Maritime Studies Courses, Colleges & Career Paths

Maritime Studies in India covers Merchant Navy and shipping careers through the 4-year B.Tech in Marine Engineering, the 3-year B.Sc in Nautical Science, the 1-year Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) leading to B.Sc, and programmes in Naval Architecture, Marine Transportation, Harbour & Ocean Engineering, and Port & Shipping Management. Admission to Indian Maritime University campuses and affiliated colleges is through the IMU CET, with 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics required for the technical courses and strict medical fitness (including eyesight) standards. Leading institutions include the Indian Maritime University (Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam), the Training Ship Chanakya, Tolani Maritime Institute, and the Coimbatore Marine College. Fees range from ₹1.5–4 lakh per year and up to ₹10–15 lakh for some private DNS programmes. Graduates join as trainee marine engineers and deck cadets with Indian and international shipping companies, progressing to Chief Engineer or Captain with additional Certificate of Competency exams, and command among the highest starting salaries of any Indian undergraduate route, along with shore roles in ports, classification societies, and offshore energy.