The IMU CET syllabus for undergraduate sea-going courses is the Class 12 level of English, General Aptitude, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The 2026 paper had 200 multiple-choice questions and carried negative marking of 0.25 mark for each wrong answer. B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science and the Diploma in Nautical Science all need a valid IMU CET rank, plus a PCM average of at least 60% and at least 50% in English.
We read the Indian Maritime University’s 2026-27 prospectus and its notifications. IMU CET 2027 had not been announced on the admissions page when we checked on 12 October 2026, so the 2026 cycle is the latest official one. GS India Defence Academy is a private coaching academy and not part of IMU.
What are the IMU CET syllabus and exam pattern?
| Feature | IMU-CET for UG technical programmes (prospectus 2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Programmes covered | B.Sc (Nautical Science), B.Tech (Marine Engineering), B.Tech (NAOE), B.Tech (NASB), DNS August 2026 and February 2027 batches |
| Questions | 200 multiple-choice questions |
| Subjects | English, General Aptitude, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Level | 12th grade, plus two, intermediate or CBSE syllabus |
| Negative marking | 0.25 mark deducted for every wrong answer |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Fee | Rs 1,200 for General, General-EWS and OBC (NCL); Rs 800 for SC and ST |
IMU reserves the right to change the distribution, type and difficulty of questions, so the number of questions per subject is not fixed in the prospectus. The IMU admissions page carries model question papers in two sets: a UG set and subject-wise English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Aptitude papers. Use those as your practice base.
Does IMU CET have negative marking?
Yes. The prospectus says negative marking is followed and 0.25 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. With 200 questions that matters: guessing blindly on a question where you cannot remove any option costs you more than it gains over many questions.
What is the IMU CET eligibility for each course?
| Course | Qualification | Other conditions |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 years) | Class 12 with PCM average of at least 60%; at least 50% in English in Class 10 or 12 | Unmarried; valid IMU CET rank; DG Shipping medical standards |
| B.Sc Nautical Science (3 years) | Same as above | Unmarried; valid IMU CET rank; DG Shipping medical standards |
| Diploma in Nautical Science (1 year, leads to B.Sc Applied Nautical Science) | Class 12 with PCM average of at least 60% and 50% English; or B.Sc with Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Electronics (Physics as a subject) with an average of at least 55% in the final year; or a BE/B.Tech from an IIT or AICTE-recognised college with at least 50% in the final year | Unmarried; 50% in English in Class 10, 12 or the degree |
| B.Tech NAOE and NASB (4 years) | Class 12 PCM average of at least 60% and 50% in English | Valid IMU CET rank; physical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner |
Age is counted on 1 August 2026, the start of the session. For men the maximum is 25 years for General, 28 for OBC (NCL) and 30 for SC and ST. For women it is 27, 30 and 32. SC and ST candidates get a 5% relaxation in PCM marks but not in English. Percentages are not rounded, so 59.6% does not become 60%, and the PCM average is the average of the three subject percentages, not total marks over total marks.
What happened in IMU CET 2026, and what does it tell you about 2027?
| Event | IMU CET 2026 |
|---|---|
| Exam date | 24 May 2026, in two shifts: 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 17:30 |
| Scoring | Percentile-based normalisation across shifts |
| Result | Declared on 14 June 2026 |
| Cut-off percentile, UG (DNS, B.Sc, B.Tech) | General 60; General-EWS 54; OBC-NCL 54; SC 45; ST 45 |
The prospectus first described a single batch, and a later notification moved the test to two shifts, so read every notice. The cut-off percentile only qualified a candidate for counselling; seats were then allotted by rank in rounds. The dates for the next cycle were not on the admissions page at our check, so watch it after the Class 12 board results season.
If you are in Class 11 or 12 and want to plan around the paper, call or WhatsApp +91 70170 31757 for free counselling. A counsellor can compare your marks with the PCM and English conditions before you pay any fee.
Do you need sponsorship for DNS?
The prospectus says admission to DNS in affiliated institutes is open only to sponsored candidates, meaning candidates sponsored by ship-owning or ship-managing companies who also qualify in IMU CET. IMU’s FAQ adds that sponsorship is not required for any course at IMU campuses. Our guide to DNS and merchant navy sponsorship covers the checks to make.
What medical standards apply?
Marine programmes require fitness under the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000. The prospectus states no morbid condition of the eyes or lids, good binocular vision, full eye movement, normal colour vision on the Ishihara chart, and unaided distance vision of 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the other. A certificate from a doctor approved by the Directorate General of Shipping is needed at admission. Test this early: a candidate who fails after paying fees does not get the fee back.
How are exam centres chosen?
In 2026 candidates chose up to eight states at registration, and a city window opened for one week about 20 days before the exam, with cities allotted first come, first served. In 2020 the Directorate General of Shipping’s circular named Dehradun among the 36 cities where the test would be held, but cities are allotted from your preferences each year, so confirm on your admit card.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Questions parents ask us.
Can't find yours? Ask on WhatsApp; a counsellor usually replies within working hours.
Ask on WhatsAppWhat is the IMU CET syllabus?
For UG technical programmes it covers English, General Aptitude, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at the Class 12 level, in 200 multiple-choice questions, according to the 2026-27 prospectus.
Does IMU CET have negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
What is the IMU CET eligibility after 12th?
A PCM average of at least 60%, at least 50% in English in Class 10 or 12, unmarried status, age within the limits and a valid IMU CET rank.
What was the IMU CET 2026 cut-off?
The cut-off percentile for UG was 60 for General, 54 for General-EWS and OBC-NCL, and 45 for SC and ST.
Is IMU CET needed for DNS?
Yes. The prospectus says IMU CET rank is compulsory for B.Tech (ME), B.Sc (NS) and DNS at IMU campuses and affiliated and non-affiliated institutes.
When is IMU CET 2027?
The date was not announced on IMU's admissions page when we checked on 12 October 2026. Watch imu.edu.in.
Sources
Students who want classroom preparation for the paper can look at our IMU CET coaching in Dehradun, held in person at Subharti Road, Nanda Ki Chowki, with separate hostels and a mess for boys and girls. Our guide to joining the merchant navy after 12th shows where the courses lead.
Admissions
