Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 23, 2026

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is a prestigious 1-year full-time residential postgraduate certificate program offered by Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), a premier maritime training institute located in Lonavala, Maharashtra. This course is designed for 10+2 pass students and B.Sc graduates to transition into maritime careers as deck officers. The program provides comprehensive training in navigation, seamanship, maritime law, and ship operations through a combination of 1 year pre-sea residential training and minimum 18 months onboard ship training. The course is offered in residential on-campus mode with a total fee of Rs 7,85,000 for boys and Rs 6,51,800 for girls for the entire duration. The diploma is awarded by Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies and affiliated to Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai, a central university established under an Act of Parliament. DNS is highly popular among school and college graduates seeking to enter the lucrative maritime industry with guaranteed employment opportunities and international career prospects.

Admissions for Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) at Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies are currently ongoing for the August 2026 batch. Online application forms are available throughout the year on the official SIMS website. Selected candidates must qualify in the online entrance examination followed by interview and psychometric testing. The reporting date at SIMS Lonavala is tentatively scheduled for July 31, 2026, with the course commencement on August 1, 2026. The first year runs for 23 weeks of pre-sea residential training with mid-semester breaks and examination breaks as notified. After successful completion of the first year and passing the 2nd mate examination by DG Shipping, candidates proceed to minimum 18 months onboard ship training. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SIMS website (www.samundra.com) for updates on admission dates, entrance test schedules, and other important notifications.

Key Points

Comprehensive 1-year pre-sea training program for aspiring deck officers and navigators
Combination of classroom training and practical seamanship activities including parade, physical training, swimming, and boat work
State-of-the-art residential campus with bridge simulators and advanced navigation equipment
100% in-house placement opportunity with Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore after obtaining COC from DG Shipping
Degree awarded by Indian Maritime University (IMU), a central university recognized internationally

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Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

SIMS DNS Fees

The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) program at Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies has a comprehensive fee structure covering tuition, hostel, mess, uniform, books, laptop, and 5 basic STCW courses. The total fees for boys is Rs 7,85,000 and for girls is Rs 6,51,800 for the entire 1-year pre-sea course. The fees include a non-refundable joining fee of Rs 50,000, INDOS fees, and a refundable caution deposit. Additional charges include IMU registration fees of Rs 40,000 payable directly to IMU and examination fees. Personal expenses like laundry, telephone, medicals, passport, and US visa fees are borne by candidates.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Boys (Rs)	Girls (Rs)
Joining Fee (Non-Refundable)	50,000	50,000
Course Fees (Tuition, Hostel, Mess, Uniform, Books, Laptop, STCW)	9,18,800	9,18,800
INDOS & Caution Deposit	16,200	16,200
Gross Total	9,85,000	9,85,000
Less: Waiver	2,00,000	2,00,000
Less: DG Norms Waiver (Girls)	-	1,33,200
Total Fees	7,85,000	6,51,800

Fees are indicative and subject to change.
Caution deposit of Rs 15,000 is refundable at the end of the 1-year course after adjustment of damages and breakages.
Joining fee is non-refundable if candidate withdraws before course commencement.
IMU registration fees (Rs 40,000) and exam fees are payable directly to IMU by the candidate.
GST may be applicable as per government notification.

SIMS DNS Admission 2026

The admission process for Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) at Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies is merit-based and conducted through an online entrance examination followed by interview and psychometric testing. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by Indian Maritime University (IMU) and DG Shipping. The selection process includes an online written test, interview, psychometric (16 PF) test, and medical examination by a DG Shipping approved doctor. Admission is confirmed only upon receipt of the non-refundable joining fee of Rs 50,000.

Important Dates

Important Dates	2026 Schedule
Online Application Form	Available throughout the year
Joining Fee Submission	After qualifying in entrance test
Date of Reporting at SIMS Lonavala	July 31, 2026 (Tentative)
Course Commencement	August 1, 2026 (Tentative)
Pre-Sea Training Duration	1 year (23 weeks per semester)
Onboard Training Duration	Minimum 18 months (At sea)
Mid-Semester Break	1 week (To be notified)
Examination Break	2 weeks (To be notified)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary/Intermediate) or B.Sc degree from a regular board with minimum 60% aggregate and minimum 50% in Physics and Mathematics individually

Age should be not less than 17 years and not more than 20 years for 10+2 candidates, or not more than 22 years for B.Sc candidates, as on the date of commencement of the course
Candidates must be unmarried
Valid passport is mandatory prior to joining the course
Candidates must qualify in IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
Medical fitness as per DG Shipping standards is required (6/6 vision in better eye and maximum 6/9 in other eye without visual aids, no colour blindness)

Admission Process

Fill the online application form on www.samundra.com and pay the registration fee of Rs 1,100 for the online written test
Send scanned copies of academic documents to [email protected] for verification
Appear for the online written test from home using SIMS SEB browser and Zoom application
Qualify in the online test to be eligible for interview and psychometric test
Undergo interview and psychometric (16 PF) test conducted by SIMS marine faculty
Pass the medical examination by a DG Shipping and company-approved doctor
Submit the non-refundable joining fee of Rs 50,000 to confirm admission
Submit original academic mark sheets and certificates at SIMS Lonavala before course commencement
Obtain a valid passport and complete all document verification

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 9 Reviews

To gain admission to this college, applicants need to apply online and meet academic criteria of at least 60% in PCM and 50% in English from their 12th standard. They must pass the IMU CET, the college's entrance exam, a psychometric test, a medical exam, and an interview. The college boasts a qualified faculty of around 70 members, including industry professionals, who deliver practical and theoretical education. Lectures focus on practical situations and emergency management, supplemented by handwritten notes and study materials.

The examination system consists of six exams per year, each worth 70 marks. The course fee is approximately Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 6,60,000, divided across two semesters, plus an initial Rs 50,000 admission fee. Despite the higher fee, the college is valued for its facilities and offers scholarships, loan assistance, and talent search rewards. Payments can be made online or by demand draft. The college ensures 100% placement through Executive Ship Management Pvt Ltd, with multinational companies recruiting students twice annually.

Graduates start as deck cadets and undergo further training, including an 18-month internship. Financial aid options are available, with some scholarships and loans covering 50-100% of fees based on family income. The total program fee includes hostel and mess fees amounting to 760,000 INR, with an additional 5,000 INR for exam fees. The college maintains a 100% placement rate, and fees may vary annually depending on facility offerings.

By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

SIMS DNS Scholarships 2026

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies offers various financial assistance options for eligible students. The institute conducts an All India level talent search scheme (Cash Award Scheme) for students from classes XI and XII from selected schools. Scholarship awards are instituted for financially underprivileged students on joining SIMS, selected on the basis of the online admission test and interview. Needy students are provided guidance and assistance for receiving study loans from recognized banks during the course of training. Additionally, girls receive a waiver on tuition fees as per DG Shipping norms.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship/Aid Name	Amount	Eligibility
Cash Award Scheme	Variable	Class XI & XII students from selected schools
Scholarship Award	Variable	Financially underprivileged students (merit-based)
Girls Tuition Fee Waiver	Rs 1,33,200	Female candidates (as per DG Shipping norms)
Study Loan Assistance	Up to Rs 4,00,000	Needy students (through recognized banks)

Scholarship awards are selected on the basis of online admission test and interview.
Candidates desirous of study loans can contact the Admission Team for assistance.
Girls receive additional fee concessions as per DG Shipping regulations.
All financial assistance is subject to eligibility criteria and availability.

SIMS DNS Placement 2026

Placement Details

Placement Feature	Details
Placement Partner	Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore
Placement Rate	100% in-house placement opportunity
Eligibility for Placement	After obtaining COC from DG Shipping

SIMS DNS FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between DNS and B.Tech Marine Engineering?

Ans. DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) is a 1-year pre-sea program for 10+2 students to become deck officers responsible for navigation. B.Tech Marine Engineering is a 4-year degree program for 10+2 students to become marine engineers responsible for engine room operations. DNS graduates work on the bridge, while B.Tech graduates work in the engine room.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing DNS?

Ans. Graduates can work as deck officers, navigators, or captains on merchant ships. SIMS offers 100% in-house placement with Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore after obtaining COC (Certificate of Competency) from DG Shipping. Salaries are highly competitive, ranging from Rs 2-6 lakhs per month depending on rank and experience, with international exposure and career growth opportunities.

Ques. Is IMU-CET mandatory for admission to DNS?

Ans. Yes, all DNS candidates are required to qualify in IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test) for admission. This is a mandatory requirement set by Indian Maritime University and DG Shipping.

Ques. What is the total duration of DNS including onboard training?

Ans. The DNS program consists of 1 year of pre-sea residential training at SIMS Lonavala followed by minimum 18 months of onboard training as a deck cadet on merchant ships. After completing both phases and obtaining COC from DG Shipping, graduates are eligible to serve as deck officers.

Ques. What is the residential campus like at SIMS Lonavala?

Ans. SIMS Lonavala is a state-of-the-art residential campus spread over 55 acres on the Mumbai-Pune Highway near Lonavala. It features bridge simulators with 240-degree field of view, advanced navigation equipment, well-equipped laboratories, sports facilities, and a multi-specialty hospital. All students are fully residential with all amenities provided within and around the campus.

Ques. Are there any medical requirements for joining DNS?

Ans. Yes, candidates must be physically fit and meet DG Shipping medical standards. Vision requirements are 6/6 in better eye and maximum 6/9 in other eye without visual aids. No colour blindness is allowed. Height should be minimum 157 cm for boys and 152 cm for girls. BMI should be between 19 and 27. A medical examination by a DG Shipping approved doctor is mandatory before admission.

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Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies Diploma Nautical Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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