Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 27, 2026

The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is a comprehensive 1-year full-time residential program offered by Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai, which is part of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) system. This prestigious program is designed to train aspiring deck officers for careers in the merchant navy and maritime industry. The course provides intensive training in marine navigation, seamanship, safety management, and maritime regulations. With an intake of students based on merit through the IMU Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET), the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training. The total fees for the entire 1-year program is INR 2,25,000. The program is highly popular among students seeking to establish careers as deck officers, ship captains, and maritime professionals. Upon successful completion and 18 months of mandatory sea service, graduates can pursue the B.Sc Nautical Science degree. The program emphasizes hands-on training with modern maritime equipment and real-world seamanship skills essential for safe navigation and ship operations.

Admissions for the Diploma in Nautical Science program are currently ongoing for the 2026-27 academic session. The application window for IMU-CET 2026 is from February 6, 2026 to April 24, 2026. The IMU-CET examination is scheduled for May 24, 2026. Merit lists will be released in June 2026, followed by counselling and seat allocation. The batch commencement is expected in August 2026. Candidates are advised to complete their applications before the deadline to secure their seats in this highly competitive program.

Key Points

Premier Maritime Institution: Lal Bahadur Shastri College is one of India's oldest and most respected maritime training institutes, established in 1948, with a legacy of producing skilled maritime professionals.
IMU Affiliation: The college is part of the Indian Maritime University system, ensuring standardized curriculum and recognition across all maritime sectors globally.
Residential Program: The 1-year program is fully residential, providing students with immersive training in a maritime environment with access to modern training vessels and equipment.
International Recognition: Graduates receive internationally recognized certifications and qualifications that are valid across all major shipping companies and maritime organizations worldwide.
Career-Focused Curriculum: The program is specifically designed to prepare students for immediate employment as deck officers in the merchant navy, with emphasis on practical seamanship and navigation skills.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

LBS DNS Fees

The Diploma in Nautical Science program at Lal Bahadur Shastri College is a premium maritime education offering with a total fee of INR 2,25,000 for the entire 1-year duration. The fees are structured on a semester basis, with each semester requiring a payment of INR 1,25,000 (Semester 1) and INR 1,00,000 (Semester 2). This comprehensive fee includes tuition, training materials, access to maritime facilities, and residential accommodation. The program represents excellent value considering the quality of maritime education and the career prospects it offers to graduates.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (Semester 1)	1,25,000
Tuition Fee (Semester 2)	1,00,000
Total Fees	2,25,000

The fees include residential accommodation, meals, training materials, and access to maritime training facilities.
Additional charges may apply for optional certifications or specialized training modules.
Payment can be made in two installments (one per semester).
No hidden charges beyond the stated fees.

LBS DNS Admission 2026

Admission to the Diploma in Nautical Science program is highly competitive and merit-based, conducted through the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET). The selection process evaluates candidates' academic aptitude, physical fitness, and suitability for maritime careers. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria and pass the IMU-CET examination to secure admission. The program has limited seats, making it one of the most sought-after maritime programs in India. The admission process is transparent and conducted by IMU with strict adherence to national maritime standards.

Important Dates

Event	Date
IMU-CET Application Start	February 6, 2026
IMU-CET Application Deadline	April 24, 2026
IMU-CET Admit Card Release	May 2026 (Tentative)
IMU-CET Examination	May 24, 2026
Merit List Release	June 2026 (Tentative)
Counselling Process	June-July 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	August 2026
Semester 1 Examinations	November-December 2026
Semester 2 Examinations	April-May 2027

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
Minimum aggregate marks requirement is typically 60% for general category and 50% for SC/ST categories in 10+2 examination.
Age limit: Candidates should be below 25 years of age at the time of admission to the DNS program.

Admission Process:

Register and fill the online application form on the IMU official portal (www.imu.edu.in) during the application window.
Pay the application fee and submit required documents including educational certificates, identity proof, and medical fitness certificate.
Appear for the IMU-CET examination on the scheduled date and time.
Wait for merit list announcement based on IMU-CET performance and academic qualifications.
Participate in counselling process and confirm seat allocation.
Complete admission formalities, fee payment, and report to the college for batch commencement.

LBS DNS Scholarships 2026

Lal Bahadur Shastri College and the Indian Maritime University offer various scholarship opportunities for eligible students to support their maritime education. These scholarships are designed to assist meritorious and economically disadvantaged students in pursuing their maritime careers. Scholarship amounts vary based on eligibility criteria, academic performance, and category, with some scholarships covering a significant portion of the tuition fees.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Amount	Application Deadline
IMU Merit Scholarship	Top 10% performers in IMU-CET	Up to 50% of fees	As per IMU notification
National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC)	First-time students in UGC-recognized programs	INR 10,000-15,000 per month	As per UGC guidelines
State-Level Scholarships	SC/ST/OBC candidates with merit	Varies by state	As per state government notification
Maritime Industry Scholarships	Sponsored by shipping companies	Varies	As per company notification

Scholarship applications must be submitted through the college's designated portal.
Students must maintain minimum academic performance and attendance requirements to retain scholarships.
Multiple scholarships cannot be availed simultaneously.
Application deadlines are announced by the college at the beginning of each academic session.

LBS DNS Placement 2026

The Diploma in Nautical Science from Lal Bahadur Shastri College has an excellent placement record with graduates securing positions as Deck Officers, Third Officers, and Second Officers in major shipping companies and merchant navy vessels. The program's strong industry connections and IMU affiliation ensure that graduates are highly sought after by international shipping companies, Indian shipping lines, and maritime organizations. Graduates typically earn competitive salaries ranging from INR 2 Lakhs to INR 7 Lakhs annually, depending on the shipping company and vessel type. The program's focus on practical skills and international certifications makes graduates immediately employable in the global maritime industry.

Placement Details

Placement Metric	Details
Career Positions	Deck Officer, Third Officer, Second Officer, Chief Officer, Captain
Employer Types	International Shipping Companies, Indian Shipping Lines, Merchant Navy, Maritime Organizations
Average Salary Range	INR 2 Lakhs to INR 7 Lakhs per annum
Placement Rate	Historically above 90% within 6 months of graduation
Further Studies	B.Sc Nautical Science (after 18 months sea service), Master's programs in Maritime Management

LBS DNS FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between Diploma in Nautical Science and B.Sc Nautical Science?

Ans. The Diploma in Nautical Science is a 1-year pre-sea program that provides foundational maritime training. After completing the diploma and 18 months of mandatory sea service, graduates can pursue the B.Sc Nautical Science degree, which is a 3-year program. The B.Sc is a higher qualification that opens doors to senior officer positions and management roles in the maritime industry.

Ques. Is the Diploma in Nautical Science program recognized internationally?

Ans. Yes, the Diploma in Nautical Science from Lal Bahadur Shastri College is fully recognized internationally as it is part of the Indian Maritime University system. Graduates receive internationally recognized certifications and qualifications that are valid with all major shipping companies and maritime organizations worldwide.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing the Diploma in Nautical Science?

Ans. Graduates can work as Deck Officers, Third Officers, and Second Officers on merchant navy vessels. The program opens doors to careers with international shipping companies, Indian shipping lines, and maritime organizations. With experience and further qualifications, graduates can advance to positions of Chief Officer and Captain.

Ques. Is the program fully residential, and what facilities are provided?

Ans. Yes, the Diploma in Nautical Science is a fully residential 1-year program. The college provides accommodation, meals, training materials, and access to modern maritime training facilities including training vessels, navigation simulators, and seamanship equipment.

Ques. What is the average salary for Diploma in Nautical Science graduates?

Ans. Graduates typically earn between INR 2 Lakhs to INR 7 Lakhs per annum, depending on the shipping company, vessel type, and experience level. International shipping companies often offer higher salaries compared to domestic shipping lines.

Ques. Can I pursue higher studies after completing the Diploma in Nautical Science?

Ans. Yes, after completing the diploma and 18 months of mandatory sea service, graduates can pursue the B.Sc Nautical Science degree. Additionally, graduates can pursue Master's programs in Maritime Management, Shipping Management, and other specialized maritime fields from various universities.