Top 11 D.G. Approved DNS Colleges in India: Join Merchant Navy
Many students dream of joining the Merchant Navy after Class 12 (PCM). The DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) course is one of the fastest ways to start this career. But the biggest problem students face is choosing the wrong DNS college.
Every year, students join institutes without checking DG Shipping approval, sponsorship support, or placement records. Later, they realize that their college does not provide onboard training. This leads to wasted time, money, and delayed sailing.
DNS is a great career option, but only if you choose the right DG Shipping approved college. With so many colleges and agents giving false promises, it is very important to take a correct decision.
In this blog, we have shared a list of the Top 11 DG Shipping Approved DNS Colleges in India. This guide will help you understand which colleges are safe, which are sponsored, and how to avoid common mistakes while planning your Merchant Navy career.
Table of Contents
About DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) Course
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is a 1-year pre-sea course approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and affiliated with the Indian Maritime University (IMU). This course is for students who want to become Deck Officers in the Merchant Navy.
The DNS course is done from a DG Shipping approved maritime institute. The 1-year training is divided into two semesters of 6 months each. During this time, students learn important subjects like Navigation, Seamanship, Cargo Handling, Ship Safety, and Maritime Rules.
After completing the DNS course, students must complete 18 months of onboard training, called Structured Shipboard Training Programme (SSTP). During this period, students work on ships as Deck Cadets.
After completing sea training and passing DG Shipping exams, students are awarded a B.Sc. Degree in Nautical Science. After that, they can appear for officer exams and grow step-by-step to higher ranks in the Merchant Navy.
Eligibility for DNS Course
- No color blindness
- Passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Minimum 60% marks in PCM (may vary by college)
- Minimum 50% marks in English
- Age usually between 17 to 25 years
- Must be medically fit as per DG Shipping rules
Top 11 D.G. Shipping Approved Diploma in Nautical Science – DNS Colleges in India
There are a lot of institutes in India that provide training for the DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) 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.
Below, we have listed all the colleges that make for the top 11 maritime institutes for Diploma in Nautical Science – DNS colleges in India.
1. Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)
About College: Anglo-eastern Maritime Academy is located in Karjat, Maharashtra. It is owned by Anglo-Eastern Group which is a Leading Ship Management Company operating more than 600 ships. After completing the course, candidates get placed with one of the Anglo-Eastern ships.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 7,60,000/-
Website: Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy DNS Course – Join Merchant Navy
Also Read: Everything about IMU-CET 2026
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 DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 6,51,512/-
Website: Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies DNS Course
3. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)
About College: Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies is located in Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of India’s advanced centers of marine engineering (marine propulsion) and navigation. The institution offers extensive education and training in pre-sea and post-sea training for candidates ranging from cadets to masters of ships. The institute is sponsored by Executive Ship Management Private Limited.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 6,76,800/-
Website: Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies DNS Course
4. Maritime Training Institute by Shipping Corporation of India
About College: Maritime Training Institute by Shipping Corporation of India is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is an integral part of The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) – one of the largest Indian shipping companies. MTI offers a wide range of training (Pre-sea and Post-sea courses, STCW courses, and Value Added Courses) to maritime sector workers, including SCI and other renowned Indian companies.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 6,50,000/-
Website: SCI MTI DNS Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
5. Tolani Maritime Institute
About College: Tolani Maritime Institute is located in Pune, Maharashtra. After completing the course, candidates get placed with Fleet Management, MSC, Nortrans, Scorpio Marine Management, Tolani Shipping, TORM, V-Ships, or Wilhelmsen Ship Management.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 6,07,000/-
Website: Tolani Maritime Institute DNS Course – Join Merchant Navy
6. 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 DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 7,25,000/-
Website: https://simtinstitute.org/
Contact: Directly contact the institute for booking the course. Contact No.: +91 9136947131
7. 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 DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 3,95,000/-
Website: TS Rahaman DNS Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
8. International Maritime Institute
About College: International Maritime Institute is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The institute is associated with shipping companies including Maersk, MSC ship management, Fleet Management, MSC Cruises, etc. After finishing their training at IMI, the sponsored cadets will embark on the sponsoring company’s ships for organized onboard training.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 6,20,000/-
Website: International Maritime Institute
9. Applied Research International (ARI)
About College: Applied Research International is located in New Delhi. Sponsorship tests are held for two separate deck cadet batches that start in February and August every year. The institute places its students with shipping companies like MSC Ship Management, Fleet Management, VShips, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, Wallem Ship Management, and more.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 5,00,000/-
Website: ARI DNS Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
10. Indian Maritime Institute (IMU) Kolkata Campus
About College: Indian Maritime Institute is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Indian Maritime University – Kolkata Campus comprises two premier institutions- the Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI, Kolkata) and the Indian Institute of Port Management (IIPM, Kolkata).
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): For boys, the fees is INR 2,20,000/-; whereas for girls, the fees is INR 1,40,500/-
Website: Indian Maritime Institute Kolkata Campus – Join Merchant Navy
11. The Neotia University (TNU)
About College: The Neotia University is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a well-known private university offering maritime education through its School of Maritime Studies. The university provides modern training infrastructure including simulation labs, workshops, and marine training facilities to prepare students for a seafaring career. TNU has industry collaborations and offers placement support with reputed shipping companies for DNS cadets.
Course Category: Sponsored
Fees for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science): INR 2,61,000/-
Website: The Neotia University DNS Course – Join Merchant Navy in India
Sponsored vs Non-Sponsored DNS
You can pursue the DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) 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.
| Sponsored DNS Colleges | Non-Sponsored DNS Colleges | |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Letter | Required before admission | Not required |
| Onboard Training | Guaranteed | Not guaranteed |
| Risk Level | Low risk | High risk |
| Company Tie-up | Yes | Mostly no |
| Admission Process | Sponsorship exam + interview | Direct admission |
| Fees | Higher | Lower |
| Placement Support | Strong | Limited |
| Career Safety | Better | Uncertain |
Tip: Sponsored DNS colleges are safer for students who want a smooth and secure Merchant Navy career.
How to Choose the Right DNS College in India
Choosing the right DNS college is very important. A wrong decision can delay your career and waste your money. Before taking admission, check the following points carefully:
1. DG Shipping Approval
Always make sure the college is DG Shipping approved. If the college is not approved, your DNS certificate will not be valid.
2. Sponsored or Non-Sponsored
Sponsored colleges are better because they guarantee onboard training. Non-sponsored colleges do not guarantee placement and are risky.
3. Shipping Company Connection
Check which shipping company sponsors the college. Big and reputed companies give better training and long-term career growth.
4. College Track Record
Try to find out:
- How many students are sailing
- Placement history
- Student reviews
A good college will have a strong past record.
5. Batch Size and Teachers
Smaller batches mean more personal attention. Colleges with experienced Merchant Navy officers as teachers are always better.
6. Total Fees and Hidden Charges
Ask about full fees including:
- Hostel
- Uniform
- Books
- Medical tests
- CDC and exam fees
Do not trust colleges that hide costs.
Your Merchant Navy Career Starts with the Right DNS College
Choosing the right DNS college and getting sponsorship is not easy. One wrong decision can stop or delay your Merchant Navy career.
Rife Consultancy helps students with:
- Choosing the right DNS college
- Sponsorship exam preparation
- IMUCET guidance
- Complete Merchant Navy career counselling
Also Read:
Top 11 D.G. Approved BSc Nautical Science Colleges in India: Join Merchant Navy
What is Merchant Navy: Career, Scope & High Salary Jobs in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the duration of the DNS course?
The DNS course is a 1-year pre-sea training program, followed by 18 months of onboard training.
Is sponsorship necessary for DNS admission?
Sponsorship is required for sponsored colleges but not for non-sponsored ones. However, sponsorship ensures onboard training.
What is the eligibility for DNS?
You must have completed 12th PCM with at least 60% marks and meet the required medical fitness standards.
What is the age limit for DNS admission?
The age limit is usually between 17 to 25 years. Some institutes may have slight variations.
Is IMU CET mandatory for DNS admission?
Yes, IMU CET is mandatory for admission to IMU-affiliated DNS colleges.
What is the average fee for DNS courses in India?
Fees range from ₹2,20,000 to ₹7,60,000, depending on the institute and sponsorship status.
Do DNS colleges guarantee placement?
Sponsored colleges offer assured placements, while non-sponsored colleges may provide placement assistance.
What is the salary of a deck cadet after DNS?
A deck cadet earns between $500–$1,500 per month, depending on the company and ship type.
Are girls eligible for the DNS course?
Yes, girls can apply for DNS, and some colleges offer fee concessions for female candidates.
How can I apply for DNS sponsorship?
You need to apply for sponsorship exams conducted by shipping companies before seeking admission.