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Indian Maritime University Chennai is a central university that was established in 2008 as teaching-cum-affiliating university under the aegis of the Ministry of Shipping, GOI. IMU Chennai is recognised by the DGS and approved by the UGC. It is ranked 23 in the overall category by IIRF for 2025.
- Popular Courses: B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, BBA, MBA, and M.Tech.
- Entrance Exams:
- IMU CET - For the majority of UG and PG programs.
- RET - For Ph.D candidates.
- DASA - The overseas candidate can apply through the DASA Scheme, where admission is granted based on DASA scores.
- JEE Main - Accepted for B.Tech.
- IMU Chennai University also accepts CAT/MAT/CMAT Scores for MBA Admissions.
- Placement: As per student reviews on Collegedunia, top recruiters like Fleet Management, Synergy, SCI, and Anglo Eastern visit annually IMU Chennai, offering packages up to INR 12 LPA.
- Application Period: IMU CET registrations begin in March-April each year.
- Application Fee: INR 1,000-1,500 depending on category.
IMU Chennai Important Dates 2026
IMU Chennai follows its own entrance exam cycle through IMU CET conducted nationwide. Below are the important dates for the 2026 admission cycle.
IMU Chennai UG Admission Dates 2026
IMU Chennai important dates of IMU CET and JEE Mains are given below for B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, DNS, and BBA admission.
JEE Main Exam Dates 2026
IMU CET Exam Dates 2026
IMU Chennai PG Admission Dates 2026
IMU Chennai admits students to its MBA programs through CAT, CMAT, and to M.Tech programs through IMU CET PG. Given below are important dates for IMU Chennai PG admission cycle to ensure timely registration and counselling participation.
GATE Exam Dates 2026
IMU CET PG Exam Dates 2026
| Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| 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 Important Admission Dates FAQs
Ques. Does IMU Chennai accept late or offline admissions?
Ans.IMU strictly follows its centralised IMU CET schedule. No management quota, late entry, or direct admissions are allowed.
Ques. What happens if I miss counselling deadlines for IMU Chennai?
Ans. If you miss counselling deadlines, you lose eligibility for seat allotment at IMU Chennai and will need to wait for the next IMU CET admission.
IMU Chennai Courses and Fees 2026
At the UG level, IMU Chennai offers B.Sc, B.Tech and BBA, whereas at the PG Level it offers MBA. IMU Chennai also offers doctoral and diploma programs. Here is brief information on IMU Chennai Courses and Fees.
| Course Name | Course Details | Eligibility Criteria | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc | Duration: 3 Years Specializations: Nautical Science First-Year Fee: INR 2.75 Lakhs. |
10+2 or equivalent (PCM with a minimum 60% and a minimum of 50% marks in the English subject in 12th Examination). | INR 8.35 Lakhs |
| B.Tech | Duration: 3 Years Specializations: Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, and Ocean Engineering. First Year Fee: INR 2.45 Lakhs |
10+2/equivalent in PCM with a minimum of 60% and a minimum of 50% marks in the English subject in the 12th Examination. |
INR 11.1 Lakhs |
| BBA | Duration: 3 Years Specializations: Logistics, Retailing, and E-Commerce. First-Year Fees: INR 75,000 |
10+2/equivalent with a minimum 50% of aggregated marks in any stream and a minimum of 50% marks in the English subject in the 10th / 12th Examination. | INR 3.25 Lakhs |
| MBA | Duration: 2 Years Specialization: International Transportation and Logistics Management, Port and Shipping Management, and many more. First Year Fee: INR 1.75 Lakhs |
A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% in aggregate marks from recognized universities and a minimum of 50% marks in the English subject in 10th / 12th / UG Degree | INR 4.2 Lakhs |
| Diploma | Duration: 1 Year Specialisation: Maritime and Allied Fields, etc. First Year Fee: INR 1.4 -1.5 Lakhs |
10+2 with 60% |
INR 2.85 Lakhs |
| M.S | Duration: 2 Years Specialisation: Research First Year Fee: INR 2.5 - 2.8 Lakhs |
Graduation with 55%, IMU CET |
INR 7.1 Lakhs |
| PG Diploma | Duration: 1 Year Specialisation: Logistics, Shipping and Allied Fields First Year Fee: INR 1.8 -2 Lakhs |
Graduation with 50% |
INR 3.65 Lakhs |
| Ph.D | Minimum Duration: 3 Years Specialisation: Maritime Studies, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture and Allied Areas First Year Fee: INR 1 -1.5 Lakhs |
Post-Graduation with 60% | INR 2.2 Lakhs - 4.9 Lakhs |
| M.Tech | Duration: 2 Years Specializations: Marine Engineering and Management, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Dredging and Harbour Engineering First Year Fee: INR 2.25 -2.75 Lakhs |
Graduation with 55%, GATE |
INR 4.2 Lakhs |
What Students Think About IMU Chennai: Review by College Ninja
“Talking about curriculum, it's all needed on board. It's better to choose BSc over DNS because what you study in BSc helps you to get promoted to chief mates. While DNS guys have to study a lot on board and have to give a lot more exams than us and have much sailing time.”- Read More
IMU Chennai Courses Top FAQs
Ques. Which course is best in IMU Chennai for high-paying jobs?
Ans. B.Sc Nautical Science and B.Tech Marine Engineering are considered the top choices for high-paying careers at Indian Maritime University, as they directly lead to shipboard roles such as Deck Officer or Marine Engineer, where salaries can rise rapidly after sea-time completion.
Ques. What is the procedure for making a query on admissions to IMU courses?
Ans. To make an admission-related query at IMU Chennai, students must visit the official IMU website and submit their details through the Admission Enquiry / Helpdesk form. After submission, the university responds via email or phone with guidance on eligibility.
IMU Chennai Rankings 2026
IMU Chennai has been ranked 167 by Collegedunia in BBA/BMS programs for 2025. The table below shows IMU Chennai Ranking by various prestigious agencies.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia | BBA/BMS | 167 |
| IIRF | Overall | 23 |
IMU Chennai Admission 2026
Admission at IMU Chennai is entrance-based, whereas courses, such as BBA, have merit-based admission, followed by centralized counselling. Indian Maritime University Chennai Admission is offered at the UG and PG levels primarily through IMU CET. For specific PG programs, it also accepts CAT, CMAT, and GATE scores in addition to IMU CET PG. Candidates are shortlisted based on their entrance scores and must participate in the centralised IMU Counselling process.
IMU CET Application Process 2026
Candidates need to register for IMU CET online through the university registration portal. Application fee has to be submitted online and is non-refundable.
- For UG and PG programs except BBA, the application fee is INR 1000 (INR 700 in case of SC/ST candidates).
- For the BBA Program, the Registration Fee payable is INR 200 for all except candidates from the SC/ST category have to pay INR 140.
Steps for filling the IMU CET Online Application form
- Step 1: After the 'Basic Registration', i.e., once the candidate clicks on the 'Submit' button in the Basic Registration Page, the system will generate the Application Number and send it to the candidate by Email and SMS.
- Step 2: In the 'Detailed Registration' section, students will have to fill up additional details such as Address for Correspondence, Educational Details, Preferred Choice of Exam Cities, etc., followed by uploading of relevant scanned documents.
- Step 3: Upon successful online payment of the Registration Fee, a receipt will be generated, and the student should take a printout of it for future correspondence
- Step 4: If the Class 12/UG Degree Exam results are awaited at the time of Online Registration, the candidate may choose the 'Awaiting Results' option.
IMU Chennai Admission Process
The infographic below explains the IMU Chennai admission process.
IMU Chennai Counselling Process
After qualifying the accepted entrance exams, candidates must participate in the centralised IMU counselling, which includes choice filling for courses and campuses. Seats are allotted round-wise based on rank, category, and preferences. Once a seat is offered, candidates must confirm it by paying the admission fee and completing medical fitness verification for marine courses before reporting to IMU Chennai for final admission.
Indian Maritime University Admission FAQs
Ques. If I am a foreign national, how can I take admission in IMU Chennai?
Ans. IMU Chennai admission to both UG and PG courses is done through the DASA Scheme for foreign students through the MHRD Scheme.
Ques. How important are medical fitness and eyesight standards for IMU Chennai admission?
Ans. Medical fitness is equally important as the IMU CET rank. Candidates must pass the DG Shipping-approved medical test, including eyesight standards. Even if a candidate has a high rank, failure in the medical test can result in cancellation of admission for courses like DNS, B.Sc NS, and B.Tech Marine Engineering.
IMU Chennai Cutoff
IMU Chennai recorded a competitive IMU CET 2025 cutoff between AIR 43 to 3579, with top programs like BBA, MBA, and Marine Engineering closing at stronger ranks. For NRI applicants, the DASA 2024 cutoff for B.Tech programs was 252585. Given below are the course-wise IMU Chennai Cutoff for 2025.
IMU Chennai IMU CET Cutoff 2025
IMU Chennai witnessed a competitive admission cycle in 2025, with IMU CET cutoff scores between 43 to 3579 across all UG and PG programs.
- Among all courses, BBA (Logistics and Retail Management) recorded the highest demand, closing at an AIR 111.
- MBA in ITLM also saw strong competition with a cutoff of 110 in Round 1.
- Technical programs such as B.Tech Marine Engineering and B.Sc Nautical Science saw mid-range cutoffs, whereas DNS had the highest closing rank due to its larger intake and wider applicant pool.
| 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.
- As per IMU Chennai DASA Cutoff 2024, the overall cutoff for B.Tech programs in Round 1 is 252585 across all categories.
- B.Tech Naval Architecture and Ship Building is the top choice for students appearing in DASA.
| Course | Closing Rank 2024 |
|---|---|
| Naval Architecture and Ship Building | 252585 |
IMU Chennai Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What marks should I score in IMU CET for a top 200 rank at IMU Chennai?
Ans. You should score at least 165 marks out of 200 for a good rank. However, IMU Chennai does not reveal the marks secured instead, they provide the All India Rank. Last year, approximately 16,000 students qualified for the entrance test, out of which only 1,500 secured their seats at IMU.
Ques. Does sponsorship affect IMU Chennai DNS and Nautical Science cutoffs?
Ans. Yes, DNS and Nautical Science cutoffs are significantly influenced by sponsorship availability. In years when more shipping companies conduct sponsorship drives, more candidates qualify early, resulting in higher competition for cutoffs. Reduced sponsorship availability often leads to higher closing ranks.
IMU Chennai Scholarships
Indian Maritime University, Chennai, helps students who are eager to earn a higher degree in their area of study. The scholarships and awards are offered on the basis of merit and other factors. Here is a list of IMU Chennai Scholarships.
- Maritime Training Trust
- Institute of Marine Engineers, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India
- Winnie Sun's Scholarship, Gurgaon, Haryana State
- Endowment/Scholarship for SC/ST students by Mumbai Port Trust/VOC
IMU Chennai Scholarship FAQs
Ques. What is the maximum amount of scholarship one can get at IMU Chennai?
Ans. IMU offers full fee waivers in various programs under various schemes. Further, the maximum amount of scholarship one can get at IMU Chennai is INR 1,00,000.
Ques. Does IMU offer scholarships?
Ans. Yes, IMU offers scholarships based on merit and means. Various state government agencies offer a post-matric scholarship for OBC, ST, SC, and Minority Communities. IMU gives a helping hand to all students to avail various benefits under scholarships given by the Centre and States.
IMU Chennai Campus and Facilities
Indian Maritime University, Chennai campus, offers modern facilities to students to cater to their needs. The following is a brief about the IMU Chennai:
- Library: There is a rich collection of more than 8000 books, 40 journals/ periodicals, projects, magazines, etc. IMU has one of the largest Maritime Libraries in the country.
- Hostels: The hostel can accommodate 250 students with world-class facilities. They have access to a gym, swimming pool, routine health check-up, and emergencies. A guest house and staff quarters are also located on the campus.
- Classrooms: The campus has 23 modern and well-equipped classrooms with audio and visual aids. Students can also get hands-on training in workshops and machine shops.
Main Block
IMU Chennai Campus
Marine Hostel
IMU Chennai Campus FAQs
Ques. How is life at IMU Chennai?
Ans. It has a picturesque campus located at the seaside on East Coast Road. The administrative staff follows a proper schedule for examinations and academics. The university also has a good number of students placed in reputed organizations.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation mandatory for IMU Chennai students?
Ans. Yes, for residential maritime programs like B.Tech, B.Sc Nautical Science, and DNS, hostel accommodation is compulsory as per DG Shipping guidelines to maintain daily training schedules and structured fitness routines required for seafaring careers.
IMU Chennai Alumni
Some of the notable alumni at IMU Chennai are given below.
| Name | Current Designation | Program Enrolled |
|---|---|---|
| Capt. Pankaj Kapoor | Master Mariner, Fleet Management Ltd. | B.Sc Nautical Science |
| Capt. S. Vijay Menon | Senior Captain, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management | B.Sc Nautical Science |
| Mr. Ramesh Subramanian | Naval Architect, Larsen and Toubro | B.Tech Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering |
| Mr. Abhinav Reddy | Marine Engineer, MOL Tankers | B.Tech Marine Engineering |
| Ms. Priya S. | Logistics Analyst, DP World | MBA - Port and Shipping Management |
| Dr. K. Aarav | Maritime Research Scientist, NIOT | M.Tech Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering |
| Capt. Rahul K. | Training Superintendent, Synergy Marine Group | DNS / Nautical Science Pathway |
IMU Chennai vs IMU Kolkata vs IMU Mumbai
IMU Chennai, IMU Kolkata, and IMU Mumbai are the top three Central University maritime campuses, each specializing in a different core area of the merchant navy career path.
- IMU Chennai excels in academic depth, PG programs, and research.
- IMU Kolkata (MERI) is the number one government option for Marine Engineering, known for its legacy and workshops.
- IMU Mumbai is considered the best for Nautical Science and DNS, offering top-quality deck training and high placement rates.
The comparison below helps students in deciding their career path in the merchant navy.
| Particulars | IMU Chennai (HQ Campus) | IMU Kolkata (MERI Campus) | IMU Mumbai Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Type | Central University | Central University Campus | Central University Campus |
| Established | 2008 (HQ) | 1949 (MERI) then merged into IMU | 1927 (LBS / TS Dufferin legacy), then IMU Campus |
| Known For | Marine Engg., Nautical Science, MBA, M.Tech, Maritime Law | Marine Engineering (Strongest in India) | Nautical Science, Pre-Sea Training, Maritime Studies |
| Academic Strength | Best overall, research, PG programs | Technical engineering depth | Strong Nautical training, maritime operations |
| Courses Offered | B.Tech ME, B.Sc NS, DNS, MBA, M.Tech, LLM | B.Tech ME, B.Sc NS, DNS | B.Sc. Nautical Science, DNS, Maritime Training |
| Legacy | Youngest but HQ, modern | Oldest and prestigious | Oldest seafaring training legacy. |
| Infrastructure | Advanced simulators, bridge labs, research blocks | Heavy marine workshops, engineering labs | High-quality simulators, navigation labs |
| Placement Rate | 85-95% | 80-90% | 90-95% |
| Top Recruiters | Maersk, Synergy, MSC, NYK, MOL, Fleet | SCI, Great Eastern, Fleet, Synergy | Fleet Management, Scorpio, Maersk, Synergy |
| Fees | Moderate | Lowest among IMU campuses | Moderate |
| Best For | All-round maritime education, PG | Marine Engineering specialization | Nautical training, DNS/Sea time pathways |
| Student Crowd | Mixed (Engineering, MBA, LLM, and PG) | Mostly engineering-focused | Mostly seafarers, nautical stream students |
| Campus Vibe | University, research, and environment | Pure engineering and technical campus | Nautical and maritime training discipline |
| Career Path Fit | Marine, research, and port sector | Marine Engineering | Navigating Officer |
Why Choose IMU Chennai?
- Premier Central Maritime University with national credibility.
- Advanced bridge simulators, marine workshops, and labs.
- Best blend of marine degree, research, and placements.
- Moderate fees with excellent return on investment.
- Strong alumni network across shipping, ports, logistics, and the navy sectors.
Overall, IMU Chennai is ideal for students wanting both maritime careers and academic growth.
Comments
Found 43 Comments
Indian Maritime University (IMU) Chennai does not offer a B.Sc. Nursing or any nursing course. The Chennai campus provides maritime-related programs like B.Sc. (Nautical Science), B.Tech (Marine Engineering), MBA, and related courses, all focused on the shipping and maritime industry, not healthcare or nursing. Admission to these UG courses is through IMU-CET and is for a maritime career
Admissions to Diploma Nautical Science at IMU Chennai are based on IMU-CET. Candidates must have completed 10+2 with 60% to be eligible for admission. The total fees for the Diploma Nautical Science program at IMU Chennai is INR 2.85 Lakhs.
You have completed 10+2 with at least 60% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and a minimum of 50% in English. Register for the Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET) on IMU's official website. This exam is mandatory for DNS admissions. Based on your IMU-CET rank, participate in the counseling process for seat allocation.
To apply for the exam, IMU CET 2024 application fee of INR 1000 for General /General-EWS/ OBC (NCL) and INR 700 for SC/ST candidates. Indian Maritime University (IMU) Chennai Admission 2024 is open for UG & PG courses and the last date for online registration is May 05, 2024 through IMU CET 2024
MU CET 2024 Application Form has been released on 18th March 2024 for various UG & PG courses. The Last date for Online Registration is 5th May 2024.
Since their MBAs are maritime-focused viz. Logistics, Port Management, IMU likely has its own entrance exam i.e. IMU CET to assess industry-prone knowledge. However, MAT/CAT/CMAT scores are also considered and will be exepmted from IMU CET.
Yes, admission to the UG/PG courses at IMU Chennai is done based on CUET UG/PG exam followed by counselling and you must have passed 12th with 50% or more in relevant discipline to be eligible.
Nautical science is all about ensuring safety, navigation and efficient operation of ships at sea. It helps you gain knowledge and skills to navigate, operate, and handle a ship. This includes using navigational tools, understanding weather patterns, and maritime laws.
The last date to apply for IMU CET is May 5th 2024 and is to be conducted by June 8th 2024.
Admissions to the various UG and PG programs (except the BBA course) offered by IMU and its affiliated institutes will be done through the IMU Common Entrance Test (CET) usually conducted in May/ June by the university. To apply for IMU CET, the registration fee is INR 1000 for General candidates and INR 700 for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates.
The admissions are available at present for PHD courses. The admission dates of other courses are not yet released. They are expected to be released soon.
Indian Maritime University CET 2024 Application Form will be released in the second week of April 2024.
Click on the below link to get the course wise fee structure of Indian Maritime University
Link: Indian Maritime University Chennai Courses and Fees
Yes, there are hostel facilities available in Indian Maritime University.
The per year fee of B.Tech. is INR 2.25 lacs. The total fee is INR 6.75 lacs.
If you want to follow courses based on marine, then you need to have passed 12th with 50% or more and then appear for IMU CET exam to get admission.
Click on the below link to get all the details regarding IMU Chennai courses, fees, scholarship, admission etc.
Link: IMU Chennai Overview
Aspirants seeking admission to 1 year Full-time Program should have passed 10+2/equivalent (PCM Average-Minimum 60%) with minimum of 50%marks in English subject in 10th/12th Examination.
Admission to DNS course at IMU Chennai is done based on IMU-CET exam followed by counselling.
b.tech fee structure?
The total fee of IMU B.Tech. is INR 6.75 lacs. The per year fee is INR 2.25 lacs.