Age is one of the most googled questions about Merchant Navy. Here is the straight answer with all the details you need.
Book Your Seat →The standard age requirement for DNS, B.Sc Nautical Science, and B.Tech Marine Engineering is 17 to 25 years at the time of joining the course. This applies across most sponsorship programmes and IMU-affiliated institutes.
Specifically — you must be at least 17 years old when you join the course, and not more than 25 years old. Most candidates join between 17 and 21 after completing Class 12.
For most DNS sponsorship programmes and IMU institute admissions — yes, 25 is effectively the upper limit. A few programmes allow up to 26 or 27 in special circumstances, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. If you are close to 25, apply now — do not wait.
⚡ If you are 22, 23 or 24 and have been thinking about Merchant Navy — this is your last window. 9CC's June 2026 batch gives you two exam windows: January 2027 and June 2027. Don't let the age limit catch you.
You must be at least 17 to join a maritime course. Class 12 students who are 16 at time of IMU-CET can still sit the exam — you just need to be 17 by the time you actually join the institute.
Almost all DNS and B.Sc sponsorship programmes require candidates to be unmarried. This is an industry norm rather than a legal requirement, but most major companies enforce it for their cadet intake. B.Tech Marine Engineering programmes are generally more flexible on this.
9CC's June 2026 Super 90 batch is now open. If you are 22, 23 or 24 — you have one, possibly two more years of eligibility. Use them. Reserve your seat with ₹2,000 and our counsellor will call you within 24 hours to discuss your profile and timeline.
Reserve your seat with ₹2,000 · Team calls within 24 hours
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