One of the most common questions among students aspiring to join the merchant navy is: “Is NEET required for merchant navy?” or “Do I need to crack JEE to become a deck officer or marine engineer?”

At Skillsstation, we regularly guide aspiring seafarers on the best routes to join the merchant navy. In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion about national exams like NEET and JEE and explain exactly what entrance criteria apply to different merchant navy roles.

The Short Answer: No, NEET or JEE Is Not Required for Merchant Navy

To clarify upfront: Neither NEET nor JEE is required to join the merchant navy. These exams are mandatory for fields like medical (NEET) and engineering (JEE for IITs/NITs), but merchant navy admissions follow their own specific entrance tests and medical standards.

If you’re searching for answers to “is NEET required for merchant navy”, the answer is a firm no—but there are other important qualifications and entrance exams you need to focus on.

Then What Exams Are Required for Merchant Navy?

Instead of NEET or JEE, most officer-level and marine engineering programs require candidates to appear for IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test).

For Officer-Level Courses:

DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)
B.Sc. Nautical Science
B.Tech Marine Engineering

You must:

Have PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math) in Class 12 with at least 60% aggregate
Score at least 50% in English
Clear IMU-CET
Pass a medical test approved by DG Shipping

These courses lead to becoming a Deck Officer or Marine Engineer, which are high-ranking and well-paid roles onboard merchant vessels.

NEET vs. Merchant Navy Pathway – Understanding the Difference

Criteria	NEET	Merchant Navy
Purpose	Entry into MBBS/BDS and medical fields	Career in global shipping and marine operations
Governing Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)	DG Shipping, Indian Maritime University (IMU)
Core Subjects	Biology, Chemistry, Physics	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Medical Requirement	Eyesight, general health	Strict vision and physical fitness
Common Entrance	NEET-UG	IMU-CET
Stream Required	Science with Biology (NEET)	Science with PCM (Merchant Navy)

So, if you’re searching “is NEET required for merchant navy,” just know that biology is not even needed—you need PCM instead, and your goal should be to clear IMU CET, not NEET.

Is JEE Required for Merchant Navy Engineering Courses?

Again, no, JEE is not mandatory to pursue marine engineering in the merchant navy. However, if you’re applying to some private maritime colleges, they may accept JEE scores as an additional qualification—but it’s not compulsory.

You can also get admission into B.Tech Marine Engineering via IMU-CET or direct college-level entrance tests approved by DG Shipping.

Alternative Entry Without IMU-CET: GP Rating Course

For those who:

Didn’t take PCM in 12th
Don’t wish to give any entrance exams
Want to start working onboard ships quickly

The GP Rating course is a great alternative.

GP Rating Overview:

6-month pre-sea training program
Minimum qualification: Class 10th pass with 40%
No NEET, no JEE, no IMU-CET required
Leads to Deck or Engine Crew positions
Salary starts around ₹25,000–₹50,000/month

This path is open to a broader student base, including commerce and arts students.

Career Roles After Merchant Navy Education

After completing your merchant navy training through the proper channels (not via NEET or JEE), you can become:

Deck Cadet → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
Trainee Marine Engineer → Fourth Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer
Engine or Deck Rating → Bosun, Fitter, Oiler (via experience and exams)

FAQs: NEET and Merchant Navy

1. Is NEET required for merchant navy after 12th?

No. NEET is not required at any stage for a merchant navy career.

2. Can biology students join the merchant navy?

Only if they also have Maths along with Biology (PCMB). Most courses require PCM.

3. Is JEE compulsory for marine engineering?

No, JEE is not compulsory. You can join marine engineering through IMU-CET or direct admission in DG Shipping-approved colleges.

4. How can I join the merchant navy after 10th or 12th?

After 10th: GP Rating course
After 12th PCM: DNS, B.Sc. Nautical Science, Marine Engineering (via IMU-CET)

Conclusion: Focus on IMU-CET, Not NEET or JEE

If your goal is a high-paying, adventurous career at sea, rest assured that you do not need NEET or JEE to join the merchant navy. What matters more is having the right stream (PCM), passing IMU-CET, and being medically fit.

At Skillsstation, we offer complete guidance—from IMU-CET preparation, college admissions, pre-sea training to STCW courses and CDC applications. Whether you’re in Class 10, 12, or a graduate looking to switch careers, we can help you choose the right path.

Rayyan Alam

11:55 27 Jun 24

I heard about Skill Station from a senior and decided to join. When I got to Dehradun, I was thrilled with the great faculty and environment. Amrinder Sir is amazing – his communication skills, style, and personality are top-notch. He's more than a teacher; he's like a friend, brother, and mentor. Joining Skill Station was the best decision I made. Unlike other places, Sir helps you until you get selected. Last year, I achieved a 5452 rank in IMUCET but didn't get any company sponsorship. However, Sir didn't leave me. He took care of us until we were selected and continued to guide us even after our selection. This year, with his guidance, I improved to a 4600 rank in IMUCET and got sponsored by ESM. Skill Station feels like a family. Thank you, Sir!

Abhinav Garwal

10:40 27 Jun 24

Thank you Team Skills Station!

For always guiding me.
For not only making a relationship as a teacher-student but also to make a bond like a family members.

Special thank to Amrinder Sir for not only helping and guiding us but also to treat us like an elder brother in our all the tough and difficult situation.

❤️Thank you to all the members of Skills Station team.
- Abhinav Garwal

aakarsh negi

08:22 27 Jun 24

One of the best institutes I have seen that not only has good results but also great management. When I joined this institute, I was a bit shy and was not able to speak in public, but now my personality has completely changed. I am confident and bold, and now I like to socialize even more. Because of the teachers and their guidance, I was able to score a good rank in IMU-CET and got sponsored by Anglo.

Kirti Mishra

08:21 27 Jun 24

I'm a student of skill station by Amrinder sir , I'm a type of student who scared to talk in front of crowd and have a lack of confidence , but after joining skill station family Amrinder sir taught me and helped me in every single step I improved my personality . Our faculties present over there are very supportive , friendly and kind hearted they always present there to help us wherever we need they motivate us to keep growing.One more thing from my side Amrinder sir's classes is not just for interview's it'll always help you further in your life how to stay , how to adjust and how to grow with limited resources. With skill station family I learnt a lot of things .
Thanks skill station family specially a great personality Amrinder sir 🙏

ARYAN KAMRA

08:14 27 Jun 24

Skills Station Is Best academy For The preparation of merchant Navy , all the teachers Are very helpful and Hardworking they have years of experience joining skills station is one of my best decision I have ever taken in my life, Specially Amrinder Sir Who helped us in every situation we have faced during Our exams or interviews thank You to all the whole team of Skills Station Family because of you I Have secured Good Rank in Imucet I highly recommend new Comers please join Skills Station.

Deepika Rohilla

07:01 26 Jun 24

This is the best institute for Merchant Navy and Communication skills. Amrinder Sir helped me to gain confidence to clear the interviews. He always focuses to develop our personality. I am more confidant and more skillful now.