How to Join Merchant Navy
After 12th in 2026 — Complete Guide

Eligibility to Join Merchant Navy After 12th

• Class 12 passed or appearing with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM)
• Minimum 50% marks in English at 10th or 12th level
• Age between 17 and 25 years
• Medically fit — good eyesight, hearing, no major health issues
• No criminal record

Two Main Routes After 12th

Route 1 — DNS Sponsorship (Recommended)

DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) Sponsorship is the fastest and safest route. A top shipping company like Maersk or Anglo Eastern selects you through a test, confirms your job, and you join their DNS programme. Upon completion — typically 1 year — you sail with them as a Deck Cadet or Engine Cadet. Your employment is guaranteed before you even start.

Route 2 — IMU-CET (B.Sc Nautical Science / B.Tech Marine Engineering)

IMU-CET is the national entrance exam for Indian Maritime University. Clearing it with a high rank gives you admission to a 3 or 4 year undergraduate maritime degree. 9CC students have scored AIR 5, AIR 10 and AIR 23 in IMU-CET.

What Happens After You Join Merchant Navy?

• Deck Cadet / Engine Cadet salary: $400-600/month from day one
• Free accommodation and food on the ship
• Work 4-6 months on, 4-6 months off — maximum paid leave
• All USD earnings — tax-free in India
• Within 10-12 years, you can be a Captain or Chief Engineer earning $10,000-12,000/month

DNS Sponsorship vs Self-Funded DNS

Self-funded DNS costs Rs 8-12 lakhs with no job guarantee. DNS Sponsorship means the company confirms your job before you start and you pay nothing for the course. The only requirement is clearing their selection test — which is exactly what 9CC prepares you for at Rs 90,000 (Super 90 batch) or Rs 25,000 (Online batch).

June 2026 Batch — Join Now

9CC's June 2026 batch starts 22nd June 2026. First DNS exam window is January 2027, second window is June 2027. In 6 years, every student has cleared within their batch cycle.