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How to Join Merchant Navy After 10th in India: Complete Guide for Students

Are you done with class 10 and wish to work on ships, travel the world and have a career at sea? It is possible that the Merchant Navy considers an alternative.

The Merchant Navy is a vital part of the country’s trade with other nations and is used to carry out trade, fuel, food and other important goods. It provides multiple career options, but students have to select the suitable course and enroll with an approved training institute.

Here in this guide, you’ll know how to enter into the Merchant Navy after 10th, eligibility criteria, duration of course, fees, salary, and important precautions.

Can You Join the Merchant Navy After 10th?

Yes, students who have passed out Class 10 can be considered for the General Purpose Rating (GP Rating) course as per the latest eligibility criteria.

GP Rating training trains students for some basic tasks aboard commercial vessels. Unlike a deck officer, a marine engineer is required to undertake additional training and education and is typically a different type of training.

Note: Training courses are not a guarantee of a job on a ship. Your placement will be based on eligibility, training, performance and opportunities for recruitment. 

Merchant Navy After 10th: Quick Eligibility Table

Eligibility criteria	What you need to know
Education	Class 10 pass from a recognised board
Minimum marks	Published GP Rating criteria have included 40% aggregate marks
English marks	Published criteria have included at least 40% in English
Subjects	Mathematics, Science and English requirements must be checked under current rules
Age limit	Depends on the applicable rules and admission requirements
Medical fitness	Must meet the prescribed maritime medical standards
Eyesight	Must satisfy the applicable vision and colour-vision standards
Course option	General Purpose Rating (GP Rating), if eligible
Training duration	Commonly around 6 months for pre-sea training
Institute	Choose a properly approved institute and course

Important: This table is a quick guide, not a substitute for current admission rules. Verify the latest requirements with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and the institute before paying any fees.

What Is the GP Rating Course?

GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating. It is a training route for eligible students who want to work in entry-level ratings positions on commercial ships.

The training introduces students to basic shipboard work, safety procedures, and duties associated with different departments.

After completing the required training, candidates must meet the applicable certification, medical, and employment requirements before joining a vessel.

What Will You Learn?

Depending on the approved course, training may cover:

• Basic ship safety and emergency procedures
• Personal survival techniques
• Fire prevention and firefighting
• Basic shipboard duties
• Deck and engine-room familiarisation
• Discipline and teamwork at sea

The exact syllabus and certification requirements depend on the approved course and current maritime regulations.

How to Join the Merchant Navy After 10th: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Complete Class 10

Complete Class 10 from a recognised board. Please read the current GP Rating nda eligibility criteria for girls, which includes subject requirements and marks.

Step 2: Check Your Medical Fitness

Working at sea requires appropriate physical and medical fitness. Applicability of the maritime medical standards (particularly eyesight and colour vision requirements) must be fulfilled.

Ensure that advice is sought from an authorised maritime medical examiner prior to undertaking a course.

Step 3: Choose an Approved Training Institute

This is a very crucial step.

Please refer to the Directorate General of Shipping website for details on the institute and the course in particular. Never accept an agent’s word or social media posts, or trust only the ads.

Step 4: Apply for Admission

Adhere to the proper admission procedure of the institute. Educational materials, ID, medical records, photographs and other requested documents may be required.

How many documents and the way they’re chosen may vary.

Step 5: Complete the Training

Take necessary classes and training. Take care to understand safety procedures and be disciplined in the course.

Step 6: Meet Certification and Employment Requirements

Once you have completed your training, finish any necessary evaluation, certification and formalities. Seek out and accept legitimate work offers and check the details of any job offers. 

Read Also: NDA Eligibility for Female Candidates 2027: Age Limit, Qualification & Height

How Much Does a Merchant Navy Course Cost?

The cost depends on the institute, course, accommodation, equipment, medical examinations, and other charges.

Before admission, ask for a written fee breakdown covering:

• Tuition and training charges
• Hostel and food expenses
• Uniforms and training equipment
• Medical examinations
• Examination and certification fees
• Any additional compulsory expenses

Compare several approved institutes before deciding. Avoid paying large sums to anyone who promises a guaranteed shipboard job without clear, verifiable terms.

What Is the Merchant Navy Salary After 10th?

The salary of the Merchant Navy is Rs 48,500 after completion of 10th grade.

Remuneration is dependent upon job role, employer, vessel, experience, contract and employment conditions.

Even though they are entry-level ratings, they should not receive the same pay as experienced ratings. There are a lot of different figures available on the internet when it comes to pay, so use them as a reference point and not fixed income.

When accepting employment, review the employment contract, salary, deductions, length of service, insurance coverage and repatriation.

Merchant Navy vs Indian Navy: What Is the Difference?

The two professions are NOT identical.

Merchant Navy: Resides primarily in commercial shipping, carrying passengers and goods and facilitating the trade of goods on the sea.

Indian Navy: It is a part of the Armed Forces of India and the role of it is to defend the coastal waters, or is responsible for other tasks assigned by the Indian Armed Forces.

If you are aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces, read about the official recruitment routes of the Indian Navy along with Eligibility and more. To pursue a Career in Merchant Navy, do Research on Merchant Navy Training & Employment.

Should You Join the Merchant Navy After 10th?

The Merchant Navy may be a good career choice for students who like a challenging work atmosphere, strict safety procedures, working as a part of a team and working in isolation for extended periods.

But it’s also crucial to learn the obstacles, as well. Living in the sea means having to work for a long time, not seeing your family much, dealing with the elements and having to work hard.

In case if you want to get promoted to become a deck officer or marine engineer, it seems the better choice to go for class 12 physics, chemistry and maths. Obtain information on current eligibility requirements for an officer training pathway for which you are interested.

Consider your interests, education, money and future objectives when selecting a career path rather than advertisements for higher paying jobs.

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