DGS CoC Written Exam April 2026 seat booking schedule released. Book seats for MEO Class I, II, ETO & MEO Class IV by 05.04.2026. Check details at dgshipping.gov.in.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has released an important updated notice regarding the CoC Written Examination for Engineering candidates scheduled for April 2026. This notification addresses the ongoing transition to an enhanced system for examination registration, eligibility assessment, and seat-booking. Candidates who intend to appear for the CoC Written and Oral examinations at all centres are advised to carefully note the revised schedule for booking their seats.
Exam Overview
| Organization | Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | CoC Written Examination – April, 2026 (for Engineering candidates) |
| Notice Date | 30.03.2026 |
| Purpose of Notice | Updated seat booking schedule due to new system transition |
| Official Website | www.dgshipping.gov.in |
Important Dates for Seat Booking
Candidates must adhere to the following schedule for booking their seats for the written and oral examinations:
| MEO Class | System for Booking | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|
| MEO CLASS I, II & ETO | THROUGH E-GOV SYSTEM | 01.04.2026, 1100HRS TO 05.04.2026 1500 HRS |
| MEO CLASS IV | THROUGH E-PARIKSHA SYSTEM | 01.04.2026, 1100HRS TO 05.04.2026 1500 HRS |
New System Transition
The DGS has informed that the transition of the CoC examination registration, eligibility assessment, and seat-booking modules to a new enhanced system is still in progress. This update is crucial for all engineering candidates planning to appear for the April 2026 CoC examinations, as the booking process will now follow the revised system and schedule mentioned above.
Exam Centers
While specific exam centers are not detailed in this notice, the notification states that booking is for examinations “at all centres.” Typically, DGS CoC examinations are conducted at various designated examination centers across major port cities in India. Candidates will likely be able to select their preferred center during the seat booking process on the respective E-Gov or E-Pariksha systems. It is advised to book seats early to secure a slot at a convenient location.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
This notice primarily focuses on the seat booking schedule. Details regarding the comprehensive exam pattern, subjects, marking scheme, and syllabus for the CoC Written and Oral examinations are usually provided in the original examination notification or on the DGS official website. Candidates are strongly advised to refer to those documents for detailed preparation. Typically, these exams cover subjects like Marine Engineering Knowledge, Electro Technology, Naval Architecture, Ship Safety, and other relevant aspects of marine operations.
Admit Card & Exam Day Instructions
Once the seat booking is complete, candidates will typically receive their admit cards or hall tickets a few days before the examination date. The admit card will contain crucial details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, photograph, signature, exact exam date, time, and the complete address of the examination center. It is imperative to download the admit card from the official portal and verify all details carefully. Any discrepancies should be reported to the DGS authorities immediately.
Documents Required on Exam Day (General Guidelines):
- Printed copy of the Admit Card/Hall Ticket.
- A valid original photo identity proof (e.g., Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID).
- Two recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded during application).
- Any other documents specified in the original notification or admit card.
Exam Day Instructions (General Guidelines):
- Report to the examination center well before the scheduled reporting time.
- Do not carry any electronic gadgets, mobile phones, smartwatches, or prohibited items into the exam hall.
- Follow all instructions given by the invigilators strictly.
- Maintain decorum and discipline throughout the examination process.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
As the exam booking window is open, it’s a good time to intensify your preparation. Here are some general tips:
- Revision: Focus on quick revision of all key concepts and formulas.
- Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, and to get accustomed to the exam environment.
- Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year’s question papers to understand the exam pattern and important topics.
- Health & Rest: Ensure you get adequate rest and maintain a healthy diet to stay fresh and focused.
- Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively during the exam to attempt all sections.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Candidates should expect a professional and structured examination environment. The questions will assess your theoretical knowledge and practical understanding relevant to marine engineering. Be prepared for both objective and possibly subjective questions depending on the specific MEO Class exam. Maintain a calm demeanor, read instructions carefully, and manage your time wisely to perform your best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the CoC Written Examination for Engineering candidates?
A1. The Certificate of Competency (CoC) Written Examination is a mandatory assessment conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping for marine engineers to qualify for various ranks (e.g., MEO Class IV, MEO Class I/II, ETO) on merchant ships.
Q2. Why is there an updated notice for seat booking?
A2. The updated notice is due to the ongoing transition of the examination registration, eligibility assessment, and seat-booking modules to a new enhanced system by the DGS.
Q3. What is the last date to book seats for the April 2026 CoC exams?
A3. The last date to book seats for both MEO CLASS I, II & ETO and MEO CLASS IV is 05.04.2026 by 1500 HRS.
Q4. Which system should I use for seat booking?
A4. MEO CLASS I, II & ETO candidates should use the E-GOV SYSTEM, while MEO CLASS IV candidates should use the E-PARIKSHA SYSTEM.
Q5. What if I face technical issues during seat booking?
A5. In case of technical difficulties, candidates should immediately refer to the official DGS website (www.dgshipping.gov.in) for troubleshooting guides or contact the technical support mentioned on the portal. It’s advisable to attempt booking well before the deadline.
Q6. Where can I find the detailed syllabus and exam pattern?
A6. The detailed syllabus and exam pattern are typically available in the original examination notification or on the Directorate General of Shipping’s official website. This notice focuses primarily on the booking schedule.
Q7. Will the admit card be issued after seat booking?
A7. Yes, usually after successful seat booking, candidates will be able to download their admit cards from the official DGS portal a few days before the actual examination date.
Q8. What documents are required on the day of the examination?
A8. Generally, you need your admit card, a valid original photo ID proof, and two passport-size photographs. Always check your admit card and the official notification for a precise list.