KOLKATA – As India steers toward becoming a self-reliant maritime powerhouse under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, the Indian Maritime University (IMU) has officially announced the commencement of its admission cycle for the 2026-27 academic session. The university, a premier central institution under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has released its latest prospectus, inviting the nation’s youth to join a sector that carries nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume. The maritime sector has been identified as a critical pillar for national growth and global trade. Under the roadmap of Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, the government is emphasizing modern port infrastructure, green shipping, and digitalisation. Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor of IMU, noted that the university is at the heart of this transformation, nurturing the skilled professionals required to realize these national goals.
For aspirants in the "City of Joy," the IMU Kolkata Campus remains a cornerstone of maritime education. Historically known as the DMET Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), the Kolkata campus continues to be a premier destination for those seeking specialized technical expertise.
The Kolkata campus is prominently featured in the 2026-27 roadmap, offering high-demand programs including:
- B.Tech. in Marine Engineering: A four-year residential program designed to solve practical problems in the field.
- M.Tech. in Marine Technology: A post-graduate course focusing on advanced principles of engineering and management.
- MBA in International Transportation & Logistics Management: Catering to the growing demand for port and shipping managers.
West Bengal students have additional incentives to apply, with the university facilitating several state-specific financial aids, such as the Oasis Scholarship (for SC/ST/OBC students), the West Bengal Merit cum Means Scholarship Scheme, and the AIKASREE Scholarship. Admissions to most undergraduate technical programs—including B.Tech, B.Sc. (Nautical Science), and the Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)—require candidates to qualify for the All-India Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET).
Key Dates for the 2026-27 Session:
- Online Registration Opens: February 5, 2026.
- Last Date for Registration: April 24, 2026.
- IMU-CET Exam Date: May 24, 2026 (Sunday), scheduled from 11 AM to 2 PM in a computer-based format.
- Commencement of Programs: August 1, 2026.
Candidates for the BBA programs have a slightly different timeline, with registration closing on June 17, 2026, as admissions are based on 12th-grade merit rather than a CET rank.
The maritime industry today offers careers far beyond traditional seafaring. Graduates from IMU can explore roles in ship design, port operations, maritime law, environmental protection, and maritime cyber security. The university’s strong industry connections and state-of-the-art simulators ensure that students are industry-ready upon graduation. Furthermore, IMU is taking significant steps toward internationalization, introducing a Direct Admission mode for foreign students starting this academic year to foster a global learning environment.
Aspiring mariners are reminded that seafaring roles (B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, and DNS) have strict medical and physical fitness requirements. Candidates must meet eyesight and hearing standards prescribed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and must produce a fitness certificate from a DGS-approved doctor at the time of admission.
For further details and to register, candidates are advised to visit the official university website at www.imu.edu.in.
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