The Merchant Navy Recruitment 2026 presents an interesting career opportunity for individuals seeking to work on commercial vessels and establish a career in the maritime field. However, the Indian merchant navy mainly transports cargo, passengers, oil, gas, and various products across international and domestic seas.
In India, individuals aiming to join the Indian merchant navy must typically complete training courses like Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) and B.Sc. Nautical Studies, B.Tech in Marine Engineering, and GP Rating. The IMU-CET for various undergraduate maritime programs is organized by the Indian Maritime University, and the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) oversees maritime training institutes.
Candidates interested in Merchant Navy Recruitment must review all important dates related to the recruitment procedure. The schedule usually comprises the notification dates, Merchant Navy form date 2026, and exam dates. Applicants should regularly check the official Merchant Navy website for the most recent updates and make sure to finish every stage by the set deadline.
Merchant Navy Post Name | Merchant Navy Notification Date | Merchant Navy Form Date 2026 | Merchant Navy Application Last Date | Merchant Navy Exam Date 2026 |
Deck Cadet | July 14, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | August 20, 2026 | TBA |
Ordinary Seaman (OS) | July 14, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | August 20, 2026 | TBA |
Trainee Marine Engineer | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Engine Cadet | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Steward | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Messman | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Pumpman | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Welder | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Ship Electrician | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
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The Merchant Navy recruitment eligibility for 2026 is given in the official notification for each post. Candidates need to make sure that they meet the Merchant Navy 2026 eligibility criteria before applying for the exam.
The eligibility criteria include age limit, Merchant Navy educational qualifications 2026, nationality, experience, etc. The table below shows the eligibility criteria for some of the Merchant Navy posts.
Post Name | Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria | Maximum Age Limit |
Deck Cadet | Candidates must have passed 10th | 17 to 25 years |
Ordinary Seaman (OS) | Candidates must have passed 12th | 17 to 25 years |
Trainee Marine Engineer | Bachelor's degree (B.E. / B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or Mechanical & Automation from a UGC | 28 Years |
Engine Cadet | Pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), scoring a minimum of 60% aggregate marks | 17 to 25 years |
Steward | Candidate must have passed 10th or 12th from a recognized board | 17 to 25 years |
Messman | Minimum 10th or 10+2 pass from a recognized board. | 17 to 28 years |
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | Pass a 4-year B.E. or B. Tech degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication/Communication and Instrumentation with a minimum of 50% to 60% aggregate marks, depending on the institute or sponsoring company. | 30 to 35 Years |
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) | Minimum 10th or 10+2 pass from a recognized board. | 35 Years |
Pumpman | Minimum 10th or 10+2 pass from a recognized board | 17 to 25 years |
Welder | Minimum 10th or 10+2 pass from a recognized board | 17 to 30 years |
Ship Electrician | A 3-year Diploma or 4-year B.E./B.Tech Degree in Electrical Engineering & Electronics Engineering | 17 to 30 years |
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Candidates can check the Merchant Navy 2026 recruitment selection process from the official notification. The Merchant Navy exam pattern contains all the stages in the recruitment process. The table below represents the detailed Merchant Navy selection process 2026 for each post.
Post Name | Merchant Navy 2026 Selection Process |
Deck Cadet |
|
Ordinary Seaman (OS) | |
Trainee Marine Engineer | |
Engine Cadet | |
Steward |
|
Messman |
|
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) |
|
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) |
|
Pumpman |
|
Welder |
|
Ship Electrician |
|
The Merchant Navy exam, conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), aims to identify the top candidates for various positions. The Merchant Navy syllabus 2026 focuses on specialized subjects, logical reasoning, numerical skills, and verbal skills. The Merchant Navy Syllabus can be found on the official website, which candidates must consult.
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The exam authority announces the Merchant Navy vacancy 2026 in the official notification. The Merchant Navy new vacancy determines the number of opportunities available for each post. Candidates can refer to the table below for Merchant Navy 2026 recruitment vacancies.
Post Name | Merchant Navy 2026 Vacancy |
Deck Cadet | 21 |
Ordinary Seaman (OS) | 137 |
Trainee Marine Engineer | TBA |
Engine Cadet | TBA |
Steward | TBA |
Messman | TBA |
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | TBA |
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) | TBA |
Pumpman | TBA |
Welder | TBA |
Ship Electrician | TBA |
The exam conducting authority shares the Merchant Navy 2026 salary for each post in the official notification. Along with the Merchant Navy salary, allowances and benefits will be provided to all the candidates who have cleared the exam. The Merchant Navy salary 2026 varies depending on the post. The table below represents the salary range for the following posts.
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Post Name | Merchant Navy 2026 Salary Range |
Deck Cadet | Rs. 25,000 - Rs.85,000 |
Ordinary Seaman (OS) | Rs. 40,000 - Rs.1,00,000 |
Trainee Marine Engineer | Rs.25,000 - Rs.85,000. |
Engine Cadet | Rs.25,000 - Rs.85,000. |
Steward | Rs.60,000 - Rs.1,60,000. |
Messman | Rs. 40,000 - Rs.60,000 |
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | Rs.50,000 - Rs.1,60,000. |
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) | Rs. 40,000 - Rs.60,000 |
Pumpman | Rs. 1,00,000- 2,50,000 |
Welder | Rs. 50,000 - Rs.85,000 |
Ship Electrician | Rs. 60,000- 4,00,000 |
The exam authority releases the Merchant Navy 2026 recruitment result on the official website after the commencement of the examination. The Merchant Navy 2026 result will be released in PDF format. The Merchant Navy 2026 result PDF consists of the names and roll numbers of the qualified candidates. The table below will display the Merchant Navy 2026 result date once released.
Post Name | Merchant Navy 2026 Result |
Deck Cadet | TBA |
Ordinary Seaman (OS) | TBA |
Trainee Marine Engineer | TBA |
Engine Cadet | TBA |
Steward | TBA |
Messman | TBA |
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | TBA |
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) | TBA |
Pumpman | TBA |
Welder | TBA |
Ship Electrician | TBA |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is the process of selecting candidates for deck, engine, electrical, catering, and other shipboard positions.
Eligibility varies by post but generally includes educational qualifications, age, medical fitness, and eyesight requirements.
IMU-CET is required for several maritime programmes, including applicable DNS, B.Sc. Nautical Science and B.Tech courses.
Posts include Deck Cadet, Officers, Marine Engineers, ETO, Able Seaman, Engine Ratings, Stewards and Cooks.
It generally includes eligibility screening, application, entrance examination where applicable, medical examination, counselling, sponsorship, and maritime training.