Skip to content
+91-7065888804 Capitol Tower, Survey Chowk, Dehradun
Officers Maritime Academy logo Officers Maritime AcademyIMU CET Compass, Dehradun

DNS sponsorship

The Diploma in Nautical Science is the fastest way to become a deck officer after Class 12. A shipping company sponsors you, you study for one year, then sail as a deck cadet. We prepare you for IMU CET and for the company tests and interviews that decide sponsorship.

Join after
Class 12 with PCM
At the academy
1 year
At sea
About 18 months
Leads to
Second Mate CoC

What is DNS?

DNS is a one-year diploma run by IMU-affiliated institutes, almost always with a shipping company as your sponsor. After the diploma you join the company's ships as a deck cadet for about 18 months, then come back for a final semester and the Second Mate exam.

You finish with the Second Mate certificate of competency from DG Shipping and a B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science) from IMU. From there you can work up to Chief Officer and Master.

How DNS works, step by step

  1. Get sponsored

    Clear a shipping company's sponsorship test, interview and medical.

  2. Qualify IMU CET

    Take the IMU entrance exam and secure a valid rank.

  3. One year at the institute

    Navigation, seamanship, cargo work, ship stability and safety training.

  4. About 18 months at sea

    Sail on your sponsor company's ships as a deck cadet and complete your training record book.

  5. Final semester and exams

    Return for the last semester, then sit the Second Mate oral and written exams.

  6. Third Officer

    With your Second Mate certificate, you join as Third Officer.

Eligibility

Class 12Physics, Chemistry and Maths with at least 60% aggregate in PCM
EnglishAt least 50% in English in Class 10 or Class 12
AgeIMU limit: up to 25 years for General, 28 for OBC-NCL and 30 for SC/ST, with 2 more years for women. Many shipping companies set a lower limit for sponsorship, often 20 to 23 years.
Marital statusUnmarried, for sea-going programmes
Eyesight6/6 in each eye without glasses or lenses, and no colour blindness
MedicalFit as per DG Shipping medical standards, certified by a DGS approved doctor
PassportA valid Indian passport, often needed at the time of admission

Rules vary by company. Each shipping company sets its own age limit, cut-off and selection steps. We track sponsorship openings through the season and check each one with you.

How sponsorship selection works

  1. Register

    Apply to company sponsorship drives and register for IMU CET. Most drives open between January and April.

  2. Online test

    English, maths, physics and reasoning, often with a psychometric or personality section.

  3. Interview

    A panel interview, sometimes with a group discussion. Expect questions on motivation, basic science and the shipping industry.

  4. Medical

    A full medical, including eyesight and colour vision, by a company or DGS approved doctor.

  5. Sponsorship letter

    Selected candidates receive a provisional sponsorship letter from the company.

Career path

  • Deck Cadet
  • Third Officer
  • Second Officer
  • Chief Officer
  • Master

How we prepare you

  • Company sponsorship test practice, including the psychometric section
  • Full IMU CET coaching in all six sections, with previous year questions
  • Mock interviews and group discussions
  • Updates on sponsorship openings and help with application forms
  • An early eyesight and medical check, so there are no surprises

Questions about DNS

What does sponsorship actually mean?

A shipping company selects you as its cadet before you start training. It ties up with a training institute and gives you a berth on its ships for your 18 months of cadet sea time. Without that sea time you cannot sit for the Second Mate exam, which is why sponsorship matters so much for DNS.

Do I still need IMU CET if I get sponsorship?

Yes. DNS is an IMU programme, so you must qualify IMU CET as well as clear the company's own selection.

Can I wear glasses for DNS?

No. Deck officers need 6/6 vision in each eye without glasses or lenses, and normal colour vision. Get your eyes checked before you start preparing.

Do I get a degree after DNS?

Yes. After the diploma, your sea time and the final semester, IMU awards a B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science) along with your Second Mate certificate of competency.

Career path

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).

  1. Deck CadetTraining at sea
  2. Third OfficerSecond Mate CoC
  3. Second OfficerSecond Mate CoC
  4. Chief OfficerChief Mate CoC
  5. MasterMaster CoC

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.

Call +91-7065888804 Chat on WhatsApp