Choosing the right academic stream in Class 11 is one of the most crucial steps for students aspiring to join the merchant navy. Many students are often confused about whether to choose science or commerce for merchant navy career options. The decision impacts your eligibility for various maritime courses and the ranks you can achieve onboard a ship.

At Skillsstation, we’ve helped thousands of aspirants take the right educational path for a successful career at sea. In this article, we compare science or commerce for merchant navy to help you make the best decision based on your goals.

Understanding the Merchant Navy Career Structure

Before diving into the debate between science or commerce for merchant navy, it’s important to understand that a merchant navy ship consists of three key departments:

• Deck Department – Navigating officers (like Captains and Chief Officers)

• Engine Department – Marine engineers and technical crew

• Catering/Service Department – Responsible for hospitality and kitchen services

Different departments have different eligibility requirements. Your academic stream will determine which department you can enter.

Science Stream – Ideal for Officer-Level Roles

If your goal is to become a Deck Officer or Marine Engineer, then Science is the most suitable option. Most officer-level courses after 12th require Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).

Key Eligibility:

• 12th with PCM (minimum 60%)

• Minimum 50% in English

• Clear IMU-CET (for officer-level courses)

Courses Available After Science (PCM):

• B.Sc. Nautical Science (Deck Officer)

• DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)

• B.E./B.Tech in Marine Engineering

• ETO (Electro Technical Officer) Course

Science stream gives you access to the highest-ranking positions in the merchant navy and also better long-term career growth and salary prospects.

Science vs Commerce for Merchant Navy Aspirants

Choosing the right academic stream after Class 10 is a decision that can shape your entire maritime career. If you’re dreaming of the sea and want to be part of the global shipping industry, you’re likely asking: Science or Commerce for Merchant Navy?

At Skillsstation, India’s trusted maritime career guidance platform, we help thousands of students make informed decisions based on real opportunities, industry eligibility, and long-term growth potential.

Let’s dive into a full comparison to help you choose the ideal path toward a successful career in the merchant navy.

Why Your Stream Choice Matters

Unlike many other careers where academic background can be flexible, the merchant navy has strict eligibility criteria—especially for officer-level roles. The stream you choose will impact:

• The courses you’re eligible for after 12th

• Whether you can become a deck officer, marine engineer, or join as a crew/rating

• Your long-term earning potential and promotion path

• The exams you’ll need to qualify (like IMU CET)

Understanding the difference between Science or Commerce for Merchant Navy is the first step toward planning your maritime future.

Science Stream: Your Gateway to Officer-Level Ranks

The Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) is the most preferred stream for those aspiring to become officers—either in the navigation (deck) side or engineering side of a ship.

Science Stream Advantages:

1. Eligibility for Core Courses:

   • B.Sc. Nautical Science – Become a Deck Officer

   • DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) – Start as a Cadet and move up to Captain

   • B.E./B.Tech Marine Engineering – Join as a Junior Engineer and rise to Chief Engineer

2. Eligibility for Competitive Exams:

   • IMU CET is required for most officer-level courses

   • PCM is mandatory to appear

3. Higher Career Ceiling:

   • Officers can get promoted to Captain or Chief Engineer, earning ₹3–6 lakh per month at senior levels

4. Better Employment Opportunities:

   • Officer training is in demand globally; Science stream graduates have access to international companies, offshore oil rigs, and cruise liners

Commerce Stream: The Rating Route

For students who’ve chosen Commerce, don’t lose hope. While you may not be eligible for officer courses, you can still work onboard ships in supporting or rating roles.

Options for Commerce Students:

1. GP Rating Course (General Purpose Rating):

   • Eligibility: 10th or 12th pass with minimum 40% aggregate

   • Duration: 6 months

   • Job roles: Deck rating, Engine rating

   • Can work under officers in technical operations and maintenance

2. Saloon Rating Course:

   • For those interested in hospitality or cooking roles

   • Job roles: Cook, Steward, Galley Staff

3. Shore-based Careers:

   • Logistics and Shipping companies often hire commerce graduates for accounting, shipping documentation, port operations, and commercial management

Case Study: Same Dream, Different Paths

Ravi – Science Stream (PCM)

Ravi opted for PCM in 11th and cleared the IMU CET with 72%. He enrolled in B.Sc. Nautical Science and is now completing his sea-time as a Deck Cadet. His goal is to become a Chief Officer within the next 5 years.

Aman – Commerce Stream

Aman couldn’t go for PCM, so he enrolled in the GP Rating course. He’s now working as an Engine Rating on a bulk carrier and earning a respectable salary while gaining sea experience. Though the path is slower, he is steadily building his career.

Both started differently but are working toward successful lives at sea.

Commerce Stream – Limited but Possible Options

If you’ve taken Commerce, don’t be discouraged. While you may not be eligible for officer-level roles, you can still join the merchant navy through GP Rating or service-related roles.

Eligibility for Commerce Students:

• Pass in 10th or 12th with at least 40% marks

• Minimum 40% in English

• Age: 17.5 to 25 years

• Physically fit and medically approved

Courses Available After Commerce:

• GP Rating Course (General Purpose Rating)

• Saloon Rating Course (for Catering Department roles)

Through GP Rating, you can enter the Deck or Engine department as a rating and work your way up to positions like Bosun or Pumpman, though officer-level promotions are rare.

Comparing Science vs Commerce for Merchant Navy Aspirants

Alternative Options for Commerce Students

If you’re deeply passionate about working at sea but took Commerce, you can:

1. Join GP Rating – Start your career early and gain onboard experience.

2. Later pursue lateral entry courses – Though limited, some colleges offer bridge programs.

3. Work in shore-based maritime careers – Shipping management, logistics, and maritime law are open to commerce graduates.

Conclusion: Choose Based on Career Goals

When deciding between science or commerce for merchant navy, the better choice depends on your ambition. If you dream of becoming a Captain or Chief Engineer, Science with PCM is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for quick entry into the merchant navy and are open to non-officer roles, Commerce can still offer rewarding options.

At Skillsstation, we guide students at every step—from stream selection to course enrollment, medical checks, and application filing. Whether you’re from Science or Commerce, we’ll help you find the right path to a maritime career.