GP Rating course: fees, eligibility and sponsorship

GP Rating fees: ₹2.2 lakh to ₹4.86 lakh for the whole course, from 7 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
The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies	A1	₹4.86 lakh	All-inclusive, for the company-linked batch of January 2027; subject to change.
Maritime Training Institute (SCI), Mumbai	A1	₹4.5 lakh Women: ₹3.6 lakh	GP Rating course leading to Second Mate (NCV).
Euro Tech Maritime Academy, Kochi	B1	₹3 lakh	Six-month course.
Sri Chakra Maritime College	C1	₹2.75 lakh
S.P. Marine Academy	—	₹2.5 lakh	All-inclusive.
Maritime Foundation, Chennai	—	₹2.35 lakh	Includes hostel and mess, the basic STCW courses, uniform and books.
RL Institute of Nautical Science, Madurai	B1	₹2.2 lakh	Including hostel and mess.

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: Class 10 pass from a recognised board, having studied English, Mathematics and Science, with at least 40% overall.
• minimum age: Between 17½ and 25 years old on the day the course begins.
• age (upper limit raised by DGS Order 12/2026): The upper age limit for approved GP Rating courses is now 28 years.
• Seats reserved for technical-trade holders (welding, fitter, mechanic, electrical, plumbing, computer): A quarter of the approved seats in every GP Rating course are reserved for candidates with additional technical-trade qualifications.
• physical standard: Physical standards follow the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination for Seafarers) Rules 2000, as amended.
• CDC via approved pre-sea training (DGS Order 12/2026 para 14.2.1): DG-approved pre-sea training plus the five basic STCW courses.
• 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/14 · Part B II/14, III/8A (Training Circular 8 of 2016).

Duration and where it leads

Six months at the institute, including the basic STCW safety courses, then shortened sea service as a trainee rating.

Deck or engine rating (Ordinary Seaman or Wiper), then Able Seafarer. Ratings can later qualify as officers.

How admission works

Admission is by the institute's own test and interview; many GP Rating batches are linked to a shipping company. A quarter of the seats are reserved for candidates with technical trades such as welding, fitter or electrician (DGS Order 12 of 2026).

GP Rating sponsorship

Company-linked GP Rating batches give you a ship placement after the course. Check that the institute is DGMA-approved and ask in writing which company will place you.