GP Rating Course
If you just finished your 10th, 12th, or ITI, you don’t need to spend years studying engineering or high-level physics to join the Merchant Navy. The GP Rating Course is the ultimate shortcut. It is a quick, 6-month pre-sea training program approved by DG Shipping that gets you job-ready faster than almost any other career path.
The best part? You don’t need to worry about high PCM marks from school. Once you graduate from an approved institute, you can step right onto a merchant ship working in either the Deck or Engine department. If your goal is to travel the world, earn a solid paycheck, and start your seafaring career while your peers are still sitting in classrooms, this is your fastest ticket out to sea.
What is a GP Rating Course?
The GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) course is a 6-month, hands-on training program approved by DG Shipping, where you receive practical training in ship maintenance, seamanship, cargo handling, safety procedures, and the fundamentals of marine engineering. It is one of the most popular Merchant Navy courses for students who do not have PCM in Class 12th but still want to build a career at sea. After completing the course, you can join merchant ships in either of the following departments:
- Deck Department
- Engine Department
However, getting admission into the right GP Rating College is the key to securing sponsorship from top shipping companies. Let’s check what things you need to look for before applying.
GP Rating Full Form
The full form of GP Rating is General Purpose Rating. Many students and their parents get easily confused and think of it as a different profession, but, like a Diploma in Nautical Science or BSc Nautical Science, this is a 6-month course to join the Merchant Navy, especially if you want to join the Merchant Navy after Class 10th, 12th Commerce/arts, or ITI.
Who Can Do GP Rating Course?
Students who have completed Class 10th, Class 12th (Commerce/Arts), or a 2-year ITI / Diploma are eligible to apply for the GP Rating Course, provided they meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by DG Shipping and the respective training institute. Since every GP Rating college may have slightly different admission requirements, it is important to check the eligibility before applying. Let’s understand the complete GP Rating Course eligibility criteria in detail.
Table of Contents
GP Rating Course Eligibility
GP Rating Course Education Qualification
For 10th-Passed Students:
- The candidate must have science and mathematics in class 10th.
- The candidate must have passed class 10th from a certified board.
- The students should have at least 40% in class 10th
- Compulsory to have at least 40% in English.
For ITI-Passed Students:
- The candidate should have completed at least a 2-year ITI course from a government-approved institute.
- The candidate must have scored at least 50% in the final year of ITI.
- The candidate should have scored at least 40% marks in English in class 10th or 12th.
The following trades are accepted for the GP Rating Course:
- 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, and Welder.
GP Rating Course Age Limit
- The minimum age to join the GP Rating course is 17.5 years, and the maximum age is 28 years. Although GP Rating colleges always prefer younger candidates, the earlier you join, the better it will be for you.
GP Rating Medical Requirements
To join the Merchant Navy through the GP Rating Course, candidates must undergo a medical examination conducted by a DG Shipping-approved doctor. The medical test checks whether you are fit for sea service and generally includes blood tests, urine tests, BMI, hearing, eyesight, and colour vision. Once you are declared medically fit, you can continue with the admission process. The medical requirements for the GP Rating Course are as follows:
- The eyesight of the candidate should be 6/6 unaided.
- There should be no colour blindness.
- Both pupils should be properly functional.
Physical Requirements for the GP Rating.
- 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 is 157 cm for boys and 152 cm for girls.
- Your BMI should be between 18.5 and 25.
How To Join the GP Rating Course?
GP Rating Course After 10th
1. Check Eligibility for GP Rating
To join the GP Rating, you need to get at least 40% in 10th board with science and mathematics as subjects. You also need to check that your English marks should be at least 40%. However, different colleges have different criteria; if you want to make it easy for yourself to check the eligibility, check our GP Rating Eligibility Calculator.
2. Fill Out The Application Form
Once you check the eligibility, then comes the process of form filling, where you need to keep an eye out for the GP Rating application form of your preference, or you can directly join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates on application forms of GP Rating colleges.
3. GP Rating Online Test
After your application is approved, the college will send you the examination link for the GP Rating Online Test, where your knowledge will be checked in the following areas: basic aptitude, English, general knowledge, and mathematics. It is compulsory to pass this online test, as only then will you be allowed to sit for the GP Rating interview.
4. GP Rating Interview
Candidates who clear the online test will be allowed to sit for the interview, where you will go through the technical and non-technical rounds of questions. This is the deciding factor where your performance decides whether you are getting into the college or not, and to leave no stones unturned in your preparation, you can check out our ____________. (IDK what’s the promo).
5. Psychometric Test
After getting selected in the interview, candidates are required to go through the psychometric test, which will test their mindset and their view of life. It is very important to answer all questions truthfully to get the best result.
6. Final Documentation / Medical Test
After successfully clearing all of the above tests and interviews, the candidates are required to submit the document that includes a 10th passing certificate, passport, birth certificate, Aadhaar card, or any other certificate asked by the institute.
GP Rating Course After ITI
ITI is another stream after which you can join the Merchant Navy. However, the criteria are slightly different, and also the subject of ITI matters a lot. To apply for the GP Rating Course after ITI, candidates must have at least 50% marks in the final year and should belong to one of the following DG Shipping-accepted 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, and Welder.
- If you are unsure about your eligibility, I would suggest going to the GP Rating Eligibility calculator, where we will recommend the best college according to your educational qualifications.
GP Rating Online Test
The GP Rating Online Test is conducted by most GP Rating colleges and shipping companies before the interview round. Many students, especially those from State Boards, find it difficult to clear because of weak basics in Mathematics, English, and Reasoning. However, this hurdle can be easily overcome with the right guidance. At SMVD Academy, hundreds of students have prepared through GP Rating mock tests, doubt sessions, and interview training, helping them clear the GP Rating Online Test on the first attempt and start their Merchant Navy careers with top shipping companies.
GP Rating Course Duration and Training
The GP Rating Course is a 6-month pre-sea training course. During this period, candidates receive both classroom and practical training in subjects such as:
- Seamanship
- Cargo Handling
- Safety and Precautions on Board
- Safety Maintenance Practices
- Basic Engineering Skills
The training is conducted as per DG Shipping and STCW guidelines, with a strong focus on developing the practical skills required to work safely and efficiently on merchant ships. The GP Rating Course prepares candidates for real onboard operations in both the Deck and Engine Departments.
In GP Rating, the college builds a foundation, but the shipping company makes a career. So, it is much more important to get sponsorship from a good shipping company. So, here are 4 colleges from where you will get the best shipping company sponsorship in GP Rating.
IMI Noida with Fleet Management Sponsorship
IMI Noida is one of the best colleges for people who are looking for a GP Rating college near Delhi or Delhi NCR. 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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2. 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.
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3. 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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4. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS) is a preferred choice for students who want to join a GP Rating Course with better placement opportunities. What makes GEIMS different from many other GP Rating colleges is that it is the training institute of The Great Eastern Shipping Company, one of India’s leading shipping companies. This gives deserving students an added advantage during placements.
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GP Rating Course Fees in 2026
The GP Rating Course fees vary from one institute to another depending on factors such as DG Shipping approval, hostel and accommodation facilities, practical training, campus infrastructure, and faculty quality. In India, the fees for a GP Rating Course generally range from ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000, although some institutes may charge more depending on the facilities and placement opportunities they offer. Before taking admission, always compare the fee structure along with the college’s placement record and training quality. Let’s take a closer look at the GP Rating Course fees of the top colleges in India.
College | Fees |
IMI Noida | The course for the GP Rating in IMI Noida is ₹2,72,000 |
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 |
Great Eastern | The course for the GP Rating in GEIMS is ₹4,86,000 |
Seven Islands | The course for the GP Rating in Seven Islands Marine Institute is ₹4,89,700 |
Salary After GP Rating Course
The salary after the GP Rating Course depends on several factors, including your rank, sailing experience, shipping company, and the type of vessel you work on. As you gain sea service and get promoted to higher ranks, your salary also increases. While the exact pay varies from one company to another, the salary ranges given below will give you a realistic idea of what GP Rating candidates generally earn 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 |
Duty After GP Rating Course
After completing the GP Rating Course, candidates join the Merchant Navy as Trainee GP Ratings and work in either the Deck Department or the Engine Department. Their duties include ship maintenance, cargo operations, painting, cleaning, machinery assistance, watchkeeping, and helping senior officers in the day-to-day operations of the ship. As you gain sailing experience and clear the required examinations, you can get promoted to higher ranks with better salaries and responsibilities, making the GP Rating Course an excellent starting point for a successful Merchant Navy career.
GP Rating For Women
The GP Rating Course for women is becoming an increasingly popular career choice as more female candidates join the Merchant Navy every year.
Women candidates receive:
- Equal training opportunities
- Equal salary and benefits
- Safe accommodation onboard
- Opportunities to work with international shipping companies
In the Merchant Navy, your dedication, skills, and knowledge determine your success—not your gender.
GP Rating FAQ
GP Rating is a 6-month pre-sea course that students can enroll in after class 10th or a 2-year ITI to get a job in the Merchant Navy.
Any candidate with at least 40% in 10th / 12th with at least 40% in English or 50% aggregate in a 2-year ITI is eligible for the GP Rating Course.
- The GP Rating Course fees in 2026 depend on the college and facilities, starting from ₹2,00,000 and going all the way to 5,00,000
Many institutes conduct the GP Rating Course; however, you should always check the placement record of the institutes before making the payment.
The salary after the GP Rating Course depends entirely on rank and experience. The GP Rating Salary generally starts around ₹40,000 and goes up to ₹1,80,000.
It’s a bit tricky to get an educational loan for GP Rating as it is a Diploma course not a degree course. However, some colleges provide sponsorship letters to candidates with the help of which you can apply for educational loans.
To know about the complete procedure, CLICK HERE.
In GP Rating it’s all about colleges if you get into a good college with good placement then with a little bit of hard work you can get into a good Shipping company. Some colleges have their own shipping company so if you get into such colleges then your job is secured.