Indian Maritime University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Kolkata Campus Life

About Indian Maritime University - [IMU] Kolkata

Indian Maritime University (IMU) Kolkata Campus, established in 2008, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a Central University under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, formed by integrating legacy maritime institutes including the Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI).

IMU Kolkata holds an A++ NAAC accreditation and is ranked #62 among Indian universities by NIRF 2025. The campus offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in marine engineering, nautical science, maritime law, and logistics, supported by a faculty team of over 30 members and a student body exceeding 1,000. It is recognized for its modern curriculum aligned with global maritime standards and strong industry linkages.

Key Highlights

Overview

Indian Maritime University (IMU) Kolkata Campus, established in 2008, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a Central University under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, formed by integrating legacy maritime institutes including the Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI).

IMU Kolkata holds an A++ NAAC accreditation and is ranked #62 among Indian universities by NIRF 2025. The campus offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in marine engineering, nautical science, maritime law, and logistics, supported by a faculty team of over 30 members and a student body exceeding 1,000. It is recognized for its modern curriculum aligned with global maritime standards and strong industry linkages.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Indian Maritime University (IMU) Kolkata admission for 2026 is primarily through the IMU Common Entrance Test (IMU CET), conducted annually in online mode. The admission cycle includes application registration, the IMU CET exam, result declaration, and online counselling for seat allocation across various UG and PG maritime programs.

Admission Process

Admission to Indian Maritime University (IMU) Kolkata is primarily through the IMU Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) for undergraduate and postgraduate maritime-related courses. Candidates must apply online, appear for the entrance exam, and meet specific eligibility criteria for their chosen programme.

B.Tech (Marine Engineering) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official IMU website and register for the IMU CET online application form.
2. Fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
3. Download the IMU CET admit card and appear for the computer-based entrance exam on the scheduled date.
4. Check the IMU CET results and merit list published by the university.
5. Participate in the counselling process based on the merit list for seat allotment.
6. Confirm admission by paying the required fees and submitting original documents at the allotted campus.

MBA (International Transportation & Logistics Management) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply online through the IMU official portal for the MBA programme.
2. Upload necessary academic documents and pay the application fee.
3. Appear for the IMU CET or submit valid CAT/MAT/CMAT scores as applicable.
4. Check the merit list and attend counselling for seat allocation.
5. Complete admission formalities by fee payment and document verification.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Graduation degree certificate (for PG courses)
• IMU CET admit card and rank card
• Proof of age (birth certificate or 10th certificate)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner
• Passport size photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)

Cutoff 2025

The IMU Kolkata 2025 cutoffs for B.Tech Marine Engineering and MBA International Transportation and Logistics Management show a slight increase in closing ranks compared to 2024, indicating a moderately higher competition. The B.Tech Marine Engineering cutoff for the General category closed at rank 1216, while the MBA program had a notably low cutoff rank of 352, reflecting its high demand. Category-wise, SC and ST cutoffs remain significantly higher, consistent with reservation policies.

Placements 2025

Indian Maritime University Kolkata campus achieved a strong placement rate of approximately 94-97% for the 2025 batch, with cadets securing roles primarily in marine engineering and shipping sectors. The highest international package reached around ₹12-15 LPA (equivalent to about $1400/month), while the average package stood near ₹6.5-8 LPA. Leading global shipping companies such as NYK, Chevron, MSC, Fleet Management, and Anglo-Eastern were key recruiters.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Core Maritime & Shipping: NYK Line, Chevron Corporation, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Fleet Management Ltd., Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, Torm Tankers, Wallem, Pacific Basin, Scorpio, Dynacom Tankers, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Adani Ports & SEZ

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Indian Maritime University (IMU) Kolkata is recognized as the top maritime university in India, securing the No.1 position in the Outlook-ICARE University Rankings 2025. It also holds a strong national presence with a rank of #29 among Indian universities in the IIRF 2024 rankings. However, IMU Kolkata does not appear separately in the NIRF 2025 overall or university rankings, as the rankings are generally for the entire Indian Maritime University system.

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A+ Grade

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Indian Maritime University (IMU) Kolkata offers a range of scholarships primarily based on academic merit and economic need, including performance-based awards for top students each semester and special scholarships for economically weaker sections. Additional financial aid is available through government schemes and industry-sponsored scholarships, with education loans accessible via banks like SBI on campus.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Naughtica Scholarship: ₹2,50,000 for outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements
• BIC Scholarship Awards: Awarded to IMU Kolkata alumni and students for excellence in maritime studies

Comparison

Indian Maritime University (IMU) Kolkata is compared with the National Institute of Port Management (NIPM), Mumbai, and the Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata, as all three are premier government maritime education institutions in India offering specialized courses in marine engineering, nautical science, and port management, catering to the maritime sector's skilled workforce needs.

Key Strengths

• Indian Maritime University - [IMU] Kolkata: Premier central maritime university with multiple campuses, strong industry collaborations, and comprehensive programs in marine engineering, nautical science, and maritime management.
• National Institute of Port Management (NIPM), Mumbai: Specialized focus on port and logistics management with strong ties to Indian ports and shipping industry for practical exposure.
• Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata: Oldest maritime training institute in India with rich legacy and expertise in marine engineering education and training.

Campus & Infrastructure

Indian Maritime University Kolkata Campus, located at Taratala Road, is the oldest marine engineering institute in India with a sprawling campus featuring modern maritime education facilities. The campus includes advanced laboratories, a large auditorium, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and a comprehensive library, supporting a fully residential program for cadets.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Over 38,000 print books and electronic resources merged from MERI and IIPM libraries, spread over 4000 sq. ft.
• Labs: Multiple specialized labs including Marine Control Lab, Navigation Lab, Heat and Thermodynamics Lab, Fluid Mechanics Lab, Material Testing Lab, and Simulation Lab
• Classrooms: Spacious, air-conditioned classrooms equipped with projectors and high-speed Wi-Fi

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Olympic-size swimming pool with life-saving training facility
• 1000-seater auditorium for seminars and events
• Gymnasium
• Sports complex with basketball, cricket, football, hockey, volleyball, tennis courts
• Asia's largest marine workshop with marine propulsion engines and simulators
• Wi-Fi coverage throughout academic and some hostel areas
• Cafeteria and mess with nutritious meals including non-vegetarian options five days a week
• Medical and first aid center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for B.Tech Marine Engineering at IMU Kolkata?

Candidates must have passed 12th with at least 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and 60% in English in 10th or 12th. Admission is through the IMUCET entrance exam.

How do I apply for admission to IMU Kolkata and what is the selection process?

Apply online on the official IMU website, appear for the IMUCET exam, and participate in centralized counseling based on merit rank and seat availability. Final admission requires document verification and fee payment.

What is the fee structure for the B.Tech Marine Engineering course at IMU Kolkata?

The total fee includes tuition, hostel, and mess charges, with hostel fees integrated into the overall fee. The approximate application fee for IMUCET is ₹1000 for general candidates.

Are scholarships available at IMU Kolkata?

IMU offers scholarships worth crores across campuses, including merit-based and reserved category scholarships, supporting students financially during their course.

What is the placement scenario and average package at IMU Kolkata?

IMU Kolkata has a strong placement record with reputed maritime and shipping companies recruiting. Average packages vary but top packages can reach up to ₹10-15 lakhs per annum in niche maritime sectors.

Which companies recruit from IMU Kolkata for marine engineering and logistics roles?

Recruiters include major shipping companies, port authorities, logistics firms, and maritime service providers such as Shipping Corporation of India, Maersk, and Essar Shipping.

What is the curriculum focus for the B.Tech Marine Engineering program at IMU Kolkata?

The curriculum covers ship structure, marine auxiliary machinery, naval architecture, marine electrical systems, and practical training including simulator and workshop sessions.

How experienced is the faculty at IMU Kolkata?

The faculty comprises experienced marine engineers, naval architects, and industry professionals with advanced degrees and practical maritime experience.

What hostel facilities are available for students at IMU Kolkata?

Hostels are fully residential and mandatory for B.Tech students, with separate buildings for each academic year, 6 cadets per room, 24/7 electricity, WiFi, and mess providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals five days a week.

Is the food quality in the IMU Kolkata hostel mess satisfactory?

The mess is student-managed, offering nutritious meals with a balanced diet, including non-vegetarian food five days a week, maintaining hygiene and catering to cadets' physical demands.

What sports and extracurricular facilities does IMU Kolkata provide?

The campus has an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball, football, cricket, volleyball courts, gymnasium, and organizes sports events and cultural fests to promote physical fitness and teamwork.

How safe is the IMU Kolkata campus for students?

The campus maintains strict discipline with security personnel, regular monitoring, and a ragging-free environment ensuring student safety and well-being.

Are laptops or specific technical devices required for courses at IMU Kolkata?

While not mandatory, having a laptop is recommended for assignments, research, and accessing digital learning resources provided by the university.

What is the dress code for students at IMU Kolkata?

Students, especially cadets, must adhere to a strict uniform code during academic and practical sessions, reflecting maritime discipline and professionalism.

How does IMU Kolkata compare with other maritime universities in India?

IMU Kolkata is among the top maritime universities with NAAC A+ accreditation, strong industry connections, and superior infrastructure, offering one of the best returns on investment in maritime education.

What is the alumni network like at IMU Kolkata?

The university has an active alumni network engaged in mentoring, industry collaborations, and placement support, enhancing career opportunities for current students.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at IMU Kolkata?

Due to the rigorous residential and training schedule, part-time jobs are generally not feasible for cadets during the course duration.

What are the medical fitness requirements for admission to IMU Kolkata?

Candidates must provide a medical fitness certificate from a Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)-approved doctor, meeting physical standards essential for maritime training.

Is hostel accommodation compulsory for all IMU Kolkata students?

Yes, IMU Kolkata offers a fully residential program, and hostel accommodation is mandatory for all B.Tech and cadet students to maintain discipline and training standards.

What is the process for lateral entry admission at IMU Kolkata?

Lateral entry is available for diploma holders in marine, mechanical, or electrical engineering with age limits (e.g., max 25 years for general male candidates). Applications are merit-based and require document verification.