GP Rating Course After 10th

GP Rating course is a 6-month basic DG Shipping-approved course that allows students to join the merchant navy right after class 10th without spending years studying in college. However, students often get confused about whether a GP Rating course after 10th is the right choice for them or not. So, today we are going to learn more about who should do it and dig deeper into the advantages, career opportunities, and salary in GP Rating after 10th after joining a ship after GP Rating. 

GP Rating Course Details

GP Rating is a short form for General Purpose Rating. It is specifically prepared to teach students the basics of seamanship, marine engineering, navigation, cargo work, and safe working practices onboard a ship. You can think of GP Rating as a crew that maintains the ship and keeps it operational and in optimum condition 24 hours and 7 days a week. But in between, there comes a part where every student should ask why should I do GP Rating course after 10th. So, let’s discuss the advantages, eligibility, and best college for GP Rating after 10th. 

Why Choose GP Rating Course After 10th?

Before answering why, let’s take one step back and ask who should take the GP Rating course after 10th. So, if you are someone who checks all the boxes, then GP Rating is for you; otherwise, you can choose other merchant navy courses like Diploma in Nautical Science, BSc Nautical Science, or Marine Engineering. 

  • GP Rating is for people facing financial problems and in need of a good profession that improves their life. 
  • Students who, for any reason, can not pursue higher studies can go for the GP Rating Course. 
  • One more thing is the low entry requirements. Right after class 10th, the entry requirements are simple and basic. You just need a minimum of 40% in the 10th final and English to be eligible for the GP Rating course. 

Now, let’s shed some light on the advantages of choosing the GP Rating course after 10th over other courses like a diploma or a regular degree. 

Short Training Period

The first advantage is the short training period of the GP Rating Course is its short training period. Unlike a regular 3-4-year traditional degree, your life will be on a better path in just 6 months of the GP Rating Course. 

Good Salary from an Early Age

When other people were deciding which college or school to join, you will already be earning a much better salary than people of your age. It will give you a push to get a better life. 

Tax-Free Income

With a better salary comes taxes, but not in the Merchant Navy. If you choose to join the Merchant Navy after 10th, then your salary will be tax-free, provided that you spend at least 182 days on board a ship. 

Exposure to the world 

Joining early in the Merchant Navy will give you exposure to people of different ethnicities, work cultures, and an understanding of the functioning of the system. When people your age would be getting nervous about their school results, you will already be working internationally in an adventurous job. 

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Eligibility Criteria for GP Rating After 10th

To join the GP Rating right after passing class 10th, there are certain educational requirements and age criteria that everyone has to meet to be eligible for GP Rating. So, let’s start from the educational requirement; then we will move to the age criteria for GP Rating and medical requirements by DG Shipping. 

Educational Qualification for GP Rating After Class 10th

To join the GP Rating course, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Students must have at least 40% in their 10th board. 
  • In English, every student must have 40% in 10th. 
  • You must have passed class 10th from a central recognized board. 
  • Also, take note that most companies and colleges do not allow improvement candidates to sit for the GP Rating exam. 

These are the general requirements; however, GP Rating colleges give preference to those who have good marks in their 10th or ITI. 

GP Rating Course Age Limit

The GP Rating has specific minimum and maximum age limits; even if you score well, you won’t be able to join the GP Rating Course if you don’t meet the age criteria. The minimum age requirement for the GP Rating Course, according to DG Shipping, is 17.5, and the maximum age is 28. 

Age Relaxation in GP Rating

DG Shipping has recently increased the age criteria for every category from 25 to 28. According to this new circular, the age limit in GP Rating for SC/ST and OBC (NCL) has also increased by 5 years. However, not every college offers age relaxation for GP Rating candidates; only a few, such as T.S. Rahaman and SCI-MTI, provide a 5-year age relaxation for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (NCL) candidates in GP Rating. 

Medical Requirement For GP Rating

To join the Merchant Navy through the GP Rating Course, you must pass a medical examination conducted by a DG Shipping-approved doctor. This medical test ensures you are fit for life at sea and typically includes blood and urine tests, eyesight, colour vision, hearing, BMI, and an overall physical fitness assessment. Only medically fit candidates are eligible for admission.

  • Eyesight: 6/6 vision without glasses.
  • Colour Vision: No colour blindness.
  • Eye Health: Both pupils should function normally.
  • Physical Fitness: Must meet DG Shipping’s medical standards for sea service.
  • Minimum Height: 157 cm (Male) and 152 cm (Female).
  • BMI: Should be between 18.5 and 25.

Meeting these medical requirements is mandatory to secure admission into the GP Rating Course and start your Merchant Navy career.

Best GP Rating Colleges in 2026

Choosing the right GP Rating college and securing sponsorship are the most important steps to start a successful Merchant Navy career. Many students make the mistake of joining the wrong GP Rating college and end up paying lakhs in fees without getting proper training, sponsorship, or placements. Making the right choice from the beginning can save both your money and your career. Let’s check some options that you should aim for after class 10th to join the Merchant Navy. 

  1. T.S. Rahaman

T.S. Rahaman

TS Rahaman is one of the most reputed institutes for students looking to pursue the GP Rating Course in India. Established over a century ago, the institute is approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and has built a strong reputation for maritime training. 

Educational Qualification

  • Pass with at least 40% in their 10th board with science and Mathematics as subjects. 
  • In English, at least 40% is required. 
  • ITI candidate with at least 50% in their final year can also apply. 
  • Students with Open Board, NIOS Board, or improvements are not allowed.

Physical Requirements

  • Minimum height required is 160cm. 
  • BMI should not be more than 25.
  • Speech and hearing should not be impaired. 
  • 6/6 unaided color vision is required. 

 

2. NUSI Maritime Goa

NUSI Maritime Goa

NUSI Goa is one of the best colleges for students looking to pursue a GP Rating Course in India. It is well-known for its quality training and good placement record, making it one of the top choices among GP Rating candidates every year. Many reputed shipping companies visit the campus for recruitment, giving students a good chance of starting their Merchant Navy career soon after completing the course. 

Educational Qualification

  • Pass with at least 40% in their 10th board or 12th board with Science and Mathematics as subjects in 10th board.  
  • In English, at least 40% is required. 
  • ITI candidate with at least 50% in their final year can also apply. 
  • Students with Open Board, NIOS Board, or improvements are not allowed.

Physical Requirements

  • Minimum height required is 158 cm. 
  • BMI should be between 20 and 30.
  • Speech and hearing should not be impaired. 
  • 6/6 unaided color vision is required. 

3. SCI-MTI

SCI-MTI

If you’re planning to join the Merchant Navy after Class 10th, SCI Maritime Training Institute (MTI), Powai, is definitely an institute worth considering. The college offers a DG Shipping-approved GP Rating Course and allows students to complete their onboard training on SCI vessels

 

Educational Qualification

  • Pass with at least 40% in their 10th board or 12th board with Science and Mathematics as subjects in 10th board.  
  • In English, at least 40% is required. 
  • ITI candidate with at least 50% in their final year can also apply. 
  • Students with Open Board, NIOS Board, or improvements are not allowed.

Physical Requirements

  • Minimum height required is 158 cm. 
  • BMI should be between 20 and 30.
  • Speech and hearing should not be impaired. 
  • 6/6 unaided color vision is required. 

Although GP Rating colleges are available across India, many students from Uttarakhand often ask whether there is a GP Rating course in Dehradun. The answer is that there isn’t a DG Shipping-approved GP Rating college in Dehradun. However, if you’re looking for the right guidance, SMVD Marine Academy has helped hundreds of students over the past few years secure admission to some of the top GP Rating colleges in India after Class 10th. From choosing the right college to preparing for the admission process, our team guides you at every step. If you need help starting your Merchant Navy journey, feel free to get in touch with us. 

GP Rating Course After 10th Fees in 2026

The GP Rating Course fees in India usually range from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, depending on the institute, training facilities, hostel, placements, and DG Shipping approval. While fees are important, don’t choose a college based on cost alone. Compare the training quality, placement record, and facilities to make the right decision. Below is a list of the GP Rating Course fees of the top institutes in India. 

 

College 

Fees

SCI-MTI

The course for the GP Rating in SCI-MTI is ₹3,60,000 to ₹4,50,000

T.S. Rahaman

The course for the GP Rating in T.S. Rahaman is ₹2,65,000

NUSI Goa

The course for the GP Rating in NUSI Goa is ₹2,00,000

 

Admission Process in GP Rating After Class 10th

Getting into the GP Rating Course after 10th is easier than most students think. Here’s what the admission process usually looks like:

Check Your Eligibility: Before anything else, make sure you meet the minimum marks required by the college. For that you can check out our GP Rating Eligibility Calculator. 

Fill the Application Form: Once you’re eligible, apply to the GP Rating colleges you’re interested in as soon as the forms are released.

Take the Online Test: Most colleges conduct a simple online test with questions from English, Maths, General Knowledge, and aptitude.

Attend the Interview: If you clear the test, you’ll be called for an interview where the college gets to know you better and checks if you’re ready for a career in the Merchant Navy.

Medical Test & Documents: The final step is submitting your documents and clearing the DG Shipping-approved medical test. Once that’s done, you’re all set to begin your Merchant Navy journey.

GP Rating Course After 10th Salary

Your salary after the GP Rating Course isn’t fixed—it depends on factors like your rank, experience, the shipping company, and the type of ship you join. The good part is that as you gain sea time and move to higher ranks, your salary also grows. If you join GP Rating after class 10th, it will give you a financial push at a very early age and make your life stable. While every company offers different pay, the table below gives you a realistic idea of the GP Rating salary you can expect in the Merchant Navy. 

Rank in Deck Department

Salary

Ordinary Seaman

₹60,000 to ₹75,000

Able-Bodied Seaman

₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000 

Deck Fitter 

₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 

Pumpman (Tankers)

₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000

Bosun

₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000

 

Rank in Engine Department

Salary

Trainee Wiper/Fitter 

₹30,000 to ₹40,000

Wiper 

₹60,000 to ₹75,000 

Motorman

₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000

Fitter

₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000

GP Rating FAQ

Yes, you can do the GP Rating Course after 10th.  It is getting popular among students who are not able to continue their studies and want to be financially independent right after class 10th. 

To get into the top GP Rating colleges after class 10th, you need at least 40% marks in 10th and English with science and mathematics as subjects in class 10th. 

Yes, every college conduct their online test for GP Rating. It is compulsory to score well in it to get admission to a GP Rating College.

GP Rating after 10th Salary ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹1,60,000 per month, depending on rank, company, and experience of the sailor.