The Indian Maritime University (IMU) was instituted as a Central University by an Act of Parliament (Act 22) in November 2008, under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. It is a teaching cum affiliating university, with headquarters in Chennai and six regional centers in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. It also has 18 affiliated institutions. The university is a member of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), an organization committed to the development of global Maritime excellence. IMU provides an extensive variety of courses in Maritime Studies, resulting in an award of UG, PG, and Ph.D degrees in different disciplines. They provide these courses in its four schools i.e., School of Maritime Management, School of Marine Engineering & Technolgy, School of Nautical Sciences and School of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering. All of its programmes take admission through IMU CET and then there is a counselling procedure. The University keeps seat reserved for special states such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands, eight north-eastern states (Sikkim included), and Jammu & Kashmir. Seven well-known teaching and research centres existed under the Ministry of Shipping prior to the establishment of IMU.
IMU Chennai Highlights 2025
| Particulars | Highlights |
| Establishment Year | 2008 |
| Also Known As | Indian Maritime University, Chennai |
| Type | Government |
| Location | Uthandi, Chennai |
| Accreditation | ICRA Grade 1 |
| Approved By | UGC, AICTE |
| Courses Offered | UG and PG Programs |
| Selection | Entrance-based |
| Website | https://www.imu.edu.in/imunew/index/home |
| How to Reach |
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IMU Chennai Courses and Fees 2025
Indian Maritime University (IMU) Chennai offers various undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses, with candidate choice primarily on merit. Admissions to certain courses may also be determined by valid entrance tests like TANCET, CUET, CEETA, and CUET-PG. The university offers an MBA/PGDM with two courses through entrance exams like TANCET and IMUCET for postgraduate programs. There is also one M.Sc. course through the IMUCET entrance exam. There are twelve B.E./B.Tech courses on the undergraduate level. Admission is made through a variety of tests, including IMUCET and TNEA. The B.Sc. courses are completed through the IMUCET test.
| Course Name | Eligibility | Selection Criteria | Duration | Total Annual Fees (INR) |
| B.Tech | Class 12 | IMU CET, TNEA, JEE Main | 4 years | 2,75,000 |
| M.Tech | B.Tech | CEETA | 2 years | 2,05,000 |
| BBA | Class 12 | IMUCET | 3 years | 1,05,000 |
| MBA | Graduation | TANCET, IMUCET | 2 years | 2,05,000 |
| PGDME | Graduation | IMUCET | 1 year | 3,55,000 |
IMU Chennai Admission 2025
Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai is a Central University under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. It is a teaching-cum-affiliating University established in 1985 with technical help from the United Nations. The University is recognized as the only one in the country that provides quality education in Marine Engineering, Nautical Sciences, Port and Shipping Management, and allied subjects. Currently, IMU Chennai provides almost 10 courses at UG, PG and doctoral levels. Admissions to several UG and PG courses at Indian Maritime University require candidates to fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria and go through the following selection rounds. Following are the course-wise eligibility and selection criteria for Indian Maritime University admissions
Register for IMUCET on IMU website & appear for the exam.
Get IMUCET Rank Certificate (mandatory for all courses except Ph.D./M.S).
Register for counselling (for IMU campuses).
Seat allotment based on rank & preference.
Confirm seat by paying fees online.
Certificate verification at allotted campus.
Spot counselling (if needed) for vacant seats.
Classes begin at the campus.
Important Note:
- For affiliated colleges – approach directly with Rank Certificate (MBA via CAT/MAT/CMAT, M.Tech via GATE/PGCET/CUET-PG need counselling).
- For DGS-approved but not affiliated institutes – directly apply with Rank Certificate.
- For Ph.D., M.S (Research), Integrated Ph.D.) – separate offline test + interview conducted by IMU.
IMU Chennai Placements 2025
IMU Chennai boasts a strong placement record, offering students excellent career opportunities through its dedicated placement cell. With 100+ reputed recruiters, including BSM, MSI, Dockendale, OSM Maritime, MMSI, PIL, Chevron and many more, the institute ensures industry-ready training, internships, and jobs, helping graduates secure rewarding positions across shipping, logistics, and related sectors.
| Particulars | Placement Statistics |
| Total No. of Companies | 100+ |
| Top Recruiters | BSM, MSI, Dockendale, OSM Maritime, MMSI, PIL, Chevron etc. |
IMU Chennai Campus Facilities 2025
IMU Chennai offers a wide range of campus facilities to ensure students have a comfortable and pleasant learning environment:
- Hostels with accommodation for boys and girls
- Wi-Fi-enabled with high-speed internet access
- Sports and gym facilities, including cricket, football, basketball, and an indoor gym
- Canteen with hygienic and nutritious food
- Central library with 50,000+ books, journals, and digital resources
IMU Chennai FAQs
What is the Indian Maritime University (IMU)?
The Indian Maritime University (IMU) is a central Indian university with specialization in marine education, training, and research. It was set up in 2008 to provide different undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in maritime studies and related fields.
What courses does IMU Chennai provide?
IMU Chennai provides a variety of courses such as B.Tech in Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, B.Sc. in Nautical Science, MBA in Port and Shipping Management, M.Tech, and Ph.D. in different areas of maritime studies.
How does one apply for admission to IMU?
Admissions to IMU courses are generally done through an entrance test known as the IMU CET (Common Entrance Test). Applicants can apply online via the official website of IMU by submitting the application form and paying the application fee.
What is the eligibility criteria for studying at IMU in B.Sc. Nautical Science?
The candidates who are applying for a B.Sc. in Nautical Science should have studied 12th standard with PCM i.e., Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with at least a certain percentage, and also should have a valid score in IMU CET.
Does IMU Chennai offer placement support to its students?
Yes, IMU Chennai has a professional placement cell that arranges placements for students through campus recruitment drives, inviting shipping lines, and giving career counseling.
What kind of facilities does IMU Chennai provide?
IMU Chennai provides modern facilities, such as well-equipped classes, maritime studies laboratories, extensive library facilities, and simulation labs for hands-on training in navigation and engineering.
Do scholarships exist for IMU students?
Yes, there are merit- and need-based scholarships offered by IMU to qualifying students. There may be special scholarship schemes different every academic year, and more information is posted on the website of the university.
Are international students eligible to apply to IMU Chennai?
Yes, international students can apply for courses at IMU Chennai. They need to meet the eligibility standards and can be required to submit language proficiency evidences like IELTS or TOEFL based on their prior studies.
Why is the Merchant Navy important to IMU students?
The Merchant Navy is an important career choice for IMU students studying maritime. It provides various job prospects on board ships and also in other fields, such as shipping management, logistics, and maritime law, leading to a secure and fulfilling career.
What role does IMU Chennai play in maritime research?
IMU Chennai plays a role in maritime research by collaborating with other institutions and organizations, carrying out research in maritime safety, environmental protection, and technology development, and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
