Merchant Navy Courses After 12th - Eligibility, Duration & Top Colleges

Merchant Navy Courses After 12th - Eligibility, Duration & Top Colleges

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Apr 26, 2025 05:37 PM IST

Joining the Merchant Navy is a popular career choice for students who are interested in working on ships and travelling across the world. There are several diploma and undergraduate-level courses available after class 12, each designed to teach different areas of ship operations.

These courses help students learn the basics of working on ships, including navigation, machinery, and safety procedures. After completing a merchant navy course, candidates can work in roles such as marine engineer, deck officer, or marine officer. In this article, we have shared some of the popular merchant navy courses after the 12th, along with course details, fees, colleges, and eligibility.

This Story also Contains
  1. Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria
  2. Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
  3. Detailed Overview of Each Merchant Navy Course After 12th
  4. Diploma in Nautical Science- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
  5. Diploma in Marine Engineering- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
  6. BE Marine Engineering- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
  7. B.Tech Marine Engineering-Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
  8. BBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
  9. BSc Nautical Science- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
  10. Popular Job Roles and Average Merchant Navy Salary in India
Merchant Navy Courses After 12th - Eligibility, Duration & Top Colleges
Merchant Navy Courses After 12th - Eligibility, Duration & Top Colleges

Apart from the opportunity to travel, careers in the merchant navy are also known for offering good salary packages. The pay usually ranges from Rs. 10 Lakhs to Rs. 12 Lakhs per year, depending on the role and experience.

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a career in the Merchant Navy, candidates need to meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements may differ depending on the course and college. However, most navy courses require candidates to have completed class 12 with certain subjects. Below is a basic overview of the eligibility for various Merchant Navy courses:

General Eligibility:

  • Candidates must have passed class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for technical courses.

  • Candidates need to be physically fit and meet the medical standards required by the institutions.

  • Age limits may apply for some courses, usually between 17 to 25 years.

  • A minimum score of 60 per cent in class 12 is often required for competitive courses.

  • No entrance exam is required for some courses, but certain courses may have entrance exams like IMU CET, JEE Main, or JEE Advanced.

Merchant Navy Courses After 12th

Several colleges across the country offer merchant navy courses with varying durations. The table below provides an overview of some of the most popular merchant navy courses, along with the eligibility criteria and course duration. These courses open up a wide range of career opportunities in the merchant navy field.

CourseEligibilityDuration

Diploma in Nautical Science

Candidates must have completed class 12th with PCM as the main subject.

1 year

Diploma in Marine Engineering

Candidates must have completed class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) or equivalent.

1 year

BE Marine Engineering

Candidates must have cleared class 12th along with entrance exams like JEE Main or JEE Advanced.

4 year

B.Tech Marine Engineering

Candidates must have cleared class 12th along with the entrance exam, like JEE Main or JEE Advanced

4 years

BBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Candidate must have completed class 12th with Mathematics as a subject

3 years

B.Sc Nautical Science

Candidates must have cleared class 12th with PCM as the main subject

3 years


Detailed Overview of Each Merchant Navy Course After 12th

Merchant Navy courses offer students a professional route into exciting maritime careers. Each course focuses on specialised training, covering different areas such as navigation, marine engineering, and logistics. Below is a detailed overview of each course, including duration, entrance exam details, career prospects, and top colleges offering the programmes.

Diploma in Nautical Science- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th

The Diploma in Nautical Science is a great choice for students who want to pursue a career in the merchant navy. This course provides foundational knowledge of marine technology, ship operations, and safety protocols. Students also develop important skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork, all of which are essential for working on ships.

This course prepares graduates for roles such as Deck Cadet, where they assist with ship navigation and maintenance, to ensure safety on board.

  • Course Duration: One year

  • Entrance Exam: No entrance exam is required for this course. Admission is typically based on Class 12th marks.

  • Career Prospects: After completing the course, graduates can pursue positions like Deck Officer, Marine Officer, and work in various maritime roles.

Diploma in Nautical Science College

Here are some of the top colleges for a Diploma in Nautical Science, along with their fee structure:

Top CollegesFees

Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training, Chennai

Rs. 4.25 lakhs

Southern Academy of Maritime Studies, Chennai

Rs. 3.30 lakhs

International Maritime Academy, Chennai

Rs. 1.20 lakhs

Indus Seafarers Training Academy, Chennai

-


Diploma in Marine Engineering- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th

The Diploma in Marine Engineering is another popular choice for students interested in the technical aspects of ship operations. This course focuses on the mechanical systems of a ship, including its engines and propulsion systems. Students learn about the machinery that drives the vessel and gain hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing these systems.

This course is ideal for those students who are looking to pursue careers in marine engineering, focusing on the operational and maintenance aspects of ship machinery.

  • Course Duration: One year

  • Entrance Exam: No entrance exam is required for this course. Admission is typically based on Class 12th marks.

  • Career Prospects: After completing this course, graduates can work as Marine Engineers or Maintenance Engineers on ships.

Diploma in Marine Engineering Colleges

Here are some of the top colleges for a Diploma in Marine Engineering, along with their fee structure:


BE Marine Engineering- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th

The Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Marine Engineering is a broad course designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the development, design, and maintenance of ships and vessels. This course covers critical areas such as ship propulsion systems, machinery maintenance, and maritime operations, which prepare students for technical roles in the navy industry.

  • Course Duration: Four years

  • Entrance Exam: Admission to the BE Marine Engineering course typically requires clearing JEE Main or JEE Advanced, depending on the institution.

  • Career Prospects: After completing this course, graduates can work as Marine Engineers, Ship Engineers, or Chief Engineers in the merchant navy. They can also pursue roles in shipbuilding companies, offshore industries, or naval research.

BE Marine Engineering Colleges

Here are some of the top colleges for BE in Marine Engineering, along with their fee structure:


B.Tech Marine Engineering-Merchant Navy Courses After 12th

B.Tech in Marine Engineering is a professional course designed for individuals aiming to pursue a career in the merchant navy. This programme focuses on both engineering fundamentals and advanced topics like marine propulsion systems, ship design, equipment maintenance, and industrial management.

Students also gain practical knowledge of ship engine systems and maritime technologies, which enhances their employability in the maritime industry.

  • Course Duration: Four years

  • Entrance Exam: Admission to the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Marine Engineering course typically requires clearing JEE Main or JEE Advanced.

  • Career Prospects: Graduates can work as Marine Engineers, Ship Design Engineers, Technical Managers, or Chief Engineers in the merchant navy. They may also find opportunities in offshore oil and gas, shipbuilding companies, and marine logistics.

B.Tech Marine Engineering Colleges

Here are some of the top colleges for B.Tech in Marine Engineering, along with their fee structure:

Top CollegesFees

Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Kolkata

Rs. 9 lakhs

CV Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar


Rs. 7.94 lakhs

HIMT College Chennai

Rs. 13 lakhs

Indian Maritime University, Mumbai Port Campus

Rs. 11 lakhs


BBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th

This course focuses on the non-technical aspects of the merchant navy, concentrating on the management and operational functions involved in shipping and logistics. Ideal for candidates interested in inventory management, supply chains, and the overall coordination of goods and services, this program prepares students for managerial roles within the marine industry. The growing demand for efficient supply chain solutions makes this course an increasingly important area in the marine industry.

  • Duration: Three Years

  • Entrance Exam: No entrance exam is required for this course. Admission is typically based on Class 12th marks.

  • Career Prospects: Graduates of this course can explore various roles in logistics, supply chain management, and maritime operations and work as logistics managers, supply chain analysts, and shipping operations coordinators.

BBA Logistics and Supply Chain Management Colleges

Here are some of the top colleges for BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, along with their fee structure:


BSc Nautical Science- Merchant Navy Courses After 12th

The BSc Nautical Science course is designed for students who aspire to pursue a career in the navigation department of the merchant navy. It covers topics such as ship navigation, marine communication systems, and the operation of marine equipment. This course is ideal for those students who are interested in the technical and operational aspects of ships.

  • Course Duration: Three Years

  • Entrance Exam: Admission typically requires clearing the IMU CET. Some colleges may consider other entrance exams or offer direct admission based on Class 12 marks.

  • Career Prospects: Graduates can work as Deck Officers or Navigation Officers, with opportunities to advance to roles like Chief Officer or Captain.

BSc Nautical Science Colleges:

Here are some of the top colleges for BSc in Nautical Science, along with their fee structure:


Popular Job Roles and Average Merchant Navy Salary in India

Merchant Navy jobs offer competitive salaries based on rank, experience, and the company. Graduates from top marine colleges often get placed directly into well-paying roles. With India's shipping industry growing rapidly, career opportunities have also increased. Below is a table of popular merchant navy job roles with descriptions and average salaries:

Job RolesDescriptionAverage Salary (per annum)

Deck Cadet

A deck cadet assists in navigation, cargo handling, and ship operations. Learns under senior officers and supports routine work on the deck.

Rs. 3.2 LPA

Navigation Officer

A navigation officer handles ship routing, maintains charts, and ensures safe travel. Works closely with the captain for route planning.

Rs. 11.4 LPA

Marine Engineer

A marine engineer manages engines, propulsion, and technical systems on ships. Maintains machinery and fixes faults during voyages.

Rs. 13.8 LPA

Chief Officer

A chief officer supervises deck staff, cargo operations, and ship safety and acts as second-in-command after the captain.

Rs. 6 LPA

Merchant Navy Captain

A merchant navy captain commands the ship, manages the entire crew, and oversees operations. Makes critical decisions during sea voyages.

Rs. 6.9 LPA

Indian Navy Officer

An Indian Navy officer serves in the defence sector, protects national waters, and performs combat or patrol duties. Works under the Ministry of Defence.

Rs. 11 LPA

Logistics Officer

A logistics officer plans cargo movement, inventory, and port management. Works in shipping companies or logistics firms.

Rs. 4.8 LPA

Source: AmbitionBox

A career in the merchant navy after class 12th offers high-paying jobs, global exposure, and a chance to work at sea. Students can choose from various merchant navy courses, such as marine engineering or nautical science, to start their journey. These courses provide strong career growth in India and abroad.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I join Merchant Navy Engineering Courses After the 12th?

The candidates can go for Diploma or Graduate degree such as BE Marine Engineering, B.Tech Marine Engineering after completing class 12th with PCM.

2. How can I join a Diploma in Nautical Science course?

Candidates willing to join the Diploma in Nautical Science course must have a completed class 12th from PCM with at least 65% marks.

3. Is completing Merchant Navy Engineering Courses After 12th a good career option?

Yes, the candidates can get appointments on a lot of profiles such as deck officers, scuba drivers etc.

4. What is the salary range after completing Marine Engineering Courses After the 12th?

The basic salary range is INR 10 lakhs to 12 lakhs after pursuing Merchant Navy Engineering Courses After 12th

5. What is the eligibility for joining B.Tech in Marine Engineering?

The basic eligibility for studying B.Tech in Marine Engineering is clearing class 10+2 with at least 55% marks and appearing in the IIT JEE Main exam.

6. What is the best course for Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy courses are provided at the diploma and undergraduate levels, each having its importance. However, a Diploma in Nautical Science, B. Tech Marine Engineering, and B.Sc Nautical Science are considered to be the best Merchant Navy courses. 

Articles

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Back to top