GP Rating Course Eligibility

GP Rating is a 6-month pre-sea training course approved by DG Shipping. You can join this course after passing Class 10th or a 2-year ITI or an eligible Diploma. Students from Class 12th (Arts & Commerce) who wish to join the Merchant Navy without engineering can also go with GP Rating. But GP Rating course eligibility criteria depend on your qualification, English, age, and medical fitness. In this post, we’ll discuss everything related to GP Rating eligibility. We’ll provide the complete information on Educational Qualification, Age Limit, Medical Fitness, and who can join the GP Rating Course in 2026.

What is GP Rating Course Eligibility?

What is GP Rating Course Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for the GP Rating Course refer to the minimum qualifications or requirements that a candidate must fulfill at the time of admission. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the training institutes. To be eligible for the GP Rating Course, you must meet all the eligibility requirements, such as educational qualifications, age, English, and medical fitness. A few training institutes also conduct an entrance exam or have specific criteria like a minimum height of 157cm (for boys), an approved ITI Trade, etc. So before applying to any institutes, check their eligibility criteria to save your time. 

GP Rating Educational Qualification

GP Rating Course Eligibility for 10th Students

  • Must have passed Class 10th from a recognized board.
  • Science and Mathematics should be compulsory subjects.
  • Minimum 40% aggregate marks in Class 10th.
  • At least 40% marks in English and must satisfy the age and medical criteria.

GP Rating Course Eligibility for ITI Students

  • Must have completed a 2-year ITI from a government-recognized institute.
  • Minimum 50% marks in the final year of ITI.
  • At least 40% marks in English in Class 10th or 12th.
  • ITI trade must be approved by DG Shipping.

Accepted ITI Trades:

  • Fitter 
  • Machinist
  • Marine Fitter
  • Motor Mechanic
  • Turner
  • Vessel Navigator
  • Instrument Mechanic
  • Electronic Mechanic
  • Electrician, Mechanic 
  • Industrial Electronics 
  • Mechanic A/C
  • Mechanic Motor Vehicle
  • Mechanical Draughtsman
  • Welder

GP Rating Course Eligibility for Diploma Students

  • Diploma must be from a government-approved institution.
  • Eligibility depends on the admission policy of the respective college.
  • Must meet 40% marks in English.
  • Your age should be between 17.5 and 28 years.

GP Rating Course Eligibility for Commerce Students

  • Commerce students are eligible for the GP Rating Course.
  • Commerce students must score at least 40% in Class 12th or 10th with Maths and Science as subjects.
  • You must score at least 40% marks in English either in Class 12th or 10th. 

GP Rating Course Eligibility for Arts Students

  • Arts students are also eligible for the GP Rating Course.
  • Students with Arts in class 12th  must score at least 40% in class 12th or 10th with Maths and Science as subjects.
  • You must score at least 40% marks in English either in Class 12th or 10th. 
  • Medical fitness as per DG Shipping is mandatory.

GP Rating Course Eligibility for NIOS/Open Board Students

  • Students with the NIOS board are not eligible to join the GP Rating Course.
  • If you have passed your Class 12th with the NIOS board, then you can apply for GP Rating on the basis of Class 10th marks only. 
  • If you have passed your Class 10th from the NIOS board and Class 12th from a regular board, then you are not eligible for any GP Rating College. 

GP Rating Course Eligibility for Improvement Students

  • Acceptance of improvement marks depends on the training institute.
  • Some colleges accept improvement candidates, while others don’t.
  • Verify the policy before submitting your application.
  • All other eligibility criteria must also be fulfilled.

GP Rating English Marks Requirement

English is the most important subject for GP Rating Course eligibility. You are required to have 40% or more marks in English from Class 10th or 12th, depending upon the course you are applying to. This helps you in comprehending and communicating effectively onboard.

English is an important element of the Merchant Navy as it helps people to convey and understand the important safety-related instructions. Hence, students without enough English marks are not considered for admission in Merchant Navy Institutes.

Table of Contents

GP Course Age Limit

The age limit for GP Rating Course in the Merchant Navy is 17.5 to 28 years. You must be 17.5 years or older at the time of your joining date for DG Shipping-approved GP Rating Institutes. Some institutes allow age relaxation for female candidates to encourage them to join the Merchant Navy. So check the eligibility criteria for institutes before applying. Now let’s look at some frequently asked questions.

Is there any age relaxation in GP Rating?

Age relaxation in GP Rating depends on the training institutes. Mostly Private GP Rating institutes do not offer any age relaxation. But a few institutes like T.S. Rahaman and SCI-MTI provide 2 to 3 years of age relaxation for SC/ST and OBC Candidates.

GP Rating Medical Requirement

To enroll in the GP Rating Course, you need to be physically and mentally stable, as you need to work on ships. The following are the medical requirements that you need to fulfill.

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.

GP Rating Eligibility Calculator

GP Rating Eligibility Calculator

Honestly, all these criteria seem a bit confusing and overwhelming. To make it easier, we have designed a GP Rating Course 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

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

The minimum qualification required to join the GP Rating course is high school, where you need just 40% in class 10th, with 40% in English, to be eligible for the GP Rating course. 

DG Shipping has recently increased the age limit for GP Rating from 25 to 28, so the new age limit for GP Rating is 17.5 to 28 years of age. 

No, candidates with glasses are not allowed to join the GP Rating as it requires candidates to have 6/6 unaided vision. 

Yes, English is a very important part of the whole Merchant Navy as it will help the sailors to understand the safety instructions; that is why 40% marks are a must either in 10th or 12th in English.