard.gov.in/
- Previous Years’ Papers: Available on various online platforms and coaching institutes.
- Mock Tests: Available on various online platforms and coaching institutes.
- Study Materials: Available on various online platforms and coaching institutes.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary: The starting salary for a Coast Guard Officer is around INR 56,100 per month.
- Benefits:
- Accommodation: Free accommodation is provided for officers and their families.
- Medical Facilities: Free medical facilities are provided for officers and their families.
- Leave: Officers are entitled to leave as per the rules of the Indian Coast Guard.
- Pension: Officers are eligible for a pension after retirement.
- Other Benefits: Other benefits include insurance, gratuity, and other allowances.
Table 1: Indian Coast Guard Exam 2024 – Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January/February 2024 |
| Online Application | Starts after notification release |
| Written Examination | April/May 2024 |
| Physical Fitness Test (PFT) | After written examination |
| Medical Examination | After PFT |
| Psychological Test | After medical examination |
| Final Merit List | After all stages of the examination are completed |
Table 2: Indian Coast Guard Exam 2024 – Syllabus
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Current events, history, geography, science, Indian Polity, economics, general awareness |
| Reasoning and Numerical Ability | Logical reasoning, data interpretation, quantitative aptitude, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning |
| English Language | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, composition, usage |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Technical Subjects (for Technical Cadre) | Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit for the Indian Coast Guard Exam 2024?
- The age limit varies depending on the cadre. For General Duty (GD) it’s 18 to 22 years, while for Technical (Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical) it’s 18 to 25 years. Relaxation is available for reserved categories.
2. What are the educational qualifications required for the exam?
- For General Duty (GD), you need to have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. For Technical Cadre, a Diploma in relevant engineering discipline from a recognized institute is required.
3. What are the stages involved in the Indian Coast Guard Exam?
- The exam consists of four stages: Written Examination, Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Medical Examination, and Psychological Test.
4. What is the syllabus for the written examination?
- The syllabus covers General Knowledge, Reasoning and Numerical Ability, English Language, General Science, and Technical Subjects (for Technical Cadre).
5. How can I prepare for the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)?
- Start practicing early and focus on improving your stamina, strength, and agility. Refer to the official PFT standards for specific requirements.
6. What are the important dates for the Indian Coast Guard Exam 2024?
- The notification release date, online application period, written examination date, and other important dates are usually announced on the official Indian Coast Guard website.
7. What are the salary and benefits for a Coast Guard Officer?
- The starting salary is around INR 56,100 per month, along with benefits like accommodation, medical facilities, leave, pension, and other allowances.
8. Where can I find previous years’ papers and mock tests?
- Previous years’ papers and mock tests are available on various online platforms and coaching institutes.
9. What are some tips for preparing for the exam?
- Start early, know the syllabus, refer to good study material, practice regularly, focus on weak areas, stay healthy and fit, stay updated with current affairs, and stay motivated.
10. What is the official website for the Indian Coast Guard?
- The official website is https://www.indiancoastguard.gov.in/.