IMU CET 2026 Registration Ongoing; Exam Scheduled for May 24
The Indian Maritime University has opened the IMU CET 2026 registration window for all undergraduate and postgraduate maritime courses.Eligible candidates must complete their online application on the official portal by April 24 to appear for the national entrance exam on May 24.
The Indian Maritime University (IMU) is currently accepting applications for the Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) 2026. As of today, the IMU registration link is live for all students who want to join B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, and various other sea-going programs. This national-level test is the mandatory gateway for the 2026 shipping intake in both government and private maritime training institutes. The CET application phase began in early February, and the month of March is the most important time for nautical aspirants to ensure they meet the strict physical and academic standards. Every candidate must complete their maritime enrollment process on the official website before the server traffic increases in April. Since a career at sea requires high discipline, the university follows a very strict timeline for the 2026 academic batch.
Important Dates and National CET Examination Schedule
The Indian Maritime University has provided a clear and professional calendar for the 2026 maritime admission cycle. Following the registration period, the board will allow students to select their preferred exam cities. To participate in the 2026 shipping intake, candidates must strictly follow the dates provided on the IMU registration link.
- Registration Deadline: The last date to submit the online application for UG and PG courses is April 24, 2026.
- City Selection Window: Candidates can choose their exam city on the portal from May 4 to May 10, 2026.
- Exam Date: The IMU CET 2026 is confirmed as a computer-based test on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
- Exam Timing: The test will be held in a single shift from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM across India.
- Official Website: All applications and prospectuses are available on the Official Indian Maritime University Website.
| Event Category | Official Date (2026) | Mode of Action |
| CET Application Phase | Ongoing – April 24 | IMU Registration Link |
| City Selection Window | May 4 – 10, 2026 | Digital Choice |
| National Entrance Exam | May 24, 2026 | Computer Based (CBT) |
| Maritime Enrollment Results | June 2026 | Rank Card Release |
| Shipping Intake Classes | August 1, 2026 | Campus Orientation |
Mandatory Guidelines for Eligibility and Physical Fitness
To successfully complete the CET application phase, every nautical aspirants must follow the strict rules set by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). For the 2026 maritime admission cycle, academic scores are not the only requirement; physical fitness is also vital. You must use the IMU registration link to upload your medical readiness documents. The maritime enrollment process requires a valid Aadhaar card for identity verification during the online signup.
- Academic Marks: Candidates must have at least 60% aggregate in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in Class 12.
- English Proficiency: A minimum of 50% marks in English is mandatory in either Class 10 or Class 12.
- Eyesight Standards: For Nautical Science, 6/6 vision is required; no color blindness is allowed for the shipping intake.
- Age Limit: Male candidates should be between 25 and 30 years old as of August 1, 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.
- Application Fee: The fee is ₹1,200 for General/OBC and ₹800 for SC/ST candidates during the CET application phase.
Exam Pattern and Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
The IMU CET 2026 test for undergraduates consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. For the 2026 maritime admission session, the syllabus is based on the 12th Grade NCERT curriculum. Every nautical aspirants should focus on speed, as you have only 180 minutes to finish the entire paper. The maritime enrollment test includes a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer, so accuracy is very important on the IMU registration link mock tests.
- Physics and Maths: These two sections have the highest number of questions and require constant practice.
- General Aptitude: This section tests your logical thinking and is a key part of the CET application phase evaluation.
- English Section: Focus on grammar and vocabulary to secure quick marks in the 2026 shipping intake exam.
- CBT Interface: Use the Official IMU Mock Test Link to get comfortable with the online exam software.
- Official Support: For help with the 2026 maritime enrollment, students can contact the IMU Chennai Headquarters at 044-24539020.
Conclusion
The ongoing CET application phase this March is the perfect opportunity for nautical aspirants to start their journey toward the 2026 shipping intake. By completing your form on the IMU registration link early, you can ensure a smooth maritime enrollment process. This national entrance is a fair and transparent path to the best merchant navy careers in India. Make sure to download your confirmation page today and keep your original certificates ready for the June counselling. Visit the Directorate General of Shipping website for more news on medical standards and approved doctors.