GP Rating Certification Courses After 12th

Choosing a career path after 12th can be confusing for many students. Some want to go for engineering, some dream of medical, while others look for something adventurous and stable. If you are someone who loves the sea, ships, and travelling around the globe, then GP Rating certification course after 12th can be a game changer option for you.

Many Indian students don’t even know much about GP Rating course and how it can lead to a rewarding maritime career. In this blog, we will go step by step about What is GP Rating certification course , eligibility, fees, top colleges, salary, career scope, advantages, and even challenges. We will also see how institutes like Zian Ship Management are providing world class training to make students job-ready for the shipping industry.

So, let’s deep dive into the details.

What is GP Rating?

Before anything, let’s clear the basic. GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating. It is an entry-level course in merchant navy which trains students in both deck and engine room duties.

In simple words, a GP rating candidate is trained to work in multiple ship operations. They can work as deck crew, handling cargo, navigation watchkeeping, and also as engine room support staff, helping marine engineers. That’s why the word “General Purpose” is used.

This course makes a student flexible to handle different shipboard jobs. Later, with experience and further exams, they can also rise to officer level

What is GP Rating Certification Courses ?

The GP Rating Certification Courses(General Purpose Rating) is a pre-sea training program of 6 months approved by the DG Shipping, Government of India. The course is specially designed for those students who want to join the merchant navy soon after 12th, or even after 10th in some cases.

During the training, students learn:

• Seamanship and deck operations – how ships are handled and maintained.
• Engine room maintenance basics – small repairs and assistance in machinery operations.
• Fire fighting and safety drills – handling emergencies at sea.
• First aid & survival techniques – life-saving methods.
• Communication skills & discipline – very important in ship life.
• Marine engineering workshop practices – practical skills for engine & deck work.

The teaching is not just theory. It includes workshops, ship simulations, practical drills, and discipline training. After finishing the course successfully, candidates get chances to work on ships as trainee ratings.

GP Rating Certification Courses Eligibility in India

The shipping industry follows strict rules, so eligibility for GP Rating course is very clear.

1. Educational Qualification

• Candidate must have passed minimum 10th with 40% aggregate in Science & Maths.
• Many institutes prefer 12th pass students (any stream) with 40% marks.
• English is compulsory subject with at least 40% marks.

2. Medical Fitness

• Students should be physically fit as per DG Shipping guidelines.
• Eyesight must be 6/6, no colour blindness accepted.
• Hearing capacity should be normal.
• Candidate must be free from any major health issues.

3. Nationality

• Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply in Indian maritime institutes.

GP Rating Course Age Limit

Age is another important factor. Many students worry if they are too late for joining. Here are the rules:

• Minimum age: 17.5 years
• Maximum age: 25 years (in some special cases, up to 27 years relaxation is given)

That means a student who has just passed class 12th at 17 or 18 years is perfectly eligible.

GP Rating Course Fees in India

Now let’s talk about the money part. The fees for GP Rating course in India depends on the institute and facilities, but generally:

• ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 INR for the entire 6 months.
• Hostel & mess charges – sometimes included, sometimes charged extra.
• Uniforms, books, and safety gears cost around ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 extra.

At first, students and parents feel the amount is high for a 6-month program. But the reality is, after completing the course, you start earning in foreign currency (USD), so the return on investment is actually very high.

Duration & Course Structure of GP Rating

The GP Rating course duration is 6 months, and the course is residential in nature (students stay in hostel for training).

The structure is usually divided like this:

• First 2 months – Basics of seamanship, English communication, marine workshop practice, discipline & physical training.
• Next 2 months – Engine room basics, safety, fire fighting, survival training, first aid drills.
• Last 2 months – Advanced practical ship simulation, cargo handling, teamwork, and on-board equipment training.

At the end, students appear for written and viva examinations. Once cleared, they receive a GP Rating certificate approved by DG Shipping, which allows them to join ships.

How to Join GP Rating Course?

The process to join GP Rating course is straightforward but needs proper planning:

1. Check eligibility & fitness – Make sure you meet education, age, and medical standards.
2. Choose institute – Select only DG Shipping approved institutes.
3. Application – Fill the admission form (online/offline).
4. Entrance/Interview – Some colleges take written test or personal interview.
5. Medical check-up – Compulsory for all candidates.
6. Fee payment & admission – Once selected, pay fees and join the course.

Institutes like Zian Ship Management also help students with career counseling, admission process, and even placements after the course.

Top 5 GP Rating Colleges in India

If you are serious about a maritime career, always go for approved and reputed institutes. Here are the top 5 GP Rating colleges in India:

1. Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI), Pune

Tolani Maritime Institute is one of the most respected names in maritime education in India. Located in Pune, it is known for its high academic standards, discipline, and excellent infrastructure. The institute provides GP Rating training with focus on both deck and engine duties. Students also get strong placement support as many reputed shipping companies visit the campus.

2. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonavala

The Great Eastern Institute at Lonavala is another popular choice for aspiring seafarers. The academy is run by the Great Eastern Shipping Company, one of India’s largest private shipping companies. Students receive training in seamanship, engine maintenance, firefighting, and safety. The institute is especially famous for its practical approach and assured placement opportunities with Great Eastern fleet.

3. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), Mumbai

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies is located near Mumbai and offers some of the most advanced training facilities in India. The GP Rating program here focuses on real-time ship handling, safety drills, and workshop practices. SIMS is well known for its modern simulators and ship-in-campus model, which gives students a very realistic feel of life at sea even before they board a vessel.

4. Yak Educational Trust, Mumbai

Yak Educational Trust is a popular maritime training institute situated in Mumbai. It provides affordable GP Rating training along with other seafarer courses. Many students choose Yak because of its reasonable fees, experienced faculty, and industry-oriented training. The institute also has a good record of providing placements with shipping companies in India and abroad.

5. Chennai School of Ship Management (CSSM), Chennai

Located in Tamil Nadu, CSSM is another well-recognized name in the maritime field. The GP Rating course here is designed to meet international shipping standards, with special focus on discipline, safety, and teamwork. The academy has tie-ups with shipping companies and ensures students get the required exposure to practical shipboard activities.

Why Choose GP Rating After 12th?

Many students think why not go for B.Tech or degree courses. Here are the benefits of GP Rating:

• Quick entry into Merchant Navy – only 6 months training.
• Earn in USD – salaries are paid in foreign currency.
• Adventure and travel – chance to visit multiple countries.
• Career growth – with exams and sea experience, ratings can become officers too.
• Global demand – skilled seafarers always needed worldwide.

Challenges in GP Rating Career

Of course, life at sea is not always easy. Some of the main challenges are:

• Being away from family for 6–9 months at a stretch.
• Strict rules and discipline on ship.
• Work can be physically demanding.
• Seasickness and loneliness sometimes affect beginners.
• Medical issues can stop career suddenly.

But for those who are passionate about the sea, these challenges become part of the adventure.

FAQs on GP Rating Course After 12th

Q1. What is the duration of GP Rating course?
It is a 6-month pre-sea residential training program approved by DG Shipping.

Q2. Can I join GP Rating course after 10th?
Yes, students who have passed 10th with 40% marks in Science, Maths, and English are eligible. But most institutes prefer 12th pass.

Q3. What is the starting salary after GP Rating?
A trainee rating can earn around $300–$600 per month initially, which increases with promotions.

Q4. Is GP Rating better than DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)?
Both are good but DNS leads directly to officer rank after 3 years, while GP Rating is a quicker entry option after 12th.

Q5. What is the maximum age for GP Rating admission?
The maximum age is usually 25 years, with some relaxations up to 27 in rare cases.

Q6. Can GP Rating students become officers?
Yes, after required sea-time and passing exams, GP Rating candidates can become officers.

Conclusion

The GP Rating Certification Course after 12th is one of the best career paths for students who want quick entry into merchant navy. Within 6 months, you can start earning, travel the world, and build a stable career at sea.

Yes, there are challenges like strict medicals and staying away from family, but the rewards are equally high – salary in dollars, growth opportunities, and adventure-filled life. Institutes like Zian Ship Management make the journey easier with professional training and strong placement support.

So if you are confused after 12th and don’t want long years of study, GP Rating course can be your ticket to a global career.

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