Introduction
Do you dream of a career that offers global travel, adventure, and excellent earning potential—all without waiting for years of college education? If yes, then the GP Rating course might be your perfect launchpad .
GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) is a 6-month residential course approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India . It is the fastest and most affordable way to join the Merchant Navy after completing your 10th or 12th standard.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about GP Rating courses. Moreover, we will explain how Gyanpeeth Learning Center can help you prepare for the selection process and launch your maritime career successfully.
VISIT
VISIT
What is GP Rating?
GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating. It is a 6-month pre-sea training course that prepares candidates for entry-level positions on merchant ships .
Key Highlights of GP Rating Course
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | General Purpose Rating |
| Duration | 6 months (residential) |
| Approved By | Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Govt. of India |
| Eligibility | 10th or 12th pass with Science, Maths, and English |
| Age Limit | 17.5 to 25 years |
| Course Commencement | January and July (twice a year) |
What Do You Learn in GP Rating?
The course includes study of both deck and engineering-related subjects, along with practical training :
Academic Subjects:
Seamanship
Cargo handling and operations
Machine operations and maintenance
Safety procedures and fire-fighting
Practical Training:
Swimming and physical drills
Rope and mast climbing
Use of lifesaving equipment on ships
Workshop training
After completing the training, candidates must pass external examinations conducted by the Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES) under DG Shipping. Once cleared, they are issued an INDIAN CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) and become eligible for ship jobs worldwide .
GP Rating Course Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a GP Rating course, you must meet the following eligibility requirements set by DG Shipping :
Educational Qualifications
| Qualification | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| 10th Pass | Passed 10th from a recognized board with English, Mathematics & Science, minimum 40% aggregate marks, and at least 40% marks in English |
| 12th Pass (Any Stream) | 40% aggregate with English, Mathematics & Science at the 10th level, and minimum 40% in English |
| 2-Year ITI Course | Minimum 40% aggregate marks in final year from DVET/NCVT-approved institute, with minimum 40% in English at 10th/12th |
Important Note: Some institutes like Fleet Management Training Institute have stricter requirements, asking for 50% marks in PCM and English . Therefore, always check the specific eligibility of your target college.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Range |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | 17.5 to 25 years |
| SC/ST | 17.5 to 30 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Graduate or Diploma Holder | Up to 27 years |
Medical and Physical Standards
Medical fitness is strictly evaluated by DG Shipping approved doctors :
Vision: 6/6 in each eye (use of corrective lenses permitted)
Color Vision: Normal color vision as tested by Ishihara chart; color blindness is not permitted
Physical Fitness: Medically fit for sea service with no chronic illnesses
Hearing: Within normal range as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000
Important Note: The medical examination is extremely stringent. Many candidates get rejected at this stage, so it is crucial to verify your fitness before applying.
GP Rating Course Fees
The course fees vary depending on the college and location. Generally, GP Rating course fees range from INR 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs .
Here is a comparison of fees at top DG Shipping approved colleges :
| College Name | Location | Approximate Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Training Ship (TS) Rahaman | Mumbai | ₹2,60,000 |
| AMET University | Kanathur, Tamil Nadu | ₹1,98,025 |
| NUSI Maritime Academy | Goa | ₹2,00,000 |
| HIMT College | Chennai | ₹2,10,000 |
| UV Patel College of Maritime Studies | Mehsana, Gujarat | ₹1,95,000 |
| Marine Training Academy | Udvada, Gujarat | ₹2,20,000 |
| B. P. Marine Academy | Mumbai | ₹2,25,000 |
| Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS) | Lonavala | ₹4,47,218 |
| Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute | Kansal, Maharashtra | ₹4,50,000 |
| Coimbatore Marine College | Coimbatore | ₹5,00,000 |
Note: Always ensure the college is DG Shipping approved. Otherwise, your certification will not be considered valid for employment .
Selection Process for GP Rating Course
There is no common entrance test for GP Rating like IMUCET. However, most institutes conduct their own selection process :
Typical Selection Process:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Online/Written Test | Tests PCM knowledge, English, and aptitude |
| Personal Interview | Assesses communication skills, motivation, and personality |
| Medical Examination | DG Shipping approved medical fitness test |
Sponsored vs Non-Sponsored Colleges
Sponsored Colleges: You get admission after obtaining a sponsorship letter from a shipping company. These institutes usually have their own shipping company or collaborate with others to offer onboard training. Examples include Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute .
Non-Sponsored Colleges: Candidates are not required to appear for sponsorship exams. These colleges provide only pre-sea training and may offer campus placements. Examples include AMET University and HIMT College .
Career Progression After GP Rating
Many students believe GP Rating is a dead-end career, but that is not true. With sea service and additional qualifications, you can climb the ladder significantly .
Deck Rating Career Path
| Stage | Rank | Approx. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trainee Ordinary Seaman (OS) | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 2 | Ordinary Seaman (OS) | ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 |
| 3 | Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,24,000 |
| 4 | Bosun | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,60,000 |
Engine Rating Career Path
| Stage | Rank | Approx. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trainee Wiper/Fitter | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 2 | Wiper | ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 |
| 3 | Motorman | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,24,000 |
| 4 | Fitter | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,60,000 |
Can GP Rating Become an Officer?
Yes! With 36 months of sea service and completion of necessary foundation courses, GP Rating holders can appear for officer-level examinations :
Deck Side: 2nd Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam → Become Deck Officer
Engine Side: MEO Class IV exam → Become Marine Engineer
This means your career progression does not stop at entry-level ratings. With dedication and additional qualifications, you can eventually become a Captain or Chief Engineer.
Top 10 DG Shipping Approved GP Rating Colleges in India
Here are the 10 best GP Rating colleges in India approved by DG Shipping :
| Rank | College Name | Location | Approx. Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Training Ship (TS) Rahaman | Mumbai | ₹2,60,000 |
| 2 | Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS) | Lonavala | ₹4,47,218 |
| 3 | AMET University | Kanathur, Tamil Nadu | ₹1,98,025 |
| 4 | NUSI Maritime Academy | Goa | ₹2,00,000 |
| 5 | Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute | Kansal, Maharashtra | ₹4,50,000 |
| 6 | HIMT College | Chennai | ₹2,10,000 |
| 7 | UV Patel College of Maritime Studies | Mehsana, Gujarat | ₹1,95,000 |
| 8 | Coimbatore Marine College | Coimbatore | ₹5,00,000 |
| 9 | Marine Training Academy | Udvada, Gujarat | ₹2,20,000 |
| 10 | B. P. Marine Academy | Mumbai | ₹2,25,000 |
Note: Course batches typically commence twice a year in January and July .
How Gyanpeeth Learning Center Can Help You
While GP Rating colleges conduct their own entrance tests and interviews, proper preparation is essential for selection. Gyanpeeth Learning Center in Lucknow is the ideal partner for your Merchant Navy journey.
Why Choose Gyanpeeth for GP Rating Preparation?
Gyanpeeth Learning Center has established itself as the best Merchant Navy coaching in Lucknow with the following strengths :
| Feature | Benefit for GP Rating Aspirants |
|---|---|
| Experienced Faculty | Subject experts who understand maritime entrance requirements |
| Comprehensive Study Material | Topic-wise practice sets covering PCM, English, Aptitude, and GK |
| Regular Mock Tests | Simulated exams to build speed and accuracy |
| Small Batch Sizes | Individual attention and doubt-clearing sessions |
| Interview Preparation | Coaching for personal interviews and personality development |
| Medical Guidance | Tips to meet DG Shipping medical standards |
Courses Offered
Gyanpeeth provides:
Foundation Course – Long-term preparation for maritime entrance exams
PCM Strengthening Programs – Focused coaching for students needing help in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Mock Test Series – Regular practice with full-length simulated exams
Who Should Join Gyanpeeth?
This coaching is ideal for:
10th or 12th pass students aspiring for GP Rating courses
Candidates preparing for maritime college entrance tests
Students seeking guidance for IMUCET (officer pathway)
Individuals looking for a high-paying global career in shipping
Contact Gyanpeeth Learning Center:
Call 9473701303 for free career counseling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is GP Rating course full form?
A: GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating. It is a 6-month residential pre-sea training course approved by DG Shipping .
Q2: Can I join GP Rating after 10th?
A: Yes, absolutely. You need a minimum of 40% aggregate in 10th with English, Mathematics, and Science, and at least 40% marks in English .
Q3: What is the fee for GP Rating course?
A: The fees range from INR 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs depending on the college. Top colleges like TS Rahaman charge ₹2.6 lakhs, while AMET University charges approximately ₹1.98 lakhs .
Q4: What is the salary after GP Rating?
A: Starting salary as Ordinary Seaman is approximately ₹60,000-75,000 per month. With promotions to Able-Bodied Seaman or Bosun, salaries can reach ₹1,60,000 or more per month .
Q5: Can girls join GP Rating course?
A: Yes, there is no gender restriction. Girls are eligible for GP Rating courses after meeting the academic and medical requirements.
Q6: What is the age limit for GP Rating?
A: The age limit is 17.5 to 25 years on the date of course commencement .
Q7: Can GP Rating become an officer?
A: Yes! After completing 36 months of sea service, you can appear for the 2nd Mate CoC exam (Deck side) or MEO Class IV exam (Engine side) to become an officer .
Q8: Which is the best GP Rating college in India?
A: Training Ship (TS) Rahaman in Mumbai, Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS) in Lonavala, and AMET University in Tamil Nadu are among the top-ranked DG Shipping approved colleges .
Q9: Is GP Rating a good career option?
A: Yes, GP Rating offers a quick entry into a high-paying global career. With 36 months of sea service, you can even upgrade to officer-level ranks through further examinations .
Q10: Does Gyanpeeth Learning Center provide GP Rating coaching?
A: Gyanpeeth provides comprehensive coaching for Merchant Navy entrance exams, including preparation for GP Rating college selection tests, interviews, and medical guidance. Contact 9473701303 for details .
Conclusion
GP Rating is one of the easiest and fastest ways to begin your career in the Merchant Navy. With just 6 months of training, you can start earning a competitive salary, travel the world, and build a promising career with clear growth pathways to officer-level ranks .
However, the selection process requires careful preparation—from entrance tests and interviews to strict medical examinations. That is where Gyanpeeth Learning Center comes in. With experienced faculty, comprehensive study material, and personalized attention, Gyanpeeth has established itself as the best coaching institute for Merchant Navy aspirants in Lucknow .
Whether you are targeting GP Rating colleges directly or planning for the officer pathway via IMUCET after 12th, Gyanpeeth provides the structured preparation you need to succeed.
Take the first step toward an exciting maritime career today.
Call to Action
Ready to start your GP Rating journey? Limited seats available for January and July batches!
Call Gyanpeeth Learning Center at 9473701303 for free career counseling and demo sessions.
Visit us in Lucknow to learn more about GP Rating courses, IMUCET preparation, and admission guidance.
