The Merchant Navy is one of the most exciting and well-paying career options for students who dream of working on ships and exploring the world. It is the backbone of international trade, responsible for transporting goods and cargo across seas and oceans. Thousands of young aspirants in India look to join the Merchant Navy every year, but many are confused about the exact Merchant Navy qualification required to get started.
The good news is that there are multiple entry points depending on your education level—after 10th, 12th (with PCM), diploma, or even graduation in engineering. The eligibility for Merchant Navy varies for different roles such as deck officer, marine engineer, or crew member.
In this article will help you understand the complete details of Merchant Navy qualification, eligibility requirements, approved courses, and how to start your journey.
Merchant Navy Qualification After 10th
After passing 10th standard, you can begin your Merchant Navy career by enrolling in the GP Rating course. This course trains you for entry-level jobs onboard ships in both the Deck and Engine departments.
- Minimum qualification: 10th pass with 40% marks.
- English: At least 40% in English.
- Age limit: 17.5 to 25 years.
- Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST, 2 years for female candidates.
- Courses: GP Rating and NCV Deck Cadet.
- Medical: Fit as per DG Shipping standards.
- Eyesight: 6/6, no color blindness.
Courses are short and job-oriented. One can start earning early as a crew member on ships.
Merchant Navy Qualification After 12th
If you’ve completed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with at least 60% marks, and 50% in English, you can begin your career in the Merchant Navy as an officer trainee.
B.Sc. Nautical Science (Deck Officer)
- Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60% marks.
- English: 50% in 10th or 12th.
- Age limit: 17 to 21 years.
- Relaxation: 5 years (SC/ST), 2 years (female candidates).
- Vision: 6/6 (unaided), no color blindness.
- Course Duration: 3 years.
Leads to positions like Deck Cadet → Chief Officer → Captain.
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
- Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60% marks.
- English: Minimum 50% marks.
- Age limit: 17 to 25 years.
- Course Duration: 1 year DNS + sea time + exams → becomes 2nd Mate.
You must secure sponsorship before joining a DNS course.
B.Tech Marine Engineering (Engine Officer)
- Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60% marks.
- English: 50% marks minimum.
- Age limit: 17 to 25 years.
- Relaxation: SC/ST & female candidates.
- Course Duration: 4 years.
Leads to roles like Junior Engineer → Chief Engineer.
Merchant Navy After Diploma or Graduation
Candidates holding a diploma or engineering degree can join the Merchant Navy through lateral entry or specialized courses like GME (Graduate Marine Engineering) or ETO (Electro-Technical Officer).
a) Lateral Entry – Marine Engineering
- Eligibility: Diploma in Mechanical / Marine / Electrical / Naval Arch.
- Marks: Minimum 60%.
- Age limit: Up to 25 years.
- Course: Direct 2nd-year admission in B.Tech Marine Engg.
b) Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)
- Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Naval Arch / EEE.
- Course Duration: 1-year pre-sea training.
- Age Limit: Maximum 28 years.
- Medical: As per DG Shipping norms.
This is the fastest way for engineers to become Marine Officers.
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course
ETO is an officer-level course for electrical roles on ships.
- Eligibility: Diploma or B.E./B.Tech in EEE, ECE, Instrumentation, or similar.
- English: 50% in 10th or 12th.
- Age limit: Up to 30 years.
- Course Duration: 4 months pre-sea training.
- Medical: DG-approved fitness certificate required.
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Merchant Navy exams: IMUCET and Sponsorship Exam
IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
IMU CET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Indian Maritime University for admission into Merchant Navy officer courses. It is mandatory for students who want to pursue B.Sc. Nautical Science, DNS, or B.Tech Marine Engineering from IMU or its affiliated colleges.
To be eligible, students must have passed 12th with 60% marks in PCM and 50% marks in English (in either 10th or 12th). The exam is held online and usually takes place once a year in May or June.
The paper includes 200 multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English, General Knowledge, and Aptitude. There is no negative marking in IMU CET. Scoring well in this test is important to secure a seat in reputed maritime institutes.
Sponsorship Exam (Shipping Company Selection)
A Sponsorship Exam is a separate selection process conducted by shipping companies to recruit cadets for their fleet. It ensures a guaranteed job placement on a ship after course completion.
To get admission into Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), sponsorship is compulsory. For other courses, it is optional but gives you a strong advantage during placement.
The selection process includes a written test, psychometric test, personal interview, and a medical exam as per DG Shipping standards. Once selected, the company issues a sponsorship letter, allowing you to join the partnered training institute.
Clearing both IMU CET and the sponsorship exam is the safest and most secure way to start your Merchant Navy career.
Read the detailed article on Merchant Navy Salary- Click here
Merchant Navy Career Option
Deck Officer
- Eligibility: 12th pass with 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
- Selection Process: IMU CET, Sponsorship Exam, Personal Interview, Medical Examination
- Career Path: Deck Cadet → 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
- Approx Salary Range: ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month (during training/initial sea time)
Marine Engineer
Eligibility: 12th pass with 60% marks in PCM and minimum 50% in English
- Selection Process: IMU CET, Sponsorship Exam, Interview, Medical Examination
- Career Path: Engine Cadet → 4th Engineer → 3rd Engineer → 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer
- Approx Salary Range: ₹30,000 to ₹75,000 per month
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
- Eligibility: 12th pass with 60% in PCM + Diploma or Degree in EEE/ECE/Instrumentation
- Selection Process: Sponsorship Test, Personal Interview, DG Shipping Medical Fitness Test
- Career Path: Trainee ETO → Junior ETO → Senior ETO
- Approx Salary Range: ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month
Ratings (Deck or Engine)
- Eligibility: 12th pass with minimum 40%–50% marks (any stream; PCM preferred)
- Selection Process: Personal Interview, Basic Test (if applicable), Medical Exam
- Job Role: Assist Officers in navigation, cargo handling, or engine room operations
- Approx Salary Range: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per month
GP (General Purpose) Rating
- Eligibility: 10th or 12th pass with at least 40% marks + 40% in English
- Selection Process: Personal Interview, Written/Oral Test (varies), Medical Exam
- Job Role: Entry-level Deck or Engine crew member
- Approx Salary Range: ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per month
