Indian Maritime University (IMU) - Chennai

About

Indian Maritime University (IMU) has been established as a Central University by the Government of India by an Act of Parliament, namely, the Indian Maritime University Act, 2008. The ‘Act’ was brought into force on 14th November 2008 and notified in the Gazette of India.  The institute is a public central university directly under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in India, established to develop trained human resources for the Maritime sector.  It deals with a wide range of topics related to the sea, ranging from Oceanography to Maritime law and history, and including practical topics such as Search and Rescue at sea and the Transportation of dangerous goods. It is India's prestigious national institute for the training of Merchant Navy Officers.   Indian Maritime University (IMU) is the only recognized university in the country which offers education in the field of maritime.

Before the foundation of IMU, there were seven renowned teaching and research institutes under the Ministry of Shipping.  IMU is a teaching-cum-affiliating University established to provide quality Maritime Education, Training and Research by merging the 7 erstwhile institutes having a strong legacy in maritime education and training.   Following institutes were subsumed under IMU in 2008: 

National Maritime Academy, Chennai

• T. S. Chanakya, Mumbai
• Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies & Research, Mumbai
• Marine Engineering Research Institute, Mumbai
• Marine Engineering Research Institute, Kolkata
• Indian Institute of Port Management, Kolkata
• National Ship Design & Research Centre, Visakhapatnam

It has an All-India jurisdiction and the headquarters is at Chennai. It has six campuses in Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam. Today, 18 Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) spread across the country are affiliated to IMU.

The IMU Chennai campus has a history dating back to 1984 when the National Institute of Port Management (NIPM) was established by the Government of India as an independent body. The NIPM provided professional training courses to individuals working in the ports sector with technical assistance from UNDP. Later it came to be known as National Maritime Academy and after the formation of IMU in 2008 , it is now known as Indian Maritime University - Chennai campus. 

Indian Maritime University-Chennai Campus is located on a 20 acre scenic beachfront property, a 25 km drive along the East Coast Road hugging the coastline takes one to the exquisitely designed edifice, an architectural marvel, set amidst lush green sylvan surroundings. The sprawling campus houses the academic block, hostel, residential and recreational facilities.   It has modern facilities to conduct training programmes for both port and marine personnel.It has modern facilities to conduct training programmes for both port and marine personnel.

IMU-Chennai was established  with the technical assistance from UNDP / UNCTAD to offer courses of reputable standards  The Campus is accredited with ISO 9001:2015 Certification.  It was established with the technical assistance from UNDP / UNCTAD and accredited as grade 1 rating by ICRA.

It offers various Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral programs in the fields of Science, Engineering and Management to the students who wish to pursue their career in the field of marine.  IMU-Chennai offers the following academic programs:

B.Sc., in Nautical Science
B.Tech. in Marine Engineering
Diploma in Nautical Science
MBA in Port and Shipping Management
MBA in International Transportation and Logistics Management
BBA in Logistics, Retailing and E-Commerce
Post Sea / STCW Courses

Indian Maritime University Admissions are done on the basis of marks scored by the candidates in the IMU Common Entrance Test (IMUCET), which is conducted every year across the country. Indian Maritime University conducts the placements for the undergraduate, postgraduate students. The placement cell of IMU provides the graduates with all the necessary training, assisstance and facilities to appear for the placement interview.To provide a conducive and comfortable campus life for the students IMU-Chennai offers various facilities with excellent infrastructure including Library, Laboratory, hostel, Playground, Canteen, Auditorium as well as Scholarship and Education loan.

IMU-Chennai aims to achieve a high degree of excellence and to become renowned as a University of Global standing. The University has plans to introduce an assortment of new courses based on the versatile needs of the Maritime sector. Within a year of its inception, the University has already set high standards in the field of maritime education and training. With its dedicated team of faculty members, experts from the industry as visiting faculty and enthusiastic student community, the University will continue to strive for excellence in the field of maritime education, training, and research.The Maritime India Vision 2030 of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways envisages India to become a top seafaring nation with world class education, training and research. Indian Maritime University is poised to play a pivotal role to achieve this aim.

Some Highlights of IMU – Indian Maritime University, Chennai

Why Choose IMU Chennai ?

1. Central University, Govt.-Backed & Recognised Authority in Maritime Education
   

    IMU was established by an Act of Parliament (2008) and is a central university under the Ministry of Shipping. 
   This gives it regulatory credibility, standardised syllabus, recognition for certificates, etc. 

2. Specialised Courses in Maritime Fields
   

   Offers Diploma, Degree, Post-graduate Diploma, and PG Degree courses in areas like Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, Ship Building & Repair, Maritime Management, etc. Also doctoral programmes and post-sea courses. 

3. Infrastructure & Facilities

   • The campus is beachfront (~20 acres) with residential + recreational facilities. 

   • Classrooms (≈ 23), many air-conditioned, with audio-visual aids. 

   • Workshops, labs (navigation, engine, etc.), computer labs. 

   • Library: more than 8,000 books + journals + magazines in the maritime domain. 

   • Hostel facilities, mess, sports, medical facilities are available. 

4. Placement & Industry Linkages

   • Many companies in shipping, logistics, etc. visit for cadet/student recruitment. 

   • For programs like B.Tech Marine Engineering, students report that placement percentages are quite high (sometimes quoted as ~90%+). 

   • The curriculum is aligned to DG Shipping / maritime standards. This helps with eligibility and recognition in industry. 

5. Scholarships & Financial Assistance

   • There are scholarship schemes: for merit, for reserved categories, for women, etc. 

   • Some state-level scholarships (SC/ST etc.), other maritime welfare scholarships. 

6. Strong Reputation in Maritime Sector
   

   Being the headquarters of IMU, the Chennai campus has visibility. IMU is considered one of the top institutions for maritime studies in India. Having the name helps in maritime and shipping industry roles. 

7. Emerging Research & Academic Culture
   

   IMU Chennai has three “Schools” and is trying to grow its academic & research output in maritime fields.

Admission Procedure

IMU Chennai Courses are offered at UG, PG, Doctorate level. There are 18 courses offered at IMU Chennai. The courses are offered disciplines like Science, Engineering, Management. IMU Chennai courses includes B.Tech, BBA, MBA, B.Sc, Diploma, M.S, M.Tech, PG Diploma, Ph.D. Popular courses at IMU Chennai are B.Tech, BBA, MBA.

Admission Criteria

IMU CET Online Registration

Candidates need to register for IMU CET online through the official registration portal available at the university website for admission to various UG and PG programmes offered by IMU and its affiliated institutes Application fee has to be submitted online through net-banking, credit/debit card. It is non-refundable

• For all UG and PG programs (except BBA), the application fee for GEN/OBC candidates is INR 1000 (INR 700 in case of SC/ST candidates).
  
• For BBA (Logistics, Retailing and e-Commerce) Programme, the Registration Fee payable is INR 140 for candidates from
• SC/ST category and INR 200 for all others
  

BBA - Maritime Logistics (Apprenticeship embedded)

• 10+2 or equivalent (Minimum 60% of Aggregate marks in any stream and minimum of 50% marks in English subject in 10th and/or 12th Examination.)
  
• Maximum age limit Male: (a) General: 25years (b) OBC (NCL): 28 years (c) SC/ST: 30 years
  
• Maximum age limit Female: (a) Gen: 27 years (b) OBC (NCL): 30 years (c) SC/ST: 32 years
  

B.Tech - Marine Engineering

• 10+2 or equivalent (PCM-60% average and a minimum of 50% marks in English subject in 10th or 12th Examination)
  
• Medical fitness certificate in the prescribed format issued by a Medical Officer approved by Directorate General of Shipping.
  
• Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for this program.
  
• Candidates seeking admissions are strongly recommended to have passport.
  
• Maximum age limit Male: (a) General: 25years (b) OBC (NCL): 28 years (c) SC/ST: 30 years
  
• Maximum age limit Female: (a) Gen: 27 years (b) OBC (NCL): 30 years (c) SC/ST: 32 years
  

B.Tech - Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering

• 10+2 or equivalent (PCM-60% average and a minimum of 50% marks in English subject in 10th or 12th Examination.)
  
• Maximum age limit Male: (a) General: 25years (b) OBC (NCL): 28 years (c) SC/ST: 30 years
  
• Maximum age limit Female: (a) Gen: 27 years (b) OBC (NCL): 30 years (c) SC/ST: 32 years
  

B.Sc - Nautical Science

• 10+2 or equivalent (PCM-60% average and a minimum of 50% marks in English subject in 10th or 12th Examination)
  
• Medical fitness certificate in the prescribed format issued by a Medical Officer approved by Directorate General of Shipping.
  
• Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for this program.
  
• Candidates seeking admissions are strongly recommended to have a passport.
  
• Maximum age limit Male: (a) General: 25years (b) OBC (NCL): 28 years (c) SC/ST: 30 years
  
• Maximum age limit Female: (a) Gen: 27 years (b) OBC (NCL): 30 years (c) SC/ST: 32 years
  

BBA - Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce

• 10+2 or equivalent (Minimum 60% of Aggregate marks in any stream and minimum of 50% marks in English subject in 10th and/or 12th Examination.)
  
• Maximum age limit Male: (a) General: 25years (b) OBC (NCL): 28 years (c) SC/ST: 30 years
  
• Maximum age limit Female: (a) Gen: 27 years (b) OBC (NCL): 30 years (c) SC/ST: 32 years
  

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

•   10+2 or equivalent (PCM-60% average)

Placement

The college has a strong placement record, with approximately 80-90% of students securing positions in various maritime companies, despite fluctuations in the industry. Notable companies that frequently recruit include Fleet Management, Synergy, Shipping Corporation of India, and Anglo Eastern. Annually, around 30+ companies visit the campus, offering salaries ranging from INR 20,000 to 45,000 per month for freshers, with the highest packages reaching up to INR 12 lakh. Most students are placed within a year of graduation, provided they clear all exams and have no backlogs.

The placement cell is active, facilitating both job placements and internships, though many internships are unpaid. The alumni network is strong, providing additional support in securing reputable positions globally. Despite challenges due to industry recessions, the college maintains a robust placement rate and offers equal opportunities for all eligible candidates.

Scholarship

Indian Maritime University (IMU) offers scholarship to students in all different courses running across the entire university, every semester, based on the semester results.

• Adi Dravidar, OBC, & Minority Welfare Schemes
• Directorate of Schedule Caste Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu Adi-Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department)
  
• Tamil Nadu BC/MBC Scholarship
  
• Maritime Training Trust
  
• Zilla Kalyan Office, UP
  
• District Welfare Office, Saharsa, Bihar
  
• Directorate of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration
  
• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Dehradun
  
• Lakshadweep (Education Department)
  
• PM Scholarship
  
• National Scholarship Portal
  
• Telagana State E-Pass
  
• OBC Post matric Scholarship, Govt. of Kerala
  
• OEC (other eligibility candidates), Scholarship Govt of Kerala
  
• OBC Post matric Scholarship, Govt. of Bihar
  
• Department of Fisheries, Chennai
  
• 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
  
• Post matric Scholarship, Govt. of Goa
  
• Grant under Santoor Scholarship for Telangana State
  
• Ministry of social justice
  
• Maharashtra state SC/ST Post matric Scholarship
  

Indian Maritime University, Chennai

• The campus is beachfront (~20 acres) with residential + recreational facilities.
  
• Classrooms (≈ 23), many air-conditioned, with audio-visual aids.
  
• Workshops, labs (navigation, engine, etc.), computer labs.
  
• Library: more than 8,000 books + journals + magazines in the maritime domain.
  
• Hostel facilities, mess, sports, medical facilities are available.
  

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