The Merchant Navy Entrance Examinations are JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, IMU-CET, HIMT-OET, TMI-BITS-EE, etc.
Merchant Navy Courses after 12th: A merchant navy or merchant marine or mercantile marine is the fleet of merchant vessels that are registered in a specific country. Planning to do a Merchant navy course after 12th? If yes, A merchant navy or merchant marine or mercantile marine is the fleet of merchant’s vessels that are registered in a specific country. On merchant’s vessels, Seafarers of various ranks and sometimes members of maritime trade unions are required by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW) to carry Merchant Mariner’s Documents. A career in the Merchant navy course after 12th would be beneficial if you are looking for lucrative jobs. Ultimate Guide to Joining Merchant Navy in India after Class 12th.
Merchant Navy is a field of study that prepares individuals for careers as officers on merchant ships. There are a variety of courses available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the merchant navy, including:
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS): This is a 1-year diploma program that covers the basic knowledge and skills needed to become an officer on a merchant ship.
- Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science (B.Sc. N.S.): This is a 3-year undergraduate program that covers subjects such as navigation, meteorology, and maritime law.
- Marine Engineering: This is a 4-year program that covers the knowledge and skills needed to become a marine engineer.
- Deck Officer Courses: These courses, such as GP Rating, B.Sc. Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Officer, cover the knowledge and skills needed to become a deck officer on a merchant ship.
- Pre-Sea Training for General Purpose Rating (G.P. Rating):This is a six months of training program that covers basic knowledge and skills needed to work as a crew member on a merchant ship
After completing a merchant navy course, graduates can work as officers or crew members on merchant ships, oil tankers, cargo ships, and cruise ships. These courses are regulated by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and students need to clear the DGS examination to be eligible to work as an officer or crew member on a merchant ship.
It’s also important to note that these courses are physically demanding and require passing certain medical standards, set by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and the students should have completed 10+2 level education with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as their subjects.
Merchant Navy Courses
Merchant Navy is one of the oldest cadet training courses in the world. It is an advanced course, which helps students to develop professional skills and improve their personality. Which trains candidates for becoming master or captain, who can handle all the work related to shipping vessels such as navigation, piloting. Ultimate Guide to Joining Merchant Navy in India after Class 12th
Prepare for a career as an Officer in the Merchant Navy. Find out about entry requirements, training and what to expect when you join. The Merchant Navy is the responsibility of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). They are responsible for the training of Officers, Mates and Ratings required by shipping companies operating domestic services and international voyages. There are two types of course available: Basic Training Courses – These courses are run by private training organisations, approved by the MCA.
Did you know that the officials working in the merchant navy can expect a monthly salary of INR 25,000 to INR 6,00,000 which is a very handsome amount? The only requirement is that you must fulfill the eligibility criteria and possess the required skills.
One of the most lucrative career option for students is to join Indian Navy.The navy officers are very well paid, their salaries are highly competitive. The officer cadre in India consists of commissioned officers who have undergone a prescribed course of training in military and naval academies and colleges across the country. Students after completing 10+2 level can enroll themselves for various merchant navy courses conducted by these academies which will make them eligible to apply as an officer at Indian Navy.
Aspirants who like to travel around the world and allure of adventure on the high seas apart from high remuneration, then they can choose merchant navy as a career.
It is the backbone of international trade which carries goods from one country to another.
But you can make a career in this field only if you have a combination of all three subjects Physics, Maths and Chemistry.
Merchant Navy Courses after 12th
- This is to point out that, maritime courses are highly job oriented. It is most important to know that, the shipping industry is very prosperous.
- Besides, the shipping sector is useful for the transportation of goods as well as people from one place to another.
- In other words, the businesses across the World depend on the shipping industry directly or indirectly.
- Hence, this industry requires trained and qualified personnel to function smoothly.
- Moreover, maritime courses train students to take on various roles in the shipping industry.
- This is to point out that, in this article, I will focus on some of the best maritime courses available after 12th exam, which will help students get good Merchant Navy jobs.
Merchant Navy Pre-Sea Course to Become A Qualified Ship Engineer.
- 4 Year B.S Marine Engineering ( For 12th Pass)- More.
- 1 GME Course (For B.E / B.Tech Candidate) – More.
- 6 Months E.T.O Course (For I.T.I / B.E) – Apply-Now.
- 6 Months G.P Rating Course ( For 10th Pass) – More.
Career in Merchant Navy
Students after completing the course of the merchant navy can get a job through expert consultancy or through placement that colleges provide. There are different types of ships included such as container ships, carrying ships, bulk carriers and so on. Companies seek those students who can manage and control the ship. Companies such as Chevron and Mobil of USA etc. There are three departments for which students are assigned i.e. deck, engine and service.
Advantages of Merchant Navy Jobs 2026
Let’s look at the advantages of Merchant Navy Jobs:
- Firstly, the pay scale is high in the case of Merchant Navy jobs, as compared to other normal jobs.
- This is to point out that, from the beginning, Merchant Navy personnel get a decent salary package!
- Besides, apart from the salary, based on seafaring activities, the number of perks and bonuses are also available.
- Moreover, Merchant Navy folks have an opportunity to travel around the World.
- Hence, those who are interested in visiting different parts of the World, getting such kind of a job will be a boon for you.
- However, unlike other desk jobs, Merchant Navy jobs involve more action and adventure.
- Hence, people who love action-filled jobs will love this course. Let us know the salary of a captain in the Indian Navy is the highest which is around INR 32 lakhs per year. The professionals in Merchant Navy earn INR 40,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month.
Merchant Navy Entrance Examinations 2026
The candidates must qualify for the entrance exams to get admission to the course.
- JEE Mains: Joint Entrance Examination Main
- JEE Advanced: Joint Entrance Examination Advanced
- IMU-CET: Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test
- HIMT-OET: Hindustan Institute of Maritime Online Entrance Test
- TMI-BITS-EE: Tolani Maritime Institute- Birla Institute of Technology and Science Entrance Examination
General Eligibility Criteria for Merchant Navy Course
- 10 + 2 passed from a recognized board
- The candidates must have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects in 12th class.
- Candidates both male and female should be unmarried Indian citizens.
- Normal vision is required but glasses up to plus or minus 2.5 may be allowed.
- Admission is through an entrance followed by a screening test and a main written examination.
- After clearing the test, there is an interview and a medical test.
- Besides, candidates also need to complete a ship-training course before employment.
Top Maritime Courses for Getting Merchant Navy Job
B.E./B.TECH. Marine Engineering after 12th
- This is a 4 years long UG Program.
- Besides, after completing the program, successful candidates are provided Class 4 Marine Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency.
- This is to point out that, this certificate is awarded by the Ministry of Shipping.
- Moreover, after 6 months of sea service, candidates may even become Marine Engineers on any Merchant Navy ship.
Age Limit
However, candidates are required to satisfy the age limit criteria.
It is most important to note that, they should be between 17-25 years of age at the beginning of the course.
Eligibility Criteria
10 + 2 from a recognized board.
It is most important to note that only 12th Science stream students with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects, are eligible to apply for this course.
The students from other fields such as commerce, and arts are not eligible for admission. So if you have the plan to get into the field of the merchant navy, then in higher secondary that is 11th and 12th grade, you must choose the science stream.
After choosing the science stream, you must score at least 50% in the 12th grade to be eligible for admission in B.E./B.TECH. Marine Engineering after 12th.
You must also clear the entrance exam such as JEE, and other exams for admission to the course.
GME Course after 12th
- It is most important to note that, GME course is a pre-sea training course for Graduates.
- Besides, it is a 1-year long program.
- Further, on completion of the program, candidates are awarded the Class 4 Marine Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency.
- On the positive side, this certificate is awarded by the Ministry of Shipping, India.
- Then, after 6 months of Sea service, candidates may become Marine Engineers on Merchant Navy ships in any part of the World.
Age Limit
It is most important to note that, candidates should be within 28 years of age at the time the course starts.
Educational Qualifications
This is to point out that, only Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture Graduates are eligible to apply for this program.
Besides, candidates should also have scored at least 50% marks in the final year.
B.SC. Nautical Science after 12th
- This is to point out that, this course is a 3 years long Bachelor of Science Degree course.
- Besides, on completion of the course, candidates are awarded the Second Mates Foreign Going Certificate of Competency.
- On the positive side, this certificate is awarded by the Ministry of Shipping, India.
Eligibility Criteria
The students who have completed their higher secondary education (12th) in the Science stream from a recognized board where subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics were the main subjects are eligible to get admission in B.SC. Nautical Science.
The overall percentage in the 12th should be a minimum of 55%
Subjects taught in B.SC. Nautical Science after 12th
- English and Communication Skills
- Applied Mathematics
- Nautical Mathematics
- Nautical Physics
- Nautical Electronics
- Computer Science
- Ship Construction
- Terrestrial Navigation
- Chart Work & Collision Prevention Regulations
- Shipping Management
- Marine Environmental Protection
- Ship Operation Technology
DME (Diploma Marine Engineering) after 12th
This is to point out that, it is a 2 years long pre-sea training course for Diploma holders.
Besides, after completing this course, candidates are awarded the Class 4 Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency.
On the positive side, the Ministry of Shipping, India, provides this certificate.
Besides, after 6 months of Sea service, candidates may become Marine Engineer on Merchant Navy ships in any part of the World.
Age Limit
It is most important to note that, candidates must be within 28 years of age when the course starts.
Educational Qualifications
This is to point out that, this course is only for Diploma holders.
Besides, Diploma holders in Mechanical/Electrical/Naval Architecture/Electrical and Electronics Engineering branches may apply for this course.
Candidates have to score at least 50% marks in the final year of the Diploma course.
GP Rating Course
It is most important to note that, GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating.
Besides, it is a 6 months long course.
Further, after completion of the course, candidates may join Merchant Navy ships as Deck or Engine crew.
On the positive side, along with sea service, they may also rise through ranks, depending on their performance.
An important point to note is that there is no entrance examination required for GP Rating Course. But some institutes conduct entrance exams for the selection of candidates.
GP rating course includes the following topics- seafaring (swimming, physical training, etc.), fire and safety, ship tours, lifesaving equipment handling, and use, etc.
Age Limit
It is most important to note that, the candidates must be between 17 to 25 years of age when the course starts.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have passed 10th standard examinations from Recognized board.
At least marks are required by 40%.
Deck Rating Course
This is to point out that, GP Rating course covers aspects of deck crew training.
However, separate deck crew training courses are also available.
Besides, it is a pre-sea training course, which lasts 6 months.
Age Limit
It is most important to note that, the age of the candidate should be between 17½ to 25 years at the time of admission.
Educational Qualifications
This is to point out that, candidates should be 1oth pass from a recognized board.
Besides, candidates should also have with mathematics, science, and English as subjects
Further, candidates should be fit as per Merchant Shipping Rules.
It is most important to note that, eyesight requirement is 6/6 with no color blindness.
This is to point out that, the course focuses on deck training only.
Besides, after completing this course of sea service and gaining required certificates, one may join merchant navy ships as part of their deck crew.
Engine Rating Course
This is to point out that, apart from the GP Rating course, separate engine crew training courses are also available. Besides, this pre-sea training course lasts for 6 months.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate should be between 17½ to 25 years of age.
Educational Qualifications
It is most important to note that, candidates must be 10th pass.
Besides, they should have mathematics, science, and English as subjects from a recognized board.
This is to point out that, Candidate should be fit as per Merchant Shipping Rules. The eyesight requirement is 6/6 with no color blindness.
This program only focuses on engine training. After course completion, one may join merchant navy ships as part of their engine crew.
You can get a salary package of 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs after completing the Engine Rating Course. The Engine Rating Course develops engineers who work in the Engine department in a separate Engine room. The engine maintenance, engine repairing, etc are looked after by the Engine Rating Engineers.
Saloon Rating Course
It is a 6 months long pre-sea training course.
Besides, the Saloon course focuses on the catering department of a merchant navy ship.
It is most important to note that, this course trains students and makes them capable of taking up responsibilities in the catering department aboard merchant navy ships.
The students get proper training and knowledge about food production and making. Every naval ship requires a chef or cook to cater to the needs of the individuals on the ship.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate should be between 17½ to 25 years of age.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates should be 10+2 passed from a recognized board.
Besides, the candidate should be fit as per Merchant Shipping Rules.
There is no such requirement for any entrance exam but the candidate must be eligible according to the Merchant Shipping rules.
Merchant Shipping rules are the protocols that have to be followed by the candidates applying for the Saloon Rating Course.
NCV Course
NCV stands for Near Coastal Voyage. It is a 6 months long training program.
It is most important to note that, the initial training program will be followed by 24 months of offshore training or 18 months with a distance learning program.
Age Limit
Candidate should be aged between 17½ to 25 years.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates should be 10+2 passed from a recognized board.
Besides, the candidate should be fit as per Merchant Shipping Rules.
The institutes providing NCV courses in India are (IMU) Indian Maritime University, DG Shipping acknowledged colleges in India, TS Chanakya College, etc.
STCW Basic Safety Training
- STCW stands for Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping.
- This is to point out that, this course is the minimum requirement needed to begin a career aboard a ship.
- Besides, this basic training course consists of 4 modules, Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety & Social Responsibility.
- It is most important to note that, after the candidate completes the 4 basic courses, he/she may go for other advanced technical courses like the Passenger Ship Familiarization course.
Age Limit
Minimum 16 years of age.
Educational Qualifications
10+2 passed from a recognized board.
Candidate should be fit (vision and hearing) as per Merchant Shipping Rules.
Diploma In Nautical Science
This is to point out that, apart from B.Sc. Nautical Science, Diploma in Nautical Science is another course available for merchant navy aspirants.
Besides, the course followed by 18 months of sea service will lead to 2nd mate foreign going certificate from the Ministry of Shipping, along with a B.Sc. Nautical Science Degree.
Age Limit
Candidate should not be more than 25 years of age.
Educational Qualifications
10+2 passed from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English as subjects.
At least, 60% marks in PCM subjects and 50% marks in English.
Further, candidates should be physically and medically fit as per Merchant Shipping Rules. Candidate should not be color blind.
He/she should have 6/6 vision without the assistance of any visual aids.
Commercial Diving
This course offers the job of a commercial diver. The various job options involve diving underwater and performing tasks like survey, welding, cable laying, obstacle spotting and removing, underwater cutting, etc.
Besides, the Commercial Diving course trains students and makes them capable of performing the tasks mentioned above. Generally, the training course is 2 months long.
Commercial diving is considered a dangerous task.
In India, institutes like Indian Navy Diving School, DiveIndia, OMM Shipping, and Andra Pradesh provide commercial diving courses.
An individual can earn at least 5 lakhs annually at a fresher level. After an experience of 8 years, an individual can upto a minimum of 10 lakhs per year. Commercial diving can be a rewarding career option for individuals who love adventure and challenges in their life.
Educational Qualifications
10 + 2 passed students are eligible to pursue this training course.
Besides, the candidate must be physically fit. The job involves swimming. If one is a skilled swimmer it will be an added advantage.
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course
It is most important to note that, ETO training course will help eligible candidates become Electrical Officers in merchant navy ships.
Besides, Electrical Officers are responsible for maintaining and supervising all the electrical and electronic equipment present in a ship.
ETO course is a pre-sea training course. After, 6 months of sea service and course completion you will earn the ETO certification.
Age Limit
Candidate should not be more than 35 years of age.
Educational Qualifications
Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Electrical and Electronics/Electronics and Telecommunication/Communication/Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering.
Candidate must also have completed 10+2 Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English subjects.
Other Relevant Courses
It is most important to note that, these courses won’t guarantee you a job in a merchant navy ship. However, these courses are related to the field of merchant navy –
- B.Sc. Maritime Science
- B.E. or B.Tech. Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
- BBA in Shipping Management
- BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- B.E. or B.Tech. Ocean and Harbour Engineering
- B.Sc. Ship Building and Repair
- B.E. or B.Tech. in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering
- LL.B. Maritime Law
Best Merchant Navy Colleges in India
It is most important to note that, Merchant Navy colleges are based at strategic locales in the country.
Besides, they are intended to provide training to aspirants wishing to join this noncombative commercial force.
Mentioned below is a list of top Merchant Navy colleges in India.
This is to point out that, these institutes are accredited by the Directorate of Shipping.
Besides, they are approved for the training of personnel by the Ministry of Surface Transport of the Government of India.
Let’s take a look at the list:
- Tolani Maritime Institute
- Samundra Institutes of Maritime Studies
- Vels Academy of Maritime Studies Chennai
- Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education And Training (Manet) Pune
- Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering (ITME) Kolkata
- International Maritime Institute (IMI) Delhi
- B.P. Marine Academy Navi Mumbai
- TS Rahaman Mumbai
- Indian Maritime University (IMU) Chennai
- Coimbatore Marine College (CMC) Coimbatore
I’m sure you’re now very much clear with the basic details of these courses which are offered when you pursue merchant navy courses. The eligibility criteria, age limit, some other details are already mentioned above. Let us just mention some benefits of taking up merchant Navy courses in brief. As a merchant Navy member your income is tax free. The uniform you get brings a lot of respect for you. This is such a prestigious job. Absolute professionalism and discipline is maintained. One of the disadvantages of a job in the Merchant Navy is that the candidates have to stay away from home and family. The officers are given vacation, but duty comes first in any case.
Ans. Any candidate who has completed higher secondary education (12th) can join Merchant Navy. The candidates must also read the guidelines regarding eligibility on the official website. However, you should have PCM in Class 12th to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy.
Ans. To point out that, 12th Science pass is required to join as Deck officer or Marine engineer. However, a further 3 to 4 years course has to be completed in any Merchant Navy Academy. Besides, science graduates, mechanical diploma holders, or mechanical engineering graduates can also join the Merchant navy.
Ans. To clarify that, if you are have secured more than 85% in 10+2 then it’s easy for you. However, if you work hard and prepare properly, it won’t be tough for you.
Ans. That is to say, a career in the merchant navy is considered a glamorous job, especially by the people who love traveling. Moreover, it offers an opportunity to visit new and exotic places all around the globe. Besides, the Merchant Navy’s career is not only has a good salary but is also very challenging.
Ans. To point out that, Merchant Navy is both a private and a public sector job. Besides, many private companies are a part of the Merchant Navy. However, if you are working with Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), you come under the government sector.
Ans. To clarify, Merchant Navy is risky but you are trained and paid well to handle that risk. Besides, Merchant Navy Officers are trained in such a way that they can turn a risky situation into a favorable one.
Ans. To point out that, to must learn swimming if you want to join the Merchant Navy, whether private or government.
Ans. To clarify that sailing is a Permanent Job. Besides, most of the shipping companies, nearly 70% of them manage their ships on a contract basis. However, the rest 30% of the companies do not have any clause on permanent employment in their contracts. Hence, they man ships on round-the-year contracts.
Ans. That is to say, the Merchant navy doesn’t ban tattoos and piercings. Moreover, sailors also put on nautical tattoo culture. Besides, the naval academies have very high disciplinary standards on officers.
Ans. To clarify that, girls are eligible to join in Merchant Navy. Besides, to get admission to the Merchant Navy course you have to appear in the IMU exam. Moreover, the candidate should have passed 12th in science stream with at least 60% marks from a recognized board.
Ans. The fees depend on the type of institute, type of course and duration of course..
For Diplomas – INR 2,000 – INR 3,00,000
For Certificate Courses – INR 10,000 – INR 3,00,000
For undergraduate courses – INR 15,000 – INR 15,00,000
Ans. If one has the determination, passion and willpower to do the work, one can certainly earn well in this field. The higher the post, the more the salary. To reach the highest post, you can either give the competitive examination or wait for promotion by doing something remarkable in the field.
