All You Need To Know About Merchant Navy Entrance Exams

Are you someone who loves adventure and challenges in life? Then, a career in the Merchant Navy is perfect for you. However, before you begin the journey of becoming a seafarer, you need to clear certain merchant navy entrance exams to qualify for different positions, whether after class 10th, 12th or as a graduate.

Knowing about the different merchant navy entrance exams can help you stay ahead and plan better. This would also increase your chances of getting into a reputable maritime institution or maritime college to pursue your chosen course and even secure a sponsorship from a good shipping company.

Preparing for the Merchant Navy Entrance Exams can be challenging, but with the right guidance, understanding of the Merchant Navy entrance exam syllabus and knowledge of the Merchant Navy exam eligibility, it is easily possible, just proper planning is required. This article will take you through all the important details and tips you would need to ace any merchant navy entrance exam.

What Is the Merchant Navy Exam?

The Merchant Navy is crucial for global trade, as shipping accounts for more than 90% of global transport. However, becoming a merchant navy officer is not easy and requires you to clear several entrance exams, which test a candidate’s aptitude, general and technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

These exams are a gateway for you to become a deck officer, a marine engineer, a GP Rating, or an Electro-Technical Officer, etc.

In the Merchant Navy entrance exam, students are specifically asked questions from Mathematics, Physics, English and General Maritime Knowledge. After clearing these exams, students can enrol in institutions like the IMU and others.

Types of Merchant Navy Entrance Exams in India

There are many merchant navy exams in India, including the IMU CET or the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test, which is a national-level examination for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

AIMNET, or the All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test, is another entrance exam, especially for engineering aspirants. The purpose of the exam is to select candidates for many merchant navy courses, like B.Sc. in Nautical Science, B.Tech Marine Engineering and others.

Shipping Company Exams: Some companies also conduct their own exams, which include written tests, a medical exam and an interview to recruit deck cadets and officers.

How to Prepare for Merchant Navy Entrance Exams

Understanding the Syllabus: Focus on Maths, Physics and English. Solve as many mock tests and previous year question papers as possible.

Focus on your Weak Areas: Divide the syllabus into sections, and as the exam approaches, give more time to topics in which you are less confident, while setting aside time for regular revisions.

Eat and Sleep Well: Since the exams have physical fitness requirements, ensure you keep yourself moving and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Importance of Merchant Navy Exams

Merchant Navy exams test the candidate’s mental and physical abilities to handle the demanding life at sea. However, once a student clears the exams, they can expect to get high-paying jobs, great opportunities for growth, global exposure, and financial stability.

Merchant Navy Entrance Exam Syllabus & Questions

The syllabus includes questions from various subjects mentioned below.

• Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus
• Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Light, Electricity, Magnetism
• Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
• English: Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary
• General Aptitude: Logical reasoning, general knowledge, current affairs, verbal ability, and numerical ability
• Nautical Science: Navigation, Seamanship, Maritime Regulations
• Interview: Personal Questions, Maritime-Related Questions and Situation-based questions.

The exam pattern is of Multiple-Choice Questions or MCQ Type, where students have to choose the right answer from the options given.

Merchant Navy Exams Eligibility

While different exams may have slightly different eligibility criteria, a general one is provided below.

Age: Between 17 and 25 years old
Education: Minimum of 10+2 (Class 12) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Medical: Must meet IMU or relevant authority standards
Vision: Good eyesight with correctable vision up to 6/6
Height: Minimum height requirements may vary (generally around 5 feet 7 inches for males)
Character: No criminal record
Additional Requirements: These may include a physical fitness test, English proficiency test (EPT), and specific criteria based on the course/rank.

Merchant Navy Entrance Exam After 10th

Though most high-ranking jobs in the merchant navy require one to be a 12th pass, students who have completed their 10th can also join the Merchant Navy as deck cadets or ratings after undergoing training.

After the 10th class, one can join the merchant navy by enrolling in a GP Rating Course, which is a 6-month program for entry-level jobs in the deck or engine departments.

Eligibility generally includes passing 10th grade with atleast 40% in English and meeting the age requirements (17 to 25 years) plus being medically fit with good vision according to DG Shipping Guidelines.

Merchant Navy Entrance Exam After 12th

Most candidates decide to enter the Merchant Navy after completing the 12th standard. They usually opt for courses like B.Sc. in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering, among others, after clearing the IMU CET.

To join the merchant navy after 12th, one must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Maths as subjects and secure at atleast 60% in the school exams. After this, one has to clear IMU CET and then get admission to a reputed maritime college.

Conclusion

The Merchant Navy is a profession like no other. It offers handsome salaries, travel opportunities, career growth and much more, though one has to stay away from friends and family for months at a time.

You might also like to read-

• 10 Best Companies For Sponsorship In the Merchant Navy
• 4 Ways To Become A Deck Officer in Merchant Navy
• What Is GP Rating In Merchant Navy?
• How Females Can Join Merchant Navy ?

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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