A Guide To IMU CET Exam: What It Is, Who Can Take It and How Admission Works

The Indian Maritime University, or IMU, conducts a Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET) once a year as a computer-based test. Students who want to work on ships as deck or engine officers have to take this test, usually after Class 12.

Established by an Act of Parliament in November 2008, the central university conducts IMU-CET, a national-level examination; students who clear it are eligible for admission to the university’s undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses at IMU campuses and affiliated institutions.

Students who meet the qualifying cut-off for their category receive a rank that determines admission to a particular course.

Students interested in courses such as B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, B.Tech Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, B.Sc Ship Building & Repair, Diploma in Nautical Science, M.Tech Marine Engineering and Management, M.Tech Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, M.Tech Dredging and Harbour Engineering, and MBA programmes can take this exam.

Candidates can join MBA and MTech courses through IMU CET or apply using CMAT/CAT/MAT and CUET PG/GATE/PGCET scores. However,  preference is given to candidates with IMU-CET ranks. Admission is based on merit through the IMU online counselling process.

Importance of the IMU CET Exam

This exam is important for aspiring maritime professionals since clearing it is mandatory for joining the Merchant Navy. It is the first step toward becoming a seafarer.

As per DGS Training Circular 12 of 2020, all Maritime Training Institutes regulated by DG Shipping are required to admit students based on their IMU-CET ranking. MU-CET is compulsory for admission to DGS-approved programmes. This applies whether the seat is at an IMU campus, an institute affiliated to IMU, or a private MTI affiliated to another university.

Those wanting admission in Pre-Sea Courses Diploma in Nautical Science, B.Sc. (Nautical -Science)and B.E/B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) to any MTI (Govt. or Private- Affiliated with any University) are required to qualify for the IMU-CET.

IMU states that admission to these programmes is strictly based on the IMU CET, with no shortcuts or alternative routes. It also warns candidates and parents to ignore websites and agents who promise assured seats.

About Indian Maritime University

IMU, based in Chennai, was established under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, on 14 November 2008 as a teaching-cum-affiliating university. It promotes maritime studies training and research with a focus on emerging areas such as oceanography, maritime laws, maritime history, environmental studies, search and rescue, and transportation of dangerous cargo.

IMU has 6 campuses at Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. The oldest campus is the IMU Navi Mumbai Campus, established in 1927.

IMU brings out an annual academic prospectus that gives comprehensive information about the university, its courses, admissions, courses offered, eligibility, etc. 

About IMU-CET

The Indian Maritime University usually releases the IMU CET application forms in March of every year. The exam is conducted across 86 Indian cities in a computer-based test mode.

Through this exam, admission will be granted to several UG (BTECH, B.Sc., DNS) programmes, MTech programmes, and MBA programmes.

For IMU Admission, aspiring candidates must complete the IMU CET registration, download the IMU CET Admit Card and appear for the exam. 

Exam Pattern

The IMU CET Exam Pattern includes multiple-choice questions, and the exam lasts 3 hours. The exam is in English and includes 200 multiple-choice questions for UG programmes and 120 questions for PG programmes.

Each wrong answer will carry a negative marking of -0.25. The exam syllabus is available on the IMU website, and students can prepare accordingly.

Questions are asked from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, General Aptitude, and English for all UG Courses, except BBA. For admission to MBA courses, candidates must also answer questions on topics like verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative ability. 

For MTech, candidates must attempt questions from Maths, English, and subject-based topics (Mechanical Engineering/Marine Engineering/Naval Architecture/Civil Engineering).

• Mode: Computer-based test
• Language: English
• Duration: 3 hours
• Type of questions: Multiple choice questions
• Marking scheme: – 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer & 1 mark given for every correct answer

From Rank To Seat

Seats at IMU campuses are allotted through online counselling, which IMU runs only for its six campuses. Candidates with a rank certificate register on a portal, pay a counselling fee and list their preferred programmes and campuses in order.

IMU then provisionally allots a seat by rank, social category, and availability, and candidates confirm it by paying the programme fee. Those who confirm receive a provisional seat confirmation letter and must bring their original documents.

For affiliated institutes and other MTIs, the institute’s own admission process applies after the candidate qualifies in the IMU CET. The rank certificate is valid for that academic session only

Who can take IMU CET

For the B.Sc. in Nautical Science and the B.Tech in Marine Engineering, applicants need Class 12 with physics, chemistry and mathematics (PCM), a PCM average of at least 60%, and at least 50% in English in either Class 10 or Class 12. IMU’s prospectus also lists being unmarried as a condition.

The DNS is also open to graduates with certain degrees. The prospectus lists the exact degrees and marks.

SC and ST candidates get a 5% relaxation in the PCM requirement, but not in English. Age limits are counted from the start of the academic session.

According to IMU’s admissions FAQ, the PCM average is found by converting each subject’s marks to a percentage and averaging the three, and it is not rounded up, so 59.6% does not count as 60%. The same FAQ says CBSE students with grade points can multiply their CGPA by 9.5 to get the percentage, and that NIOS candidates are eligible if they passed every subject through NIOS. Students from boards that the Ministry of Education classifies as fake are not eligible.

Marine programmes also require medical fitness under the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, including eyesight and colour vision, certified at admission by a doctor approved by DG Shipping. IMU’s FAQ advises applicants to get a passport at the same stage.

IMU’s admissions page lists a separate registration for OCI cardholders and foreign nationals.

Eligibility rules change between prospectuses, so check the current one before applying.

Preparing for the IMU-CET

The IMU-CET syllabus comprises Class 12 science and maths, plus English and aptitude. IMU posts model question papers for each section on its admissions page, and it has offered a mock test before the exam, which lets candidates get used to the computer interface. For books, see our guide to the best books for IMU CET preparation.

IMU CET Application Form

Candidates can apply for IMU CET only online. The link is on the IMU website. 

The IMU CET Online Application Form has 4 Parts:

• Personal Details
• Academic Details
• Uploading Documents
• Payment 

After filling in the personal and academic details and uploading the documents, students will make payment on the portal. Then, the student dashboard will appear, from which they can download their submitted application form for future reference.

Step-by-Step Process to Fill the IMU CET Application Form 

1. Fill in the basic details correctly, taking care of the spelling.
2. Fill in the personal details in the application form
3. Fill in the qualification information
4. Upload the scanned images of photographs and signature
5. Pay the application fee through the online payment mode

Documents required to apply for IMU CET 

Applications who register online need to upload the scanned documents mentioned below-

• Passport-size photograph
• Candidate’s Signature
• 10th Class Mark Sheet
• 12th Class Mark Sheet
• UG Degree Mark Sheet / Certificate (wherever applicable)
• Category Certificate  (SC / ST / OBC (NCL)
• Economically Weaker Section Certificate (General EWS Candidates)
• NCC Certificate (if applicable)
• Special State / Nativity Certificate (if applicable)
• MEO-I / COC Certificate (Applicable for MTech candidates who are Seafarers)

Application Fees

IMU CET Eligibility Criteria for different courses

Eligibility for 4-Year B.Tech (Marine Engineering) – Residential

Eligibility for 4-Year B.Tech (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering) – Residential & Eligibility for 4-Year B.Tech (Naval Architecture and Ship Building) – Residential

 

 Eligibility for 3-Year B.Sc. (Nautical Science) – Residential

Note: Transgenders are eligible for the B.Tech. (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering) & B.Tech. (Naval Architecture and Ship Building), given they meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for 1-Year DNS course leading to B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science) – Residential

Eligibility for 2-Year M.Tech (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering) – Non- Non-Residential & Eligibility for 2-Year M.Tech (Dredging and Harbour Engineering) – Non-Residential

 

Eligibility Criteria for 2-Year M.Tech (Marine Technology) – Non-Residential

Eligibility for 2-Year MBA (International Transportation and Logistics Management) – Non-Residential & Eligibility Criteria for 2-Year MBA (Port & Shipping Management) – Non-Residential

 

IMU CET Syllabus 

Exam pattern for all UG courses (except BBA)

IMU CET Exam Pattern for MBA Courses

IMU CET exam pattern for MTech Courses

IMU CET Mock Tests

The Mock test is released by the Indian Maritime University at imu.edu.in. Candidates can access the IMU CET Mock Test on the official website. Attempting this test will allow candidates to understand the exam pattern and get acquainted with the computer screen’s layout.

IMU CET Model Question Papers

IMU CET Model Papers can help the candidate assess the difficulty level of the exam, the exam pattern, marks distribution, and question distribution. Model Question Papers are released by the IMU on the official website in PDF Format. They can be downloaded, and candidates can use them to practice for the upcoming IMU CET Exam.

Recommended Books for IMU CET Preparation

Below are some of the most recommended books for the IMU CET exam.

Books for IMU CET UG:

• IMU CET Exam Full Package by WAY2SHIP
• IMU CET Gateway To Maritime Education English by Subodh Kumar
• IMU CET Complete Syllabus Theory Book (Revised and updated edition) by Subodh Juyal
• IMU-CET Full Package by IMU360
• IMU CET Study Material by 2IMU
• IMU CET Question Bank With Sponsorship Guide by 2IMU
• Complete Package for IMU CET & Sponsorship Test by 2IMU
• IMU CET Question Bank by 2IMU
• IMU CET Previous 10 Years Question Bank by 2IMU
• IMU CET Entrance Exam Books Full Package by 2IMU

Books for IMU CET PG:

• A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
• How to Crack Test of Reasoning by Jaikishan
• How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
• Quicker Maths by M. Tyra 
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Agarwal
• Shortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Disha Publications
• Mechanical Engineering Handbook of Mechanical Engineering by Arihant Experts 
• Mechanical Engineering by S.Chand
• Handbook of Civil Engineering by G.K Publications
• Civil Engineering by S Chand
• Naval Architecture for Marine Engineering by Richard Pemberton

IMU CET Tips for Preparation

1. The candidates should regularly visit the official website for any changes or updates regarding the exam schedule. 

2. The candidates must get acquainted with the computer-based test by giving mock tests online. 

3. Also, practising more and more using model question papers available on the official website of the IMU will enable them to manage time and maintain a certain speed. They will also get familiar with the types of questions that can be asked and how much time to spend on each question.

4. Candidates can prepare a personal study timetable to plan their daily schedule at least three months before the exam. They should cover the entire syllabus and keep separate times for weekly revisions and mock tests.

5. While studying difficult topics, the candidates should take notes as they can be revisited later. Notes also help simplify the topic and help one retain the information better.

6. A week before the exam, candidates must sleep and eat well while devoting time to revising the topics one is less confident about.

IMU Admission Process: Through IMU CET & Other Entrance Exams

IMU CET Entrance Tests are held for admission to the following courses:

• IMU-CET for UG (B.Tech., B.Sc. ,DNS) Programmes.
• IMU- CET for M.Tech. Programmes.
• IMU- CET for MBA Programmes.

Rank holders of the above-mentioned three CETs can seek admission to UG/PG/MBA programmes.

Also, candidates who have qualified in the following exams can seek admission:

CUET(UG): Can seek admission to UG Programmes during spot counselling for the residual seats available after the third List.

However, Candidates with CUET scores will be given preference for admission to BBA programmes. Hence, candidates are encouraged to register for IMU CET.

GATE/CUET-(PG)/PG-CET: Can seek admission to PG Programmes. However, preference will be given to candidates with IMU-CET ranks.

CAT/ MAT/ CMAT/UG Marks: Can seek admission to MBA Programmes; however, preference will be given to candidates with IMU-CET ranks.

Ph.D./Ph.D.(Integrated)/M.S(By Research): Details of the Entrance Test are given in a separate notification.

UG and PG Programs offered by IMU Campuses

• BTech – Marine Engineering (4-year course) Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai Port
• BTech – Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering ( 4 year course) Visakhapatnam
• BSc – Nautical Science ( 3 year course) Chennai, Kochi & Navi Mumbai
• DNS – Diploma in Nautical Science ( 1 year course) Chennai & Navi Mumbai
• BBA – Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce (3-year course) Chennai & Kochi
• Apprenticeship embedded BBA – Maritime Logistics (3-year course) Visakhapatnam
• MTech – Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering ( 2 year course) Visakhapatnam
• MTech – Dredging & Harbour Engineering ( 2 year course) Visakhapatnam
• MTech – Marine Technology ( 2 year course) Kolkata
• MBA – International Transportation & Logistics Management ( 2 year course) Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam & Kochi
• MBA – Port & Shipping Management ( 2 year course) Chennai & Kochi

IMU CET Admit Card

The Admission Authority will release the IMU CET Admit Card online for the candidates who applied for the exam. Candidates can download it using their login credentials. The admit card includes the exam date, exam centre, and other guidelines. Candidates must carry their admit card and ID proof to the examination venue.

IMU CET Exam Centres

The IMU-CETs will be held in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode in the following cities. The list can change each year. Do refer to the IMU website at the time of applying. 

1. Agra 
2. Ahmedabad
3. Aligarh
4. Allahabad
5. Anantapur
6. Bangalore
7. Bankura
8. Baroda
9. Bhagalpur
10. Bhatinda
11. Bhopal
12. Bhubaneshwar
13. Bokaro
14. Calicut
15. Chandigarh
16. Hissar
17. Hubli
18. Hyderabad
19. Indore
20. Jabalpur
21. Jaipur
22. Jalandhar
23. Jammu
24. Jamshedpur
25. Jodhpur
26. Kannur
27. Kanpur
28. Karimnagar
29. Karnal
30. Kolkata
31. Pune
32. Purnea
33. Raipur
34. Rajahmundry
35. Ranchi
36. Rourkela
37. Sagar
38. Salem
39. Sambalpur
40. Shimla
41. Siliguri
42. Solapur
43. Srinagar
44. Chennai
45. Chhapra
46. Cochin
47. Coimbatore
48. Dehradun
49. Delhi
50. Dhanbad
51. Durgapur
52. Faizabad
53. Faridabad
54. Gaya
55. Ghaziabad
56. Gorakhpur
57. Gurgaon
58. Guwahati
59. Kollam
60. Kota
61. Kottayam
62. Lucknow
63. Madurai
64. Mangalore
65. Meerut
66. Mumbai
67. Muzaffarpur
68. Mysore
69. Nagpur
70. Noida
71. Nasik
72. Palakkad
73. Patna
74. Thrissur
75. Tirunelveli
76. Tirupati
77. Trichy
78. Trivandrum
79. Udaipur
80. Varanasi
81. Vellore
82. Vijayawada
83. Visakhapatnam
84. Warangal
85. Surat
86. Thanjavur

IMU CET Results

Once IMU releases the examination result, candidates can check their ranks on the official website and apply for counselling and the admission process. All who qualify can participate in counselling.

The IMU CET results are available as a rank list for UG, MBA, and MTech courses separately.

The IMU CET Rank Card ise published under the logins of the candidates. To access the result, candidates must log in using the required credentials.

IMU CET Counselling

IMU will hold the counselling process online and in two phases for admissions in six IMU Campuses throughout India.

Online counselling does not cover admissions to affiliate institutes. Those seeking admission to IMU-affiliated institutes or other DGS-approved Maritime Training Institutes affiliated with other universities should directly approach their preferred college or institute after obtaining a rank certificate issued by IMU.

Candidates are shortlisted for counselling based on their IMU-CET results.

The online counselling for IMU usually take place in two phases:

In Phase I, candidates can select their preferred programs and campuses. They need to register on the portal and pay a non-refundable counselling fee. If a seat is allotted in any program at any campus, the fee is non-refundable. Otherwise, it will be refunded.

In Phase II, seats will be provisionally allocated to candidates based on their rank, social category, and availability of seats from the options they have chosen. After online counselling, candidates who receive a seat must confirm their seats within the given time frame by paying the program fee through the portal

After the final seat allotment, candidates must appear before the Director of the allotted campus for document verification.

Conclusion

The IMU-CET is a key step for aspiring students wishing to pursue a career in the maritime sector. It is a prestigious exam given by 30,000 to 40,000 candidates every year in the hopes of getting admission into various Maritime institutions across India.

We hope you found all the information you sought in this article.

Prepare well, and you are sure to succeed!

Also, do not forget to check the official IMU Website regularly for any updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to register at the IMU Admission Portal?

It is mandatory to register at the portal if a candidate desires to get admission not only in various UG (BTech, BSc, DNS) & PG (MTech, MBA) Programmes of IMU offered at IMU Campuses & its Affiliated Institutes but also for admissions to various DGS approved pre-sea programmes (DNS, B.Sc. (Nautical Science), B.Tech (Marine Engineering) in any of the DGS approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) across India.

2. How can I apply/register?

Candidates can apply through Online mode only. The link can be seen on the IMU’s website. (https://imu.edu.in) when the registrations are open.

3. How will the entrance test be conducted?

The entrance exam will be CBT or a computer-based test.

4. Is there any concession/relaxation for SC/ST Category Students?

Yes. There is a concession in Registration Fees and relaxation in educational eligibility criteria.

5. I have completed my SSLC on the CBSE board, and my results are in the CGPA pattern. The fields in the Academic Portion in the Application Form are in Percentage format. How can I convert CGPA to percentage to complete the Online Application?

You can multiply the Grade Point or the CGPA by 9.5 to get the equivalent percentage of marks.

6. I appeared for the +2 Board Exam, and my results have not yet been declared. How can I complete “Academic Details” in the Online Application Form?

You can choose the “Result awaited” option. However, the Roll No, Board details, etc., have to be filled.

7. Is rounding off the percentage of Physics, Chemistry, Maths, etc., allowed while filling online applications?

No. Rounding-off is not permitted.

8. I made a mistake in my name/ DOB/Marks while filling out the application form, and I submitted the application. Is there any way to correct the mistake?

Once the application form is submitted, there is no way to correct the same. In such a case, the candidate has to apply again with a new email ID and mobile number. Hence, the candidates are advised to exercise caution while filling out the form.

9. How do I know I have submitted the application successfully?

The online application form consists of five steps: Basic Details, Personal Details, Academic Details, Document Upload, and Online Payment. Once the online payment is successful, the candidate’s dashboard will appear, from which he can download the filled-in application.

10. Is it mandatory to submit the hard copy of the filled-in application to IMU?

No. Candidates can download the filled-in application for reference and record, and submitting it to IMU is unnecessary.

11. Can I upload my Digi-locker class 12 result?

Yes, however, the candidates have to bring original documents during Certificates Verification when selected for admission.

12. How difficult is IMU CET?

The difficulty level of the exam is moderate.

13. Who is eligible for IMU CET?

Candidates who have cleared Class 12th with more than 60% in PCM and more than 50% either in 10th or 12th are eligible for IMU CET.

14. Is IMU CET MCQ based?

IMU CET is held in English and has multiple-choice questions. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.

15. What is the hostel fee for IMU?

The hostel fees for IMU vary based on the campus and room type. For the Chennai campus, the hostel fees range from Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 50,000 per semester.

16. How many students give IMU CET every year?

Nearly 30,000 to 40,000 candidates appear for IMU CET every year. IMUCET is an entry-level examination in various courses related to the Merchant Navy.

17. Is the Merchant Navy a good job?

The Merchant Navy is one of the best career professions you can choose from if you want a good salary and the opportunity to roam the world. However, a career in the merchant navy is not as easy as it looks.

18. Is there a negative marking in the IMU CET?

Yes. IMU has introduced a minus marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer.

19. Can I submit the EWS certificate at the time of admission since it is being delayed by the Government Office?

All category certificates are to be given as per the date allowed. OBC-NCL/EWS Certificates are to be issued within a 1-year date, i.e. the certificate should have been issued on or after 01.08.2023.

20. If the Candidate is eligible for admission to the UG Programme but does not get 60% PCM and scored 80% in English, is he eligible?

No. If the Candidate does not possess the required PCM he will not be admitted, even if the candidate qualifies in CET.

21. Is there any interview after the Entrance Test?

There is no interview. After securing Rank Certificates, for admissions to IMU campuses, the candidate has to apply for Online Counselling for admission to IMU Campuses; while for admissions to Affiliated Institutes and other Maritime Training Institutes, the candidate has to apply to those Institutes with the IMU CET Rank Certificate.

22. I have completed +2 in distance mode through NIOS. Am I eligible for admission to BBA?

Yes. However, students who have completed through the School Boards classified as fake boards by the Ministry of Human Resources are ineligible for admission to IMU.

23. I forgot my Application Number/ Password for the IMU Registration Portal; is there any way to recover the same?

Yes. A link, “I forgot my password/Application Number”, is on the Login (Sign in) Page. Kindly fill in the relevant details on that page. Your application number/password will be sent to the email ID you provided.

24. I have applied for the UG (B.Tech., B.Sc, and DNS) Programme; am I automatically eligible for the BBA Programme?

No. The candidate must apply for a separate online form for the UG (B.Tech., B.Sc., DNS) Programme and a separate Form for the BBA Programme with the requisite fees if they want to apply for both.

You might also like to read-

• 10 Reasons Competency Exams For Seafarers Are More Stressful Than Ever
• The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Exams and What they Mean to an Average Shippy
• Appearing For Merchant Navy Competency Examination Abroad – UK
• Merchant Navy Recruitment Process – Entrance Exam, Salary And Jobs
• A Guide To MBA In Shipping