IMU CET 2026: Complete Guide to Join Merchant Navy
Are you dreaming of a career that lets you travel the world, wear a uniform, and earn a high salary? If yes, then the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) 2026 is your first step!
🚀 What is IMU CET?
It is a mandatory All-India entrance exam for students wishing to join courses like B.Tech (Marine Engineering), B.Sc (Nautical Science), and DNS. A valid rank in this exam is compulsory for admission into IMU Campuses and all DGS-approved maritime institutes across India.
It is a mandatory All-India entrance exam for students wishing to join courses like B.Tech (Marine Engineering), B.Sc (Nautical Science), and DNS. A valid rank in this exam is compulsory for admission into IMU Campuses and all DGS-approved maritime institutes across India.
📅 Important Dates for IMU CET 2026
Don't miss the deadline! Here is the official schedule for the August 2026 Batch:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | 06 Feb 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 Apr 2026 |
| City Selection for Exam | 04 May - 10 May 2026 |
| Exam Date (IMU CET) | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Course Starts | 01 Aug 2026 |
✅ Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To write this exam, you must meet the following requirements set by the Indian Maritime University:
1. Educational Qualification (12th Pass/Appearing)
- You must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) or equivalent.
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) and English.
- Minimum Marks:
- Average of 60% in PCM.
- Minimum 50% in English (in 10th or 12th).
- Note: Students waiting for 12th board results can also apply using the "Result Awaited" option!
2. Age Limit (As on 01.08.2026)
- Male (General): Max 25 Years
- Female (General): Max 27 Years
- OBC (NCL): Relaxation up to 28 Years (Male) / 30 Years (Female)
- SC/ST: Relaxation up to 30 Years (Male) / 32 Years (Female)
3. Medical Fitness
- You must be physically fit for sea service.
- Eye Sight: 6/6 vision is generally required for Nautical Science/DNS. For Engineering, glasses up to certain limits are allowed (6/12).
- No Color Blindness is allowed for Nautical Science.
📝 IMU CET 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam will be a Computer Based Test (CBT). Here is what you need to study:
- Total Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Duration: 3 Hours.
- Syllabus: Based on Class 11 & 12 (CBSE/State Board) level.
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- English
- General Aptitude
- Negative Marking: Yes! 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
💰 Application Fees
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹ 1200/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | ₹ 800/- |
🚢 Courses You Can Join
By clearing this exam, you can get admission into:
- B.Tech (Marine Engineering) - 4 Years (Become a Marine Engineer)
- B.Sc (Nautical Science) - 3 Years (Become a Deck Officer/Captain)
- DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) - 1 Year
- B.Tech (Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering)
- BBA (Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce)
💻 How to Apply?
Follow these simple steps to register:
- Visit the official website: www.imu.edu.in
- Click on "IMU CET 2026 Registration".
- Complete Basic Registration to get your User ID & Password.
- Fill in your personal and academic details.
- Upload your Photo, Signature, and 10th Marksheet.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Download and save the confirmation PDF.
⚠️ Crucial Step: You must select your "Exam City" specifically between 04.05.2026 and 10.05.2026. If you miss this window, you might not get a center of your choice!
