🚢 Merchant Navy

What it costs to get there

Indicative total tuition for the whole course in Karnataka

Tuition for the full course at IMU or a DG Shipping-approved academy — roughly ₹1.7–3L a year at IMU and more at private academies. Sponsorship by a shipping company can cover much of this.

Fees change every year and differ by college — confirm with the college before paying. Scholarships can cover much of this.

The journey, step by step

SSLC through to leadership.

1. 1Foundation · 1 Year🎓 SSLC — Class 10Finish Class 10. Your marks decide which colleges and subject combinations are open to you next.
2. 2Stream Selection · 2 Years🔬 PUC — ScienceTwo years of pre-university study in the Science stream. This is where you prepare for the entrance exam.
3. 3Entrance Exam · Exam year📝 IMU CETEntry to DNS / B.Sc Nautical Science / B.Tech Marine Engineering is through IMU CET. IMU CET is run by Indian Maritime University and leads to DNS, B.Sc Nautical Science and B.Tech Marine Engineering. Dates change every year — always confirm on the conducting authority's official portal.
4. 4Degree · DNS 1 Year · B.Tech Marine Engineering 4 Years📘 DNS / B.Sc Nautical Science / B.Tech Marine EngineeringMerchant Navy: DNS 1 Year · B.Tech Marine Engineering 4 Years. You can specialise in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Harbour & Logistics and more.
5. 5First Job · After graduating💼 Deck Cadet to Third OfficerCommon starting roles include Deck Cadet to Third Officer, Marine Engineer, Chief Officer.
6. 6Higher Studies · Optional🎯 Certificate of Competency examinationsYou can continue with Certificate of Competency examinations, M.Tech Marine Engineering, MBA Shipping & Logistics.
7. 7Research · 3–5 Years (PhD)🔬 Naval architecture researchNaval architecture research · M.Tech and PhD in marine engineering · Maritime safety studies
8. 8Government Route · Exam-based🏛️ Directorate General of Shipping postsDirectorate General of Shipping posts · Shipping Corporation of India · Port trust and maritime board roles · Indian Coast Guard technical entry
9. 9Entrepreneurship · Any time🚀 Ship management or crewing agencyShip management or crewing agency · Marine surveying practice · Logistics business
10. 10Leadership · Long term⭐ Captain of a vesselCaptain of a vessel · Chief Engineer · Fleet Manager · Port Director

Job roles and salary ranges

Salary figures are indicative annual ranges, not guarantees.

Where these facts come from

Indian Maritime University conducts IMU CET; sea-going eligibility and medical standards are set by the Directorate General of Shipping