SIMS DNS Eligibility Criteria
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), Lonavala, is a maritime educational institute created within the Executive Ship Management family. SIMS provides the Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) course, which is recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and affiliated with the Indian Maritime University (IMU). According to SIMS, the DNS course is a path to a career in the deck department of merchant ships.
In order to apply to SIMS DNS, one needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria. SIMS also has its own selection procedure along with the general DNS requirements.
For the current 2026 prospectus, candidates applying for the DNS program at SIMS need to satisfy the following requirements:
- Passed Class 12 from a regular board.
- Minimum 60% aggregate in Class 12.
- Minimum 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- Minimum 50% individually in physics and mathematics.
- Minimum 50% in English in Class 10 or Class 12.
- The required Class 12 results should be obtained at the first attempt.
- Candidate must be unmarried.
- Candidate must satisfy the prescribed medical and eyesight standards.
- Candidate must clear the IMU-CET.
- Candidate must possess a valid passport before joining the course.
- Selected candidates are required to clear the SIMS psychometric test and medical examination.
These requirements should be checked against the prospectus for the particular batch because admission conditions can be updated.
SIMS DNS Qualification Requirement
The basic academic qualification for SIMS DNS is Class 12 with PCM.
SIMS requires:
- 60% minimum aggregate in Class 12
- 60% minimum aggregate in PCM
- 50% minimum marks individually in Physics and Mathematics
The institute also specifies that the results should be obtained at the first attempt from regular boards.
This is slightly more specific than simply saying that a candidate needs 60% PCM. Students applying to SIMS should therefore check each subject requirement separately.
Physics and Mathematics Requirement
Physics and mathematics are particularly important for SIMS DNS eligibility.
Candidates need:
- At least 50% in Physics
- At least 50% in Mathematics
- At least 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
A candidate who has 60% overall in PCM but scores below the required individual marks in Physics or Mathematics may not satisfy the SIMS eligibility criteria.
English Eligibility for SIMS DNS
English is also a mandatory requirement for eligibility.
SIMS requires English to be among the subjects taken, with a minimum percentage of 50% in Class 10 or Class 12. Marksheets of English from Class 10 and Class 12 should be readily available during the application process.
Can Improvement Students Apply for SIMS DNS?
Improvement exams in SIMS have certain conditions. According to the prospectus, a candidate appearing for improvement exams for Class 12 must have appeared for all the subjects in the improvement exam from the same board as their last attempt, which include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Thus, candidates who have improved their Class 12 scores must go through the prospectus of SIMS before making their applications.
SIMS DNS Age Limit
For the current SIMS DNS eligibility criteria, the candidate must be:
- At least 17 years old
- Not more than 20 years old
The age is calculated as of the commencement of the course.
Students should check the date of commencement of their particular DNS batch when calculating their age.
Table of Contents
Is There Any Relaxation in the SIMS DNS Age Limit?
The SIMS prospectus indicates the required age for SIMS DNS candidates. Applicants shouldn’t rely on the age limit of other maritime institutions as their age limit requirement.
If one is near the age limit, it is recommended that he/she verify this from the official SIMS prospectus for that particular batch.
Is SIMS DNS Only for Unmarried Candidates?
Yes. SIMS lists unmarried status as a requirement for its DNS candidates. This requirement applies to the DNS/deck-cadet entry criteria stated in the institute’s prospectus.
SIMS DNS Medical Eligibility
Medical fitness is one of the important preconditions for selection into a maritime training course.
According to SIMS, the applicants should have medical fitness as per the standards set forth by the Directorate General of Shipping. In addition, selected applicants are also expected to go through a medical examination by a doctor approved by the DG Shipping and SIMS.
Therefore, an applicant should ensure that he/she is medically fit before joining.
SIMS DNS Eyesight Requirements
Eyesight requirements are particularly important for students entering the deck side.
SIMS’s current prospectus specifies:
- No colour blindness
- 6/6 vision in the better eye
- Up to 6/9 in the other eye
- The stated limits are specified without visual aids for the deck-cadet/DNS requirement.
It is possible to review the medical criteria for seafarers, and so it is better for candidates to consider the medical criteria of their admission year and have their vision tested by the relevant maritime medical professional.
Is color blindness allowed for SIMS DNS?
No. SIMS specifically states no color blindness for the deck cadet/DNS entry requirement.
Since color recognition is important for navigation and shipboard operations, students should get their color-vision status checked through the appropriate medical examination.
Is IMU-CET required for SIMS DNS?
Yes. SIMS’s current prospectus specifically states that DNS candidates must clear IMU-CET. IMU-CET is separate from the SIMS selection examination.
A student therefore needs to keep two things in mind:
- IMU-CET qualification
- SIMS selection process
Clearing one does not automatically mean that the candidate has completed the other.
SIMS DNS Selection Process
SIMS follows a merit-based selection process.
The institute’s 2026 application page clearly states that selection is based strictly on merit and warns candidates against individuals or agencies claiming to guarantee admission.
The selection process can include:
- Application and document verification
- SIMS online examination
- English writing assessment
- Psychometric assessment
- Medical examination
- Final merit-based selection
SIMS’s 2026 prospectus describes an online test for DNS candidates consisting of multiple-choice questions and an English writing component.
SIMS DNS Online Entrance Test
The SIMS online test is an important part of the selection process.
The 2026 prospectus describes the DNS examination as covering areas such as:
- Visual perception and processing
- Logical reasoning
- Information processing speed
- Science and abstract reasoning
- Spoken and written language
- Mathematical calculation
- English writing
The examination is structured for a total of 100 marks, with an overall minimum qualifying score of 50 marks and a separate minimum requirement for English writing. This means that students should prepare for more than just PCM questions.
SIMS DNS Psychometric Test
Admitted candidates are supposed to pass the psychometric test, which is highlighted by SIMS as the 16PF test. The reason behind the assessment is that students’ personality and behavioral traits will be assessed against the requirements of maritime training and life at sea.
It is recommended to answer questions truthfully and not just based on whether it looks good to them.
Is a passport required for SIMS DNS?
Yes, According to SIMS, a prospective student needs to have a passport that is valid before being enrolled in the course.
It is crucial to note that sometimes, students tend to delay getting their passports sorted until after their admissions. It would help them avoid any inconveniences during their enrolment at the institute.
Does SIMS DNS Require Sponsorship?
In the case of SIMS, there is a slightly different structure in the sense that students will have to get individual sponsorship from some external shipping company. SIMS claims that its DNS and B.Tech courses are approved by the DGS and affiliated to IMU and that it guarantees 100% placement within its parent company, Executive Ship Management Pte. Ltd., to its cadets after the completion of the course in order to obtain the Certificate of Competency (COC) from DGS.
SIMS’ application form page also clearly mentions that SIMS admissions are purely merit-based and students should be wary of individuals claiming that they can help in admissions or sea time placements in exchange for money. Thus, the admission process at SIMS cannot be taken to be the same as the sponsorships done separately by other institutes.
SIMS DNS Placement
One of the important aspects of SIMS, as outlined by it, is that of in-house placement. According to SIMS, the graduates who succeed in passing their courses and getting the DGS Certificate of Competency get in-house placement at its parent company, Executive Ship Management Pte. Ltd.
Currently, SIMS claims to offer 100% job placement on its official website to graduates who meet the necessary criteria and pass the necessary courses. Students are advised to go through the admission and placement criteria of the institute to know about the details of this policy.
SIMS DNS Fees
SIMS’s official website currently gives the approximate fee for its one-year DNS course as ₹6,00,000. Students should treat this as the institute’s published approximate fee rather than assuming that it is the final amount payable for every batch. Additional expenses may apply depending on the institute’s fee structure and the student’s circumstances.
Before making any payment, check:
- Tuition fee
- Hostel and accommodation
- Food
- Uniform
- Books and equipment
- Medical examination
- IMU-related charges
- Other compulsory charges
- Refund and cancellation conditions
SIMS DNS Course Duration
DNS at SIMS is a one-year pre-sea course program.
After completion of the pre-sea course training, the trainees go on to do their mandatory sea training and competency level before moving on towards the deck officer career path. It must therefore be noted that the DNS program is not just a one-year training program in the classroom leading straight into an officer position.
Who Can Apply for SIMS DNS?
A candidate can consider applying if they satisfy the major conditions:
- Completed Class 12 with PCM.
- Obtained at least 60% aggregate in Class 12.
- Obtained at least 60% aggregate in PCM.
- Scored at least 50% individually in physics and mathematics.
- Scored at least 50% in English in Class 10 or 12.
- Meets the SIMS age limit.
- Is unmarried.
- Meets DGS medical and eyesight requirements.
- Has or can obtain a valid passport before joining.
- Cleared IMU-CET.
- Clears the SIMS selection process.
SIMS DNS Eligibility for Students Awaiting Class 12 Results
Those candidates who are waiting for the result of Class 12 must take care while reading the guidelines of applications for the specific batch.
The final selection process will depend upon the candidate satisfying the necessary criteria of academics.
Candidates must not enter wrong marks just to submit the application form. The declaration in the application form of SIMS clearly mentions that submission of wrong or incomplete information will result in the cancellation of the offer or course.
What Makes SIMS DNS Different?
SIMS has a few features that make its admission model different from many other DNS institutes.
Merit-Based Selection
SIMS explicitly states that admission is based strictly on merit and warns against agents promising guaranteed admission.
Company-Linked Training
SIMS operates under the Executive Group and states that its DNS graduates can receive in-house placement with Executive Ship Management after meeting the required certification conditions.
Ship-in-Campus
SIMS highlights its ship-in-campus and practical training facilities as part of its maritime training infrastructure.
DGS and IMU Recognition
The DNS program is under DGS approval and affiliated with IMU, subject to the applicable program approvals.
How to Prepare for SIMS DNS Admission
Students targeting SIMS should prepare for both the academic eligibility requirements and the SIMS selection test.
Strengthen PCM
Maintain a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics instead of preparing only to cross the 60% requirement.
Improve English
English is part of the eligibility criteria and also features in the SIMS selection examination.
Practise Reasoning
Logical reasoning, information processing, and science/abstract reasoning are included in the SIMS online test.
Work on Speed
The examination contains sections where quick processing and accurate responses matter.
Prepare for the Psychometric Test
Be familiar with the purpose of personality assessments and answer honestly.
Complete Medical Formalities
Do not leave the maritime medical examination until the last moment.
JMDI Academy for SIMS DNS Preparation
Students preparing for SIMS DNS can benefit from preparation that covers both entrance examinations and the wider Merchant Navy admission process.
JMDI Academy, Dehradun, provides preparation support for Merchant Navy entrance and sponsorship examinations, including PCM, English, aptitude, mock tests, communication, and interview preparation. For SIMS aspirants, the preparation should include the kind of reasoning, English, mathematics, and science-based questions that appear in the SIMS selection process.
Merchant Navy Decoded App for SIMS Aspirants
The Merchant Navy Decoded App is another useful resource for students researching DNS admissions.
It provides Merchant Navy-related information and preparation resources, including an IMU-CET test series for practice. Students targeting SIMS can use it alongside their regular preparation to strengthen their IMU-CET performance and understand the broader DNS admission pathway.
Important Points About SIMS DNS Eligibility
- SIMS DNS is offered at Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonavala.
- The program is under DGS approval and affiliated with IMU.
- Minimum 60% aggregate in Class 12 is required.
- Minimum 60% PCM aggregate is required.
- A minimum of 50% individually in physics and mathematics is required.
- English must be one of the subjects with 50% marks in Class 10 or 12.
- SIMS specifies that qualifying results should be obtained at the first attempt from regular boards.
- The DNS age requirement is 17 to 20 years as specified in the current prospectus.
- The candidate must be unmarried.
- Medical fitness and eyesight must meet DGS requirements.
- Color blindness is not permitted under the stated DNS eyesight criteria.
- A valid passport is required before joining.
- IMU-CET must be cleared.
- Candidates must clear the SIMS selection process, including the applicable online test and psychometric/medical assessments.
- SIMS follows a merit-based admission process and warns against agents claiming to guarantee admission.
Final Thoughts
There are certain specific criteria for SIMS DNS; therefore, merely getting 60% in Class 12 is not sufficient to assume your eligibility.
Academic criteria include 60% marks in Class 12, 60% marks in PCM, and a minimum 50% in physics and mathematics separately, along with 50% in English in Class 10 or 12. The applicant also has to fulfill age, medical, eye vision, passport, and other criteria.
Even after fulfilling the eligibility criteria, one has to qualify for IMU-CET as well as the SIMS selection procedure. The SIMS selection procedure for 2026 includes reasoning ability, science, mathematical calculation, language, and English writing ability parts.
SIMS also follows the merit-based admission procedure, and it has especially warned the applicants about agents and individuals offering assured admission or sea time facilities.
Those candidates who meet the criteria and want to pursue a career in the deckside Merchant Navy can consider SIMS among other DNS options approved by DG Shipping.
FAQ’s (Frequently asked Questions)
No. You still have to meet the other SIMS criteria, such as the physics and mathematics marks individually, the English criterion, the age criterion, the medical criterion, the IMU-CET, and the SIMS selection criteria.
According to SIMS, the Class 12 qualifications should be from recognized examination boards. The students are advised to refer to the current prospectus with regard to their individual board and qualifications.
No, not under the current SIMS DNS eligibility criteria, which require at least 50% individually in mathematics.
Yes. SIMS has its own selection process, including an online test. Candidates must also clear IMU-CET for DNS admission.
According to SIMS, they provide 100 percent in-house placement of the eligible graduates in its parent organization, Executive Ship Management, once they have completed their program and all requirements for acquiring the DGS Certificate of Competency.
No. SIMS’s stated DNS eyesight criteria specify no color blindness.
The current SIMS prospectus states that a candidate must possess a valid passport before joining the course.
No. SIMS explicitly states that admission is based strictly on merit and warns candidates against individuals or agencies claiming to guarantee admission or sea-time opportunities.