The Indian Maritime University (IMU) has announced the IMU CET 2026 (Common Entrance Test) for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its six campuses and affiliated institutes. The university has opened online registration from 5th February 2026, with the last date to apply being 24th April 2026.
The IMU CET 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for students aspiring to build a career in the maritime sector, including nautical science, marine engineering, naval architecture, port management, and logistics.
IMU CET 2026 Overview
IMU CET 2026 is conducted by the Indian Maritime University for admission to diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes in maritime studies. The entrance test is mandatory for admission to DGS (Directorate General of Shipping) approved programmes across all Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) in India.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IMU CET 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Maritime University |
| Programmes Offered | UG (B.Tech, B.Sc, DNS), PG (M.Tech, MBA), BBA |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | imu.edu.in |
IMU CET 2026: Important Dates
Candidates applying for IMU CET 2026 must adhere to the official schedule. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Online Registration Start Date (UG/PG) | 5 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online (UG/PG) | 24 April 2026 |
| Online Registration Start Date (BBA) | 15 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online (BBA) | 17 June 2026 |
| IMU CET Exam Date | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Programme Commencement | 1 August 2026 |
Note: Changes, if any, will be notified on IMU’s official website
IMU CET 2026 Programmes Offered
The Indian Maritime University offers various residential and non-residential programmes across four major schools:
School of Nautical Studies
- B.Sc. (Nautical Science) – 3 years
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) – 1 year
School of Marine Engineering & Technology
- B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) – 4 years
- M.Tech. (Marine Technology) – 2 years
- Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Engineering (PGDME) – 1 year
School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
- B.Tech. (Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering) – 4 years
- B.Tech. (Naval Architecture & Ship Building) – 4 years
- M.Tech. (Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering) – 2 years
- M.Tech. (Dredging & Harbour Engineering) – 2 years
- M.Tech. (Environmental Engineering) – 2 years
School of Maritime Management
- BBA (Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce) – 3 years
- BBA (Maritime Logistics – Apprenticeship embedded) – 3 years
- MBA (Port & Shipping Management) – 2 years
- MBA (International Transportation & Logistics Management) – 2 years
- MBA (Port & Shipping Logistics) – Joint degree with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya
- MBA (Maritime Management) – Online mode
- Post Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law – Online mode
Research Programmes
- Ph.D. (Full Time/Part Time/Integrated)
- M.S. (By Research)
Also Read: NEET UG 2026 Registration Begins
IMU CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific age, academic, and medical standards to be eligible for the entrance test. These criteria vary between UG and PG levels.
Age Limit
| Programme | Category | Maximum Age (Male) | Maximum Age (Female) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG Programmes | General | 25 years | 27 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 28 years | 30 years | |
| SC/ST | 30 years | 32 years | |
| PG Programmes | All categories | No age restriction | No age restriction |
Age calculation reference date: 1 August 2026
Educational Qualification
For B.Sc. (Nautical Science) & B.Tech. (Marine Engineering)
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) with minimum 60% aggregate
- Minimum 50% marks in English in 10th or 12th examination
- Candidate must be unmarried
- Valid IMU CET rank
For B.Tech. (Naval Architecture programmes)
- 10+2 with PCM with minimum 60% aggregate
- Minimum 50% marks in English in 10th or 12th
- Valid IMU CET rank
For DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)
- 10+2 with PCM (minimum 60% aggregate) with 50% in English
- OR B.Sc. in Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/Electronics with 55% in final year
- OR B.E./B.Tech. from IIT/AICTE recognized college with 50% in final year
- Candidate must be unmarried
- Valid IMU CET rank
For BBA Programmes
- 10+2 with minimum 50% aggregate marks in any stream
- Minimum 50% marks in English in 10th or 12th
For M.Tech. Programmes
- B.E./B.Tech. in relevant engineering discipline with 55% aggregate
- Valid IMU CET rank (GATE/CUET-PG/PGCET scores also accepted)
For MBA Programmes
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50% aggregate
- Minimum 50% marks in English in 10th/12th/UG degree
- Valid IMU CET rank (CAT/MAT/CMAT scores also accepted)
Relaxation for SC/ST Candidates
- 5% relaxation in eligibility marks for PCM aggregate
- No relaxation in English marks
Medical & Physical Fitness
For DGS approved programmes (DNS, B.Sc. NS, B.Tech. ME), candidates must meet medical standards prescribed by the Directorate General of Shipping, including specific eye sight requirements and color vision testing.
Also Read: UN Geneva GSP 2026, Apply Online for 64th Graduate Study Programme of United Nations
Application Fee
| Category | UG Technical Programmes | BBA Programme | PG Programmes | Research Programmes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC (NCL) | ₹2,000 | ₹200 | ₹2,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC/ST | ₹1,500 | ₹140 | ₹1,500 | ₹800 |
Application fee is non-refundable
How to Apply for IMU CET 2026
Candidates must apply online through the official IMU website. No offline applications will be accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Step 1: Visit the official IMU website at imu.edu.in
Step 2: Click on “Admissions” section on the homepage
Step 3: Select “IMU CET 2026 Registration”
Step 4: Complete basic registration with email ID and mobile number
Step 5: Fill the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details
Step 6: Upload required documents (photograph, signature, certificates)
Step 7: Pay the application fee online via debit card/credit card/net banking/UPI
Step 8: Submit the application and download the confirmation page
Note: Photograph should contain name and date (DD/MM/YYYY format) taken on or after 1 January 2026
IMU CET 2026 Notification PDF
The IMU CET 2026 Notification PDF (Prospectus 2026-27) has been released on the official website. The prospectus contains comprehensive information about available programmes, eligibility criteria, age limits, application procedures, fee structure, syllabus, and selection process. Candidates are advised to carefully read the IMU CET 2026 Notification PDF before applying to understand all requirements and avoid application errors.
Download IMU CET 2026 Notification PDF from the official website
IMU CET Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is a 3-hour computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in English.
For UG Technical Programmes
- Total Questions: 200 (Multiple Choice)
- Subjects: English, General Aptitude, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (Class 12 level)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
For M.Tech. Programmes
- Total Questions: 120 (Multiple Choice)
- Subjects: English, Mathematics, and one of Mechanical/Civil/Marine Engineering/Naval Architecture
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
For MBA Programmes
- Total Questions: 120 (Multiple Choice)
- Subjects: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, Reasoning
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
Also Read: IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Exam Date OUT, Registration for IAT 2026 Begins on March 5
IMU CET Selection Process 2026
For IMU Campuses:
- IMU CET 2026 rank
- Online counselling and choice filling
- Seat allotment (1st, 2nd, 3rd lists)
- Seat confirmation by paying programme fee (₹30,000 non-refundable)
- Certificate verification
- Admission
For Affiliated Institutes:
Candidates with IMU CET rank certificate can directly approach affiliated institutes for admission as per their respective admission procedures.
Additional counselling fee: ₹10,000 (₹9,000 refundable if seat not allotted)
Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC (NCL) | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwBD (BBA/MBA only) | 5% |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 7 seats |
| Lakshadweep | 10 seats |
| North Eastern States + Sikkim | 40 seats |
| J&K and Ladakh | 10 seats |
NCC Incentive:
- C Certificate: 5% bonus marks
- B Certificate: 3% bonus marks
- A Certificate: 2% bonus marks
Career Opportunities After IMU
Graduates from IMU programmes have excellent career prospects in:
- Shipping Companies – Deck Officers, Marine Engineers
- Ports & Terminals – Operations, Management
- Shipbuilding & Ship Repair – Design, Construction
- Maritime Logistics – Supply Chain, Freight Management
- Classification Societies – Surveyors, Technical Officers
- Offshore Industry – Oil & Gas platforms
- Government Organizations – Indian Navy, Coast Guard, DG Shipping
- Consultancy & Research – Maritime policy, technology
Top Recruiters: Shipping Corporation of India, Anglo-Eastern, Maersk, MSC, Adani Ports, DP World, ONGC, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and many more.
Scholarships Available
IMU students can avail various scholarships:
- National Scholarship Portal schemes
- State Government SC/ST/OBC scholarships
- Maritime Training Trust (MTT) scholarship for female seafarers (₹1,00,000)
- Prime Minister Scholarship schemes
- Industry scholarships from SCI, Synergy Maritime, MSC, BWGlobal
- Merit-based scholarships from IMU
