IMU Chennai offers UG, PG, Ph.D, and Diploma programs in Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Naval Architecture, and Maritime Management disciplines. Admissions to all major courses are based on the IMU CET entrance exam.
- Entrance-based: Through IMU CET /JEE Mains/DASA/CAT/ CMAT
- Admission to the Ph.D programs at IMU Chennai is based on the IMU Research Entrance Test, followed by a personal interview.
- Application Mode: Online through the official IMU admission portal @imu.edu.in
- Admission Session: July-August
IMU Chennai offers B.Tech Marine Engineering and B.Sc Nautical Science as its most popular UG programs. The selection and eligibility criteria for these courses include 10+2 with 60% in PCM and 50% in English, along with a qualifying IMU CET score and mandatory medical fitness as per DG Shipping standards.
IMU Chennai Admission Important Dates 2026
IMU Chennai conducts admissions through IMU CET and accepts other national entrance exams, such as JEE Main, GATE, based on the program. Below are the important dates for the 2026 admission.
IMU Chennai UG Admission Dates 2026
IMU Chennai conducts UG admissions for B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, DNS, and BBA through IMU CET and JEE Main. The IMU CET cycle begins in March with exams in May and counselling in June-July. The table below shows the important UG admission dates for 2026.
| Event |
Tentative Date (2026) |
| IMU CET |
| IMU CET Application Release |
March 2026 |
| Last Date for IMU CET Registration |
April 2026 |
| IMU CET Exam |
May 2026 |
| IMU CET Results |
June 2026 |
| IMU Counselling Registration |
June-July 2026 |
| Document Verification and Seat Allotment |
July-August 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Exam Date |
Jan 22, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Result |
Feb 19, 2026 |
IMU Chennai PG Admission Dates 2026
PG admissions at IMU Chennai for MBA and M.Tech programs are based on CAT/CMAT, GATE, and IMU CET PG scores. The PG admission cycle runs from January to July, covering registration, exams, results, and counselling. The table below lists the important PG admission dates for 2026.
| Event |
Tentative Date (2026) |
| GATE 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Admit Card Date |
Jan 07, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates |
Feb 07, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates |
Feb 08, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates |
Feb 14, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates |
Feb 15, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result Date |
Mar 19, 2026 |
| IMU CET PG |
| IMU CET PG Registration |
March-April 2026 |
| IMU CET PG Exam |
May 2026 |
| Merit List Announcement |
June 2026 |
| Counselling and Seat Allocation |
June-July 2026 |
IMU Chennai Admission Dates FAQs
Ques. Is there a separate date for medical fitness tests for admission to IMU Chennai?
Ans. Yes, candidates shortlisted for IMU Chennai through counselling must undergo a DG Shipping-approved medical fitness test within the deadline specified in the counselling portal, usually 7-10 days after the provisional seat.
Ques. When are IMU Chennai hostel allotment dates announced?
Ans. IMU Chennai Hostel allotment dates are published separately, generally one week before the academic session begins, and are updated on the IMU campus website for UG and PG entrants.
IMU Chennai Admission 2026
IMU Chennai admission is primarily based on the IMU CET exam. Students are allotted seats on the basis of rank and category.
IMU Chennai Entrance Exams Accepted
| Exam |
Applicable Courses |
| IMU CET UG |
B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, other UG maritime programs |
| IMU CET PG |
MBA programs, M.Tech programs |
| IMU PhD Entrance Test + Interview |
Doctoral programs |
IMU Chennai Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Research/Doctoral Programs: Master’s degree with required academic score and interview.
- Medical Fitness: Mandatory for all maritime programs as per DG Shipping norms.
- PG Courses: Graduation with 55-60% depending on the program.
UG Courses Eligibility and Selection Criteria
For B.Tech Marine Engineering and B.Sc Nautical Science
- 10+2 or equivalent with 60% aggregate in PCM.
- Minimum 50% marks in English in Class 12
- Must qualify in IMU CET 2026
- Must meet DGS Medical Fitness standards for seagoing programs.
For Diploma in Nautical Science
- 10+2 (PCM 60%)OR B.Sc (PCM) with ≥ 60% OR B.E/B.Tech with ≥ 50%
- 50% in English (10th or 12th)
- IMU CET and Mandatory Company Sponsorship
- DGS Medical Fitness and Eye Test.
IMU Chennai Lateral Entry
IMU Chennai offers Lateral Entry into the 2nd year of B.Tech (Marine Engineering).
- Diploma in Marine Engineering with 60% marks.
- Must pass a screening test/interview conducted by the IMU Chennai.
- Must satisfy DGS Medical Fitness Standards.
For BBA (Logistics, Retailing and E-Commerce)
- 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks overall.
- No IMU CET required.
- Selection is merit-based i.e Class 12 performance.
- Registration Fee for BBA is INR 200 for General candidates and INR 140 for Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe candidates.
Steps to Apply for BBA:
Registration
- To register for the First time, click on ”New User”.
- Fill in the Sign-Up form with all the required details.
- Upon submission, a unique User ID and Password will be generated and sent to the registered E-mail Id and Mobile No.
- Subsequently, log in as a Registered Candidate using this User ID and Password.
- Enter Personal details, Academic Details, and Upload Photo, Signature, and Documents wherever required,
Payment and Submission of Application
- Select Credit card / Debit card / Net Banking for online payment.
- If successful, a confirmation E-mail Id and SMS will be sent.
Note: Candidates should take the printout of the filled-in application form for future correspondence.
IMU Chennai Admission Process
Admissions to UG, PG, Diploma, and Research programs at IMU Chennai are conducted centrally through Indian Maritime University Counseling.Here is a step-by-step process for admission at IMU Chennai:
- The candidate must log in to the official website of the university.
- After that, this candidate must navigate to the register now option and register themselves.
- After filling up the registration details, the candidate can now fill up the application form with all the required details and documents.
- After the application form is filled out, candidates will have to appear for the entrance examination.
- After the entrance examination, a cutoff list is prepared, and students can visit the campus for document verification and counselling.
Foreign students can also apply to the University. The admission process for foreign students is as follows:
- The candidate can apply through the direct mode or the DASA mode
- Direct Mode - candidates can apply for both UG and PG courses by visiting the IMU website and filling in all the required documents and details. However, the students have to pass TOEFL and IELTS.
- DASA Mode - The overseas candidate can apply through the DASA Scheme. The candidate applying must be eligible as per the program eligibility.
IMU Chennai Documents Required
Here is the list of documents required at the time of counselling at IMU Chennai.
IMU Chennai Admission FAQs
Ques. Does IMU Chennai give preference to sponsored candidates during seat allotment?
Ans. No, sponsorship helps during placement training, but IMU counselling is strictly rank-based. Sponsored and non-sponsored candidates are treated equally during seat allocation.
Ques. Why do IMU Chennai cutoffs vary so much between rounds?
Ans. Cutoffs fluctuate between rounds because of seat withdrawals, sponsorship selections, medical disqualifications, and rank-based upgrades. Many students initially block seats at multiple campuses, causing opening round cutoffs to appear high and later stabilizing in subsequent rounds.
Ques. How are seats allotted at IMU Chennai during counselling?
Ans. Seats at IMU Chennai are allotted based on IMUCET rank, category, program preferences, and seat availability. Higher-ranked candidates get priority, especially for Marine Engineering and Nautical Science.
IMU Chennai UG Courses 2026
At the UG level, Indian Maritime University offers B.Tech , BBA, DNS and B.Sc programs in multiple specializations to students who want to pursue their careers in the field of marine engineering and science. Registration Fee to appear for IMU CET is INR 1000 for General candidates and INR 700 for SC/ST candidates.
| Course |
Specialization |
Eligibility Criteria |
Seats |
| B.Tech |
Marine Engineering |
10+2 / equivalent with 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics taken together and 50% in English |
80 |
| B.Sc |
Nautical Science |
60 |
| BBA |
Logistics, Retailing, and E-Commerce |
10+2/equivalent in any stream with minimum 60% marks overall and minimum 50% marks in English subject |
60 |
| Diploma in Nautical Sciences |
10+2/ equivalent (PCM-60%) OR B.Sc (PCM)/ B.Sc with marks not less than 60%, OR B.E./B. Tech from an IIT or AICTE-recognized college with a minimum of 50% marks. |
40 |
IMU Chennai Courses FAQs
Ques. Can I get admission to IMU Chennai without IMU CET?
Ans. Only BBA is offered at IMU Chennai without IMU CET. For B.Tech, B.Sc Nautical Science, and DNS, IMU CET is mandatory, and direct admission is not allowed.
Ques. Which is better for a merchant navy career, B.Sc. Nautical Science or DNS at IMU Chennai?
Ans. Both courses by IMU Chennai are accepted by DG Shipping.
- B.Sc Nautical Science- Best for those who want a full 3-year degree and a steady pathway to cadetship.
- DNS- Faster, 1-year route but requires sponsorship or strong placement assistance.
Overall, the B.Sc. course gives more academic stability.
Ques. Does IMU Chennai guarantee onboard training or sea-time after graduation?
Ans. No maritime institute can guarantee sea-time, including IMU. However, sponsored candidates usually join their assigned shipping company, while non-sponsored students depend on company recruitment drives, alumni referrals, or direct company applications.
IMU Chennai M.Tech Admission 2026
IMU Chennai offers M.Tech programs in multiple maritime and engineering specialisations. The minimum eligibility is a relevant B.E./B. Tech degree with 55% marks, and admission is based on the IMU CET PG score or GATE, wherever applicable.
| Course |
Specialisation |
Eligibility |
Entrance Exam |
|
M.Tech
|
Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering |
B.E./B.Tech in Naval Architecture / Marine / Mechanical / Civil / Ocean Engineering with 55% marks |
IMU CET PG / GATE |
| Dredging and Harbour Engineering |
B.E./B.Tech in Civil / Marine / Mechanical / Naval Architecture or related fields with 55% marks |
IMU CET PG / GATE |
| Marine Engineering and Management |
B.E./B.Tech in Marine / Mechanical Engineering with 55% marks |
IMU CET PG |
| Ocean and Coastal Engineering |
B.E./B.Tech in Civil / Ocean / Marine / Mechanical / Naval Architecture with 55% marks |
IMU CET PG / GATE |
IMU Chennai M.Tech Admission FAQs
Ques. Which M.Tech specialization at IMU Chennai has the best career scope?
Ans. Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering has the strongest placement potential, followed by Dredging and Harbour Engineering and Marine Engineering and Management, due to high industry demand.
Ques. Can I join M.Tech at IMU Chennai without GATE?
Ans. Yes, as IMU CET PG is the primary entrance exam. GATE is optional and only adds weightage where applicable.
IMU Chennai MBA Admission 2026
IMU Chennai also offers MBA and PG Diploma courses and admissions are through IMU centralized counselling.
The MBA program is offered under two specializations, viz. International Transportation and Logistics Management and Port and Shipping Management.
- In the case of an MBA, candidates must have passed a bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
- To get admission, students need to appear in the Common Entrance Test, which is conducted by the university.
IMU Chennai MBA Admission FAQs
Ques. What are the career prospects after an MBA from IMU Chennai?
Ans. Graduates can work in ports and shipping companies, logistics and supply-chain firms, freight forwarding, maritime consultancy, international trade, maritime operations, and global shipping supply chain management.
Ques. What is the difficulty level of IMU CET MBA for IMU Chennai?
Ans. IIM Chennai entrance test, i.e, IMU, includes Quant, Verbal, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation. Difficulty is moderate, similar to the CMAT level.
IMU Chennai MS Admission 2026
IMU Chennai offers M.S. Research as a 2-year program. The minimum eligibility criteria for M.S. is Graduation with 55% and are based on IMU CET score
| Course |
M.S |
| Specification |
Research |
| Eligibility |
Graduation with 55 % |
IMU Chennai MS Admission FAQs
Ques. How is the evaluation done in the M.S. Research program at IMU Chennai?
Ans. Assessment is based on research progress, periodic reviews, seminar presentations, and a final thesis defense evaluated by internal and external examiners.
Ques. Can M.S students at IMU Chennai work on industry-sponsored projects?
Ans. Yes, many M.S scholars at IMU Chennai work on industry-linked research, sponsored by shipping companies, port authorities, and maritime organizations. This improves research exposure and job prospects.
IMU Chennai Ph.D Admission 2026
IMU Chennai offers Ph.D as a full-time as well as a part-time program. The admission criteria are based on the UGC Norms, and the candidate must have passed their post-graduation with 75%. The final selection is on the basis of group discussion and personal interview.
| Course |
Ph.D |
| Eligibility |
Post-Graduation with 55 % |
IMU Chennai Ph.D Admission FAQs
Ques. Does IMU Chennai offer part-time Ph.D programs?
Ans. Yes, IMU Chennai offers both full-time and part-time Ph.D programs for working professionals, faculty members, or industry researchers.
Ques. Are GATE/NET/JRF scores accepted for IMU Chennai Ph.D?
Ans. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, GATE, or equivalent national fellowship scores may receive exemption from RET.
IMU Chennai Cutoff
IMU Chennai UG and PG cutoffs range between AIR 43 and AIR 3579, with highly demanded programs such as B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, BBA, and MBA closing at stronger ranks. For NRI and overseas candidates, IMU accepts admissions through the DASA scheme, where the B.Tech DASA 2024 cutoff stood at 252585 for eligible applicants. Given below are the course-wise IMU Chennai Cutoff for 2025.
IMU Chennai IMU CET Cutoff 2025
IMU Chennai Cutoffs 2025 were from AIR 43 to 3579. BBA closed strongest at AIR 111, MBA (ITLM) near AIR 110, while B. Tech Marine Engineering and B.Sc. Nautical Science saw mid-range ranks. DNS closed higher due to larger seat intake. Tabulated below is the IMU CET CutOff 2025.
| Courses |
Round 1 (Closing Rank) |
Round 2 (Closing Rank) |
Round 3 (Closing Rank) |
| BBA (Logistics and Retail Management) |
43 |
111 |
N/A |
| MBA - International Transportation and Logistics Management |
110 |
91 |
110 |
| B.Tech Marine Engineering |
1343 |
1173 |
1343 |
| B.Sc Nautical Science |
1628 |
1319 |
1628 |
| Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) |
3579 |
2731 |
3579 |
| MBA - Port and Shipping Management |
N/A |
217 |
N/A |
IMU Chennai DASA Cutoff 2025
Admission in B.Tech programs at IMU Chennai is based on DASA score. B.Tech NASB is the top choice for students appearing in DASA. IMU Chennai DASA Cutoff 2024, for the B.Tech programs, was 252585 across all categories.
| Course |
Closing Rank 2024 |
| Naval Architecture and Ship Building |
252585 |
IMU Chennai Cutoff FAQs
Ques. How many marks are required in IMU CET to get IMU Chennai?
Ans. For top courses like B.Tech Marine Engineering and B.Sc Nautical Science, students typically need to be within the top 800-1200 rank range, depending on the category and the year’s competition.
Ques. What rank is considered safe for admission to IMU Chennai across most UG programs?
Ans. A rank within AIR 1500-2000 in IMU CET is usually considered safe for IMU Chennai’s UG programs like B.Tech Marine Engineering and B.Sc Nautical Science, while competitive programs such as BBA and certain MBA specialisations may require ranks below AIR 200.
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The BBA in Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce program at Indian Maritime University (IMU) Chennai offers promising placement opportunities. Graduates have secured positions in esteemed companies such as Leap International, Cogoport, Adani, Cisco Shipping, DB Schenker, Tokyo Freight, Bruhart Logistics, and Goodrich Logistics, with an average salary package of around INR 3 LPA. The curriculum's emphasis on practical training, including internships and industry exposure, equips students with relevant skills for logistics and supply chain management roles