Can Commerce Students Join GP Rating After 12th?

If you have completed Class 12 with Commerce and are interested in the Merchant Navy, you may have come across conflicting information about whether you can join a GP Rating course.

The good news is that Commerce students can pursue GP Rating after Class 12, provided they satisfy the required educational, age, and medical conditions. The important point is that your Class 12 stream is not the only factor considered for GP Rating eligibility.

This makes GP Rating a possible route for students who did not study PCM in Class 12 but still want to build a career onboard merchant ships.

What Is GP Rating?

GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating. It is a pre-sea maritime training course designed to prepare candidates for work in the Deck and Engine departments of a merchant ship.

The training focuses on practical areas such as:

  • Seamanship
  • Ship maintenance
  • Cargo handling
  • Safety procedures
  • Basic marine engineering
  • Deck operations
  • Engine-room support

Unlike officer-entry courses such as DNS or B.Sc. Nautical Science, GP Rating is an entry-level rating pathway. After completing the required training and gaining sea experience, a candidate can progress to higher rating positions.

Can a Commerce Student Join GP Rating?

Yes, a Commerce student can join GP Rating after Class 12. However, the eligibility criteria are slightly different and a bit relaxed when compared to other merchant navy courses like Diploma in Nautical Science or BSc Nautical Science.

Under the standard GP Rating eligibility criteria, the candidate’s Class 10 subjects matter. The DG Shipping guideline specifies Class 10 English, Mathematics, and Science along with the required marks. It also provides an entry route for candidates who have passed Class 12 in any stream, provided the Class 10 subject and English requirements are satisfied.

So, being a Commerce student in Class 12 does not automatically make you ineligible.

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GP Rating Eligibility for Commerce Students

Eligibility calculator

The basic academic requirements should be checked carefully before applying. According to the DG Shipping guideline, Class 12 permits candidates from any stream, with the specified aggregate and English requirements, while the Class 10 subject combination remains relevant.

  • You must have at least 40% in 10th with science, English, 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. 

Honestly, all these criteria seem a bit confusing and overwhelming. To make it easier, we have designed a GP Rating Eligibility Calculator, which will tell you the colleges you should aim for and also tell you how to prepare for the GP Rating online test for these colleges.

Join GP Rating With SMVD Marine Academy

o 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 or apply now.

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 Age Requirement Medical Requirements

Academic qualification is only one part of GP Rating admission. Candidates must also satisfy the applicable age and medical requirements. The DG Shipping guideline specifies a minimum age of 17½ years and a maximum of 28 years at the commencement of the course, subject to applicable relaxations.

To check the medical requirements, click here: Complete Merchant Navy Medical Guide

GP Rating Eyesight Requirement

  • Candidates should have 6/6 unaided vision in both eyes.
  • Eyesight is checked during the DG Shipping medical examination.
  • Poor vision may lead to rejection during the medical test.

GP Rating: Colour Blindness

  • Candidates must not be colour blind.
  • Normal colour vision is mandatory for identifying navigation lights and safety signals onboard.
  • Colour blindness is one of the most common reasons for medical rejection.

GP Rating BMI Requirement

  • The recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) should generally be between 18.5 and 25.
  • Candidates should maintain a healthy body weight according to their height.
  • Extremely low or high BMI may affect medical fitness.

GP Rating Height Requirement

  • The minimum height is generally 157 cm for boys and 152 cm for girls.
  • Some colleges or shipping companies may prescribe slightly different standards.
  • Height requirements should always be verified before applying.

GP Rating Hearing Requirement

  • Candidates must have normal hearing in both ears.
  • Hearing impairment can affect communication and onboard safety.
  • A hearing test is conducted during the medical examination.

GP Rating Physical Fitness

  • Candidates should be physically fit for sea service.
  • There should be no medical condition that prevents working onboard ships.
  • Overall health and stamina are assessed during the medical examination.

GP Rating Tattoo Policy

  • Small tattoos are generally accepted if they are not on the face, neck, or hands.
  • Offensive or inappropriate tattoos are not permitted.
  • Acceptance of tattoos may vary depending on the shipping company.

Can I Wear Spectacles in GP Rating?

  • Candidates requiring spectacles or contact lenses are generally not eligible, as 6/6 unaided vision is required.
  • Vision standards may vary slightly for some institutes, but DG Shipping medical requirements must always be met.
  • Candidates should undergo a medical examination before applying if they are unsure about their eyesight.

Is GP Rating a Good Choice for Commerce Students?

For a Commerce student who genuinely wants to work at sea, GP Rating can be a practical entry route. But the decision should depend on your career objective. If your main goal is to start a seafaring career without taking a conventional three-year degree, GP Rating may be worth considering.

On the other hand, if you are choosing GP Rating only because you believe Commerce leaves you with no other career choices, take some time to understand the job first.

Life onboard a merchant ship involves:

  • Long periods away from home
  • Shift-based duties
  • Physical work
  • Strict safety procedures
  • Teamwork with multinational crews
  • Discipline and responsibility

The course may be short, but the profession requires commitment.

What Do You Learn During GP Rating Training?

What Do You Learn During GP Rating Training

The six-month pre-sea training is focused heavily on practical maritime skills. A student can expect exposure to areas such as:

  • Seamanship

Students learn basic shipboard practices, ropes, knots, deck work, and other fundamentals required for working safely onboard.

  • Safety Training

Safety is one of the most important parts of maritime education. Candidates learn emergency procedures, personal safety practices, and other essential precautions.

  • Cargo Handling

Students are introduced to the basic principles involved in handling cargo and supporting cargo operations.

  • Ship Maintenance

GP Ratings assist with routine maintenance and upkeep of different areas of a vessel.

  • Basic Engineering

Candidates also receive fundamental knowledge that helps them support operations in the Engine Department.

Admission Process for a Commerce Student

The exact admission process depends on the GP Rating College or shipping company conducting the selection.

A typical process can involve:

  1. Check your eligibility
  2. Submit the application
  3. Appear for the entrance or online test, if applicable
  4. Attend the interview
  5. Complete the required medical examination
  6. Submit documents
  7. Complete admission formalities

Entrance tests, interviews, and company selection procedures are not necessarily identical across all institutes, so students should check the specific admission notice rather than assuming that every college follows the same process.

What Career Can You Build After GP Rating?

After completing GP Rating and meeting the applicable requirements for shipboard service, candidates can work on the Deck or Engine side of a vessel.

Career progression can include positions such as:

  • Ordinary Seaman
  • Able-Bodied Seaman
  • Deck Fitter
  • Bosun

The exact rank progression depends on sea service, certification, company requirements, and the applicable regulatory pathway. GP Rating should therefore be viewed as the beginning of a maritime career, not the final qualification.

Should You Join GP Rating After Commerce?

If you are a Commerce student who has always wanted to enter the Merchant Navy, your stream does not automatically close the door.

The more important questions are:

  • Did you have the required subjects in Class 10?
  • Do you meet the required marks?
  • Are you within the applicable age limit?
  • Can you clear the required medical examination?
  • Are you comfortable with life at sea?
  • Are you applying to a properly approved training institute?

If the answer to these questions is yes, GP Rating can be a route worth exploring.

GP Rating FAQ

Yes. Class 12 candidates from any stream can join the Merchant Navy depending on your class 10th English and Science marks. Class 10 subjects and English marks are important for GP Rating.

No. PCM in Class 12 is not the basic requirement for GP Rating. The eligibility route is different from officer-entry courses such as DNS and B.Sc. Nautical Science.

Your Class 12 Commerce stream can be acceptable, but the Class 10 subject requirements still need to be checked. The detailed DG Shipping guideline specifies Mathematics and Science at Class 10 for the relevant Class 12 entry route.

The GP Rating pathway begins with a six-month pre-sea training programme, followed by the required shipboard service and certification progression.

Before choosing an institute or coaching programme, compare its preparation support, admission guidance, faculty, mock tests, and track record. For students preparing in Dehradun, SMVD Marine Academy provides GP Rating exam preparation and admission guidance.