IMU CET 2026 for Kerala Aspirants: Admission Process, Institutes, Courses

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Kerala students aspiring to join the Merchant Navy, this IMU CET 2026 guide is for you. Below you’ll find a step-by-step admission process, Kerala-relevant counselling tips, IMU campus details, nearby IMU affiliated/DGS-approved colleges, and course options (DNS, B.Sc. Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, etc.).

We’ve tailored this specifically for candidates from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kannur, kottayam and Malappuram so you can plan applications, documents, medicals and seat choices with confidence and if you want structured coaching, NauTutor’s Kerala-own top IMU CET coaching program has you covered.

IMU-CET 2026 Admission Process (Kerala Students) – Step by Step

The admission process for maritime courses through the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET) is structured and transparent. Here’s a simplified and original overview of how candidates can secure admission into IMU campuses, affiliated colleges, or DGS-approved institutes:

Step 1: Apply and Appear for IMU-CET

Submit the IMU-CET application form online via the official IMU website. Appear for the IMU-CET exam as per the schedule.

Step 2: Rank Certificate

After the exam, IMU will issue a Rank Certificate based on your performance in IMU-CET.

Step 3: Admission Routes

Based on your Rank Certificate, you can pursue admission through three possible pathways:

A. Admission to IMU Campuses

After IMU CET results are declared, register for online counselling. Seats are allotted based on your rank and campus/programme preferences. After you receive an allotment, confirm your seat to get the provisional seat-allotment letter. Next, complete the certificate verification process. If seats remain vacant, IMU may conduct spot counselling. Once these steps are finished, classes begin at the allotted IMU campus.

B. Admission to IMU-Affiliated Colleges

For admission to IMU-affiliated colleges, candidates apply directly to the chosen institute using their IMU CET rank. If shortlisted, they may be required to register for IMU’s centralized counselling. The institute will then provide instructions for document verification, fee payment, and completion of admission formalities.

C. Admission to DGS-Approved Non-Affiliated Institutes

Candidates applying to MTIs not affiliated with IMU must also qualify IMU CET.

Selection is carried out directly by the respective institute based on IMU CET rank.

Counselling and seat confirmation procedures vary by institute.

Note: For advanced courses like MTech, M.Sc., or Ph.D. programs, IMU may conduct a separate interview and selection process. Candidates will be notified individually.

IMU has 6 Campuses at

Kochi
Chennai
Mumbai Port
Navi Mumbai
Visakhapatnam
Kolkata

IMU-Affiliated Institutes Near Kerala & Their Programmes

Here’s a list of prominent IMU-affiliated maritime training institutes and the programmes they offer:

Institute Name	Programme	Approved Intake	Website Link
Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy, Mumbai	DNS	160 (Aug), 120 (Feb)	Learn More
Coimbatore Marine College	B.Tech. (ME)	80	Learn More
College of Ship Technology, Palakkad	B.Sc. (SBR) / BBA (ML)	40 / 30	Learn More
Euro Tech Maritime Academy, Kochi	B.Tech. (ME)	80 (Both Batches)	Learn More
Great Eastern Inst. of Maritime Studies, Pune	DNS	80 (Aug), 40 (Feb)	Learn More
HIMT, Chennai	Multiple UG & PG Courses Varies	(30–120)	Learn More
International Maritime Institute, Noida	DNS / B.Tech	40 (Feb), 160 (Aug) / 80	Learn More
Maritime Training Institute (SCI), Mumbai	DNS	120 (Aug), 40 (Feb)	Learn More
RL Institute of Marine Science, Madurai	B.Tech. (ME)	120	Learn More
Samundra Inst. of Maritime Studies, Pune	DNS / B.Tech. (ME)	120 (Aug), 40(Feb) / 40	Learn More
Seven Islands Maritime Institute, Raigad	DNS	80 (Aug), 80(Feb)	Learn More
Shriram Institute of Maritime Studies, Delhi	DNS	40 (Aug)	Learn More
Southern Academy, Chennai	DNS	40 (Aug)	Learn More
Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune	B.Tech. / B.Sc. (NS) / DNS	240 / 120 / 120 (Aug)	Learn More
Training Ship Rahman, Mumbai	DNS	120 (Aug), 40 (Feb)	Learn More
Yak Education Trust, Navi Mumbai	DNS	120 (Aug)	Learn More

DGS Approved Non-Affiliated Maritime Institutes in India

Below is a curated list of maritime training institutes approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) but not affiliated with the Indian Maritime University (IMU). These institutes offer programs like Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), B.Sc. Nautical Science, and B.E./B.Tech Marine Engineering, typically to sponsored candidates

DGS-Approved Maritime Institutes in/near Kerala (Non-IMU)

Institute Name	Programme	Website Link
Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering (CUSAT), Kochi, Kerala	B.E./B.Tech	Learn More
AMET University	B.E., B.Tech, B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
BP Marine Academy Panvel, Maharashtra	B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
Chitkara University Rajpura, Punjab	B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
Coimbatore Marine College Mandapam, Tamil Nadu	B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
GKM College of Engineering Chennai, TN	B.E./B.Tech (Marine)	Learn More
Haldia Institute of Maritime Studies, West Bengal	B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
International Maritime Academy, Chennai, TN	B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
Jeyanthinather Academy,Thoothukudi, TN	B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training Pune, MH	B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
Southern Academy of Maritime Studies, Chennai, TN	B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
Training Ship Rahman, Mumbai, MH	B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
U.V. Patel College of Engineering, Mehsana, Gujarat	B.E./B.Tech	Learn More
Vels Academy of Maritime Education, Chennai, TN	B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc. (NS)	Learn More
School of Maritime Studies (CUTM), Odisha	B.Sc. (NS), DNS	Learn More
SUN-MAR Maritime Academy	B.Sc. (NS), DNS	Learn More
C.V. Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar, Odisha	B.E./B.Tech	Learn More
Mangalore Marine College & Technology, Mangalore, KA	B.E./B.Tech	Learn More
Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Ramanathapuram, TN	B.E./B.Tech	Learn More
Noorul Islam University, TN	B.E./B.Tech	Learn More
PCN College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu	B.E./B.Tech	Learn More

Key Notes:

These institutes are not affiliated to IMU, hence IMU-CET counselling is not required.

However, qualifying IMU-CET is still mandatory for admission to DNS, B.Sc., or B. Tech marine programs in these colleges.

Most candidates are sponsored by shipping companies and apply directly to these institutes.

Always verify the latest intake and admission criteria from the DGS website or the official websites of the institutes.

Courses Offered at Indian Maritime University (IMU)

Indian Maritime University (IMU) offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its various schools of study. These programs are designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the maritime and shipping industry.

1. School of Nautical Studies

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) – 1 year (residential)
B.Sc. in Nautical Science – 3 years (residential)

2. School of Marine Engineering and Technology

B.Tech in Marine Engineering – 4 years (residential)
M.Tech in Marine Engineering and Management – 2 years
Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Engineering (PGDME) – 1 year (residential, for mechanical/naval architecture graduates)

3. School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

B.Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering – 4 years
B.Sc. in Ship Building and Repair – 3 years
M.Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering – 2 years
M.Tech in Dredging and Harbour Engineering – 2 years

4. School of Maritime Management

BBA in Maritime Logistics (Apprenticeship-Integrated) – 3 years
BBA in Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce – 3 years
MBA in Port and Shipping Management – 2 years
MBA in International Transportation and Logistics Management – 2 years

Note: Some programs are offered only at select IMU campuses or affiliated institutions.

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