Indian Coast Guard AC Application 2026: Apply Online, Dates
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Assistant Commandant (AC) application form for the 2026 batch serves as an important gateway for candidates aspiring to build a career in maritime security and search and rescue operations. Conducted through the official portal joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in, the application process requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation from applicants.
Table of Contents
Coast Guard AC Application 2026: Timeline
Registration for the 2026 batch began in early July 2025 and concluded by late December 2025.
The online application process officially started on July 8, 2025, at 4 PM.
Stage I Screening Test was conducted between April and October 2025.
Stage II Preliminary Selection Board took place shortly after the completion of Stage I.
Stage III Final Selection Board was held from May to November 2025.
Medical examinations were carried out during the period from May to November 2025.
Final induction of selected candidates was completed by the end of December 2025.
After successful submission of the application form, candidates received a unique registration number on their registered email ID for future reference and tracking.
Coast Guard AC Application 2026: Form Filling Process
Visit the official portal at joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in/cgcat/ and accept the terms and conditions
Enter personal details such as name, date of birth, category, and educational qualifications
Upload the required scanned documents, including
Recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format, size 10 to 40 KB, 200 DPI, taken after June 2024, without spectacles, on a light background, with name and date of birth written on a slate
Signature in JPEG format, size 10 to 30 KB, 200 DPI
Thumb impressions
Proof of date of birth
Valid identity proof
Domicile certificate
Carefully preview all the entered details before proceeding
Pay the application fee of Rs. 300 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates through debit card, credit card, or net banking
Note that SC and ST candidates are exempted from the fee payment
Submit the form and take a printout of the final application for future reference.
Coast Guard AC Application 2026: Fees & Documents
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fees | The fee is non refundable. SC and ST candidates are exempt from payment, while candidates from other categories are required to pay Rs. 300 through online modes. |
| Document Upload Requirements | Applicants must upload essential documents to enable photo and biometric verification during later stages such as the PSB, where live images are captured and verified. |
| Common Application Errors | Frequent issues include poor quality photographs and missing information in mandatory star marked fields, so candidates should carefully review all details before final submission. |
Coast Guard AC Application 2026: Selection Process
After the application stage, candidates are shortlisted based on their degree marks.
Shortlisted applicants appear for a 400-mark MCQ-based screening test consisting of 100 questions.
The exam duration is 2 hours, conducted in English medium, with negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
Section I for GD and CPL SSA entries includes
English
Reasoning
Science or Mathematics
General Knowledge
Each subject carries 25 questions
Technical entry candidates are required to attempt additional sections related to their specialization.
Candidates who qualify the written test proceed to the following stages
Preliminary Selection Board (PSB), which includes CCBT and PP and DT
Final Selection Board (FSB), comprising psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview
Those recommended after FSB undergo medical examination.
Medically fit candidates receive training at the Indian Coast Guard Academy.
Final induction is based on the merit list released by the authorities, with the latest update dated December 22, 2025.