GP Rating Course: Eligibility, Fees, Salary, and Top Colleges in India
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If you’re looking for a quick entry into the Merchant Navy right after Class 10th or 12th, the GP Rating Course might be your perfect start. It’s a six-month residential program that prepares candidates to work as part of the Deck Crew or Engine Crew aboard a ship. This course is one of the three main entry points into the merchant navy and opens the door to exciting career growth opportunities.
📌 What is GP Rating?
GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) is a program that trains candidates to work in both deck and engine departments on ships. GP Rating professionals play a crucial role in ship maintenance and day-to-day operations, supporting officers and engineers.
After successful completion, candidates are placed on merchant ships for on-board training, marking the beginning of their seafaring journey.
🎯 Why Choose the GP Rating Course?
Quick entry into the Merchant Navy.
Opportunity to work in Deck or Engine Crew.
Potential to grow into positions like Officer or Marine Engineer.
Sponsored courses often come with job placement assurance.
Short course duration (6 months) and good salary prospects.
✅ GP Rating Course Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Duration | 6 Months (Residential) |
| Course Fees | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,87,000 (varies by college) |
| Gender Restriction | None – Open for all |
| Entry Requirement | Class 10th / 12th / ITI |
| Entrance Test | College-specific |
| Medical | D.G. Shipping-approved medical test is mandatory |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 10th Standard | Minimum 40% marks, with 40% in English |
| 12th Standard | Minimum 40% aggregate, with 40% in English |
| ITI (2-Year) | 40% marks in final year, approved by NCVT / DVET |
| Medical | Physically fit for sea service; 6/6 vision in the better eye, no color blindness |
| Age Limit | 17.5 – 25 years (varies by college) |
🧠 How to Join the GP Rating Course?
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Use online tools like the GP Rating Eligibility Calculator to find suitable colleges.
Step 2: Choose the Right College
Pick top-rated colleges based on placement records and reviews.
Step 3: Entrance Test & Interview
Prepare for aptitude, reasoning, and English tests. Some colleges like Seven Islands and GEIMS conduct sponsorship tests.
Step 4: Medical Examination
Undergo a medical test by D.G. Shipping-approved doctors to confirm fitness for sea service.
🏫 Top 5 GP Rating Colleges in India
| # | College Name | Fees | Sponsorship | Eligibility | Placement | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS) | ₹4,80,750 | Yes (Placement assurance) | 2-year ITI or Diploma in technical trades | Through Great Eastern Shipping Company | — |
| 2 | Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute (SIMTI) | ₹4,87,000 | Yes | 10th with Science & Math + ITI (Fitter, Welder, Mechanic) | 100% Guaranteed | — |
| 3 | T.S. Rahaman | ₹2,55,000 | Sponsorship exam required | 10th/12th or ITI with 40% marks and English | High, includes Anglo Eastern, MOL, etc. | — |
| 4 | NUSI Maritime Academy, Goa | ₹2,00,000 | — | 10th/12th or ITI with Science and Math | Moderate but trusted (Dockendale, Anglo Eastern) | — |
| 5 | SCI Maritime Training Institute (SCI-MTI) | ₹4,50,000 | — | 10th with 40% + 50% in English | 100% expected (has own fleet) | New batch launched recently |
💸 GP Rating Course Fees Breakdown
| College Name | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| GEIMS | ₹4,80,750 |
| Seven Islands | ₹4,87,000 |
| T.S. Rahaman | ₹2,55,000 |
| NUSI Goa | ₹2,00,000 |
| SCI-MTI | ₹4,50,000 |
💡 Loan facilities are available in most colleges after receiving sponsorship letters.
💰 GP Rating Salary and Career Path
After completing the course and joining a ship:
Starting Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000/month
With promotions and experience:
Able Seaman
Bosun
Officer (after exams and training)
With hard work and time, GP Rating cadets can appear for Competency Exams and become Deck Officers or Marine Engineers.
🧾 Educational Loan for GP Rating
Many banks offer loans to GP Rating students after getting a sponsorship letter from reputed colleges like GEIMS and SIMTI. These letters assure placement, which helps in loan approvals.
🚀 Success Stories: From GP Rating to Officer
There are thousands of success stories where students started as GP Rating cadets and rose to the position of Chief Engineer or Captain. With consistent sea time, passing function exams, and dedication, a cadet can climb the ladder in the merchant navy.
❓ GP Rating FAQs
Q1: Can I join GP Rating after Class 10th?
Yes, with 40% aggregate and 40% in English.
Q2: Is color blindness allowed?
No. You must have normal color vision.
Q3: Can girls join GP Rating?
Yes, the course is open to all genders.
Q4: What is the duration of the course?
6 months (residential).
Q5: Is placement guaranteed?
Top colleges like GEIMS and Seven Islands offer 100% placement with sponsorship.