How to become a Marine Engineer in India
मरीन इंजीनियर
Run and maintain the engines, generators and machinery that power ships at sea.
- Streams
- Science (PCM)
- Time it takes
- About 4.5–5 years after Class 12 including sea time
- Key exams
- IMU CET
What you actually do
- Operate and maintain main engines, generators, pumps and boilers
- Plan maintenance and repair breakdowns at sea
- Manage fuel, safety systems and the engine-room crew
A day in the life
A watch in the engine control room checking temperatures and pressures, overhauling a purifier with the crew, recording fuel figures, and reporting to the Chief Engineer.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: strong maths and physicsabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathsabout 2 yr
- IMU CET for IMU B.Tech Marine Engineering, or admission to another DG Shipping-approved institute; pass medical fitnessabout 3 mo
- B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 years), or a DG Shipping-approved graduate marine engineering course after mechanical engineeringabout 4 yr
- Sea time as Trainee / Junior Engineerabout 6 mo
- DG Shipping Certificate of Competency exams; first job as Fourth / Third Engineer, rising to Chief Engineerabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| IMU CET | Indian Maritime University | Once a year |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Indian Maritime University campuses: moderate to high fees
Private route
Private DG Shipping-approved institutes: high fees
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Pay at sea rises with each CoC grade and rank. Experienced marine engineers can also move to shore jobs in shipyards and ship management. We do not quote figures.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You enjoy big machines and mechanical work
- You are comfortable away from home for months
- You stay calm when something breaks
Maybe not, if…
- You dislike heat and noise of engine rooms
- You want a fixed home routine
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Common questions
How do I become a Marine Engineer in India?
1. Class 9–10: strong maths and physics 2. Class 11–12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths 3. IMU CET for IMU B.Tech Marine Engineering, or admission to another DG Shipping-approved institute; pass medical fitness 4. B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 years), or a DG Shipping-approved graduate marine engineering course after mechanical engineering 5. Sea time as Trainee / Junior Engineer 6. DG Shipping Certificate of Competency exams; first job as Fourth / Third Engineer, rising to Chief Engineer
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Marine Engineer?
IMU CET (Indian Maritime University). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become a Marine Engineer?
Science (PCM).
How long does it take to become a Marine Engineer?
About 4.5–5 years after Class 12 including sea time
How much does it cost to become a Marine Engineer?
Government route: Indian Maritime University campuses: moderate to high fees. Private route: Private DG Shipping-approved institutes: high fees. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of a Marine Engineer in India?
Pay at sea rises with each CoC grade and rank. Experienced marine engineers can also move to shore jobs in shipyards and ship management. We do not quote figures.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Marine Engineer: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Indian Maritime University · Directorate General of Shipping
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
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