To join the merchant navy after 12th, a student with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics can take B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science or the one-year Diploma in Nautical Science through the IMU CET. Students from PCB, commerce or arts cannot enter those sea-going degrees, which ask for a PCM average of 60%, but can look at rating courses that start from Class 10 or at shore-side maritime degrees. Every sea-going route needs a seafarer’s medical.
This guide uses IMU’s 2026-27 prospectus and the Directorate General of Shipping’s Training Circular 12 of 2020. We could not reach the Directorate General of Shipping’s website from our network on 12 October 2026 and read its circulars from a copy of its published files, so confirm the current text on dgshipping.gov.in. GS India Defence Academy is a private coaching academy and not part of the merchant navy.
Which route fits which Class 12 stream?
| Stream after 12th | Routes that fit | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| PCM | B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 years); B.Sc Nautical Science (3 years); DNS (1 year); B.Tech NAOE or NASB (ship design, shore-side careers) | PCM average of 60%, 50% in English, IMU CET rank, unmarried, age limits, medical for the sea-going ones |
| PCB or science without Mathematics | GP Rating (6 months, from Class 10 with Science and Mathematics); shore-side degrees | Class 10 with 40% aggregate including Science and Mathematics and 40% in English for GP Rating |
| Commerce | Catering rating (CCMC); BBA in logistics or maritime logistics (shore-side) | BBA: 50% aggregate in any stream and 50% in English |
| Arts | Same as commerce | Same as commerce |
The BBA programmes are not sea-going. IMU describes BBA (Maritime Logistics) as business and management of the maritime industry, with an apprenticeship in the third year and a minimum stipend of Rs 7,000 a month under the Apprentices Act. They lead to shore-side careers.
What are the three sea-going routes?
- B.Sc Nautical Science, 3 years, residential. It covers navigation, seamanship, ship stability, marine engineering and maritime law, and deck officer careers.
- Diploma in Nautical Science, 1 year, residential. IMU says graduates can take the examinations for a Certificate of Competency as a Deck Officer, issued by the Directorate General of Shipping. The qualification also leads to a B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science).
- B.Tech Marine Engineering, 4 years, residential. This is the engineering route, with its own DG Shipping approval and medical rules.
Fees at IMU campuses, per its circular of 24 October 2024 printed in the prospectus, are Rs 2,75,000 for the academic year for B.Tech, B.Sc (NS) and DNS in residential mode, which includes a programme fee of Rs 30,000. Affiliated institutes set their own fees, so ask for the full schedule in writing. Our DNS and sponsorship guide explains the affiliated-institute rule.
What are the common conditions for every sea-going course?
- A valid IMU CET rank. DG Shipping’s circular makes the common entrance test the entry for B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science and DNS.
- Age within limits on the first day of the course: for men General 25, OBC (NCL) 28, SC and ST 30; for women 27, 30 and 32 in IMU’s 2026-27 prospectus.
- Unmarried status for IMU’s marine programmes.
- Fitness under the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, including unaided vision of 6/6 and 6/9 and normal colour vision.
- Regular, full-time study. DG Shipping’s circular says part-time, distance or correspondence courses are not considered.
If you are unsure which stream your marks fit, call or WhatsApp +91 70170 31757 for free counselling. A conversation before you choose subjects in Class 11 is worth more than one after the result.
Can girls join the merchant navy after 12th?
Yes, on the same academic and medical conditions. IMU’s prospectus gives women a higher maximum age, 27 for General against 25 for men, and DG Shipping’s circular adds 2 more years of age relaxation for women in each category. IMU’s prospectus also lists a special fee concession for girls through sponsoring agencies. The medical standards do not change with gender.
Which course is best for the merchant navy?
There is no single best course, only the best fit. Choose deck or engine according to what you want to do on board and what your medical allows. A candidate who is colour-blind or has weak eyesight should read the standards before choosing deck. A student who loves machines should read the Marine Engineering page, and a student who prefers navigation and ship handling should read Nautical Science. Our IMU CET eligibility and syllabus guide has the exact conditions.
How do you avoid paying for a seat that does not exist?
IMU has warned that unofficial websites circulate false information promising seats in IMU CET, and says admission to DG Shipping approved programmes is strictly on CET rank. Never pay anyone who offers a seat without the test, and check an institute on the Directorate General of Shipping’s lists of approved training institutes.
How should a Class 11 student plan for the sea?
Decide your stream with the sea in mind before Class 11 begins. A student who wants the officer routes needs Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English as separate subjects and should aim for a PCM average comfortably above 60%, because the rule uses the average of the three subject percentages and does not round up. Keep your English marks in view too: the 50% English condition can be met in either Class 10 or Class 12, so a student with a low Class 12 English mark can still qualify on the Class 10 mark.
- Class 11: choose PCM with English, and have an eye and colour-vision check with an ophthalmologist.
- Class 12: register for IMU CET when IMU opens the portal, and choose exam states carefully, because the city window is first come, first served.
- After the result: check the DG Shipping medical standards, collect category certificates, and compare institutes only from approved lists.
- Keep a passport application in mind, which IMU strongly recommends for its marine programmes, with the name matching the Class 10 certificate.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Questions parents ask us.
Can't find yours? Ask on WhatsApp; a counsellor usually replies within working hours.
Ask on WhatsAppCan I join the merchant navy after 12th commerce?
The sea-going degrees ask for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. After commerce you can look at catering rating courses that start from Class 10 or at shore-side maritime degrees such as BBA.
Can I join the merchant navy after 12th arts?
The same applies as for commerce. Arts students do not meet the PCM condition of the sea-going degrees.
Is PCB enough for the merchant navy?
Not for B.Sc Nautical Science, B.Tech Marine Engineering or DNS through Class 12, which need a PCM average of at least 60%. A PCB student can consider GP Rating from Class 10 qualifications.
What is the eligibility for merchant navy after 12th with PCM?
A PCM average of 60%, 50% in English, a valid IMU CET rank, unmarried status, age within limits and DG Shipping medical fitness.
Is the merchant navy open to girls?
Yes, with a higher age ceiling than for men in IMU's prospectus and the same medical standards.
How long are the merchant navy courses?
B.Sc Nautical Science is 3 years, B.Tech Marine Engineering 4 years, DNS 1 year and GP Rating 6 months, according to IMU and DG Shipping.
Sources
- Indian Maritime University: prospectus 2026-27 (PDF)
- Indian Maritime University: admissions 2026-27
- IMU: caution on false information about IMU-CET 2026
- Directorate General of Shipping: training circulars and guidelines (Training Circular 12 of 2020)
- Directorate General of Shipping: circulars for approved maritime courses
Our classroom Merchant Navy coaching in Dehradun is held in person at Subharti Road, Nanda Ki Chowki, with separate hostels and a mess for boys and girls.
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