Indian Navy Vs Indian Coast Guard: Know Differences, Jobs, Salary And More

The maritime defence forces of India, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy, play crucial roles in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests. Despite sharing a common goal of ensuring maritime security, these two organisations have distinct responsibilities, recruitment processes and eligibility criteria.

Indian Coast Guard: A Maritime Law Enforcement Powerhouse

The Indian Coast Guard is primarily a maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue agency. Its responsibilities include enforcing maritime laws, protecting the marine environment, conducting search and rescue operations, and ensuring coastal security. Apart from assisting and safeguarding fishermen and sailors, the Coast Guard actively prevents smuggling activities. The Coast Guard Act of 1978 serves as the primary law regulating its operations.

For aspirants looking to join the Indian Coast Guard, various positions are available, including Indian Coast Guard Sailor, Yantrik, and Assistant Commandant. The minimum eligibility criteria generally require a class 10th qualification, while officer positions demand a graduate degree in the relevant stream.

The age limit for Coast Guard candidates is typically between 18 to 22 years, with specific relaxations for SC/ST and OBC categories.

In terms of salary, candidates selected for different positions in the Indian Coast Guard receive varying pay scales. For instance, an Assistant Commandant can expect a salary ranging from Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100, while higher-ranking officers like the Director General receive a salary within the range of Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,000.

Indian Navy: Guardians of Territorial Waters

The Indian Navy, as the maritime branch of the Indian armed forces, focuses on defending territorial waters during war and related operations. Responsible for maintaining security at sea and preventing major threats, the Indian Navy operates under the Navy Act of 1957.

The Navy offers different recruitment exams, including the Indian Navy SSC Officer Recruitment, SSR Recruitment, Tradesman, and MR Exam. Educational qualifications for joining the Navy usually require 10+2 with Physics and Maths, and officer cadre positions necessitate a graduate degree in the relevant stream.

The age limit for Indian Navy recruitment typically ranges from 16 to 20 years.

Regarding salary, selected candidates in the Indian Navy enjoy competitive pay scales. For example, a Sub Lieutenant earns between Rs 56,100 and Rs 1,77,500, while higher-ranking officers like Vice Admiral can receive a salary between Rs 1,82,200 and Rs 2,25,000.

While both the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy contribute significantly to maritime security, each has its unique focus, eligibility criteria, and recruitment processes, making them distinct pillars of India’s maritime defence strategy.