The main entrance examination for students aspiring to pursue maritime courses in India is the Indian Maritime University - Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET).

This examination is conducted by Indian Maritime University, a central government institution. Through this test, candidates can secure admission to undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programmes at IMU campuses and 18 recognised maritime training institutes in the country. In addition, maritime-related courses are offered in about 167 educational institutions across India.

Established in 2008, the university operates six campuses located in Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai and Visakhapatnam.

Undergraduate degrees:
B.Tech - Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
B.Tech - Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding
B.Tech - Marine Engineering
B.Sc - Nautical Science
B.B.A - Logistics, Retailing and E-Commerce
B.B.A - Maritime Logistics

Master's degrees:
M.Tech - Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
M.Tech - Dredging and Harbour Engineering
M.Tech - Environmental Engineering
M.Tech - Marine Technology
M.B.A - International Transportation and Logistics Management
M.B.A - Port and Shipping Management

Diploma courses:
D.N.S - Diploma in Nautical Science
P.G.D.M.E - Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Engineering

Eligibility: Educational qualifications vary depending on the course. For admission to B.Tech programmes, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with at least 60 per cent marks. Physical fitness requirements and age limits also apply. An entrance examination is not required for admission to B.B.A programmes.

Last date to apply: April 24, 2026 (B.B.A courses - June 17, 2026)

Date of entrance examination: May 24, 2026

For details: www.imu.edu.in