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Sciencemaritime and shipping

Ship Captain

Ship Captains (Masters) lead commercial vessels, handle navigation, safety and cargo operations, and manage the crew. In India the route normally begins after 10+2 (PCM) with pre-sea training such as B.Sc. Nautical Science or DNS, followed by mandated sea-time and DG Shipping competency certifications to qualify as a Captain.

Salary range
₹3–60 LPA
Job growth
high
Work type
Field
Paths to entry
3 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Choose science stream with PCM as a likely path to maritime careers.
  • Attend maritime awareness workshops or campus talks to learn about pre-sea courses.
  • Keep fitness, eyesight and medical eligibility in mind; start regular swimming training.

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Ship Captain

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

B.Sc. Nautical Science
Science

After graduation complete required sea service and DG Shipping competency exams to be certified as a Deck Officer and progress to Captain.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    MHT CET
  3. Degree
    B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 years) + mandatory sea-time and competency exams
  4. Colleges
    Indian Maritime University · Tolani Maritime Institute · International Maritime Institute
  5. Career
    Ship Captain
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
Science

DNS is a focused pre-sea route that shortens the academic timeline but still requires sea-time and STCW training.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    MHT CET
  3. Degree
    Diploma in Nautical Science (1 year pre-sea) followed by sea apprenticeship and certification
  4. Colleges
    International Maritime Institute · Tolani Maritime Institute · Marine Engineering Training Institute
  5. Career
    Ship Captain
B.Tech Marine Engineering (engineering route)
Science

This path primarily produces engineering officers; becoming a Captain from this track requires extra qualifications and extensive service.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    JEE Main
  3. Degree
    B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years) — primary route for engineering officers; conversion to deck roles needs additional certifications and sea-time
  4. Colleges
    Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur · Cochin University of Science and Technology
  5. Career
    Ship Captain

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
JEE Main
NTA
Class 12 PCMVery HardJan & Apr
MHT CET
Maharashtra State CET Cell
Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred)MediumApr-May

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

Indian Maritime University
Tolani Maritime Institute
International Maritime Institute
Marine Engineering Training Institute
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.