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Indian Coast Guard Day 2026 is observed every year on 1 February to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), India’s premier maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue agency. In 2026, the nation celebrates the 49th anniversary of the Indian Coast Guard, honoring its vital role in safeguarding India’s vast maritime interests.
About the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
The Indian Coast Guard, commonly known as ICG, is responsible for enforcing maritime law, protecting India’s territorial waters, and ensuring safety across the territorial sea, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of India.
The force was formally established on 1 February 1977 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, enacted by the Parliament of India. The Indian Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Defence and works in close coordination with:
- Indian Navy
- Department of Fisheries
- Department of Revenue (Customs)
- Central and State Police Forces
Indian Coast Guard Day 2026: Date & Significance
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
- Date: 1 February 2026
- Occasion: 49th Indian Coast Guard Raising Day
Indian Coast Guard Day marks the dedication, courage, and service of ICG personnel who protect India’s coastline from threats such as:
- Maritime terrorism
- Smuggling and illegal trafficking
- Illegal fishing
- Environmental hazards and oil spills
- Search and rescue emergencies
The day also highlights the Coast Guard’s humanitarian efforts during natural disasters and maritime emergencies.
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Start Learning!Indian Coast Guard Day 2026 Theme
The theme “Suraksha, Seva, Samarpan” reflects the core mission of the Indian Coast Guard. It highlights maritime security (Suraksha), humanitarian service and rescue operations (Seva), and the dedication and sacrifice of Coast Guard personnel (Samarpan) in protecting India’s coastal and maritime interests.
Importance of Indian Coast Guard Day 2026
Indian Coast Guard Day serves to:
- Honor the bravery and professionalism of ICG personnel
- Raise public awareness about maritime security
- Celebrate India’s growing coastal defense capabilities
- Reinforce national pride and unity
The Indian Coast Guard stands as a vital shield of the nation, working relentlessly to protect India from external threats and internal maritime challenges.
Indian Coast Guard Day 2026: History & Role
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is India’s primary maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue agency. Its jurisdiction extends across India’s territorial waters, contiguous zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), ensuring maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
The Indian Coast Guard was established on 1 February 1977 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, passed by the Parliament of India.
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Start Learning!Latest Developments and Strength of the Indian Coast Guard
Over the years, the Indian Coast Guard has grown into a formidable maritime force. It currently operates a large fleet of advanced ships and aircraft, enabling rapid response and effective surveillance across India’s extensive coastline.
As part of its long-term modernization plan, the Indian Coast Guard continues to expand its fleet and infrastructure, with ambitious targets to significantly increase the number of surface platforms and aviation assets in the coming years. This expansion aims to enhance:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Rapid response capabilities
- Coastal security operations
Growth of the Indian Coast Guard 2026
Over the years, the Indian Coast Guard has evolved into a modern and powerful maritime force. It currently operates a strong fleet of advanced ships and aircraft, enabling effective patrolling, surveillance, and rapid response operations.
As part of its long-term modernization and expansion program, the Indian Coast Guard continues to enhance its operational capabilities, with plans to significantly increase the number of surface platforms in the coming years to strengthen India’s coastal and offshore security.
Indian Coast Guard Day 2026: Job Opportunities
The Indian Coast Guard recruitment process continues to attract young candidates interested in serving the nation. Recruitment is conducted online, making the application process accessible across the country.
Age Criteria
Candidates applying for Indian Coast Guard jobs must:
- Be 18 to 22 years of age
- Age is calculated based on the specified cutoff dates announced in the recruitment notification
Benefits of Indian Coast Guard Jobs
Indian Coast Guard jobs offer long-term security and multiple benefits, including:
- Free ration
- Clothing allowance
- Loan facilities
- Medical allowance
- Pension benefits
- Gratuity schemes
These benefits make the Indian Coast Guard a highly attractive career option for young aspirants.
Indian Coast Guard Salary 2026
The Indian Coast Guard salary structure is competitive and aligned with government pay norms. In addition to salary, personnel receive allowances and benefits as per service rules, ensuring financial stability and career growth.
Monthly salary
| SI No | Indian Coast Guard Post Name |
In-hand Salary Structure
|
| 1 | Navik |
Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 28,000 (Monthly)
|
| 2 | Yantrik |
Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 37,500 (Monthly)
|
| 3 | Assistant Commandant |
Rs. 48,000 to Rs. 50,000 (Monthly)
|
Indian Coast Guard-Annual salary
| SI No | Indian Coast Guard Post Name |
In-hand Salary Structure
|
| 1 | Navik |
Rs. 2,60,400 (Yearly)
|
| 2 | Yantrik |
Rs. 3,50,400 (Yearly)
|
| 3 | Assistant Commandant |
Rs. 6,84,000 (Yearly)
|
Indian Coast Guard Day 2026 Quiz
The 1st of February of this year, 2026 will be the 49th year of celebrating the Indian Coast Guard Day. Recent developments in the IGC is remarkable. The Indian Coast Guard has fully grown as a powerful organization within a total of 156 ships and 62 aircraft . It is said that in the upcoming year of 2026, the force level targets in a total of 200 surface platforms which they will be going to complete.
The day of Indian Coast Guard Day observes with a specific theme which about this year is not declared till. But this day celebrates the commemoration of the Indian Coast Guard establishment and its benefits to our nations and other forces to make a strong impact and continue maintaining the shield to protect our country from any outside forces along with other domestic absurdities.
1. What is the full form of DGCG?
- Deputy-General Coast Guard
- Director-Governor Coast Guard
- Deputy-Governor Coast Guard
- Director-General Coast Guard
2. Where is the coast guard commander’s headquarters?
- Chennai
- Kerela
- New Delhi
- Orissa
3. In which month is The Indian Coast Guard Day celebrated every day
- March
- February
- October
- August
4. On which date is this day celebrated?
- 1
- 12
- 28
- 30
5. Under whom does it operate?
- Ministry of external affairs
- Ministry of home affairs
- Ministry of finance
- Ministry of defence
6. In which year was the ICG established?
- 1999
- 1988
- 1977
- 1966
7. In 2021, how many celebrations have been made by ICG?
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 43
8. How many ships by 2021 were owned by ICG?
- 156
- 160
- 164
- 178
9. How many surface platforms are targeted by ICG by 2025?
- 120
- 200
- 360
- 100
10. What is ICG day also called?
- Raising Day
- Salami Day
- Salutation Da
- None of the above
