Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS) offers a one-year, full-time Diploma in Nautical Science at its Lonavala campus. It is the deck cadet course that leads to a ship's officer career. DG Shipping graded SIMS pre-sea training A1 in 2025, its top grade. The full fee is INR 6 Lakhs, with hostel, food and uniform included. You need an IMU CET rank, then SIMS takes you through its own online test, interview and medical. There are 160 seats a year across the August and February batches. Every cadet who passes goes to sea on group ships. The stipend at sea is INR 15,000 to 20,000 a month, about INR 1.8 to 2.4 LPA.
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Fees
The full fee is INR 6 Lakhs for the year, with hostel, food and uniform already in it. With the two exam form fees added, the total is INR 6.02 Lakhs. SIMS does not publish a separate tuition fee. You pay SIMS for the course once, and nothing more is due at the institute. Most families take a bank education loan, and SIMS gives you the letters the bank asks for.
Fee head
Amount
How it is charged
Course fee, all inclusive
INR 6 Lakhs
Full course: tuition, admission, hostel, food, uniform, bed linen, caution deposit
IMU CET form fee
INR 1,200
One time, INR 800 for SC and ST
SIMS registration fee
INR 1,100
One time, when you apply
Total, course fee only
INR 6 Lakhs
Full course
Total with exam form fees
INR 6.02 Lakhs
Full course
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Admission Dates 2027
The IMU CET 2026 result came out on 14 Jun 2026, and that rank card is used for the Feb 2027 batch. SIMS holds its online test, interview and medical before classes start in Feb 2027. The Aug 2027 batch needs a new rank from IMU CET 2027, expected in May 2027. SIMS sends each test date by email after you register.
Event
Date
Status
IMU CET 2026 registration, last date to apply
5 Feb 2026 to 28 Apr 2026
Over
IMU CET 2026 exam
24 May 2026
Over
IMU CET 2026 result and rank card
14 Jun 2026
Over
SIMS form and online test, Feb 2027 batch
Nov 2026
Tentative
Interview, personality test, medical and offer
Dec 2026
Tentative
Course fee payment
Jan 2027
Tentative
Reporting and document check at Lonavala
Feb 2027
Tentative
Classes start, Feb 2027 batch
Feb 2027
Tentative
IMU CET 2027 registration, Aug 2027 batch
Feb 2027 to Apr 2027
Tentative
IMU CET 2027 exam
May 2027
Tentative
SIMS test, interview and fee, Aug 2027 batch
Jun 2027 to Jul 2027
Tentative
Classes start, Aug 2027 batch
Aug 2027
Tentative
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Eligibility
You need 60% overall and 60% in Physics, Chemistry and Maths in Class 12, with at least 50% each in Physics and Maths. You also need 50% in English in Class 10 or 12. SIMS takes you only from 17 to 20 years of age, unmarried, with Class 12 passed in the first attempt. If you miss one rule, SIMS will not let you take its online test.
Requirement
What you need
Class 12 marks
60% overall and 60% in Physics, Chemistry and Maths
Physics and Maths
50% in each, 60% together
English
50% in Class 10 or 12
Age
17 to 20 years on the joining day
Entrance exam
A rank from the latest IMU CET
Eyesight
6/6 in the better eye without glasses, no colour blindness
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Admission Process
Admission has six steps: IMU CET, the SIMS online form, the online test, the interview, the medical and reporting. You must clear IMU CET first, because DG Shipping lets institutes admit only on an IMU CET rank. SIMS then sets its own test and interview. If you fail any stage, you cannot try again for the same batch.
Step
What you do
IMU CET
Register on the IMU site and write the exam
SIMS online form
Fill the form and pay the registration fee
Online test
Book a test centre and write the test
Interview
Take the personality test and the interview
Medical
Get checked by a doctor SIMS approves
Reporting
Pay the course fee and report at Lonavala with originals
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Cutoff
The IMU CET 2026 cutoff was 60 percentile for General and 54 for EWS and OBC-NCL. SC and ST students needed 45 percentile. IMU sets these qualifying marks; they are not a closing rank. SIMS does not publish a closing score, so the cutoff only lets you apply and its own test decides the seat.
Category
IMU CET cutoff
Year
General
60 percentile
2026
General-EWS
54 percentile
2026
OBC-NCL
54 percentile
2026
SC
45 percentile
2026
ST
45 percentile
2026
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Placements
SIMS says every cadet who passes is placed, so its placement rate is 100%. Cadets join ships managed by its group company, Executive Ship Management, as deck cadets for 18 months. The stipend is INR 15,000 to 20,000 a month, with free food and room on board. After the Second Mate exam, a third officer earns INR 1.50 to 1.90 Lakhs a month.
Metric
Value
Batch placed
100%, in-house
Who takes you
Executive Ship Management, the SIMS group company
Sea training
18 months as a deck cadet
Stipend at sea
INR 15,000 to 20,000 a month
Third officer pay
INR 1.50 to 1.90 Lakhs a month
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Scholarships
One scheme takes INR 1 Lakh off the fee: the DG Shipping scholarship for women cadets. The Maritime Training Trust of DG Shipping pays it for each academic year of a pre-sea course. SIMS lists no scholarship of its own, but it has a tie-up with banks for education loans. You apply for the scholarship through the institute after you join.
Scholarship
Who can get it
Amount or waiver
DG Shipping scholarship for women
Women on a DG Shipping approved pre-sea course
INR 1 Lakh for the year
Bank education loan
Any cadet the bank approves
A loan, not a waiver
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Ranking
DG Shipping graded SIMS pre-sea training A1 in its 2025 inspection report, and A1 is its top grade. An A1 grade means a score of 90% and above. DG Shipping inspects every maritime institute under its CIP (its yearly inspection programme) and grades it from A1 down to C2.
Ranking body
Year
Rank or grade
DG Shipping CIP, pre-sea
2025
A1
What A1 means
2025
90% and above
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Course Structure
The course has two semesters at Lonavala, then three semesters at sea over 18 months. The last 4 months are a shore course for the Second Mate exam. You study navigation, chart work, ship stability, seamanship and cargo work, with physics, chemistry, maths and English.
Stage
What you do
Semesters 1 and 2
One year at SIMS Lonavala, living on campus
Semesters 3, 4 and 5
18 months on a ship as a deck cadet
Semester 6
4 months on shore for the Second Mate course and exams
Award
B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science) from IMU and the Second Mate certificate from DG Shipping
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Seats and Intake
SIMS has 160 DNS seats a year, as approved by IMU: 120 in the August batch and 40 in the February batch. You pick one batch when you apply, and you can apply only once for a batch.
Batch
Seats
August
120
February
40
Total a year
160
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Hostel and Campus
The campus is at Takwe Khurd on the Mumbai to Pune highway near Lonavala, and you live on campus all year. Hostel, food, uniform and bed linen are part of the INR 6 Lakhs fee. The campus has a Ship-in-Campus for training on real ship equipment.
Item
Detail
Location
Takwe Khurd, Mumbai to Pune highway, Lonavala
Stay
On campus for the whole year
In the fee
Hostel, food, uniform and bed linen
Training ship on land
Ship-in-Campus
Should you pick Diploma in Nautical Science at SIMS?
This course suits students who want to become ship officers and can live away from home at sea for months.
Pick it if:
You want a ship after the course: SIMS sends every cadet who passes to ships managed by its own group company for sea training.
Your family wants one clear fee: the INR 6 Lakhs covers tuition, hostel, food, uniform and the caution deposit, and SIMS asks for nothing more.
You missed the August batch: SIMS also has a February batch of 40 seats, and your IMU CET 2026 rank card is valid for it.
You want an institute with a strong inspection record: DG Shipping graded SIMS pre-sea training A1, its top grade, in its 2025 report.
Skip it if:
You are older than 20 on the joining day: SIMS takes Class 12 students only up to 20 years, even though IMU allows older students.
You wear glasses or have colour blindness: deck cadets need 6/6 in the better eye without glasses, and the SIMS doctor checks it.
You want a big salary early: cadets at sea get INR 15,000 to 20,000 a month, and the big pay starts after the Second Mate exam.
You passed Class 12 in a second attempt: SIMS accepts only a first-attempt pass from a regular board, so you cannot apply.
Counsellor's advice
If you are 20 or under with 60% in PCM, apply for the February batch and book the online test. If you are older, pick an institute whose age limit you meet.
Diploma in Nautical Science Eligibility▾
Class 12 marks: 60% overall and 60% in Physics, Chemistry and Maths, with at least 50% each in Physics and Maths. First attempt, regular board only.
English: At least 50% in English in Class 10 or Class 12.
Age and status: 17 to 20 years on the joining day, and unmarried. Graduates have higher age limits.
Entrance exam: A rank from the latest IMU CET (the Indian Maritime University entrance test). The 2026 cutoff was 60 percentile for General.
Medical and passport: 6/6 in the better eye without glasses, no colour blindness, and a valid passport before you join.
Diploma in Nautical Science Admission Process▾
Take IMU CET: Register on the IMU site and write the exam. The 2026 rank card also counts for the Feb 2027 batch.
Apply to SIMS: Fill the SIMS online form, pay INR 1,100 and book a test centre.
Write the SIMS test: 37 questions for 90 marks plus 10 marks of English writing, then a 16PF (personality) test and an interview.
Pass the medical: A doctor SIMS approves checks you. A fail at any stage ends your try for that batch.
Pay and report: Pay the course fee and report at Lonavala with your original papers.
Diploma in Nautical Science Admission Dates 2027
▾
These are the 2027 steps for both SIMS batches, February and August. Tap 2028 Session for expected dates of the next year.
The 2028 calendar is not out yet. These dates are estimates based on 2026.
Over
5 Feb 2026 to 28 Apr 2026
IMU CET 2026 registration, last date to apply
The last date was moved to 28 Apr 2026. Late forms were not taken.
Over
24 May 2026
IMU CET 2026 exam
This one exam covers both the Aug 2026 and the Feb 2027 batch.
Over
14 Jun 2026
IMU CET 2026 result and rank card
Keep the rank card. SIMS asks for it for the Feb 2027 batch.
Tentative
Nov 2026
SIMS form and online test, Feb 2027 batch
Expected before the Feb batch. SIMS emails the test slot after you pay INR 1,100.
Tentative
Dec 2026
Interview, 16PF test, medical and offer
Expected after the online test. A fail at any stage ends your try for this batch.
Tentative
Jan 2027
Course fee payment, Feb 2027 batch
Expected before joining. Keep the loan papers ready if a bank pays the fee.
Tentative
Feb 2027
Reporting and document check at Lonavala
Expected on the joining day. Bring your originals and your passport.
Tentative
Feb 2027
Classes start, Feb 2027 batch
SIMS says the DNS batches start in February and August.
Tentative
Feb 2027 to Apr 2027
IMU CET 2027 registration, Aug 2027 batch
Expected in the same months as 2026. The Aug batch needs a 2027 rank.
Tentative
May 2027
IMU CET 2027 exam
Expected in the same month as 2026.
Tentative
Jun 2027 to Jul 2027
SIMS test, interview, offer and fee, Aug 2027 batch
Expected after the IMU CET 2027 result.
Tentative
Aug 2027
Classes start, Aug 2027 batch
The August batch is the bigger one, with 120 seats.
Tentative
Nov 2027
SIMS form and online test, Feb 2028 batch
Expected to use the IMU CET 2027 rank card.
Tentative
Dec 2027
Interview, medical and offer, Feb 2028 batch
Expected after the online test.
Tentative
Jan 2028
Course fee payment, Feb 2028 batch
Expected before joining.
Tentative
Feb 2028
Reporting and classes start, Feb 2028 batch
Expected on the joining day at Lonavala.
Tentative
Feb 2028 to Apr 2028
IMU CET 2028 registration, Aug 2028 batch
Expected in the same months as 2026.
Tentative
May 2028
IMU CET 2028 exam
Expected in the same month as 2026.
Tentative
Jun 2028
IMU CET 2028 result and rank card
Expected about three weeks after the exam.
Tentative
Jun 2028 to Jul 2028
SIMS test, interview, offer and fee, Aug 2028 batch
Expected after the IMU CET result.
Tentative
Jul 2028
Reporting and document check, Aug 2028 batch
Expected just before classes.
Tentative
Aug 2028
Classes start, Aug 2028 batch
Expected in the first week of August.
Source: IMU Prospectus 2026-27, IMU notices and the SIMS course page. Confirm on the official site before you act.
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Fees 2027
▾
This is the full 1-year cost, with hostel, food and uniform included. Turn on the toggle to add the two exam form fees.
Course fee, all inclusive
Full course, as published: tuition, admission, hostel, food, uniform and caution deposit
INR 6 Lakhs
Add exam form fees
IMU CET form fee
One time, INR 800 for SC and ST
INR 1,200
SIMS registration fee
One time, paid when you apply
INR 1,100
Total course fee
INR 6 Lakhs
1 year · course fee with hostel and food, exam forms not added
Total course fee
INR 6.02 Lakhs
1 year · course fee + IMU CET and SIMS form fees
Education loan EMI
INR 10,116
7 yr · 10.5% per year
Cadet stipend
INR 15,000 to 20,000
a month at sea, as SIMS states
Education loan EMI
INR 10,155
7 yr · 10.5% per year
Cadet stipend
INR 15,000 to 20,000
a month at sea, as SIMS states
Source: SIMS pre-sea course FAQ and the IMU Prospectus 2026-27. Confirm on the official site before you act.
Will your IMU CET score get you a seat at SIMS?
Pick your IMU CET result and your Class 12 PCM marks. The 2026 cutoff was 60 percentile for General, 54 for EWS and OBC-NCL, 45 for SC and ST.
IMU CET result
Class 12 PCM marks
Yes, you can sit the SIMS test
You meet both gates. The seat now depends on the SIMS online test, the interview and the medical.
Not yet
SIMS needs 60% overall and 60% in PCM in Class 12, so a good IMU CET rank alone is not enough.
Almost there
Your marks are fine, but this rank card is not valid at SIMS. Take IMU CET 2027 for the Aug 2027 batch.
Not yet
You miss both the IMU CET cutoff and the SIMS marks rule for this course.
Almost there
Your marks are fine. Register for IMU CET 2027, expected to open in Feb 2027, and aim at the Aug 2027 batch.
Not yet
You need an IMU CET rank and 60% in PCM. Without both, SIMS will not call you for its test.
EDITOR'S NOTE
Clearing the IMU CET cutoff only lets you apply. SIMS picks cadets on its own online test, the 16PF test, the interview and the medical, and a fail at any stage ends your try for that batch.
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science Scholarship Calculator
Answer one question to see what you can claim. Confirm the final amount with SIMS.
You are
Scholarships you missedYou do not qualify on your answers. Tap to see why.▾
Each chip below says which answer blocked the scheme.
DG Shipping scholarship for women
INR 1 Lakh
Maritime Training Trust, DG Shipping
Paid for each academic year of a pre-sea course, and the DNS year at SIMS counts.
Who qualifies: women on a DG Shipping approved pre-sea courseApply after you join, through SIMS
Not eligible on your answers: women only
No scheme matches these answers. Ask SIMS about paying with a bank education loan.
Estimated total waiver
INR 1 Lakh
Your net course fee: INR 5 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 0
Your net course fee: INR 6 Lakhs
SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science vs similar colleges
Tap a college to see it next to SIMS. The cream box marks the better number in each row: lower fees, more seats, an easier marks or age rule.
Compare with
This page
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies
Lonavala
Compared with
Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy
Karjat, Raigad
Compared with
Maritime Training Institute (SCI)
Powai, Mumbai
Compared with
Tolani Maritime Institute
Induri, Pune
Compared with
The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
Lonavala
Total feesyear at the institute, as published
INR 6 Lakhs
all inclusive, with hostel
INR 7.55 Lakhs
INR 1.55 Lakhs more, before safety course and IMU fees
INR 7 Lakhs
INR 1 Lakh more, male fee
INR 6.78 Lakhs
INR 78,000 more, male fee
Not published
Seats a yearIMU approved intake
160
Aug and Feb batches
280
120 more
160
Same seats
160
Same seats
160
Same seats
Minimum PCM marksClass 12, General
60%
plus 60% overall
65%
5 points higher
60%
Same marks
60%
Same marks
Not published
Upper age limityears, Class 12 route, General
20
on the joining day
25
5 more years
25
5 more years
21
1 more year
Not published
Batches a yearDNS intakes
2
February and August
2
Same batches
2
Same batches
2
Same batches
2
Same batches
In short
Anglo-Eastern takes more cadets but asks for 65% in PCM and charges INR 1.55 Lakhs more. If your PCM is 65% or more, apply to both; if it is between 60% and 65%, SIMS is the one that accepts it.
In short
MTI Powai has the same seats and marks rule but charges INR 1 Lakh more for male cadets and allows age up to 25. If you are over 20, MTI Powai is open to you and SIMS is not; if you are 20 or under, SIMS costs less.
In short
Tolani costs INR 78,000 more, allows age up to 21 and takes only cadets a shipping company sponsors. If a company sponsors you there, compare both offers; if not, SIMS picks on its own test.
In short
Great Eastern has the same seats and two batches a year but does not publish its fee. If you are choosing between the two, ask Great Eastern for its fee in writing before you pay SIMS anything.
Fees and pay can change. Check each college site before you decide.
FAQs on SIMS Diploma in Nautical Science
Straight answers to what students ask before they decide.
Is DNS at SIMS worth the INR 6 Lakhs fee?▾
Yes, if you are sure you want a life at sea. The INR 6 Lakhs covers hostel, food and uniform, and every cadet who passes goes to a ship of the group company. The stipend is small, but a third officer earns INR 1.50 to 1.90 Lakhs a month. Count on almost three years of training before that pay starts.
What job will I get after this course?▾
You join a ship as a deck cadet for 18 months of sea training. After the Second Mate exam you become a third officer, and over the years you can rise to Captain. SIMS places cadets in-house on ships managed by Executive Ship Management. Check the medical rules first, because a failed medical ends the plan.
Should I join SIMS if I am 21 years old?▾
No, SIMS will not take you on the Class 12 route. Its upper age limit is 20 years on the joining day, even though IMU allows older students. A graduate can join up to 22 and an engineer up to 25. If you are over 20 with only Class 12, look at institutes that follow the IMU age limit.
Who should not take this course?▾
Skip it if you wear glasses for distance, have colour blindness or want to live near home. Deck cadets need 6/6 in the better eye without glasses, and sea training keeps you on a ship for about six months at a time. If you need a high salary in the first two years, this course will not give you that either.
Should I pick the February batch if I missed August?▾
Yes, if you already hold an IMU CET 2026 rank card. IMU says that card stays valid for the Feb 2027 batch, and SIMS has 40 seats in it. If you did not take IMU CET 2026, you cannot join in February. Plan for IMU CET 2027 and the August batch instead.
Is the placement at SIMS sure?▾
Nearly, as long as you pass the course. SIMS says the placement rate is 100%, because every cadet who passes joins a ship of its group company. The offer covers sea training, not a fixed salary for life. Pass every semester and keep your medical fitness, because both decide whether you sail.
Is the salary good in the first two years?▾
No, not in the first two years. Cadets at sea get INR 15,000 to 20,000 a month, about INR 1.8 to 2.4 LPA, with free food and room on board. The big jump comes after the Second Mate exam, when a third officer earns INR 1.50 to 1.90 Lakhs a month. Plan your loan EMI around the stipend, not the officer pay.
Is DNS good for higher studies?▾
Yes, it leads to a degree. After the sea time and the Second Mate exam, IMU gives you a B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science). That degree lets you sit for higher studies later. If you want a full-time campus degree first, DNS is not the right path, because most of it happens at sea.
Can girls join DNS at SIMS?▾
Yes, girls can join and the same marks rule applies. The height rule is 152 cm for girls and the weight rule is 45 kg. DG Shipping also pays women cadets a scholarship of INR 1 Lakh for the year. Use the scholarship calculator above to see your net fee.
How do I get admission to DNS at SIMS?▾
First clear IMU CET, then fill the SIMS online form and pay INR 1,100. SIMS then calls you for its online test, a 16PF personality test, an interview and a medical. If you fail at any stage, you cannot try again for the same batch. Check the dates block above for the next batch.
Can I pay the fee with a bank loan?▾
Yes, many cadets do. SIMS has a tie-up with banks for education loans and gives you the letters the bank asks for. You choose and deal with the bank yourself. The EMI tile in the fee block shows the monthly payment on INR 6 Lakhs over seven years.
Do I need a passport before I join?▾
Yes, you must hold a valid passport before the course starts. A ship sails to other countries, so you cannot board without one. Apply for it as soon as you decide to take this course, because it takes time. Keep it ready with your other original papers for reporting.
To gain admission to this college, applicants need to apply online and meet academic criteria of at least 60% in PCM and 50% in English from their 12th standard. They must pass the IMU CET, the college's entrance exam, a psychometric test, a medical exam, and an interview. The college boasts a qualified faculty of around 70 members, including industry professionals, who deliver practical and theoretical education. Lectures focus on practical situations and emergency management, supplemented by handwritten notes and study materials.
The examination system consists of six exams per year, each worth 70 marks. The course fee is approximately Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 6,60,000, divided across two semesters, plus an initial Rs 50,000 admission fee. Despite the higher fee, the college is valued for its facilities and offers scholarships, loan assistance, and talent search rewards. Payments can be made online or by demand draft. The college ensures 100% placement through Executive Ship Management Pvt Ltd, with multinational companies recruiting students twice annually.
Graduates start as deck cadets and undergo further training, including an 18-month internship. Financial aid options are available, with some scholarships and loans covering 50-100% of fees based on family income. The total program fee includes hostel and mess fees amounting to 760,000 INR, with an additional 5,000 INR for exam fees. The college maintains a 100% placement rate, and fees may vary annually depending on facility offerings.
![Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies - [SIMS]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/col16860.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
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