A BSc Nautical Science degree offers a rewarding career in the merchant navy. This 3-year undergraduate program, approved by DG Shipping, prepares you to become a deck officer with a Second Mate Certificate of Competency and the opportunity for tax-free income. In this blog, we cover all the course details of the BSc Nautical Science Course.
BSc Nautical Science is a 3-year undergraduate degree program, approved by DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, designed to prepare students for a career as a deck officer in the merchant navy or maritime industry. The program focuses on navigation, seamanship, ship operations, marine engineering, and maritime law. Upon completing the program and 12 months of sea service, students can take the Second Mate Certificate of Competency (COC) exam. This program can lead to a Captain rank in 8 to 10 years and offers tax-free income due to extended periods spent at sea. Several institutions in India offer the BSc Nautical Science program, including the Indian Maritime University (IMU) and private colleges like Tolani Maritime Institute and AMET University.
Aspect
BSc Nautical Science
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)
Duration
3 years (degree program)
1 year (pre-sea training) + 18 months sea time
Usually 1 year (for engineering graduates)
Field / Career Target
Deck department → Deck Officer / Navigating Officer
Deck department → Deck Officer / Navigating Officer
Engine department → Marine Engineer Officer
Certificate of Competency (after pre-sea + sea time + exam)
Second Mate (FG) COC
Second Mate (FG) COC (same end certificate)
4th Engineer / Junior Engineer COC
Entrance Exam
IMU CET (mandatory)
IMU CET (mandatory)
Usually institute-specific test + sponsorship test (IMU CET not always required)
Typical Starting Role after course
Deck Cadet / Trainee Nautical Officer
Deck Cadet / Nautical Cadet
Engine Cadet / Junior Engineer / Trainee Engineer
Sea Time required for Second Mate / 4th Engineer exam
12 months (approved sea time)
18 months
6–12 months (for MEO Class IV, varies by DG rules & institute)
IMU campuses, TMI Pune, AMET Chennai, Anglo Eastern, Great Eastern, etc.
IMU campuses, Anglo Eastern, Great Eastern, TS Rahaman, etc.
IMEI Kolkata, Coimbatore Marine, Vishwakarma Maritime, IMU, etc.
Fees (rough range – varies widely)
₹8–18 lakh total (IMU cheaper, private higher)
₹4–10 lakh (often lower than BSc)
₹4–12 lakh (depends on institute & sponsorship)
Sponsorship / Placement Advantage
Very good in reputed institutes (IMU, TMI, etc.)
Very good – many companies prefer DNS cadets
Good – but fewer seats & companies compared to deck side
BSc Nautical Eligibility
To be eligible for a BSc Nautical Science program, you must meet specific academic, medical, age, and IMU CET requirements. You need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks and English as a mandatory subject in 10th or 12th standard with a minimum of 50% marks. Medically, you need 6/6 vision unaided and no color blindness. The age limit is a maximum of 25 years, and you must qualify in the IMU CET exam for admission.
10+2 with 60% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
English as a mandatory subject in 10th or 12th standard with 50% marks
6/6 vision unaided and no color blindness
Maximum age of 25 years
Qualifying in IMU CET exam for admission
Sponsorship options available for eligible candidates
Pre-sea and campus sponsorship opportunities
IMU CET exam as a gateway to BSc Nautical Science programs
Eligibility – Academic
Medical
Age
IMU CET
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Math; minimum 60% aggregate
Vision 6/6 unaided, no color blindness
Maximum 25 years
Mandatory for admission
Class 12 from recognized board with PCM; age below 25 years
Medical fitness certificate from authorized medical practitioner
Age limit applicable at the time of admission
IMU CET score considered for ranking and admission
English as a mandatory subject in 10th or 12th standard with 50% marks
No visual impairment or other medical conditions
Upper age limit relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms
IMU CET exam conducted annually by Indian Maritime University
Minimum 50% marks in English in 10th or 12th standard
Candidates with disabilities must meet specific medical criteria
Age verification through birth certificate or other government-issued ID
IMU CET exam pattern includes multiple-choice questions and descriptive questions
10+2 with PCM from a recognized board or institution
Candidates must undergo medical examination before admission
Age criteria subject to change as per institutional policies
IMU CET exam results declared on the official IMU website
Academic eligibility as per institutional requirements
Medical fitness essential for a career in the merchant navy
Age limit considered at the time of application submission
IMU CET exam syllabus includes topics related to mathematics, physics, and English
Equivalent qualifications considered for admission
Candidates must meet the medical standards set by the institution
Upper age limit for admission may vary across institutions
IMU CET exam conducted in various cities across India
10+2 with PCM and English, with a minimum of 60% aggregate
Candidates with medical conditions must provide relevant documents
Age criteria may be relaxed for candidates with relevant work experience
IMU CET exam scores valid for one year from the date of declaration
Top BSc Nautical Colleges
The top BSc Nautical Colleges in India provide comprehensive education, preparing students for merchant navy careers. These colleges include Indian Maritime University (IMU) campuses like TS Chanakya in Navi Mumbai, Tolani Maritime Institute in Pune, and AMET University in Chennai. Fees vary, with IMU offering subsidized fees and private colleges having higher costs.
Top Colleges – Fees
Placements
Sponsorship rate
IMU TS Chanakya, Navi Mumbai – ₹2,20,000 per year
Good placement record with companies like Anglo-Eastern and Fleet Management
High sponsorship rate of over 90%
Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune – ₹4,00,000 per year
Prestigious placements with companies like Maersk and Synergy
Sponsorship available with top companies
AMET University, Chennai – ₹5,00,000 per year
Quality education leading to good placements
High sponsorship rate with companies like V-Ships
Indian Maritime University, Kolkata Campus – fees vary
Placements available with top shipping companies
Sponsorship rate varies
Vel’s Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai – ₹6,00,000 total
Good placement record with companies like BSM
Sponsorship available
Coimbatore Marine College – fees vary
Placements with top shipping companies
Sponsorship rate varies
Chitkara University – ₹3,50,000 per year
Good placement record with companies like Fleet Management
Sponsorship available
IMU Chennai Campus – ₹2,20,000 per year
Good placement record with companies like Anglo-Eastern
The BSc Nautical Science syllabus is a comprehensive 3-year program divided into six semesters, emphasizing practical training and residential learning. The first year covers mathematics, information technology, navigation, meteorology, and basic seamanship practicals. The second and third years delve into shipboard operations, maritime navigation, ship construction, cargo handling, communication, maritime law, and marine pollution prevention. The syllabus prepares students for a deck officer career in the merchant navy or maritime industry, leading to a Second Mate Certificate of Competency (COC). The program blends theoretical and practical subjects to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful maritime career.
Year-wise Subjects – Theory
Practical
Training
Year 1: Physics, Math, Navigation basics, Ship Construction
Basic Seamanship Practical
Residential Training
Year 2: Advanced Navigation, Cargo Operations, Maritime Law, Meteorology
Navigation Practical, Cargo Handling Practical
Ship Operation Training
Year 3: Bridge Watchkeeping, GMDSS, Safety, Practical training
Maintenance Procedures Practical, GMDSS Course Training
On-board Training
Mathematics, Information Technology
Computer Applications Practical
Communication Skills Training
Shipboard Operations, Maritime Navigation
Shipboard Operations Practical
Leadership and Team Management Training
Marine Pollution Prevention, Maritime Law
Environmental Protection Practical
Crisis Management Training
Ship Construction, Cargo Handling
Ship Construction Practical, Cargo Handling Practical
Safety and Security Training
Nautical Science, Navigation
Navigation Practical, Nautical Science Practical
Professional Development Training
Optics, Modern Physics, Electronics, Math Physics & Classical
BSc Nautical Science fees in India vary significantly by institution. Indian Maritime University (IMU) offers subsidized fees: approximately ₹2.2 lakh per year for male students and ₹1.4 lakh per year for female students. Private colleges can range from ₹3 lakh to ₹9 lakh per year. Additional costs include uniform, CDC, passport, and medical expenses. Sponsorship can cover the full fees. Tolani Maritime Institute fees are ₹6,70,000, and AMET University fees are ₹11,81,375.
IMU fees for male students: ₹2,20,000 per year
IMU fees for female students: ₹1,40,000 per year
Private college fees: ₹3,00,000 to ₹9,00,000 per year
Uniform cost: ₹50,000
CDC, passport, and medical expenses: variable costs
Sponsorship availability: covers full fees for many students
Tolani Maritime Institute fees: ₹6,70,000
AMET University fees: ₹11,81,375
Fees – IMU
Private with additional costs
Rs 2,20,000 per year (male), Rs 1,40,000 per year (female)
Rs 3,00,000 to Rs 9,00,000 per year
Uniform: Rs 50,000
CDC, passport, and medical expenses: variable costs
Tolani Maritime Institute: Rs 6,70,000
AMET University: Rs 11,81,375
IMU total fees for male students: Rs 6,60,000
IMU total fees for female students: Rs 4,20,000
Private college total fees: Rs 9,00,000 to Rs 27,00,000
Sponsorship availability: covers full fees for many students
TS Rahaman fees: Rs 8,95,000
Vel’s Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies fees: Rs 6,00,000
DNS Colleges fees: Rs 5,10,000
Various UG Colleges fees: Rs 24,65,000
Merchant Navy Career Path
The Merchant Navy offers a lucrative and challenging career path in India, requiring dedication and hard work. Career progression involves gaining experience and passing Certificate of Competency (COC) exams to advance in rank. Starting as a Deck Cadet, you can progress to Third Officer, Second Officer, Chief Officer, and finally, Captain. Each rank requires specific sea time and COC exams. Captains earn the highest salaries, up to Rs 50 LPA or more, and enjoy tax-free income due to NRI status with 182+ days at sea. Top colleges like Tolani Maritime Institute, AMET, and IMU Navi Mumbai offer BSc Nautical Science courses that lead to a successful Merchant Navy career.
Career Progression – Rank
Experience
Salary
Deck Cadet
Entry-Level
Rs 2.2 – 3 LPA
Third Officer
1-2 years
Rs 4-6 LPA
Second Officer
2-4 years
Rs 6-10 LPA
Chief Officer
5-8 years
Rs 12-20 LPA
Captain
10-12 years
Rs 25-50 LPA+ (Tax-free for 182+ days at sea)
Marine Engineer
Entry-Level
Rs 10-15 LPA
Nautical Surveyor
5+ years
Rs 10-18 LPA
Radio Officer
2+ years
Rs 6-12 LPA
Oceanographer
5+ years
Rs 8-15 LPA
Deck Officer
2+ years
Rs 6-12 LPA
BSc Nautical Salary
The BSc Nautical Science salary structure rewards experience and competence, with higher ranks earning significantly more. Deck Cadets can earn between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month, while Third Officers can earn between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakhs per month. Chief Officers earn between ₹3 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per month, and Captains earn between ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs per month. These salaries are often tax-free for those meeting NRI criteria. Salary progression is a key factor in the career advancement of BSc Nautical Science graduates, providing financial growth and professional development.
Deck Cadet: ₹25-40K/month
Third Officer: ₹1-1.5L/month
Second Officer: ₹1.5-2.5L/month
Chief Officer: ₹3-5L/month
Captain: ₹5-10L/month
Marine Engineer: ₹10-15 LPA
Nautical Surveyors: ₹3-7 LPA
Radio Officer: ₹2.5-5 LPA
Oceanographer: ₹4-8 LPA
Rank
Monthly Salary Range (INR)
Monthly Salary Range (USD) / Notes
Deck Cadet (Trainee / during sea time)
₹25,000 – ₹85,000
$450 – $1,000 (often $500–700 typical)
Third Officer / Third Mate (after 2nd Mate CoC + exams)
₹1,20,000 – ₹3,00,000
$2,200 – $4,500 (higher on tankers)
Second Officer / Second Mate (watchkeeping officer)
₹1,50,000 – ₹4,15,000
$3,000 – $6,000
Chief Officer / First Mate / Chief Mate
₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000
$5,000 – $11,000 (up to $13,000 on premium vessels)
Captain / Master
₹6,00,000 – ₹20,00,000+
$8,000 – $18,000+ (highest on large tankers/LNG carriers)
Overall Starting / Fresher (post-course, as cadet or junior officer)
₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum (₹25k–70k/month)
Around $42,000 annual potential early on (international)
Mid-level Experience (3–8 years, e.g., 2nd/3rd Officer)
₹20,00,000 – ₹40,00,000+ per annum
—
Sponsorship & Placements
The sponsorship and placement process for BSc Nautical Science students in India is highly competitive. Top companies like Anglo-Eastern, BSM, and Fleet Management offer sponsorships. The Indian Maritime University (IMU) has a high sponsorship rate (90%+). The sponsorship process typically begins after the first year, with the sponsoring company paying fees for the remaining two years. In return, students work for the sponsoring company for a minimum of three to five years after graduation. Top sponsoring companies include Maersk, MSC, and PIL, offering attractive salary packages and benefits.
Sponsorship – Pre-sea
Campus
Top Companies
Maersk Line
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
MAERSK
Tolani Maritima Institute offers almost 100% placement.
AMET has sponsorship from Maersk Line.
OFFICERS MARITIME ACADEMY conducts preparation batches for companies like MAERSK LINE, ANGLO-EASTERN, FLEET, BSM, SYNERGY.
Vships and Wallem also provides pre sponsorship.
MANET offers adequate education with a moderate placement record.
India ranks third in the world for producing deck officers.
Director-General of Shipping made it mandatory for DNS cadets to obtain a sponsorship before joining the pre-sea course.
Top tier companies prefer BSc cadets over DNS cadets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the duration of the BSc Nautical Science program?
The BSc Nautical Science program is a 3-year undergraduate degree program, approved by DG Shipping, which prepares students for a deck officer career in the merchant navy or maritime industry. Successful completion leads to a Second Mate Certificate of Competency (COC).
Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for BSc Nautical Science?
To be eligible for BSc Nautical Science, you need 10+2 with 60% in PCM, 6/6 unaided vision, and must be under 25 years of age.
Q3. What is the approximate fee for BSc Nautical Science at IMU and private colleges?
The approximate total fee for BSc Nautical Science at IMU is INR 6,60,000 for males and INR 4,20,000 for females. Private colleges charge approximately INR 8,00,000 – INR 13,00,000.
Q4. What is the salary range for a Captain in the Merchant Navy?
A Captain in the Merchant Navy can earn approximately INR 5,00,000 – INR 10,00,000 per month, tax-free.
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