For students who wish to work on the sea and travel all over the world at a young age while earning a handsome salary, Merchant Navy is among the most thrilling and fulfilling career opportunities. If your query is how to join the merchant navy, then this comprehensive guide will take you through all the phases – eligibility, courses, entrance exams, training institutes, and also on career growth.
This blog is written in a very simple way, SEO friendly and student oriented and consists of tables and clear heading to make the whole process easier for you to understand.
What is the Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy is the commercial shipping that carries cargo and passengers on national and international routes. The Merchant Navy is not a defence force unlike the Indian Navy. It’s a business sector where there are jobs available on cargo ships, tankers, container vessels, cruise liners, and offshore structures.
A person belongs to Merchant Navy is responsible for:
- Safe navigation of ships
- Cargo handling and management
- Maintenance and operation of engines
- Safe communication and ocean safety
Good paying jobs, international exposure and the fastest growing career are few of the reasons that lures Indian students into Merchant Navy.
Why Choose a Career in the Merchant Navy?
Before knowing how to do the merchant navy joining only, it is essential to know for what reasons this profession is so appealing.
Key Benefits of Merchant Navy Career
- High salary packages (tax-free income for eligible sailors)
- Opportunity to travel the world
- Fast promotions based on performance
- No routine office life
- Early retirement options
Types of Merchant Navy Officers
The Merchant Navy broadly has two main departments onboard a ship:
1. Deck Department (Navigation Side)
- Deck Cadet
- Third Officer
- Second Officer
- Chief Officer
- Captain (Master Mariner)
2. Engine Department (Technical Side)
- Engine Cadet
- Fourth Engineer
- Third Engineer
- Second Engineer
- Chief Engineer
There is also the Catering Department, which includes roles like Cook and Steward.
How to Join Merchant Navy – Step-by-Step Process
The following is a full step by step guide on how to join merchant navy in India.
Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria
The course you opt for would determine your eligibility. But, there are a few general qualifications that are needed for the majority of merchant navy courses.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Age | 17 to 25 years (varies by course) |
| Education | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Minimum Marks | 50–60% (varies by institute) |
| English | Minimum 40–50% in English |
| Medical Fitness | As per DG Shipping norms |
Step 2: Choose the Right Merchant Navy Course
When learning how to join the merchant navy, choosing the best course is the most crucial part.
Popular Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
| Course Name | Duration | Department |
| Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) | 1 year + sea time | Deck |
| B.Sc Nautical Science | 3 years | Deck |
| B.Tech Marine Engineering | 4 years | Engine |
| GP Rating | 6 months | Deck/Engine |
| Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | 4 months | Electrical |
Step 3: Understand Entrance Exams
The candidates are selected through the entrance examination by the shipping companies and top institutes.
Major Merchant Navy Entrance Exams
| Exam Name | Conducted By | For Courses |
| IMU CET | Indian Maritime University | DNS, B.Sc, B.Tech |
| Company Sponsorship Tests | Shipping Companies | DNS, GME |
| Institute-Level Exams | Private Institutes | Various courses |
Passing IMU CET is one of the common ways for students to get answers on how to join the merchant navy after 12th,
Step 4: Medical Examination (DG Shipping Approved)
You should note that you must be medically fit to enter the Merchant Navy.
Key Medical Requirements
- Good eyesight (with permissible limits)
- No color blindness
- Normal hearing
- Overall physical fitness
Medical tests must be conducted by DG Shipping-approved doctors only.
Step 5: Select a DG Shipping Approved Institute
Opt for a maritime institute approved by the DG Shipping at all times. Studying from nonapproved institutes can be a waste of your time and money.
Top Approved Institutes in India (Examples)
- Training Ship Rahaman (TS Rahaman)
- Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
- Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies
- Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy
Step 6: Complete Pre-Sea Training
You are required to complete pre-sea training in an institute of repute after qualifying the entrance exams and medicals.
Pre-sea training includes:
- Classroom education
- Practical ship simulations
- Physical training
- Safety drills
Step 7: Get CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
A CDC is an identity document of a seafarer, issued by the government of India.
Without a CDC, you cannot sail on merchant ships. It records:
- Sea service
- Rank progression
- Vessel details
Step 8: Join a Shipping Company
After training, candidates either:
- Get placed through campus placement
- Join through company sponsorship
This step officially marks your entry into the Merchant Navy.
Salary in Merchant Navy
Salary varies with rank, type of ship and experience.
Average Salary Structure
| Rank | Monthly Salary (Approx.) |
| Deck Cadet | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Third Officer | ₹1.5 – ₹3 Lakh |
| Chief Officer | ₹4 – ₹7 Lakh |
| Captain | ₹6 – ₹10+ Lakh |
Career Growth in Merchant Navy
Merchant Navy offers structured and fast career growth.
- Deck Cadet → Captain (8–10 years)
- Engine Cadet → Chief Engineer (8–10 years)
Promotions depend on:
- Sea time
- Passing competency exams
- Performance onboard
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Joining Merchant Navy
- Joining non-approved institutes
- Paying money to fake agents
- Ignoring medical standards
- Choosing the wrong course
Always verify institute approval on DG Shipping’s official website.
How to Join Merchant Navy After 10th
The students after 10th can take admission through the GP Rating Course.
GP Rating Eligibility
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Education | 10th pass |
| Marks | Minimum 40–50% |
| Age | 17.5 – 25 years |
How to Join Merchant Navy After Graduation
Graduates can join through:
- GME (Graduate Marine Engineering)
- ETO Course
- DNS (for science graduates)
This is a fast-track route for engineering graduates.
Read More : https://crackmerchantnavy.com/diploma-in-nautical-science-college-in-india/
Is the Merchant Navy Safe and Secure?
Yes, the Merchant Navy follows strict international safety standards such as:
- SOLAS
- STCW
- ISM Code
Contemporary vessels have sophisticated navigation and safety equipment.
Final Words
If you enjoy the sea, discipline, challenges and seeing the world then the Merchant Navy is a fantastic career option. Now that you have a clear idea about how to join merchant navy, the next step is proper guidance, right institute selection and focused preparation.
Proper preparation and training can help you establish a viable and respected career in the ocean.
1. How can I join the Merchant Navy in 2026?
To join the Merchant Navy in 2026, you must complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, meet DG Shipping medical standards, clear entrance exams like IMU CET, choose a DG Shipping–approved course, and complete pre-sea training from a recognized institute.
2. What is the eligibility to join Merchant Navy in 2026?
Eligibility in 2026 generally includes 10+2 with PCM, minimum 50–60% marks, age between 17 and 25 years (course-wise), good English proficiency, and medical fitness as per DG Shipping norms.
3. Which courses are best to join Merchant Navy in 2026?
The best Merchant Navy courses in 2026 include Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), B.Sc Nautical Science, B.Tech Marine Engineering, GP Rating, and Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), depending on your qualification and career goal.
4. Is IMU CET compulsory to join Merchant Navy in 2026?
IMU CET is compulsory for admission to Indian Maritime University–affiliated institutes. However, some private institutes and shipping companies conduct their own entrance exams and sponsorship tests.
5. Can I join the Merchant Navy after 10th in 2026?
Yes, after 10th you can join the Merchant Navy through the GP Rating course in 2026, provided you meet the age, marks, and medical eligibility criteria set by DG Shipping.
6. What is the Merchant Navy salary in 2026?
Merchant Navy salary in 2026 depends on rank and ship type. A deck cadet may earn ₹25,000–₹60,000 per month, while senior officers like Chief Officer or Captain can earn ₹6–10 lakh or more per month.
7. Is Merchant Navy a good career in 2026?
Yes, the Merchant Navy remains a highly rewarding career in 2026 due to high salaries, international exposure, tax benefits, and fast career growth for disciplined and dedicated candidates.
8. What medical tests are required to join Merchant Navy in 2026?
Candidates must pass a DG Shipping–approved medical examination, which includes eyesight test, color vision test, hearing test, and overall physical fitness assessment.
9. How long does it take to become a Captain in Merchant Navy?
It usually takes around 8–10 years to become a Captain in the Merchant Navy, depending on sea service, exam clearance, and individual performance.
10. Is coaching necessary to join Merchant Navy in 2026?
Coaching is not mandatory, but professional guidance helps students prepare for entrance exams, sponsorship interviews, medicals, and institute selection, improving overall success chances.
