BSc Nautical Science: Eligibility, Syllabus and Scope (2025)

BSc in Nautical Science is an undergraduate program of three years based on a multi-disciplinary field of study. It is a professional bachelor’s degree that deals with the study of the basic academic and practical devices required to safely navigate and operate marine vehicles, such as a ship. The major subjects comprise Mathematics, Science, and Physical Training. It is an essential merchant navy qualification for knowledge and techniques in the navigation field.

The course is approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, which falls under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. BSc Nautical Science Syllabus includes subjects such as navigation and seamanship, which is the basic application of shipboard equipment and tools.

The minimum eligibility to pursue the BSc Nautical Science course is that the candidate must have passed 10+2 in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Math as the main subjects and a minimum score of 60%. The admissions are usually based on the entrance exams.

Popular entrance exams for B.Sc Nautical Science programs in India include IMU CET, TMISAT, AIMNET, MANET CET, and CMC Entrance Exam. The Details of which are given further in our blog.

BSc in Nautical Science – Relevance

• Core Competencies and Expertise: Provides students with the essential abilities needed to operate and manage vessels, guaranteeing safe and effective navigation.

• In-Depth Curriculum: Includes subjects such as navigation, seamanship, ship design, and emergency management techniques.

• Career Readiness: Equips graduates for positions like Deck Officers, Marine Engineers, and Nautical Surveyors.

• Market Demand: Addresses the rising need for skilled experts in the maritime sector.

• Importance in India: Given India’s vast coastline and its pivotal role in global trade, the demand for qualified maritime professionals is on the rise.

• Certification: Recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping, ensuring adherence to high standards and relevance in the industry.

BSc Nautical Science Highlights

BSc Nautical Science is a popular graduation course amongst students who want to become merchant navy officers. The course covers the technicalities of navigation and knowledge regarding operating a ship. The main points regarding the BSc Nautical Science are provided below: –

Industry	Marine
Course Level	Bachelors
Duration	Three years
Eligibility	Completed 10+2 with a minimum 60% score from a science background.
Job scope	Merchant navy officers like deck cadets, captains, marine engineers, radio officers, and nautical surveyors.
Recruiting Companies	SAIL, ONGC, GSI, etc.

Why Choose BSc Nautical Science?

• BSc Nautical Science programs provide specialized education focused on maritime operations, navigation techniques, ship handling, and maritime law and is one of the best degrees to pursue.
• BSc Nautical Science opens up diverse career opportunities after graduation in both private and public sectors.
• Students passionate about travelling and adventure can choose to take up this course as it allows them to explore different regions of the world and experience diverse cultures while pursuing their career goals.
• The graduates earn a starting salary of around 4 lakhs per annum which will increase based on experience and skills.

BSc Nautical Science: Subjects and Syllabus

The students must qualify for their 10+2 examination with a science background in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry to pursue this merchant navy qualification. The syllabus of the BSc nautical science semester-wise is provided below:

Semester 1

Cargo work & Mar.Com	Seamanship lab 1
English 1	Navigation 1
Physics 1	Mathematics 1
Marine Engineering & Control System 1

Semester 2

Engineering workshop 1	Environmental Science 1
Physics 2	Marine Engg. & Control Sys 1
Ship Construction	Technology for Ship Operation 1
Voyage Plan & Collision	Mathematics 2

Semester 3

Marine Engineering & Control System 2	Environmental Science 2
Seamanship lab 2	Physics 3
Navigation 2	Mathematics 3
Maritime Law 1

Semester 4

Ship Operation Technology 2	Marine Management & Maritime Commerce
Electricals	Computers
Voyage planning & collision prevention 2	Engineering Chemistry
Engineering workshop 2

Semester 5

IMO Conven Naval Arch- Ship Stability 1.	Ship visits and boat work
PT, Games, Swimming	Voyage plan
Navigation 3 (Bridge Equipment)	Ship Operation Technology 3 (All Cargos)
Collision prevention 3

Semester 6

Navigation 4	Ship and industry visits
Project	Maritime law 2
Marine Engineering and Control System 3

During the entire BSc Nautical Science graduation course, the students will also be able to attend different seminars and workshops to get practical knowledge regarding naval fields. They are provided with practical assignments which improve their logical thinking skills. After completing this graduation course, the students must go to one year-long service, after which they are said to take the viva-based examinations.

Eligibility Criteria for BSc Nautical Science

In order to pursue a BSc Nautical Science program, the individual must meet the following qualifying criteria:

• The students must have completed (10+2) Secondary and Higher Secondary from a registered board with a minimum of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Math as obligatory courses.
• Along with the needed educational qualifications, students must maintain certain medical standards, which are critical components of the candidates’ assessment process at the time of admission. Candidates must have 6/6 eyesight and be free of visual problems such as night blindness or color blindness. In addition, individuals must be physically fit to apply for the course.
• The eligibility criteria for the course may differ by college, and the candidate must meet them to be admitted to his or her preferred college.

Entrance Exams for BSc Nautical Science

The popular entrance exams conducted for the students to get admitted for BSc Nautical Science are listed below:

• IMU CET: The Indian Maritime University (IMU) conducts an entrance examination to provide admissions to eligible candidates in their PG and UG courses. IMU CET is a common examination for all students of different fields, and the ones who qualify for the exam get admitted to the university. IMU CET is one of the best entrance exam opportunities for eligible students, as Indian Maritime University is a reputed and trusted university. 
• CUSAT CAT: This examination is conducted to provide admissions to eligible candidates in different UG and PG courses at Cochin University of Sciences and Technology (CUSAT). BSc nautical science is one of their UG courses for which candidates must pass the entrance test and meet the basic eligibility criteria. 
• BHU UET: The NTA conducts BHU UET to provide admissions to eligible students in different programs Banaras Hindu University (BHU) offers. BSc nautical science is one of the courses offered by BHU, for which the students need to qualify for the entrance test called BHU UET. 
• JET: Jain University also conducts an entrance exam for the candidates opting for different UG courses. The candidates must go through a process of three stages to qualify for the examination. The students should qualify for the Objective type exam, Group Discussion, and Personal Interviews to get admission to the BSc Nautical Science program.
• CUET: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts a Common University Entrance Test (CUET) annually to admit students in different UG and PG courses in different universities. The CUET marks are valid in several universities, and students can easily get admission if they qualify for the minimum cut-off of the examination.

BSc Nautical Science Colleges

Numerous colleges in India provide BSc Nautical Science courses for students. However, a few colleges are considered better than others because of their education pattern, job scope, and fee structure. The list of top colleges is provided below: –

College Name	City
Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Vels University	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Park Maritime Academy	Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
AMET University	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Mumbai University	Mumbai, Maharashtra
Indian Maritime University	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Mangalore Marine College and Technology	Mangalore, Karnataka
Maritime Engineering and Research Institute	Mumbai, Maharashtra

Related read: Marine Engineering Colleges in India

Exciting BSc Courses: Full Form, Salary, Career Options 2024

BSc Nautical Science Fees

The cost of pursuing a BSc in Nautical Science can differ based on the type of institution, whether it’s a government or private college. Here’s a broad breakdown:

• Government Colleges: Tuition fees usually fall between INR 1,00,000 and 4,00,000 annually.
• Private Colleges: The fees can vary significantly, ranging from INR 2,00,000 to 9,00,000 each year.
  In summary, the total fee for the complete course generally lies between INR 2,00,000 and 8,00,000.

Here’s a revised version of the information on the leading private and government colleges for BSc Nautical Science, including their fees and a brief overview:

Top 5 Government Colleges

1. Indian Maritime University (IMU), Mumbai

• Fees: INR 1,12,500 annually.
• Overview: IMU Mumbai stands out as a top-tier maritime institution in India, delivering extensive training and education in nautical science.

2. Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai

• Fees: INR 1,12,500 annually.
• Overview: Renowned for its modern facilities and skilled faculty, IMU Chennai excels in providing high-quality education and training in maritime studies.

3. TS Chanakya

• Fees: INR 1,25,000 annually.
• Overview: TS Chanakya is celebrated for its demanding training programs and a strong focus on practical skills essential for nautical science.

4. TS Rahman Institute

• Fees: INR 1,24,000 annually.
• Overview: This institute combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, equipping students for diverse roles within the maritime sector.

5. Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)

• Fees: INR 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 annually.
• Overview: CUSAT offers a solid curriculum paired with hands-on training, making it a preferred option for those pursuing nautical science education.

Top 5 Private Colleges

1. Tolani Maritime Institute

• Tuition: INR 2,74,000 per year
• Summary: Celebrated for its outstanding educational standards and remarkable placement success, Tolani Maritime Institute is a leader in the maritime sector.

2. Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET)

• Tuition: INR 2,00,000 to 7,00,000 per year
• Summary: AMET offers a wide range of maritime courses, featuring cutting-edge facilities and experienced faculty, ensuring comprehensive training for its students.

3. Vels University

• Tuition: INR 2,00,000 to 7,00,000 per year
• Summary: Vels University focuses on a strong academic foundation and practical training in nautical science, supported by extensive industry connections.

4. Hindustan College of Maritime Training

• Tuition: INR 1,00,000 to 1,60,000 per year
• Summary: This college is dedicated to maritime training programs and is well-respected for its high-quality courses in the industry.

5. Chitkara University

• Tuition: INR 1,56,000 to 2,00,000 per year
• Summary: Renowned for its innovative teaching methods and strong ties to the industry, Chitkara University provides excellent career opportunities for its graduates.

These institutions provide a variety of resources and training opportunities, equipping students for thriving careers in the maritime sector.

Skills Required for BSc Nautical Science

Certain skills are required to pursue BSc Nautical Science upon graduation. A few important skills will be extremely helpful for the students pursuing this course:

• Listening actively: The students pursuing nautical science in their graduation need to understand the importance of this skill. Active listening is one of the most important skills required while opting for this three-year course.
• Critical thinking: Students with critical thinking will benefit from this course. BSc Nautical Science requires logical and spontaneous thinking during its lessons and teachings. 
• Management skills: Great management skills are beneficial in this course. If the student lacks management skills, they can build it during their graduation to have the perfect skills for the job. 
• Presence of mind: The course consists of heavy technical terms and other knowledgeable topics that are essential to understand. To understand these better and use them during the job, students need to focus and have a great presence of mind while studying. 
• Great grasping power: This course consists of various important topics that are a little complicated. Students with great grasping power will be able to learn these topics in no time. This will help them get their desired jobs in the merchant navy.
• Physically Fit: You must be in excellent mental and physical health and free of any deficit that would interfere with the effective execution of tasks on the sea to be a fit for selection.

Other important skills required for the students to pursue BSc Nautical Science are: –

• Oral expressions
• Time management
• Oral comprehension
• Speech clarity
• Selective attention
• Operation monitoring
• Far vision

Future Scope in BSc Nautical Science

After completing a BSc Nautical Science program, one has numerous prospects and employment alternatives in the specific subject.

• Those who have finished their graduate studies can pursue further studies, such as an M.Sc. in nautical science. Aside from that, people can take postgraduate diplomas and shipping classes online.
• They can pursue a postgraduate diploma in subjects such as marine engineering, nautical science, and maritime law.
• Graduates may also take a certification course in the most recent technologies, emerging tools, and languages to keep current on skills and knowledge. Some of them may include certificate courses in shipbuilding and repair, general purpose rating, and so on.
• The training provides some of the best employment and internships in the top-tier public and commercial sectors, including GSI (Geological Survey of India), ONGC, SAIL, Coal India, GMDC (Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation), and government-operated quarries.

Jobs After BSc Nautical Science in India

After completing three years of graduate courses in BSc Nautical Science, there are huge job opportunities in the merchant navy. The salary of the merchant navy depends upon the rank of that particular candidate. Below is the list of specialisations of the candidates in the merchant navy:

Job Profile	Job Description
Deck Officer	The role of a deck officer is vital while navigation, and they are also responsible for handling cargo deliveries, communication between the shore and the ship, etc.
Nautical Surveyor	The role of a nautical surveyor is to survey the equipment on the ship. They are responsible for the inspection of the existing vessels along with the new ones.
Marine Engineer	A marine engineer works in private organizations, designing and developing the latest marine vessels.
Marine Superintendent	The responsibility of a Marine Superintendent is to ensure the safe working of all the vessels. They plan and execute the shipyard repair work.
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BSc Nautical Science Salary

The earnings for graduates holding a BSc in Nautical Science can fluctuate due to various elements, including their level of experience, specific job roles, and the organization they are employed by. Here’s a broad summary:

1. Entry-Level Compensation: Fresh graduates can expect an initial salary between INR 2.4 lakhs and 5 lakhs annually.
2. Mid-Career Earnings: Professionals with 3 to 5 years of experience may see their salaries rise to between INR 7 lakhs and 12 lakhs per year.
3. Experienced Roles: For individuals with significant experience, salaries can vary from INR 20 lakhs to 30 lakhs annually.

 Average Salaries for Various Positions

Here is the information in a table format:

Job Profile	Average Salary (INR per annum)
Deck Cadet	2.4 lakhs to 7 lakhs
Marine Engineer	7 lakhs to 24 lakhs
Radio Officer	5.3 lakhs to 12.5 lakhs
Nautical Operations Controller	8 lakhs to 20 lakhs
Director of Operations	3.5 lakhs to 8.6 lakhs
Nautical Surveyor	4.5 lakhs to 28 lakhs
Marine Superintendent	5.9 lakhs to 34 lakhs

Conclusion

A Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science opens the door to a fulfilling career in the maritime sector. This degree provides students with crucial knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for the safe navigation and management of marine vessels. Graduates can explore a range of positions, including Deck Officer, Marine Engineer, and Nautical Surveyor, with opportunities available in both public and private organizations. The program’s extensive curriculum and recognition within the industry make it an excellent qualification for individuals eager to pursue maritime careers. As the demand for skilled professionals in the marine field continues to rise, a BSc in Nautical Science presents exciting career opportunities and avenues for professional advancement.

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