ICG Yantrik Exam Pattern 2027: Stage-wise Guide

The ICG Yantrik exam pattern decides how you should split your preparation time, and for the CGEPT-01/27 batch it has changed in a way that many older pages have not caught up with. Stage I is now described as a single computer-based paper of 100 questions in one hour, with no negative marking and a qualifying mark of 40 for UR, EWS and OBC candidates and 35 for SC and ST candidates.

This page explains every stage of the Indian Coast Guard Yantrik selection: the Stage I paper, the Stage II physical and assessment tests, the Stage III and IV checks, and how the final merit list is drawn. It also compares the new pattern with the older Section I plus branch section format, so you know which practice material is still useful.

Table of Contents

ICG Yantrik Exam Pattern at a Glance

Key Changes to Know

Older pages may still show the 110-question, 75-minute layout with Section V as the only technical paper, so follow the latest official notification.

Stage I Exam Pattern

Stage I is a computer-based examination held at centres across the country. Candidates state a preferred exam city in the application, but the Coast Guard can allot a different city.

The notification does not publish a subject-wise split of the 100 questions and refers candidates to the portal for the detailed syllabus. Based on the earlier structure, expect a mix of Class 10 level general questions and diploma-level technical questions from your branch. The ICG Yantrik syllabus lists the topics for each part.

Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

• Correct answer: 1 mark.

• Wrong answer: 0 marks; nothing is deducted.

• Unattempted question: 0 marks.

• Normalised score: If Stage I is held in several shifts, raw marks are normalised, and the normalised score is used for merit and cut-off.

Because a wrong answer and a blank answer score the same, there is no reason to leave any question unanswered. An informed guess has a chance of earning a mark; a blank never does.

What the Pattern Means for You

• Speed is now the main pressure: 100 questions in 60 minutes gives you 36 seconds a question on average. The older pattern allowed about 41 seconds. Train for speed, not only accuracy.

• Every mark counts equally: An easy GK question and a long technical numerical both carry one mark. Do not spend two minutes on one calculation while simpler questions wait.

• Qualifying marks are a floor: The final list depends on merit within your branch and category, and Yantrik seats are few, so aim well above 40.

• No sectional cut-off is mentioned: Unlike older batches, the CGEPT-01/27 notice gives one overall qualifying mark. Weak general subjects can still pull your total below your branch rivals, so do not neglect them.

Older Section-wise Pattern for Reference

Earlier Yantrik batches used a two-part paper. It is useful for understanding previous papers, which most practice material is based on.

Section I (common to all Yantrik branches)

Branch section

Older qualifying marks

In that pattern, candidates had to pass each section separately. The figures above come from the CGEPT-01/2025 notice and do not apply to the CGEPT-01/27 batch.

Stage II: Physical Test, Assessment Test and Medical

Candidates who clear Stage I are called to a Coast Guard recruitment centre for Stage II, which usually takes one to two days. It includes:

• Identity and biometric check: Matching you with your Stage I record.

• Physical Fitness Test: Four events done continuously, as shown below.

• Assessment and adaptability test: An online or OMR-based test. It is qualifying, and its marks are used only to break ties in merit.

• Document verification: Originals of every document you uploaded, plus self-attested copies.

• Recruitment medical: Height, chest, vision, hearing, dental and general fitness checks.

All four events must be completed without a break. Stopping between events counts as a failure.

Stage III and Stage IV

Stage III is held at INS Chilka, separately for each cadre in the batch. It covers Aadhaar-based identity verification, a fresh check of original documents, the pre-enrolment medical by the recruitment medical officer, and submission of police verification and other forms. Candidates found unfit at the medical can appeal within the time allowed in the notice.

Stage IV is the verification of your educational and other certificates with the boards, universities and authorities that issued them. Any mismatch can end your candidature even after training has begun.

How the Final Merit List Is Prepared

For Yantrik, the merit list is all-India and category-wise, prepared separately for each branch. Only candidates who clear every stage are considered, and they are ranked by their Stage I score (normalised if the exam ran in several shifts).

Worked example: Two Yantrik (Electrical) candidates in the UR category both score 68 in Stage I and both clear Stage II. The one with the higher assessment and adaptability test score is placed higher. If only one UR seat is left in the branch, that tie-break decides who gets it. This is why you should take the assessment test seriously even though it is only qualifying.

Stage-wise Preparation Timeline

Each stage tests something different, so your preparation should shift as the batch moves forward. The timeline below follows the tentative CGEPT-01/27 schedule.

Tentative dates come from the notification schedule and can change. Track the official portal and your registered email for the e-admit card for each stage.

How the Pattern Affects Each Branch

The paper format is the same for all three Yantrik branches, but the technical part rewards different habits.

In every branch, conceptual one-liners are faster to answer than numericals. Clear them first and leave longer calculations for the second pass.

Time Management and Exam-day Strategy

1. First pass, about 35 minutes: Answer every question you can solve in under 30 seconds. Mark the rest for review.

2. Second pass, about 15 minutes: Return to the marked questions, starting with the technical numericals you know how to solve.

3. Final 10 minutes: Make sure no question is left blank. With no negative marking, use elimination and pick the most likely option.

Practise this three-pass approach in every full-length paper so that it feels natural on exam day. Reach the centre early, carry the documents listed on the e-admit card, and read the on-screen instructions before the timer starts.

Common Mistakes With the Yantrik Pattern

• Practising with 75-minute papers: Old practice sets give you 15 more minutes than the real exam. Reset your timer to one hour for 100 questions.

• Leaving questions blank: With no negative marking, a blank answer is simply a lost chance.

• Treating 40 as the target: The qualifying mark only keeps you eligible. Selection depends on rank within your branch and category.

• Ignoring the PFT until the result: The gap between Stage I and Stage II is short. A 6 minutes 30 seconds run followed by three strength events needs weeks of training.

• Mismatched documents: Names, dates of birth and marks that differ between the application and the originals lead to rejection at Stage II or III.

Practising in the Current Pattern

The CGEPT-01/27 notification does not mention an official mock test or sample paper. Check the official CGEPT portal for any update before your exam: https://joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in/cgept/