What is a Yantrik in the Indian Coast Guard?

A Yantrik is a technical enrolled member of the Indian Coast Guard equivalent to the Navy's Artificer category. Yantriks are responsible for the maintenance and operation of propulsion machinery (marine diesel engines and gas turbines), electrical systems, and electronic communication and navigation equipment aboard Coast Guard ships. The title "Yantrik" comes from the Sanskrit word for engineer/mechanic. Yantriks are highly skilled technical sailors who receive specialised training at Coast Guard establishments after recruitment.

What diploma streams are eligible for Coast Guard Yantrik?

The Indian Coast Guard recruits Yantriks from three engineering diploma streams: Mechanical Engineering (for propulsion and marine machinery maintenance), Electrical Engineering (for onboard electrical systems and power generation), and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering (for communication, navigation, and electronic warfare equipment). Candidates must have completed a full-time 3-year Diploma programme from a government polytechnic or recognised institution. Part-time or distance diplomas are not accepted.

What is the structure of the Yantrik written examination?

The Yantrik written test consists of 100 objective questions in 60 minutes covering four sections: Physics (at Class 12/Diploma level), Chemistry (at Class 12 level), Mathematics (at Class 12/Diploma level), and General Knowledge (current affairs, Indian Coast Guard, maritime awareness). Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer applies. The Physics and Mathematics questions often include engineering applications — for example, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and AC circuit analysis — making this harder than typical 10+2 level exams.

What physical standards are required for Coast Guard Yantrik?

Physical standards for Coast Guard Yantrik include minimum height of 157 cm, minimum chest measurement of 80 cm (with 5 cm expansion), and minimum weight of 50 kg. Eyesight must be 6/6 correctable to 6/6, and colour vision must be normal (the Coast Guard does not accept colour-deficient candidates even for technical roles due to the nature of shipboard duties). Candidates must clear a physical fitness test including a 1.6 km run within 7 minutes at the selection centre.

What career prospects do Yantriks have in the Indian Coast Guard?

Yantriks join at the enrolled rank of Yantrik (equivalent to Navik Grade II) and can be promoted to Yantrik Grade I, Assistant Petty Officer, Petty Officer Yantrik, Chief Petty Officer Yantrik, and Master Chief Petty Officer Yantrik. Outstanding Yantriks can appear for the departmental commission examination to be promoted to Gazetted Officer rank as Inspector (Engineer). They receive all Coast Guard service benefits including accommodation, medical care, ECHS post-retirement, and pension. The technical expertise also creates excellent civilian career opportunities in the shipping and offshore industries.