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What is the GP Rating Course?

The GP Rating is a six-month program you can join after finishing Class 10th or 12th in any stream. It’s one of the basic ways to enter the merchant navy among the three options. After passing out from college students will be placed on board for training. In this post, we will look at the GP Rating course in depth, including course information, scope, employment options after finishing the program, income, eligibility, and medical standards.

What is GP Rating?

GP Rating or general purpose rating is the department onboard that is generally responsible for the maintenance of the ship and equipment onboard. It is one of the most crucial ranks onboard as it keeps the ship in a better condition so that everyone can do their work with full dedication. 

The GP Rating program will prepare cadets for two major positions in the maritime industry: Deck Crew and Engine Crew.
Course LevelDiploma Level Programme
AccommodationResidential
Course Fees₹1,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 (vary college to college)
GP Rating Entrance ExamEvery college has its entrance test. 
DurationGP Rating Course is of 6 months. 
Gender RestrictionsN/A
GP Rating Colleges
  1. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
  2. Seven Islands Maritime Academy
  3. T.S. Rahaman
  4. NUSI Goa
  5. SCI-MTI

Table of Contents

Why GP Rating Course?

People with this rating learn to do various tasks on the ship, like helping on the deck or engine room. They make sure the ship runs well and do different jobs as needed. If you want to join a Career as soon as possible then GP Rating is the key. After GP Rating you can even sail as an Officer or Engineer after giving the function exams and orals. 

GP Rating is one of those courses about which people don’t know where to prepare and how. So, our GP Rating Guidance series will help you to prepare for the college of your dreams. 

GP Rating Course Eligibility

GP Rating is one of the most easiest courses that any medically fit and eligible person can go for to join the Merchant Navy. 
Criteria Eligibility
GP Rating Eligibility 1.A candidate should have scored a minimum of 40% in 10th with more than 40% in English. 

OR

2. A candidate should have scored a minimum of 40% in 12th in any stream with more than 40% in English. 

OR

3. Pass in 2-year ITI Course approved by DVET, NCVT with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in the final year of ITI. 
Gender Restriction Anyone can join.
Medical Eligibility
  • Candidates should be physically fit for sea service under the standard norm, with eyesight up to 6/6 in the better eye
  • NO COLOR BLINDNESS, Partial Colour Blindness is also not acceptable.
  • The D.G. Shipping Medical Certificate must be issued by D.G. Shipping Approved Doctors.

GP Rating Course Age Limit

GP Rating is a 6-month residential course and the age limit varies from college to college, so, here we have given the age limit of the colleges that we recommend. 

NUSI GOA:- Minimum age is 18 and Maximum age is 25 for GP Rating in NUSI Goa

TS RAHAMAN:- For TS RAHAMAN your age should be between 17.5 to 25 years on the commencement date of the course. 

GREAT EASTERN:- 17.5 to 25 is the eligible age for GP Rating in Great Eastern. 

SEVEN ISLANDS:- 17.5 to 25 is the eligible age for Seven Islands

SCI-MTI:- 18 to 25 is the eligible age for GP Rating in Shipping Corporation of India. 

 

GP Rating Course fees

Regarding the fees of GP Rating courses in different colleges, we will only talk about the above four recommended colleges. 

Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies₹ 4,80,750 (Loan can be granted for this college)
Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute₹ 4,87,000 (loan can be granted by the bank.) 
T.S. Rahaman₹2,55,000/-
NUSI Goa ₹2,00,000/-
SCI-MTI₹4,50,000/-

Confused about which college to join for GP Rating? Use our Eligibility Calculator to discover GP Rating colleges you are qualified for. It will help you with the following;

College Recommendation:- You will get colleges completely based on your profile and past results.
BMI Analysis:- It helps you to calculate your BMI and gives recommendations on health and educational grounds.
Complete College Details:- You can check the complete details of the colleges you are eligible for.

How to Join GP Rating?

The process to join the GP Rating is more or less the same i.e. you apply to colleges after your 10th, 12th Commerce or ITI. After clearing the CET of the respective college you need to clear the medical criteria of DG Shipping after which you will be eligible for the 6-month GP Rating Course. Let’s look at these steps one by one.

Step 1 :
Clear the Eligibility

  • Knowing the eligibility makes the search for the right college much easier. 
  • Students can take the help of our GP Rating Eligibility Calculator which will give you the top colleges according to your education and age criteria.

Step 2 :
Choose the right College

  • Well done, now you know your eligibility, step 2 is choosing the right college. 
  • You can take the help of our college portal featuring the top GP Rating Colleges with real reviews from the students studying in the college. 

Step 3 :
Prepare for Entrance Exam & Interview

  • You are all set. Now, the only thing remaining is the GP Rating Exam. It is the most difficult part, and most students fail in this step which is the interview and exam. 
  • To prepare for the best GP Rating College, you need our GP Rating Foundation Packaging focusing on your aptitude and English skills. 
  • Some colleges like Seven Islands, or Great Eastern provide sponsorship with admission to the college, but in some colleges like T.S. Rahaman, you need to appear for sponsorship exams.

Step 4 :
Medical Exam

  • Congratulations on clearing the GP Rating Interview. Now the only thing remaining is the DG Shipping medical after which you can get in the top GP Rating Colleges in India. 

Top 5 GP Rating colleges in India

Many colleges conduct GP Rating Courses but there are only a few of them that provide a good placement for GP Rating Cadet. Let’s look at these colleges one by one.

1. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies

GP Rating Course

Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies is one of the best colleges you can get into for the GP rating as this is the only college that will give you the sponsorship letter that will help to get an educational loan for the GP rating course. This is the college that guarantees placement as it has its own company Great Eastern Shipping. 

Eligibility Criteria for GEIMS

Educational Qualifications

2-year ITI Course or a 3-year Diploma Course in fields like an automobile or as a fitter etc. from Govt. approved Technical institutes with minimum 50% aggregate marks in final year and 40% marks in English subjects in 10th and 12th board. 

(Candidates having only 10th and 12th qualifications are not allowed).

Age Limit 

The age limit for GEIMS is between 17.5 to 25. 

Medical Criteria 

6/6 in each eye with no color blindness.  

2. Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute

Graduate Marine Engineering
Just like GEIMS, Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute also has its own shipping company so once you get into the college it means you are 100% placed. Another good thing is that you can get an educational loan after showing the sponsorship letter to the bank.
Eligibility Criteria for SIMTI
Educational Qualification The candidate must have passed with an aggregate of 40% marks in 10th standard with Science, and Mathematics as subjects with a minimum of 40% marks in English either in 10th or 12th.  [AND] The candidate must have passed in 2-year ITI course (Fitter / Machinist / Mechanic / Welder / Turner) from Govt. Approved Institute with Minimum 50% Aggregate marks in the final year. [OR] The candidate must be a Diploma or Degree holder with at least 40% in English either in 10th or 12th. 
Age  The eligible age for GP Rating in Seven Islands is 17.5 to 25 years.
Medical Criteria  The Candidate should be medically fit with no color blindness.

3. T.S. Rahaman

GP Rating Course
After Great Eastern, TS Rahaman is one of the best choices for GP Rating. This college once boasted a 100% placement but as of now, numbers have slightly changed a bit, but still, this college is doing better than most of the colleges out there. This college entertains companies like Anglo Eastern and many such shipping giants for the GP Rating placement. 
Eligibility Criteria for TS Rahaman
Educational Qualification Minimum 40% aggregate marks in final year and minimum 40% in English subject in 10th or 12th. 

[OR]

Pass in 2 year ITI course approved by DVET; with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in the final year of ITI & minimum of 40% in English in 10th / 12th.
Age 17.5 years and not over 25 years on the date of commencement of training.
Medical Criteria The Candidate should be medically fit with distance vision 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the other eye and no color blindness.

4. NUSI Goa

GP Rating Course
NUSI Goa is one of those colleges in India that can be trusted for GP-rating courses in India. Even if the placement is not 100% in this college still it is better than other colleges who just give false dreams instead of placement,  there are still a lot of companies that visit NUSI Goa for recruit ratings. Anglo Eastern is one such mass recruiter that takes the rating from NUSI Goa with many other companies like MOL & Dockendale.
Eligibility Criteria for NUSI Goa
Educational Qualifications Someone who has passed their class 10th with subjects Science, Mathematics, and English with an aggregate of 40% along with 40% in English, may apply for admission.

[OR]

Class 12th pass-out from any stream can also apply for admission, but he has to fulfill the above-mentioned point.

[OR]

An aspirant from the 2-year ITI course (Fitter/ Machinist/ Mechanic/ Welder/ Turner/ Mechanic Diesel/ Mechanic Motor Vehicle/ Electrical Electronics/ Automobile / Instrumentation) approved by DVET with 40 % in the final year who must satisfy the first point can also apply for the admission. 
Age The age limit to apply is a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 25 years on the 1st of January or July.
Medical Criteria  The Aspirant should have 6/6 vision in the better eye and 6/9 in the other eye and normal color vision is tested. 

5. SCI-MTI

SCI-MTI is one of the best colleges for the Merchant Navy in India. Recently, SCI-MTI has started a GP Rating college for students who wish to join Merchant Navy through GP Rating Course. If you want to join GP Rating then SCI-MTI can be the best option for you as they have their own shipping company that makes the placement 100% sure. However, as this is the first time SCI has started their GP Rating course, so we need to wait a bit to get a more clear data on the waiting period for GP Rating.
Educational Qualifications Students passed their class 10th with subjects Science, Mathematics, and English with an aggregate of 40% along with 50% in English can apply in this college.

[OR]

Class 12th pass-out students from any stream can also apply for the admission given that he fulfills the above criteria. 

[OR]

An aspirant from the 2-year ITI course (Fitter/ Machinist/ Mechanic/ Welder/ Turner) approved by DVET with at least 40 % in the final year with at least 50% marks in English.  Preference will be given to 12th stream science students passed from any government recognized board with over 50% in aggregate and 50% in English. 
Age The age limit to apply is a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 25 years. Some age relaxation is given to candidates based on caste and gender. 
Medical Criteria  The Aspirant should have 6/6 vision in the better eye and 6/9 in the other eye and normal color vision is tested. 

GP Rating Salary

Deck Rating Salary

RANK Duties on-board SALARY
Ordinary Seaman Ordinary Seaman remain on watchkeeping duty with Deck Officer for look-out and watchkeeping.  ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 
Able-Bodied Seaman An Able-Bodied Seaman’s tasks include watchkeeping on the Bridge along with the Duty Officer and also steering the ship manually according to the orders. ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000 
Deck Fitter  Deck fitters are available so that general welding and fitting work on the Deck does not suffer when the Engine fitter is busy.  ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 
Pumpman (Tankers) Pumpman is responsible for fitting, welding, and other jobs on Deck, along with taking care of the Pump room.  ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000
Bosun A bosun is responsible for knots, hitches, bends, whips, and splices for anchoring the vessel, among other things. ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000

Engine Rating Salary

RANK Duties on-board SALARY
Trainee Wiper/Fitter  A trainee Wiper aboard a ship is majorly responsible for the upkeep of the vessel. ₹30,000 to ₹40,000
Wiper  Wiper is responsible for the maintenance of the engine room and works as a member of the watch team in the Engine room. ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 
Motorman He is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the engine room, machine room, and engine room equipment.  ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000
Fitter Fitter is one that is responsible for Welding, fabrication of spares, and all the restoration work on engine parts.  ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,60,000

Educational Loan for GP Rating Course

The GP Rating Course fees are a concern for middle-class families as this course is not a degree course hence there is no specific education loan provided for the GP Rating course but there are two institutes for which you a get educational loan. 

  1. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
  2. Seven Island Maritime Training Institute
  3. SCI-MTI

These are the only two colleges for which you will be given an educational loan as you will be given a sponsorship letter which will act as a guarantee letter for the placement in the company.  

To get all the information about the loan CLICK HERE

How to become an Officer after GP Rating?

After GP Rating, if you want to become an Officer or Engineer now, you need to clear the sea time and then appear for the MEO Class IV or 2nd Mate CoC Exam. 

Step 1:- Complete Your Sea-time

The first step towards the rank of engineer or officer is to complete your sea time of 36 months. This is the minimum sea time that you need to have to appear for the exam. 

Step 2:- Get a Certificate of Proficiency 

To appear for the foundation courses, you need to have a certificate of proficiency that you will get after completing the sea time and watchkeeping, without CoP you can’t go for the foundation course.

Step 3:- Attend the Foundation Course 

When the documents are complete you need to appear for the foundation courses for engineer or officer. 

Step 4:- Clear the Function Exam

After completing the function course you need to clear the function exam and orals. When you clear the written exam and orals then you will get the CoC, Certificate of Competency with which you can sail as a third officer or 4th Engineer. 

Success Stories from GP Rating to Engineer/Officer

Not one or two but three examples I can provide you of those people who were in GP Rating with a good salary but dared to get out of their comfort zone and now are sailing as an Officer or Engineer. 

  1. Nishant:- Oiler to 4th Engineer
  2. Naval:- Oiler to 4th Engineer
  3. Sohail:- AB to Officer

You can learn about the process and how they cleared the CoC from the free GP Rating Course from Merchant Navy Decoded.

GP Rating FAQ

Eligibility criteria are different for different colleges but the basic requirement is that a candidate should be a 10th pass out with an aggregate of 40% marks and a minimum of 40% marks in English either in 10th or 12th. Some colleges even demand ITI as an eligibility when filling out the form. You can get all the information about top colleges and their eligibility criteria just by CLICKING HERE.

1. Written Exam (English, Science, and Math).
2. Personal Interview (To check communication skills)
3. Medical Examination from DG Certified Doctors

No, a Medical Fitness Certificate is not necessary for GP Rating College Exams, however, it is required for admission to a training institute.

You can obtain a medical certificate from a DGS-approved doctor or follow the institute’s instructions.

The salary after the GP Rating Course depends on various factors such as rank, experience, and shipping company. It can vary anywhere from 300$ per month as a trainee to 2000$ after becoming a Bosun or Fitter onboard. 

It’s a bit tricky to get an educational loan for GP Rating as it is a Diploma course not a degree course. However, some colleges provide sponsorship letters to candidates with the help of which you can apply for educational loans.
To know about the complete procedure, CLICK HERE. 

In GP Rating it’s all about colleges if you get into a good college with good placement then with a little bit of hard work you can get into a good Shipping company. Some colleges have their own shipping company so if you get into such colleges then your job is secured. 

Disclaimer :- The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Merchant Navy Decoded. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and disclaim any responsibility for it. Data and visuals used are sourced from publicly available information and may not be authenticated by any regulatory body. Reviews and comments appearing on our blogs represent the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Decoded. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on these reviews or comments.

Reproduction, copying, sharing, or use of the article or images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission from both the author and Merchant Navy Decoded.

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