How to Join the Merchant Navy in India: Step-by-Step Guide for Students & Graduates with Tool
Considering a high-paying, globe-trotting career at sea? The Merchant Navy offers adventure, discipline, and lucrative opportunities for students after 10th, 12th, or graduation. Here’s a simplified guide on how to join the Merchant Navy in India, based on your education level.
Why
– Best job in terms of finances worldwide
– Leadership skills developed at a very early age
– Multinational environment
– Highly adaptable at a very early age
– Most important: You would travel worldwide, exploring various opportunities for your future
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Merchant Navy Eligibility Tool - India |
To join the Merchant Navy in India, complete 10th or 12th with required subjects, choose a suitable course (like GP Rating, DNS, B.Sc, or B.Tech Marine Engineering), clear entrance exams (e.g., IMU CET), undergo pre-sea training at a DG Shipping-approved institute, and gain onboard experience through cadetship.
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What Are the Main Entry Routes into the Merchant Navy?
You can join the Merchant Navy after:
After 10th Grade:
- GP Rating Course (6 months): Entry-level route into Deck or Engine departments.
- Vocational Maritime Courses: For roles like fitter or oiler.
Eligibility:
- 10th pass with Science and Math
- Minimum 40% marks overall and in English
- Age: 17.5 to 25 years
- Eyesight 6/6, no color blindness
After 12th Grade (Science – PCM):
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) – 1 year
- B.Sc in Nautical Science – 3 years
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering – 4 years
Eligibility:
- 60% in PCM
- 50% in English (10th or 12th)
- Age: 17 to 25 years
- Pass IMU CET exam
After Graduation:
- GME (Graduate Marine Engineering) – 1 year for Mechanical Engineers
- ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) – 4 months for Electrical/ECE graduates
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50-60% in degree
- English 50% in 10th/12th/Graduation
- Age up to 28 for GME, 35 for ETO
What Exams Do You Need to Clear?
- IMU CET: Indian Maritime University entrance for DNS, B.Sc, B.Tech
- AIMNET: Alternative national-level test
- Sponsorship Exams: Held by shipping companies for guaranteed placement
What Is Pre-Sea Training and Why Is It Crucial?
After selection, candidates must complete pre-sea training at a DG Shipping-approved Maritime Training Institute (MTI).
Courses include:
- Safety procedures
- Navigation/machinery
- Firefighting and survival techniques
What Is the Career Path After Training?
For Deck Officers:
- Deck Cadet
- Third Officer
- Second Officer
- Chief Officer
- Captain
For Engine Officers:
- Engine Cadet/Junior Engineer
- Fourth Engineer
- Third Engineer
- Second Engineer
- Chief Engineer
Promotions depend on sea time, exams, and performance.
What Is the Average Salary in the Merchant Navy?
| Rank | Monthly Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Deck Cadet | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 |
| 3rd Officer | ₹1,99,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| 2nd Officer | ₹3,33,000 – ₹4,15,000 |
| Chief Officer | ₹5,40,000 – ₹7,90,000 |
| Captain | ₹7,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 |
Is Merchant Navy a Permanent Job?
No, it’s typically contract-based, ranging from 6–9 months. While some companies offer pension plans, most seafarers work on rotation.
Is Income from Merchant Navy Tax-Free?
Income tax depends on residential status:
- If you spend 183+ days outside India, you’re non-resident, and income is tax-free.
- Otherwise, standard tax rules apply.
Top DG Shipping-Approved Institutes in India
- HIMT College, Chennai
- Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
- TS Rahaman
- TS Chanakya
- Anglo Eastern maritime academy
- Great Eastern
- IMU (Indian Maritime University) – multiple campuses
An Experienced Captain’s Advice to Aspiring Mariners
Son, the sea isn’t just a place to earn a living—it’s a place that builds your soul. I spent over three decades sailing through storms and sunrises. The Merchant Navy gave me discipline, respect, and a home across oceans. But remember, it demands your best—physically, mentally, emotionally. If you’re ready to stay away from home for months but come back with stories, growth, and pride—this path is for you. Just choose the right course, stay disciplined, and never stop learning. The world will open up like a map before you..
One thing that i promise, you will never be the same in terms of finances, personality, decision maker and leader. BUt only if you also focus on these carefully resulting in making you top 0.1% citizen of the country.
