What is IMU CET?
India's most important maritime entrance exam — your complete guide to eligibility, pattern, syllabus & key dates for the Academic Year 2026–27.
What is IMU CET?
The Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test is India's gateway to a career at sea — mandatory for all DGS-approved maritime programmes across the country.
As per DGS Training Circular 12 of 2020, all Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) regulated by DG Shipping must admit candidates on the basis of IMU-CET ranking. Qualifying IMU-CET is mandatory for admission to DNS, B.Sc. (Nautical Science), and B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) programmes at any institute across India — government or private.
About IMU
The Indian Maritime University is a Central University under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, established by Parliament in 2008. Headquartered in Chennai, it has 6 campuses: Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai & Visakhapatnam.
Purpose of IMU CET
IMU CET is conducted annually on an All India basis for admissions to UG, PG, and Diploma programmes at IMU campuses, affiliated institutes, and DGS-approved Maritime Training Institutes across the country.
Who Must Appear?
Any candidate seeking admission to DNS, B.Sc. (Nautical Science), or B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) at ANY institute in India must qualify IMU-CET. This includes both government and private MTIs affiliated to any university.
Exam Mode & Scale
The exam is conducted in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode from 11 AM to 2 PM. Candidates can choose up to 8 states for exam centers. The rank certificate is valid for the current academic session only.
Programmes That Need IMU CET
These are the key programmes you can access with your IMU CET rank across 6 IMU campuses and 18+ affiliated institutes.
Eligibility Criteria
Know the academic, age, and medical requirements before applying. Check these carefully — fees are non-refundable for medical ineligibility.
B.Sc. Nautical Science
3-Year Residential
Male General: 25 yrs | OBC: 28 | SC/ST: 30
Female General: 27 yrs | OBC: 30 | SC/ST: 32
Diploma in Nautical Science
1-Year Residential (DNS)
OR B.Sc. Physics/Maths/Chem with 55% in final year
OR B.E./B.Tech. from IIT/AICTE college with 50%
B.Tech. Marine Engineering
4-Year Residential
BBA Programmes
3-Year Non-Residential
Male General: 25 | OBC: 28 | SC/ST: 30
Female/Trans General: 27 | OBC: 30 | SC/ST: 32
MBA Programmes
2-Year Non-Residential
M.Tech. Programmes
2-Year Non-Residential
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Three separate IMU-CETs conducted simultaneously on the same date, each for a specific group of programmes.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programmes | B.Sc. (Nautical Science), B.Tech. (Marine Engineering), B.Tech. (Naval Architecture & Ocean Engg.), B.Tech. (Naval Architecture & Ship Building), DNS (Aug 2026 & Feb 2027 batch) |
| Number of Questions | 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | 3 hours (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) |
| Subjects |
English
General Aptitude
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
12th Grade / Plus 2 / Intermediate / CBSE Syllabus level |
| Negative Marking | Yes — 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Eligibility Note | Qualifying exam results must be declared BEFORE the CET date. "Result awaited" candidates can appear but must update marks before counselling. |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programmes | MBA (Port & Shipping Management), MBA (International Transportation & Logistics Management) |
| Number of Questions | 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | Same day/time as UG CET |
| Subjects | Quantitative Ability Data Interpretation Verbal Ability Reasoning |
| Negative Marking | Yes — 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Alternatives | CAT 2025, MAT (Sep 2025 / Dec 2025 / Feb 2026 / May 2026), CMAT 2025 or 2026 scores also accepted. IMU-CET holders get preference. |
| Note | Online MBA (Maritime Management) and PGDML do NOT require IMU-CET |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programmes | All M.Tech. programmes (Marine Technology, Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, Dredging & Harbour Engineering, Environmental Engineering) |
| Number of Questions | 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | Same day/time as UG CET |
| Subjects |
English
Mathematics
Mechanical Engg.
OR Civil Engg.
OR Marine Engg.
OR Naval Architecture
Choose one engineering discipline stream |
| Negative Marking | Yes — 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Alternatives | GATE 2026/2025, CUET(PG) 2026/2025, PGCET 2026/2025 scores accepted. IMU-CET rank holders given preference. |
Application Fee
Non-refundable registration fees for appearing in IMU CET 2026.
| Programme Category | General / EWS / OBC (NCL) | SC / ST |
|---|---|---|
| BBA Programmes | ₹ 200 | ₹ 140 |
| All UG & PG Programmes (B.Tech, B.Sc, DNS, MBA, M.Tech) | ₹ 1,200 | ₹ 800 |
| Research Programmes (Ph.D, M.S. by Research) | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 1,500 |
| Online Counselling Fee (IMU Campus admissions) | ₹ 10,000 (₹ 9,000 refundable if no seat allotted) Adjusted against Admission Registration Fee if admitted | |
| Seat Confirmation Fee | ₹ 30,000 (Non-refundable) | |
Annual Programme Fees at IMU Campuses: B.Tech / B.Sc / DNS: ₹2,75,000/yr | M.Tech / MBA: ₹2,05,000/yr | BBA: ₹1,05,000/yr | PGDME: ₹3,55,000/yr. Fees are as per Circular 2418 dated 24.10.2024.
Important Dates
Mark your calendar. Missing any deadline means missing your maritime career opportunity this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common queries about IMU CET 2026.
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