UG-BBA & PG-MBA 2026 in Maritime

UG-BBA & PG-MBA 2026 in Maritime – Comprehensive Guide to BBA & MBA Admissions

The maritime sector in India is evolving rapidly, presenting remarkable opportunities for students looking to build a career in this vital industry. Indian Maritime University (IMU), a central university under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, stands as a premier institution offering specialized education in maritime studies. As the nation moves towards the ambitious Maritime India Vision 2030, IMU is positioned to train and equip future professionals to lead and innovate in the maritime domain.

Digital Visit at IMU

About Indian Maritime University (IMU)

Established in 2008, IMU operates through six campuses located in Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam. IMU offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and diploma programs tailored to meet the growing demands of the maritime sector. The university focuses on emerging and interdisciplinary areas such as oceanography, maritime security, maritime law, environmental studies, logistics, and ocean engineering, ensuring students gain a holistic understanding of this vast industry.

The School of Maritime Management at Indian Maritime University, established in 2008, offers comprehensive education in maritime business and management. It was created to address the growing demand for trained professionals in shipping, logistics, and port management. The school has grown in size and reputation, becoming a leading institution in India for maritime education and research.

The School of Maritime Management offers the following Non-Residential Programmes:

1. BBA in Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce
2. BBA in Maritime Logistics (Apprenticeship embedded)
3. MBA in Port & Shipping Management
4. MBA in International Transportation & Logistics Management
5. MBA in Port & Shipping Logistics
6. Online MBA (Maritime Management)

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MBA Programmes

IMU Campuses in India

IMU operates six campuses strategically located across the country to cater to diverse regional demands:

• Chennai (Headquarters and one of the oldest maritime education centers)
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Mumbai Port
• Navi Mumbai
• Visakhapatnam

Each campus is equipped with industry-grade simulators, modern classrooms, rich libraries, and maritime-specific research facilities. These campuses foster a blend of theoretical learning and practical exposure, often organizing industry tours, seminars, and specialized training sessions to enhance the overall learning experience.

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Eligibility

3-Year BBA (Logistics, Retailing and E-Commerce) – Non-Residential.

3-Year Apprenticeship embedded BBA (Maritime Logistics) –Non-Residential

Note:- Transgenders are eligible for the BBA (Logistics, Retailing and E-Commerce) & BBA (Apprenticeship embedded Maritime Logistics) only in Chennai and Visakhapatnam Campuses, respectively.

2-Year MBA (International Transportation and Logistics Management) – Non-Residential

 2-Year MBA (Port & Shipping Management) – Non-Residential

2-Year MBA (Port & Shipping Logistics) – Non-Residential Joint Degree Programme with GSV and IMU

2-Year Online MBA (Maritime Management)

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Academic Eligibility

UG Programmes (General)

• Applicant must have passed the qualifying examination, i.e., Senior Secondary (10+2) or equivalent from any system of education as recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) with specified subjects as mentioned below.

BBA

• 10+2/equivalent with minimum 50% aggregate marks in any stream.
• Minimum 50% marks in English in Class 10 or Class 12.
• Note on aggregate calculation: Percentage will be computed by adding English marks to the marks of Major Subjects (excluding other languages).
• Candidates must obtain an equivalence certificate for their academic qualifications from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Further details are available on the AIU website.

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MBA Programmes

• Undergraduate degree in any discipline with:
  • At least 60% aggregate, OR
  • 6.50 CGPA from a recognized institute/university.
• Valid GMAT score of at least 480.

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English Language Requirement (For Foreign/Non-English Medium Candidates)

As the medium of instruction at IMU is English, candidates must demonstrate adequate proficiency. If English is not the first language or was not the medium of instruction at secondary/tertiary level, submit one of the following valid test scores:

• TOEFL (Paper-based): Minimum 580 overall and 4.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE).
• TOEFL (Computer-based): Minimum 240 overall and 4.0 in essay writing.
• TOEFL (Internet-based): Minimum 95 overall with at least 20 in writing.
• IELTS (Academic): Minimum 6.0 in each section and overall 6.5.

Note: Test scores older than two years will not be accepted.

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 IMU CET and Admission Mechanism in IMU Campuses

IMU conducts a Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET) every year on an All India basis for admissions to its programmes across IMU campuses and affiliated institutes. As per DGS Training Circular 12 of 2020, all maritime training institutes regulated by DG Shipping are required to admit candidates based on their “IMU-CET rank”.

Application Fee for Registration:

• For BBA
  Rs. 200 (General/General-EWS/OBC-NCL)
  Rs. 140 (SC/ST)

• For all other UG/PG/Research Programmes
  Rs. 1000 (General/General-EWS/OBC-NCL)
  Rs. 700 (SC/ST)

Notes:

• Preference in admissions will be given to candidates with IMU-CET rank. Candidates are strongly encouraged to register for IMU-CET.
• The application fee for registration is non-refundable and is charged for issuing a CET Rank Certificate.
• Residual seats: Seats remaining vacant after the publication of the final list.
• For Lateral Entry, approach the specific college/campus. The admissions will be as per mechanisms decided by the respective college/campus.
• The counselling portal will be activated after the release of IMU-CET rank list. If you wish to apply through any means other than IMU-CET, you must apply in the counselling portal, and not the IMU-CET registration portal.

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Special Scholarships for Female Cadets

To encourage and motivate girl cadets to join the maritime career, deserving girl students are provided scholarships by the industry. A fee concession for girl students is under consideration by the Government of India.

Note: IMU does not guarantee any scholarship mentioned above and can only facilitate students in taking necessary steps to obtain scholarships.

Scholarships/Awards Offered by Port Trusts and Shipping Companies

The following companies and individuals offer scholarships and awards subject to eligibility criteria and the availability of funds in the respective endowments:

• Synergy Maritime Private Limited: Scholarship for female wards of defence personnel or economically weak backgrounds pursuing pre-sea programmes.
• SCI – CSR Annual Grant: For SC/ST students (Shipping Corporation of India, Mumbai) pursuing pre-sea programmes.
• Mumbai Port Trust Endowment: Scholarship to SC/ST students of B.Sc. Nautical Science based on academic performance each semester.
• V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust Endowment: Scholarship to SC/ST students of B.Tech. Marine Engineering based on academic performance each semester.
• Shri. Venkatachalam Endowment Award: For the top-ranking student of MBA(PSM) Programme.
• MSC Award: For “Best Cadet of The Year” (female).
• BW Global Scholarship: For female students.
• Maritime Training Trust (MTT): Scholarship for Indian women seafarers.

This ensures every eligible student, especially female cadets and students from SC/ST backgrounds, is aware of supporting opportunities, while clearly stating IMU’s role as a facilitator, not a guarantor.

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IMU CET Exam Pattern 2025 for MBA (Port & Shipping Management / International Transportation and Logistics Management) & M.Sc (Commercial Shipping and Logistics)

IMU CET Exam Syllabus

Overview and key notes

• All three listed CETs are scheduled to be conducted at the same time on the same date.
• Research programme admissions will be published separately on the IMU website.
• Negative marking applies: 0.25 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• DNS February 2026 batch: Candidates must take IMU-CET 2025; there will be no separate CET for Feb 2026.
• Candidates applying via other eligible scores or IMU-CET 2024 ranks need not register for IMU-CET 2025; however, IMU-CET 2025 is preferred for admissions.
• IMU reserves the right to change distribution/types/difficulty of questions and to use alternative schemes (e.g., centre-based/proctored/other) to issue Rank Certificates/admissions.

Key instructions box

Quick syllabus glance

Selection Process

• Candidates must register for counseling after obtaining IMU-CET rank or submitting valid MBA entrance scores.
• Seat allotment occurs through multiple counseling rounds based on merit and preferences.
• For BBA, some seats may be offered on a First Come First Serve (FCFS) basis during spot counseling.
• Candidates must complete document verification, fee payment, and confirm seats within stipulated timelines.
• The university also conducts spot counseling for leftover seats after provisional rounds.

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Accepted MBA Entrance Scores

IMU accepts several national-level exam scores for MBA admissions:

• IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
• CAT (Common Admission Test)
• MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
• CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
• Others, as specified in the annual admission notification

By accepting these scores, IMU broadens access to candidates from across India and ensures a competitive admission process.

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Tentative Schedule 2026

• Online Application Start Date: March 1, 2026 (Tentative)
• Last Date for Application Submission: May 2, 2026 (Tentative)
• Admission Test (IMU-CET) Date: May 24, 2026 (Tentative)
• Counseling & Seat Allocation: June–July 2026
• Program Commencement: August 1, 2026

These dates are indicative and subject to change. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IMU website and The Prayas India updates for latest information.

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Top Placements / Companies

IMU boasts one of the highest placement records in the maritime education domain, with graduates securing coveted positions in a variety of roles such as port management, maritime logistics, supply chain analysis, shipping operations, and international transportation.

Prestigious recruiters include:

• MAERSK
• Safmarine
• UASC
• Mumbai Port Trust
• V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust
• Shipping Corporation of India
• Leading international shipping and logistics firms

Placement packages for MBA graduates in maritime management commonly range from ₹6 lakh to ₹15 lakh per annum, depending on the specialization and campus, reflecting excellent return on investment.

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Additional Important Information

Scholarships & Financial Aid

IMU provides access to numerous scholarships for SC/ST/OBC candidates, women seafarers, and economically disadvantaged students via central and state government schemes, maritime trusts, and corporate sponsorships. These scholarships significantly ease the financial burden and encourage wider participation.

Physical Fitness & Medical Standards

Given the nature of maritime professions, candidates must meet strict physical and medical requirements, including specific eyesight and hearing standards mandated by the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai. Candidates are encouraged to undergo a prior medical evaluation to avoid inconvenience during admission.

Career Prospects in the Maritime Sector

With initiatives like the Blue Economy and Maritime India Vision 2030, the maritime industry offers booming opportunities in port development, shipping logistics, naval architecture, and emerging marine technologies. Graduates from IMU’s BBA and MBA courses are well-positioned to become industry leaders domestically and globally.

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For further guidance and expert coaching to excel in the IMU-CET and other entrance exams for admission in IMU’s BBA and MBA programs, reach out to The Prayas India — your trusted partner in maritime education career success.

IMU BBA 2026 FAQs