IMU CET 2026

Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test

IMU CET is a mandatory national-level entrance exam for students seeking a career in the Merchant Navy. It is the gateway to all Indian Maritime University (IMU) campuses and numerous DG Shipping-approved private maritime training institutes across India for courses like Marine Engineering and Nautical Science.

📅 2026 Critical Timeline

  • Registration Period: 06 February – 24 April 2026 (11:59 PM)

  • City Selection Window (Phase 2): 04 May – 10 May 2026

  • Admit Card Release: Mid-May 2026

  • Examination Date: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)

  • Result & Rank Card: Early June 2026

  • Counselling Registration: Starts June 2026

🎓 Programs & Eligibility

  • B.Tech (Marine Engineering): 4-year residential course.

  • B.Sc (Nautical Science): 3-year residential course.

  • DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): 1-year course leading to a B.Sc.

  • BBA (Maritime Logistics): Admission is based on Class 12 marks; no entrance test is required for this specific program (Deadline: June 17, 2026).

Key Requirements:

  • Academic: 10+2 with a minimum of 60% aggregate in PCM and at least 50% in English (either in Class 10 or 12).

  • Age: Minimum 17 years and maximum 25 years as of August 1, 2026 (5-year relaxation for SC/ST).

  • Marital Status: Must be unmarried.

  • Medical Fitness: Must meet DGS medical standards (e.g., 6/6 vision for Nautical Science; no color blindness).

📝 Exam Pattern (CBT Mode)

The exam is a 3-hour Computer-Based Test consisting of 200 MCQs for UG technical courses.

  • Mathematics: 50 Questions

  • Physics: 50 Questions

  • English: 25 Questions

  • General Knowledge: 25 Questions

  • General Aptitude: 25 Questions

  • Chemistry: 25 Questions

  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct; -0.25 for incorrect answers.

  • Medium: English only.

💰 Application Fee

  • General / OBC (NCL) / EWS: ₹1,200

  • SC / ST: ₹800

  • BBA Program only: ₹200 (General) | ₹140 (SC/ST)

📂 Two-Phase Registration Process

  1. Phase 1 (Basic & Detailed): Complete your personal details, upload documents (Photo, Sign, Marksheets), and pay the fee by April 24.

  2. Phase 2 (City Selection): You must log back in between May 4 and May 10 to select your preferred exam venue from the available cities. Your application is not considered complete for seat allotment until you lock your city choice.

🔗 Official Links

Pro-Tip for 2026: If you are targeting B.Tech Marine Engineering or B.Sc Nautical Science, remember that qualifying the IMU CET is only the first step. To actually join a college, you will likely need a Sponsorship from a shipping company, which often involves a separate interview and medical test conducted by the company itself.