Top 11 D.G. Approved GP Rating Colleges in India: Join Merchant Navy
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Welcome to our comprehensive blog that unveils the top 11 D.G. (Directorate General) approved GP (General Purpose) Rating colleges in India. GP Rating courses serve as a stepping stone for aspiring seafarers to begin their rewarding careers in the maritime industry.
With numerous colleges offering GP Rating programs, choosing the right institution is vital for a quality education and a strong foundation in the field.
In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the leading GP Rating colleges in India, highlighting their exceptional facilities, experienced faculty, practical training opportunities, and strong industry connections.
We will explore the admission process, curriculum, and career prospects associated with these institutions, empowering you to make an informed decision about your GP Rating education. Join us as we delve into the world of maritime education and help you embark on a successful journey towards a promising career as a GP Rating professional Online courses
About GP Rating Course:
GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) is a 6-month entry-level course to join the merchant navy in India as a Deck or Engine Rating after passing Senior Secondary/10th STD exams. This course consists of pre-sea training, which is the training provided before boarding or joining a ship.
It is a residential course where you’ll be staying at your selected institute for a duration of 6 months and will learn about various aspects of marine life including swimming, physical drills, workshop training, rope and mast climbing, usage of life-saving appliances, firefighting exercises, ship visits, etc.
After the training, final external examinations are conducted by the Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES) under D.G. Shipping (Govt of India). The average fees for this course is 2 to 2.5 Lakhs which can vary according to the Institute. There are total 44 Academies for GP Rating course in India.
Top 11 D.G. Shipping Approved GP Rating Colleges in India
There are a lot of GP Rating Colleges in India that provide training for this Course. However, while selecting a college, you should take care of one important thing – the institute should be D.G. Shipping
Approved. Otherwise, your certification will not be valid and you won’t be able to join the Merchant Navy.
Also, you can pursue the G.P. Rating course either from sponsored or non-sponsored colleges.
- Sponsored colleges are the ones where you can get admission only after obtaining a sponsorship letter from a shipping company. These colleges generally have their own shipping company, where they send their students for on-board training. If not, they are tied up with other shipping companies to offer on-board training. A sponsorship letter is given only after you clear the sponsorship exams.
- As opposed to sponsored colleges, you won’t be required to appear for any examination to get admission in a majority of the non-sponsored colleges. Some colleges may conduct their written tests. Non-sponsored colleges only provide pre-sea training and they don’t guarantee onboard training. However, some colleges have the facility of campus placements.
Useful Read: Online sponsorship exams for Merchant Navy in 2022: List of companies
Below, we have listed a mixture of both sponsored and non-sponsored colleges, which make for the top 11 G.P. Rating Colleges in India.
1. TS Rahaman Institute
About College: Training Ship Rahaman Academy is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India is one of the oldest maritime training institutes in the country. Pre-Sea, Pre-Sea + STCW, Post-Sea, and Value-added Courses are among the 40 courses offered by this institute.
For Admissions, Candidates can apply online from the official website of the academy. It offers sponsorship and provides placement in Anglo-Eastern Group, Fleet Management, and more shipping companies.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 2,55,000/-
Website: TS Rahaman GP Rating Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
2. The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS)
About College: The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies is located in Lonavala, Maharashtra. GEIMS has a close association with the maritime industry and is aimed to give India world-class seafarers.
The institute is one of the oldest of its kind and enjoys a respectable reputation in the industry.
It offers Placement opportunities with GE Shipping or leading International Shipping companies.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 4,47,218
Website: Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies GP Rating Course
3. AMET University
About College: AMET University is located in Kanathur, Tamil Nadu. It is the one and only University from India to be a member of the International Association of Maritime Universities.
Admissions for AMET are based on All India level online exams. The preliminary round of entrance examinations is done online, and the next round is held after shortlisting the candidates at the university campus. It offers placement with shipping companies like Maersk and V ships.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 1,80,000/-
Website: AMET University GP Rating Course Enquiry – Join Merchant Navy in India
4. NUSI Maritime Academy
About College: NUSI Maritime Academy is located in Goa. NUSI Maritime Academy is an ISO Certified institution and has been graded outstanding by CRISIL.
It is the only Academy of scale started by a trade union imparting technical training with a view to creating a cadre of qualified seafarers.
This institute provides pre-sea training courses in G.P. rating, CCMC, and STCW Courses. It offers sponsorship and holds a great placement record.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 1,50,000/-
Website: http://www.nusiacademy.edu.in/
5. Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute
About College: Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute is located in Kansal, Maharashtra. It is run by a Mumbai-based liquid seaborne logistics company that has been operating ocean-going tankers for the past 20 years. After completing the course, candidates get placed with Seven Islands Shipping.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 4,50,000/-
Website: https://simtinstitute.org/
6. HIMT College
About College: HIMT is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It provides pre-sea training courses in DNS, B.Tech in Marine Engineering, B.Sc in Nautical Science, GME, ETO, and GP Rating. It offers sponsorship and provides placement in shipping companies like BSM.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 2,10,000/-
Website: HIMT College GP Rating Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
7. UV Patel College of Maritime Studies
About College: UV Patel College of Maritime Studies is located in Mehsana, Gujarat. It runs D.G. Approved marine courses for G.P. Rating, B.Sc in nautical science, B.tech in marine engineering, GME, and ETO. Some shipping companies that do campus recruitments from this college include Arise Ship, Adani Group, Scorpio, MSI, Essar Shipping, etc.
Course Category: Non-Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 1,95,000/-
Website: UV Patel College of Maritime Studies GP Rating Course
8. Maritime Training Academy
About College: Marine Training Academy, UDVADA is located amidst lush and scenic surroundings about 4 kms from the Daman coast and near to Vapi in south Gujarat. It also offers post sea courses along with G.P. Rating course. It operates a placement cell for helping students get into relevant shipping companies.
Course Category: Non-Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 1,90,000/-
Website: Maritime Training Academy GP Rating Course Booking
9. Coimbatore Marine College
About College: Coimbatore Marine College is located in Othakkalmandapam, Coimbatore. Apart from the regular curriculum, the cadets are trained in their ship in campus to monitor normal operations of the main engine including all the auxiliary machinery and the capability to troubleshoot malfunctions and to perform repair and maintenance.
Companies like Synergy group, ASP ship management group, and more recruit from this college.
Course Category: Non-Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 5,00,000/-
Website: Coimbatore Marine College GP Rating Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
10. B.P. Marine Academy
About College: B.P. Marine Academy is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It offers both pre-sea and post-sea courses including GP Rating, DNS, BSc in Nautical Science, B.Tech in Marine Engineering, ETO, CCMC, and more. It holds a good placement record and assists students in campus recruitment after course completion.
Course Category: Non-Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 2,25,000/-
Website: B.P. Marine Academy GP Rating Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
11. YAK Educational Trust
About College: YAK educational trust is located in Khopoli, Maharashtra. It offers pre-sea courses, post-sea courses, STCW courses, and value added training programs.
There is a placement cell at YAK that helps fresh graduates with interviewing the best shipping companies.
Course Category: Non-Sponsored
Fees for GP Rating: INR 2,30,000/-
Website: YAK College GP Rating Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
If you wish to get admission in any of the above colleges or want to prepare for sponsorship exams, you can contact us at Rife Consultancy, and we’ll help you out!
Prepare for Synergy Sponsorship After GP Rating
Many students from GP Rating colleges aim to secure sponsorship from reputed shipping companies like Synergy Group after completing their pre-sea training. Since sponsorship exams include technical knowledge, aptitude, and psychometric assessments, structured preparation can increase your selection chances.
Rife Consultancy’s SYNERGY Exam Bundle is designed specifically for GP Rating and maritime candidates preparing for the Synergy sponsorship exam. It covers Marine Engineering and Seamanship basics, reasoning, maritime geography, psychometric preparation, and mock test practice, helping students build confidence and clear the selection process.
Also Read:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the eligibility for the GP Rating course?
Candidates must have passed 10th or 12th with at least 40% in English, Mathematics, and Science. The age limit is 17.5 to 25 years.
What is the duration of the GP Rating course?
The course lasts for six months, including pre-sea training, practical drills, and theoretical classes.
What is the fee range for GP Rating courses in India?
The fees range from ₹1.5 to ₹5 lakhs, depending on the institute and sponsorship status.
What is the difference between sponsored and non-sponsored colleges?
Sponsored colleges provide assured onboard training with shipping companies, while non-sponsored colleges offer only pre-sea training.
Do GP Rating colleges provide job placement?
Sponsored colleges guarantee placements, while non-sponsored colleges may offer campus recruitment but do not assure jobs.
What are the career prospects after completing the GP Rating course?
Graduates can work as Deck or Engine Ratings on ships and later progress to higher ranks with experience.
Is GP Rating a good career option?
Yes, it provides a stable maritime career with global opportunities, competitive salaries, and the possibility of career growth.
How can I get sponsorship for a GP Rating course?
Candidates must clear sponsorship exams conducted by shipping companies before admission to a sponsored college.
Are medical tests required for GP Rating admission?
Yes, candidates must meet D.G. Shipping’s medical fitness standards, including eyesight and physical fitness.
How do I apply for GP Rating colleges?
Applications can be submitted online through the official websites of respective colleges or via maritime consultancies.