GP Rating After 12th
Choosing a career after the 12th standard is overwhelming. You are likely asking “what to do after class 12?” or “which course is best after 12th class?”. A wrong choice costs years of time and money. If you want fast financial independence, a Merchant Navy career through the GP Rating course is an excellent alternative to traditional 3-4-year degrees. This 6-month pre-sea training program gets you job-ready quickly. In this guide, we break down GP Rating after 12th, including GP Rating eligibility, onboard career opportunities, and GP Rating to help you make an informed choice.
What is GP Rating Course?
GP Rating is a 6-month DG Shipping-approved pre-sea course that allows students to join the Merchant Navy after class 10th, ITI, or 12th. Many students get confused and assume that you can only join the Merchant Navy with PCM or after graduation, but that is not the case. Even if you have passed Class 12 with PCB or Commerce/Arts, you can join the Merchant Navy as a GP Rating. GP Rating Course gives practical training to students in seamanship, ship maintenance, cargo handling, safety procedures, and the basics of marine engineering. All this training allows the students to work efficiently in the Deck as well as the Engine Department.
Can You Join GP Rating After Class 12th?
Yes, you can join the GP Rating after Class 12th; however, whether you should is a whole other question. After passing Class 12th, there are a lot of options for you to join the Merchant Navy depending on your subjects in Class 12th. Let’s check when you should choose a GP Rating course instead of DNS or Marine Engineering after Class 12th.
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GP Rating Course After 12th Eligibility
GP Rating After 12th PCM
If you have scored above 60% in PCM in class 12th, then the GP Rating course is not for you, as you are eligible for a Diploma in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering. It is a much better option for you as it gives you direct entry in the position of trainee navigating officer in the Merchant Navy.
However, one point to note is that to join the Diploma in Nautical Science, you must have sponsorship from a reputed shipping company like Fleet Management, Scorpio Tankers, Maersk Line, Torm Shipping, etc.
12th PCM With Less Than 60%
If you scored less than 60% in the 12th PCM and want to join the Merchant Navy, then you need to appear for the improvement exams to get above 60% to be eligible for IMU CET. Without it, you can not join the Merchant Navy either in the officer or engineer rank, and we don’t suggest going for the GP Rating Course if you have PCM in class 12th. Want to learn more about Diploma in Nautical Science or other courses? CLICK HERE.
GP Rating After 12th Commerce or Arts
Our first advice to students with commerce and arts is always to repeat class 12th with PCM; if not, then GP Rating is the only option you have. So, let’s check the eligibility criteria for the GP Rating after 12th commerce/arts.
- You must have at least 40% in 10th with science and mathematics as compulsory subjects.
OR
- At least 40% marks in Class 12th in any stream.
- In English, 40% marks in either 12th or 10th to join the GP Rating course.
- Similarly, if you want to know the eligibility criteria to join GP Rating after ITI, CLICK HERE.
GP Rating Course Age Limit
The official age limit for the GP Rating course is 17.5 to 28 years on the date of course commencement.
According to the most recent DG Shipping regulations, you can apply for any recognized maritime academy if you belong to this age bracket. However, many shipping companies and maritime training institutes prefer young applicants when recruiting them. The sea requires very good physical stamina, which is why joining at an early age provides you with a good career edge. If you have decided to be part of the Merchant Navy, it is best to apply right after completing your 12th standard.
Medical Requirements for GP Rating Course
To join the GP Rating or any other Merchant Navy course after 12th, everyone has to clear the DG Shipping medical exam, which includes a blood test, colourblindness test, eye test, urine test, and other DG Shipping-specified physical tests that test the auditory and physical functioning of the body. Some of the DG Shipping requirements for the GP Rating course are as follows:
- The eyesight of the candidate should be 6/6 unaided in the better eye.
- There should be no colour blindness.
- Auditory and sensory functioning should be normal.
- Both pupils should be properly functional.
Physical Requirements for the GP Rating Course.
- Candidates should be physically fit for sea service under the standard norm, with eyesight up to 6/6 in the better eye.
- Minimum height criteria for GP Rating are 157 cm for boys and 152 cm for girls.
- Your BMI should be between 18.5 and 25.
- You should also disclose any allergies or diseases that you have at the time of the medical test to ensure smooth sailing in the future.
Best College for GP Rating Course in 2026
1. T.S. Rahaman
TS Rahaman is one of the most reputed institutes for students looking to pursue the GP Rating Course in India, especially after Class 12th. 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.
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2. 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.
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3. SCI-MTI
For those looking to get into the GP Rating after Class 12th, SCI Maritime Training Institute (MTI), Powai, is an institute that definitely deserves a place on your list of choices. SCI offers a DG Shipping-approved GP Rating course along with on-board training on SCI ships, so you don’t have to worry about the sponsorship.
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4. IMI Noida with Fleet Management Sponsorship
IMI Noida is one of the best colleges for people who are looking for a GP Rating college after 12th. After the merger with Fleet Management, IMI Noida has become one of the first preferences among the GP Rating candidates. The education requirements are as follows:
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GP Rating Course Fees
GP Rating course fees in India generally range between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh.
This total training cost depends heavily on the academy’s infrastructure, hostel facilities, and placement support. While comparing costs is important, a lower fee should not be your only deciding factor. To protect your career investment, always verify that the college has an active DG Shipping approval and a strong record of onboard training placements.
Below, we’ve listed the GP Rating course fees of some of the top maritime institutes in India to help you compare your options.
College | Fees |
SCI-MTI | The fees for the GP Rating in SCI-MTI are ₹3,60,000 to ₹4,50,000 |
T.S. Rahaman | The fees for the GP Rating in T.S. Rahaman are ₹2,65,000 |
NUSI Goa | The course fees for the GP Rating in NUSI Goa iare₹2,00,000 |
IMI Noida-Fleet Management | The course fees for the GP Rating in IMI Noida are ₹2,72,000 |
Getting admission to the GP Rating course after 12th is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to do:
Check Your Eligibility: Before filling out the applications for GP Rating Courses, check your educational qualifications, age, and medical eligibility criteria. We also have a GP Rating Eligibility Calculator, which will help you to select the best GP Rating college according to your educational qualifications.
Submit Application for GP Rating Course: On becoming eligible, fill out the application form of the approved GP Rating training colleges by DG Shipping.
GP Rating Online Exam: Mostly, the institutes arrange an online or offline entrance test including basic questions from subjects like English, Mathematics, GK, Reasoning, and aptitude.
Personal Interview: After qualifying the entrance test, candidates become eligible to appear for the interview. It is arranged to judge the communication skills and confidence level of the candidates.
Medical Test: The last step towards getting admission in the institutes is clearing the approved medical test by DG Shipping and providing all the necessary documents.
GP Rating Course Salary
Your starting GP Rating salary after 12th typically ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per month as a trainee.
How much you actually earn would depend a lot on your rank, years at sea, and ship type (for example, tanker ships, bulk carriers, or container ships). In contrast to 3 to 4 years of college studies, a job in the Merchant Navy through GP Rating helps you earn tax-free money much sooner in life.
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 |
Join GP Rating With SMVD Marine Academy
To give a kick-start to your career and solidify your preparation for GP Rating, you need guidance. Here at SMVD Marine Academy, we identify the weak points of each candidate and work on them, be it English Speaking, aptitude, general knowledge, or confidence building. We aim to guide students who are really motivated to join the GP Rating. If you are serious about joining the Merchant Navy, then connect with us through SMVD Marine Academy.
To learn about which GP Rating Colleges you are eligible for, download our free Merchant Navy Decoded App that will guide you from your eligibility to the point of your selection in the Merchant Navy. Don’t just read; start preparing to make your dreams a reality.
GP Rating FAQ
Yes, in fact, the GP Rating course is one of the most popular options among students to join the Merchant Navy, especially after completing Class 12th with commerce or arts.
To be eligible for the GP Rating course after 12th, you need to score at least 40% marks in Class 12th or 10th with science and mathematics as subjects. Also, at least 40% marks are compulsory in English, either in 10th or 12th.
To join the GP Rating Course, every student has to go through the GP Rating online exam, without which you can not join the GP Rating Course.
The salary after GP Rating depends on various factors and generally ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹1,60,000