What is BNS?
BNS, or B.Sc Nautical Science, is a residential degree at IMU campuses and DG Shipping approved institutes. Over six semesters you study navigation, ship handling, cargo work, meteorology, ship stability and maritime law, with simulator and bridge training.
After the degree you join a ship as a deck cadet for 12 months, then sit the Second Mate exams. Admission is through your IMU CET rank. Some shipping companies also sponsor BNS cadets, which secures your sea time in advance.
BNS or DNS?
| BNS | DNS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | B.Sc Nautical Science | Diploma in Nautical Science |
| At the academy | 3 years | 1 year |
| Cadet sea time | 12 months | About 18 months |
| Sponsorship | Helpful, not always needed | Almost always needed |
| Entrance | IMU CET | IMU CET and company selection |
| Suits you if | You want a full degree on campus first | You want to reach sea quickly |
Not sure which suits you? Read about DNS sponsorship, or call us and we will look at your marks and age with you.
Eligibility
| Class 12 | Physics, Chemistry and Maths with at least 60% aggregate in PCM |
|---|---|
| English | At least 50% in English in Class 10 or Class 12 |
| Age | IMU limit: up to 25 years for General, 28 for OBC-NCL and 30 for SC/ST, with 2 more years for women. Individual institutes and sponsoring companies may set a lower limit. |
| Marital status | Unmarried, for sea-going programmes |
| Eyesight | 6/6 in each eye without glasses or lenses, and no colour blindness |
| Medical | Fit as per DG Shipping medical standards, certified by a DGS approved doctor |
| Passport | A valid Indian passport, often needed at the time of admission |
Check the current notice. IMU publishes the eligibility rules every year with the IMU CET notification. We go through the latest one with you before you apply.
How admission works
- Register for IMU CET
Registration usually opens a few months before the exam. Students still in Class 12 can apply with results awaited.
- Write IMU CET
A three-hour online test with 200 questions, usually in May or June.
- Counselling
Register for IMU's online counselling with your rank and choose your campus or institute.
- Medical and documents
A DGS approved medical and original certificates at the time of admission.
- Three years of study
Six semesters of theory, simulators and practical training.
- 12 months at sea, then Second Mate
Sail as a deck cadet, then sit the Second Mate exams.
With sponsorship: a company runs its own test, interview and medical, then sends you to its partner institute. You still need a valid IMU CET rank.
Career path
- Deck Cadet
- Third Officer
- Second Officer
- Chief Officer
- Master
How we prepare you
- Full IMU CET coaching to push your rank up, so you get a better campus in counselling
- Company sponsorship test practice, including the psychometric section
- Mock interviews and group discussions
- Help with IMU counselling choices and documents
- An early eyesight and medical check
Questions about BNS
Can I do B.Sc Nautical Science without sponsorship?
Yes. You can get a seat through your IMU CET rank and counselling. But after the degree you still need 12 months of sea time as a deck cadet, and finding a ship on your own can take time. Company sponsorship gives you that berth in advance.
Is B.Sc Nautical Science better than DNS?
Both lead to the Second Mate certificate. DNS gets you to sea faster. BNS gives you three years on campus and a full degree before you sail. Choose BNS if you want the full college experience, or if you do not get DNS sponsorship this year.
How much sea time do I need after BNS?
12 months as a deck cadet, compared with about 18 months after DNS. After that you can sit for the Second Mate exam.
The deck ladder
Every officer route ends at the same place: command of a ship, or of its engine room. Each step up needs sea time and a DG Shipping certificate of competency (CoC).
- Deck CadetTraining at sea
- Third OfficerSecond Mate CoC
- Second OfficerSecond Mate CoC
- Chief OfficerChief Mate CoC
- MasterMaster CoC
- Engine CadetTrainee Marine Engineer
- Fourth EngineerMEO Class IV
- Third EngineerMEO Class IV
- Second EngineerMEO Class II
- Chief EngineerMEO Class I
DNS and B.Sc Nautical Science lead to the deck ladder. GME leads to the engine ladder. GP Ratings sail as crew: Trainee OS, OS, AB and Bosun on deck, or Wiper, Motorman and Fitter in the engine room. With sea time and further exams, a rating can move up to officer rank.
Not sure which route fits you?
Tell us your marks, age and eyesight. We will tell you honestly which courses you qualify for and what to do next.