Merchant Navy courses · India
DNS course: fees, eligibility and sponsorship
DNS fees: ₹2.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh for the whole course, from 5 DGS-approved institutes that publish their fee. What is included — hostel, uniform, IMU and exam fees — differs between institutes, so compare the notes below and confirm with the institute.
Fees published by institutes
| Institute | DGS grade | Published fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maritime Training Institute (SCI), Mumbai | A1 | ₹7 lakh Women: ₹6.1 lakh | The institute says the fee is being revised. |
| Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune | A1 | ₹6.78 lakh | Includes IMU registration, tuition, boarding, lodging and uniform. IMU semester exam fees (about ₹10,000) are extra. Women receive a 50% tuition relaxation. |
| Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies | A1 | ₹6 lakh | Published as approximate. |
| Euro Tech Maritime Academy, Kochi | B1 | ₹4.5 lakh | For candidates who already hold a sponsorship. The fee with the academy's sponsored onboard training package is ₹9,75,000. |
| Sri Chakra Maritime College | C1 | ₹2.5 lakh | Plus a ₹10,000 registration fee. |
Figures as published on each institute's website on 31 October 2026. The grade is from the DGMA inspection (CIP) report. Click an institute for its full fee details.
Who can apply
- Academic: 10+2 PCM, or B.Sc. Physics / B.E. / B.Tech: Either Class 12 with at least 60% average in PCM, or a B.Sc. with Physics at 55% or more in the final year, or any B.E./B.Tech degree.
- English: At least 50% in English in Class 10, Class 12 or at degree level.
- Age at start of course: Not more than 25 years old when the course begins.
- Medical fitness (pre-sea standard): Medically fit to the pre-sea standard.
- Pre-sea medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner: A medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner, done after selection for pre-sea training.
Source: the DGMA (formerly DG Shipping) training rules — TEAP Part A II/1 para 2.3 · Appendix II/1C.
Duration and where it leads
One year at the institute, followed by 18 months of shipboard training as a deck cadet. Completing both leads to a B.Sc. in Nautical Science from the Indian Maritime University.
Deck cadet, then the Second Mate (Foreign-Going) Certificate of Competency — the first officer rank on the bridge.
How admission works
Admission is through the IMU-CET entrance test. Most institutes also run company-sponsored batches, where a shipping company selects you through its own written test and interview.
DNS sponsorship
A sponsorship is a shipping company's commitment to give you a cadet berth for your sea training. Without one, finding the 18 months of sea time is the hardest part of the DNS route, so most candidates join a company-sponsored batch. Each company sets its own written test and interview, held some months before the batch begins.
Common questions
What is the DNS course?
The Diploma in Nautical Science is a one-year pre-sea course for future deck officers, approved by DGMA (formerly DG Shipping) and run with the Indian Maritime University. It is followed by sea training as a deck cadet.
Can I do DNS after Class 12 commerce or arts?
No. DNS needs Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at an average of at least 60%, or a B.Sc. with Physics, or a B.E./B.Tech degree. Class 12 commerce or arts students can join through the GP Rating course instead.
Is there a government college for DNS?
The Maritime Training Institute of the Shipping Corporation of India in Mumbai is government-owned and runs DNS. The Indian Maritime University campuses run degree courses. Their fees are listed in the table above where they publish them.
What is the age limit for DNS?
You must be no more than 25 years old when the course begins, under the DGMA training rules. Some institutes publish relaxations for women and reserved categories; check the institute's notice.