Skip to content
IMU CET Scholarship
Log in Register

SCI DNS Course Fees & Admission Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Answer

What are the SCI DNS course fees and how do I crack admission? The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) offers the Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) leading to B.Sc. Nautical Science at its premier Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Powai, Mumbai. For the August batch, course fees are ₹7,00,000 for male candidates and ₹6,10,000 (subject to revision) for female candidates, with a separate ₹40,000 IMU fee. To secure your seat, you must clear Class 12 PCM (60%), 50% in English, qualify IMU-CET, and pass strict DGS medicals. Platforms like Sailors Factory provide free eligibility calculators, daily practice quizzes, free psychometric pre-tests, mock tests, and 1-on-1 officer mentorship via “Solve My Problem Bro” to keep you battle-ready until you clear.

Real talk, fam—getting into the Shipping Corporation of India is a dream for thousands of deck cadet aspirants. The prestige of MTI Powai is unreal, but navigating the exact fee structures, eligibility criteria, and entrance requirements can feel like navigating through heavy fog without radar. No cap, knowing the numbers beforehand saves you from last-minute panic.

SCI DNS course fees

Every year, thousands of students target SCI’s DNS program because it sets you up for an elite career on high seas. But before you lock in your choices, you need to break down the fees, eligibility, IMU-CET demands, and hidden expenses so your budget doesn’t crash halfway.

Before diving deeper, run your stats through the free Join Merchant Navy Eligibility Calculator to see where you stand.

As India’s companion platform for the entire Merchant Navy journey—from “Am I eligible?” to “I’m sponsored and sailing”—Sailors Factory is built by active Merchant Navy officers, not textbook tutors. Drop by the official Sailors Factory WhatsApp Community to connect with fellow aspirants who are aiming for the exact same batch.

SCI DNS Course Fees 2026

According to SCI’s official Maritime Training Institute admission page, the course fee for the DNS batch is ₹7,00,000 for male candidates. The page lists the female candidate fee as ₹6,10,000 and notes that it is currently being revised.

In addition to the course fee, an IMU fee of ₹40,000 is applicable separately as specified in SCI’s official DNS course information.

Candidate SCI DNS Course Fee
Male ₹7,00,000
Female ₹6,10,000* (Subject to revision)
IMU Fee ₹40,000 separately

Students should always confirm the final payable amount with SCI before making payment, particularly where the institute has marked a fee as subject to revision.

What Does the SCI DNS Fee Cover?

SCI publishes the course fee for its DNS program, but smart students distinguish the SCI course fee from charges payable separately, such as the IMU fee.

The ₹40,000 IMU fee should therefore not simply be added to the SCI course fee and described as one single SCI fee.

Before admission, candidates should check the latest official payment instructions to understand which charges are payable directly to SCI and which go out separately.

SCI DNS Hostel and Residential Facilities

DNS is a fully residential maritime training program. SCI’s official FAQ states that the DNS course is compulsorily residential.

SCI’s Maritime Training Institute is located at Powai, Mumbai, and provides top-tier residential facilities for students. SCI’s official FAQ also highlights separate hostel facilities for girls.

Students should check the latest hostel-related instructions and charges applicable to their admission batch rather than assuming that accommodation is included automatically in the published course fee.

Additional Expenses for SCI DNS

The published SCI course fee should not automatically be treated as covering every single minor expense that a student may incur during the complete DNS-to-sea-training process.

Candidates may have other out-of-pocket expenses related to:

  • IMU fees
  • Medical examinations (Check your colour vision early using the free Colour Blindness Test for Merchant Navy to avoid heartbreak)
  • Documentation and passport processing
  • Personal travel
  • CDC-related requirements
  • Other mandatory maritime training certificates, wherever applicable

The exact amount depends on your personal circumstances and the specific admission batch guidelines. Students should confirm current payment instructions with SCI before budgeting for admission.

SCI DNS Eligibility Criteria

Students who want to apply for SCI DNS should first check whether they meet the prescribed academic, age, and medical requirements.

SCI’s official DNS admission information provides specific eligibility requirements for candidates applying to the program.

Educational Qualification

For candidates applying after Class 12, the key academic requirement is:

  • Minimum 60% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in Class 12
  • Minimum 50% marks in English (either in Class 10 or Class 12)

Recognized boards include CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards.

SC/ST Relaxation

SCI provides relaxation in educational qualifications for eligible SC/ST candidates.

The official admission information specifies a 5% relaxation in educational qualification marks for SC/ST candidates. However, the English requirement does not receive this relaxation.

Age Limit

SCI specifies a maximum age of 25 years on the date of admission for the DNS program.

Age relaxations are applicable for eligible categories:

  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC-NCL: 3 years
  • Female candidates: 2 years

Medical Fitness

Medical fitness is a mandatory part of entering a seafaring career.

Candidates must meet the applicable Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) medical standards and undergo the required medical examination through a DGS-approved medical practitioner. Meeting academic criteria alone does not guarantee medical fitness for sea service.

Marital Status

SCI’s DNS eligibility information specifies that candidates applying for the program must be unmarried. Check the latest admission notification for any updates.

Is IMU-CET Required for SCI DNS?

Yes. IMU-CET is required for SCI DNS admission.

SCI’s official DNS admission guidelines state that candidates must be qualified in the IMU-CET exam. Therefore, students planning to join SCI’s DNS course should prepare for IMU-CET seriously alongside their Class 12 PCM studies.

To sharpen your speed, practice daily using the Daily Voyage Quiz and take full-length mocks via the Merchant Navy IMU-CET Test Series & Mock Tests. Estimate your rank using the IMU-CET Rank Predictor.

Is Sponsorship Required for SCI DNS?

Candidates should distinguish between SCI’s direct DNS admission process and company-sponsored DNS admissions offered by private shipping giants (explore live options via the Merchant Navy Company Sponsorship Hub).

For SCI DNS admissions, the key stated requirements include meeting academic/medical criteria and qualifying in IMU-CET. Follow current SCI notifications rather than assuming private sponsorship rules apply.

SCI DNS Admission Process

The admission process requires candidates to meet prescribed eligibility requirements and complete applications within specified deadlines.

A student should broadly prepare for these stages:

  1. Complete Class 12 with required PCM and English marks.
  2. Meet prescribed age criteria.
  3. Qualify in IMU-CET.
  4. Complete the SCI application process.
  5. Pass mandatory DGS medical standards.
  6. Submit verified documents (build a polished profile using the Cadet Resume Builder).
  7. Complete admission and fee formalities.

SCI DNS Course Duration

The DNS program at SCI’s Maritime Training Institute consists of:

  • Pre-Sea Training: 12 months at MTI Powai.
  • Shipboard Training: Approximately 18 months of onboard sea training on SCI vessels as Deck Cadets.

Following this, candidates appear for competency exams to clear their Second Mate certificate and progress to Third Officer. Calculate your long-term projected earnings with the Merchant Navy Salary Calculator.

SCI Maritime Training Institute

SCI’s Maritime Training Institute is located in Powai, Mumbai, and operates under the Shipping Corporation of India.

The institute is affiliated with Indian Maritime University (IMU) and holds an A-1 (Outstanding) rating under DGS’s Comprehensive Inspection Program.

Prepare Better for SCI DNS with Merchant Navy Decoded App & Sailors Factory

Cracking maritime entrance exams and securing admissions requires more than just reading textbooks. You need consistent daily practice, time management, and smart revisions.

Whether you are preparing on your own or taking coaching elsewhere, Sailors Factory acts as your ultimate companion ecosystem. Use our free psychometric pre-tests via the Merchant Navy Psychometric Test Practice and online modules to bridge every gap.

If you ever feel stuck or anxious, hit up our free “Solve My Problem Bro” initiative via the Sailors Factory Contact Us page to talk directly with an active officer. Your voyage starts right here with us in the Sailors Factory WhatsApp Community!

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the SCI DNS fee? Course fees are ₹7,00,000 for male candidates and ₹6,10,000 for female candidates (subject to revision).

Is the ₹40,000 IMU fee included in the SCI DNS fee? No. SCI lists the ₹40,000 IMU fee separately from the institute course fee.

What is the minimum PCM percentage for SCI DNS? Candidates need at least 60% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

What is the English requirement for SCI DNS? Candidates need at least 50% marks in English at the qualifying level specified by SCI.

What is the age limit for SCI DNS? The maximum age is 25 years on the date of admission, with relaxations for SC/ST, OBC-NCL, and female candidates.

Is IMU-CET compulsory for SCI DNS? Yes. Candidates seeking admission to the DNS batch must qualify in IMU-CET.

Is SCI DNS a residential course? Yes. SCI’s official FAQ states that DNS is a compulsorily residential course.

Is medical fitness required for SCI DNS? Yes. Candidates must meet DGS medical standards through an approved medical practitioner.

Refer official SCI sources for further details:

  • SCI Maritime Training Institute — DNS Leading to B.Sc. Nautical Science
  • SCI MTI — DNS Course Information PDF
  • SCI MTI — Accreditation & Affiliation
IMU CET Scholarship

Middle Class ke chain ko todo.

Be Unconventional, Be a Rebel,

Be a Sailor, Join Merchant Navy

Sailors Factory way

Preparation Corner

Tools

Contact Us

11th Cross, 21st Main, Vanganahalli, HSR 1st Sector, Bengaluru-560102

14a, Parmeshwar Rai Path, Tej Pratap Nagar, Patna, 800002

Reach Out To US

support@sailorsfactory.com

About Sailors Factory

Sailors Factory is a Merchant Navy education and preparation platform built by a Bunch of Active Merchant Navy Officers  of Biggest Shipping Companies  with other greatest minds who were once like you to help aspiring seafarers understand, prepare for, and pursue a career at sea.

We provide guidance and preparation resources for students and aspirants exploring Merchant Navy careers, including pathways involving IMU-CET, maritime entrance examinations, company sponsorship preparation, interviews and related career requirements.

Think Merchant Navy, Add Sailors Factory to your Preparation List.

What We Do

Sailors Factory brings Merchant Navy preparation, career guidance and practical learning resources together in one platform. Our approach is designed to help students move beyond simply studying for an examination and understand the complete journey—from checking whether they are eligible for a maritime career to preparing for entrance examinations, sponsorship opportunities and the next stages of their career.

Our platform includes preparation resources, practice and test-based learning, eligibility guidance, career information and mentorship-oriented support to help Merchant Navy aspirants make better-informed decisions. 

Our Focus Areas

Sailors Factory focuses on the areas that matter most to students planning a Merchant Navy career:

  • IMU-CET Preparation — structured preparation and practice for students targeting Indian Maritime University entrance pathways.

  • Merchant Navy Career Guidance — clear information about courses, eligibility, career pathways and the steps involved in entering the maritime industry.

  • Sponsorship Preparation — guidance and preparation for company sponsorship examinations, interviews and related selection processes.

  • Maritime Entrance Preparation — academic practice, mock tests and learning resources designed around the requirements of Merchant Navy aspirants.

  • Eligibility & Career Tools — resources that help students understand whether a particular Merchant Navy pathway is suitable for them before they commit time and money.

  • Maritime Learning — educational content that helps students understand the profession, life at sea and the responsibilities involved in becoming a maritime professional.

What Makes Sailors Factory Different

Merchant Navy preparation is not only about clearing an entrance examination. Students also need to understand eligibility, course selection, sponsorship, interviews, medical requirements and the realities of a career at sea.

Sailors Factory is built around this complete journey.

The platform is led by a team that includes Merchant Navy Officers, MBAs, teachers and trainers, including professionals with extensive teaching experience. The team also brings experience of UPSC Civil Services Mains preparation, maritime careers and student training.

Our goal is simple: help an aspirant make the right decisions before entering the Merchant Navy and prepare systematically for the stages that follow.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make Merchant Navy career preparation more accessible, understandable and systematic for aspiring seafarers across India.

We want students to have access to the information, preparation resources and guidance they need to make informed decisions about a career at sea—and to approach Merchant Navy entrance examinations and sponsorship processes with greater clarity and preparation.

Copyright 2026, SAILORS FACTORY. All Rights Reserved.