Eligibility
Merchant Navy for girls and women
Yes — girls and women can join every Merchant Navy route in India, as deck officers, marine engineers, electro-technical officers, ratings or cruise hotel staff. The DGMA training rules apply the same academic, age and medical requirements to men and women, and several institutes publish lower fees for women.
Published fee concessions for women
| Institute | Course | Concession |
|---|---|---|
| Maritime Training Institute (SCI), Mumbai | Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) | ₹6.1 lakh for women (₹7 lakh for men) |
| Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune | Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) | Women receive a 50% tuition relaxation. |
| Maritime Training Institute (SCI), Mumbai | Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) | ₹4.5 lakh for women (₹5.75 lakh for men) |
| Maritime Training Institute (SCI), Mumbai | Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) pre-sea course | ₹3.8 lakh for women (₹4.5 lakh for men) |
| Maritime Training Institute (SCI), Mumbai | GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) course | ₹3.6 lakh for women (₹4.5 lakh for men) |
| Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune | B.Tech Marine Engineering | Women receive a 50% tuition waiver each semester. |
As published on each institute's website on 31 October 2026.
Which route to choose
The choice is the same as for any applicant: it depends on your education and age. Start with your last exam passed:
- After 10th — GP Rating
- After 12th PCM — every officer route
- After B.Tech — GME, ETO or deck
Before you accept a sponsorship, ask the company about its experience with women cadets and its policies on board. Serving seafarers in the Marine One forum can answer questions about life at sea.
Common questions
Can girls join the Merchant Navy after 12th?
Yes. A girl with Class 12 PCM can apply for DNS, B.Sc. Nautical Science, B.Tech Marine Engineering or ETO on the same terms as a boy, and after Class 10 for the GP Rating course.
Are there fee concessions for women?
Several DGS-approved institutes publish lower fees or tuition waivers for women; the table on this page lists the ones we found. Some also charge women a lower application fee.