Merchant Navy Courses after 12th: After the 12th, the Merchant Navy Courses admission window will open for the 2026-27 session. Under diploma and degree forms, the merchant navy-driven programs are offered in a variety of specializations. The course emphasises giving students access to learning and gaining high-quality knowledge about the process of moving passengers and cargo from one location to another. Multiple topics, including marine engineering, electrotechnology, shipping operation,s nautical sciences, navigation principles and many more, can be covered in these courses. These courses give students the skills they need to work as marine engineers, navigators, shipping managers, catering supervisors and other high-paying positions on ships and ports. If you’re interested, you have a last date up to 17th February 2026 to apply.
Merchant Navy Courses after 12th: Latest Updates
Feb Update: Mangalayatan University offers Marchant navy courses after 12th. Aspirants can apply for this course for the 2026-27 batch till 17th February 2026.
Feb Update: IMTS INSTITUTE admission has started for the academic session 2026-27 in the Merchant Navy Course after the 12th. Students can fill out the application form before the deadline of 20th January 2026. Apply Now
Merchant Navy Courses After 12th Highlights
| Course Name | Merchant Navy Courses |
| Duration | 1-4 Year |
| Admission Process | Online |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass with 45% marks |
| Offered By | IMTS Institute |
| Approved By | UGC / DEB |
| Fee Structure | INR 40,000 – INR 1,73,500 |
| Type | Distance |
| Level | Diploma, UG Level |
Advantages of Pursuing Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
The degree/diploma from the Merchant Navy after 12th aids candidates to drive toward lucrative jobs in the following areas: engineering, technical, nautical science, navigation, marine catering, and so on. After completing the Merchant Navy course, there is high job security in both private and government sectors and also a good salary at the entry level.
- Eligibility: Students who have passed the 10+2 exam with a minimum of 50% marks in the Science stream are eligible to apply for Merchant Navy courses after 12th.
- Course Fees: The average fees for merchant navy courses range between INR 40K to INR 173K annually, depending on the specific specialization.
- Admission Process: Students have to clear entrance exams like IMU-CET, JEE Mains, etc. to get admission.
Why Choose Merchant Navy Courses After 12th?
The merchant navy is the name for the international and commercial industry of shipping. A lot of officer cadets in such an industry are taken from shipping companies. These companies employ both civilians and merchant seafarers to work as ratings and officers. The types of ships, sizes of ships, and places of the globe where companies trade differ significantly.
A merchant navy officer traverses the seas, inspecting and maintaining vessels, managing cargo, cleaning ships, and so on. The quantity of openings for Merchant Navy Officers is thought to be substantially fewer than the total number of registrants. It raises the prospect of intense demand in this profession. Nevertheless, between 2026 and 2029, career possibilities for merchant navy officers are predicted to increase by 7%.
What are the Skill Requirements for Merchant Navy Courses?
Requirements also exist there for the course of merchant navy, as in the case of other courses, and for every requirement, students are responsible for fulfilling all. Some are here to check:
- Generally, a Commander has to complete and pass the Intermediate Course to join the Merchant Navy Course.
- Merchant Navy officers usually work in engineering or deck departments, where they take on managerial and leadership roles. They may also be required to assist their team members in practical tasks.
- Such officers normally act in the engineering departments or on the deck, and the primary responsibilities will be as a manager and leader, however, they will be asked to assist their teammates with actual chores.
- In order to make an appropriate decision, you must know to make the reports of navigation by checking the weather. There must be skills to supervise the operation of the navy and to maintain the machinery that is installed in the vessel.
Merchant Navy Course Fees
Merchant Navy fees depends on your institute and course type (Diploma, Certificate, Bachelor) because there are many institute that provide merchant navy courses like Diploma in Nautical Science fees is approximately INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000, B.Sc in Nautical Science fees is INR 2,25,000 to INR 10,00,000, B.Tech in Marine Engineering fees is approximately INR 9,00,000 to INR 19,00,000. Generally, Merchant Navy course fees depend on the college and its reputation.
Merchant Navy courses after 12th Arts
It is not possible for those Students who want to pursue a merchant navy course after 12th with the arts stream because the eligibility criteria generally require them to pursue a merchant navy course after 12th. Candidates must have completed classes 11th and 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Arts background students can pursue a non-engineering merchant navy role, like the catering and services department.
Merchant Navy Courses After 12th Science
Students can pursue a merchant navy course after completing class 12th with the Science Stream. Science stream students can pursue many options like Diploma in Nautical Science, BSc in Nautical Science and BTech in Marine Engineering. Students can prepare for roles as a deck officer, Marine Engineer and many other positions. The eligibility to pursue this course requires students can complete class 12th in physics, Chemistry and mathematics with a minimum 60% marks.
Merchant Navy Courses After 12th PCB
Students completing class 12th with science stream, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology students can join the merchant Navy course, and this course does not require Mathematics in class 12th. Students can pursue courses like a Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) or a B.Sc. Nautical Science.
Merchant Navy Courses After 12th for Girls
Those girls who can complete the 12th class can pursue a merchant navy course. There are some variety of courses that they can pursue, like B.Sc in Nautical Science, B.Tech Marine Engineering, and Diploma in Nautical Science. These courses are for ready students for the roles of the Deck Department (Navigation) or the Engine Department (Marine Engineering).
Merchant Navy Courses After 12th List
After completing class 12th and many course are available to build a career in merchant navy field, like Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), B.Sc. in Nautical Science, B.Tech in Marine Engineering, and Diploma in Marine Engineering (DME) etc students can check best merchant navy course after 12th list.
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
- Fee: ₹1.5 – ₹4 lakhs per annum
- Jobs: Marine engineer, port engineer
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
- Fee: ₹2 -₹ 3.5 lakhs per annum
- Jobs: Merchant navy officer, navigator
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
- Fee: ₹1.5 – ₹4 lakhs per annum
- Jobs: Naval architect, marine surveyor
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: 12th
- Fee: ₹1.5 – ₹2 lakhs per annum
- Jobs: Sailor, helmsmen
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th in any stream
- Fee: ₹1 – ₹1.5 lakhs per annum
- Jobs: Ship cook, hotel manager
Merchant Navy Salary After 12th for Girls
Girls join the merchant navy course after completing 12th grade, and they want to know the salary of a merchant navy is INR 25,000 to INR 85,000 per month for a Deck Cadet and it can increase the years of experience.
Eligibility Criteria for Merchant Navy Courses after 12th
After the 12th, candidates are required to clear class 12 with Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from a recognised board with 50% aggregate marks of bachelor’s degree in marine science or related subjects. and the age limit of the candidate is 17-25 years.
Students can do this course after completion of 12th grade with aggregate subjects such as undergraduate (UG), diploma, or certificate programs.
Top Merchant Navy Courses after 12th
Students can opt for various top merchant navy courses after 12th such as BE Marine Engineering, BSc Nautical Science, BTech in Marine Engineering, BSc in Petroleum Engineering, and more. Below we have talked about each program more extensively so that students can find everything regarding the top courses, such as Eligibility, Duration, fees, etc.
BE Marine Engineering
BE Marine Engineering courses are the best engineering courses for students who want to become marine engineers. This is a four year undergraduate program. This course can focus on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of ships. There are minimum age criteria for this program. Students will study topics like fluid mechanics, naval architecture, marine electrical technology, marine science & more.
It is required to meet the minimum age requirement to enroll in this program. BE Marine Engineering teaches students the basics needs to get a good job in the Merchant Navy.
| Course | BE Marine Engineering |
| Full form | Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering |
| Eligibility | Passed 10+2 |
| Subject requires | Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Average Fee | Rs 68,125 to Rs 2,50,000 per year |
| Minimum Age limit | 17 years |
BSc Nautical Science
It is a 3-year duration bachelor’s level course that is aimed at preparing students with advanced-level knowledge regarding nautical science. The BSc Nautical Science is considered one of the top preferred courses among the merchant navy courses after 12th by the students.
| Course | BSc in Nautical Science |
| Full form | Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science |
| Eligibility | Passed 10+2 |
| Subject requires | Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Average Fee | Rs 68,125 to Rs 2,50,000 per year |
| Minimum Age limit | 17 years |
Diploma in Nautical Science
Students who want to pursue merchant navy courses after 12th by opting for diploma courses can go for a diploma in nautical science. A fundamental understanding of the working culture of vessels and ships is imparted in this course. Students will learn about basic marine technology and the protocols for boarding a ship as part of the program. In addition to learning communication skills, analytical skills, leadership skills, and teamwork skills, you will gain command over related skills.
| Course |
Diploma in Nautical Science
|
| Eligibility | Passed 12th |
| Duration | 1 Year to 2 Years |
| Average Fee |
Rs 12,000/- to Rs 30,000/- per year
|
| Minimum Age limit | 17 years |
B.Tech Marine Engineering
It is a 4 years UG program in the engineering stream. the basic eligibility requirement for this program is students must complete 10+2 from a recognized board in the science stream. admission is based on entrance exams like JEE Main, and JEE Advanced. students can make their career in this field with a high salary.
Jobs in the Merchant Navy After 12th
There are endless career choices for Merchant Navy After 12th. It is both the undergraduate and certificate courses included together. By doing this course, Diploma students can get employment in job sectors such as Shipping areas (Airlines), Hotels, Airlines, Motels, Cruise Lines, Industrial Canteens, and many more. Some of the top career options are the following:
- Chief Cook,
- Catering Officer
- General Steward
- Airlines Manager
- Airlines Maintenance Manager
- Marine Engineering Instructor
- Operation Manager
- Trainee Navigating Officer
Difference between the Merchant Navy and Indian Navy:
Merchant Navy:
- Works on commercial ships carrying cargo or passengers
- Salary depends on international laws and unions
Indian Navy:
- Works on naval warships protecting the country
- Salary depends on role and experience based on Indian Navy rules
Eligibility for Merchant Navy:
- 60% in 10th and 12th standard
- 60% in English in 10th or 12th
Eligibility for Indian Navy:
- 12th with 60% in Physics, Chemistry, Maths
- 50% in English in 12th
- Must be unmarried
Key Difference: The merchant navy deals with commerce and trade. Indian Navy deals with defense and security. Eligibility and salary also differ between the two fields.
So in short – The merchant navy transports goods/people commercially. Indian Navy protects the marine borders. Candidates should choose based on their interests and eligibility.
Merchant Navy 6-month Course Fee
Students who cleared class 12th with science background (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) are eligible to pursue 6 month Merchant Navy course. Course Fees may be different from one institute to another institute, average fee of entire 6 month cousrse range between INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,00,000.
FAQs
Q: What is the entrance exam for Merchant Navy?
Ans: After completing grade 12th with science background can appear for a national-level entrance exam like IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test).
Q: What are the age limit criteria to join the Merchant Navy?
Ans: Students who are looking to apply for the Merchant Navy courses after 12th then, the age limit can depend on the course to course. But for the average, the age limit ranges from 17 to 25 years.
Q: What subjects do you need to study for Merchant Navy?
Ans: For Merchant Navy, candidates need minimum educational qualification of 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as the required subjects. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country or institution.
Q: Can I do BTech in Marine Engineering?
Ans: Yes, you can do B.Tech in Marine Engineering but you have to fulfill the eligibility criteria, which includes passing class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects.
Q: Can I pursue Merchant Navy Courses after 12th with a commerce Background?
Ans. Yes, commerce students can pursue Merchant Navy Courses after 12th. Typically Merchant Navy requires a Strong science Background for officer-level.
Q: Cost of becoming a merchant navy officer?
Ans. Become a merchnat Navy officer course can be range from ₹2.25 lakh to ₹19 lakh depending on the course and institutes to become a merchant Navy office.
Q: Is Merchant Navy salary good?
Ans. Yes, the Merchant Navy can offer a good salary students can gain experience. Starting salary for deck and Engine cadets can range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per month.
Q: What is the salary of Merchant Navy courses after 12th commerce?
Ans. Merchant Navy Salary after 12th commerce can be based on the specific role, Experience generally salary can range from ₹30,000 to ₹15,00,000 per month.
Q: How to join merchant navy for female?
Ans. As a female, one should have completed 12th with a PCM background, should be physically fit and have to clear the entrance examination IMU-CET and then undergo training.
