About Graduate Marine Engineering [GME]
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) is a specialized 1-year full-time residential postgraduate certificate program offered by Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), a premier maritime training institute located in Lonavala, Maharashtra. This course is designed for mechanical engineering graduates to transition into maritime careers as marine engineers. The program provides comprehensive training in marine engineering, ship operations, maintenance of marine power plants, and maritime technology through a combination of 6 months pre-sea residential training and 6 months ship-in-campus practical training. The course is offered in residential on-campus mode with a total fee of Rs 7,00,000 for boys and Rs 5,92,300 for girls for the entire duration. The certificate is awarded by Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies under the approval of Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). GME is highly popular among mechanical engineering graduates seeking to enter the lucrative maritime industry with guaranteed employment opportunities and international career prospects.
Admissions for Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) at Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies are currently ongoing for the April 2026 batch. Online application forms are available throughout the year on the official SIMS website. Selected candidates must qualify in the online entrance examination followed by interview and psychometric testing. The reporting date at SIMS Lonavala is tentatively scheduled for April 1, 2026, with the course commencement on April 2, 2026. The first semester runs for 23 weeks with mid-semester breaks and examination breaks as notified. The second semester involves 6 months of ship-in-campus practical training. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SIMS website (www.samundra.com) for updates on admission dates, entrance test schedules, and other important notifications.
Key Points
- Specialized 1-year postgraduate program designed specifically for mechanical engineering graduates
- Combination of 6 months pre-sea residential training and 6 months ship-in-campus practical training
- State-of-the-art residential campus with real-life ship machinery and advanced simulators
- 100% in-house placement opportunity with Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore after obtaining COC from DG Shipping
- Recognized certificate under DG Shipping approval with international maritime standards
SIMS GME Fees
The Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) program at Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies has a comprehensive fee structure covering tuition, hostel, mess, uniform, books, laptop, and 5 basic STCW courses. The total fees for boys is Rs 7,00,000 and for girls is Rs 5,92,300 for the entire 1-year course. The fees include a non-refundable joining fee of Rs 50,000, INDOS fees, and a refundable caution deposit. Additional charges include DG courses and value-added courses costing Rs 15,000 that must be undertaken upon completion of the training. Personal expenses like laundry, telephone, medicals, passport, and US visa fees are borne by candidates.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Boys (Rs) | Girls (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee (Non-Refundable) | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Course Fees (Tuition, Hostel, Mess, Uniform, Books, Laptop, STCW) | 9,77,800 | 9,77,800 |
| INDOS & Caution Deposit | 16,200 | 16,200 |
| Gross Total | 10,44,000 | 10,44,000 |
| Less: Waiver | 2,00,000 | 2,00,000 |
| Less: Additional Waiver | 1,44,000 | 1,44,000 |
| Less: DG Norms Waiver (Girls) | - | 1,07,700 |
| Total Fees | 7,00,000 | 5,92,300 |
- Fees are indicative and subject to change.
- Caution deposit of Rs 15,000 is refundable at the end of the course after adjustment of damages and breakages.
- Joining fee is non-refundable if candidate withdraws before course commencement.
- DG courses and value-added courses (Rs 15,000) are mandatory and payable separately.
- GST may be applicable as per government notification.
SIMS GME Admission 2026
The admission process for Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) at Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies is merit-based and conducted through an online entrance examination followed by interview and psychometric testing. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). The selection process includes an online written test, interview, psychometric (16 PF) test, and medical examination by a DG Shipping approved doctor. Admission is confirmed only upon receipt of the non-refundable joining fee of Rs 50,000.
Important Dates
| Important Dates | 2026 Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online Application Form | Available throughout the year |
| Joining Fee Submission | After qualifying in entrance test |
| Date of Reporting at SIMS Lonavala | April 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Course Commencement | April 2, 2026 (Tentative) |
| First Semester Duration | 6 months (Pre-Sea Residential) |
| Second Semester Duration | 6 months (Ship-in-Campus Training) |
| Mid-Semester Break | 1 week (To be notified) |
| Examination Break | 2 weeks (To be notified) |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Automation Engineering, or Mechanical and Electronics Engineering from an AICTE or UGC deemed university approved institute with minimum 55% marks in the final year
- Candidates must have completed their B.E/B.Tech degree in 4 years only with not more than 6 attempts (ATKTs/Arrears/Repeats/Fail subjects) during the entire degree programme
- Age should be not more than 25 years as on the date of commencement of the course
- Candidates must be unmarried
- Valid passport is mandatory prior to joining the course
- Medical fitness as per DG Shipping standards is required (6/12 vision in each eye or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in other eye with corrective lenses permitted, no colour blindness)
Admission Process
- Fill the online application form on www.samundra.com and pay the registration fee of Rs 1,100 for the online written test
- Send scanned copies of academic documents to admissiongroup.sims@samundra.com for verification
- Appear for the online written test from home using SIMS SEB browser and Zoom application
- Qualify in the online test to be eligible for interview and psychometric test
- Undergo interview and psychometric (16 PF) test conducted by SIMS marine faculty
- Pass the medical examination by a DG Shipping and company-approved doctor
- Submit the non-refundable joining fee of Rs 50,000 to confirm admission
- Submit original academic mark sheets and certificates at SIMS Lonavala before course commencement
- Obtain a valid passport and complete all document verification
SIMS GME Scholarships 2026
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies offers various financial assistance options for eligible students. The institute conducts an All India level talent search scheme (Cash Award Scheme) for students from classes XI and XII from selected schools. Scholarship awards are instituted for financially underprivileged students on joining SIMS, selected on the basis of the online admission test and interview. Needy students are provided guidance and assistance for receiving study loans from recognized banks during the course of training. Additionally, girls receive a waiver on tuition fees as per DG Shipping norms.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship/Aid Name | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Award Scheme | Variable | Class XI & XII students from selected schools |
| Scholarship Award | Variable | Financially underprivileged students (merit-based) |
| Girls Tuition Fee Waiver | Rs 1,07,700 | Female candidates (as per DG Shipping norms) |
| Study Loan Assistance | Up to Rs 4,00,000 | Needy students (through recognized banks) |
- Scholarship awards are selected on the basis of online admission test and interview.
- Candidates desirous of study loans can contact the Admission Team for assistance.
- Girls receive additional fee concessions as per DG Shipping regulations.
- All financial assistance is subject to eligibility criteria and availability.
SIMS GME Placement 2026
Placement Details
| Placement Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Placement Guarantee | 100% in-house placement |
| Placement Partner | Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore |
| Eligibility for Placement | After obtaining COC from DG Shipping |
| Career Roles | Marine engineers, junior engineers, or engine officers on merchant ships |
| Salary Range | Rs 2-5 lakhs per month depending on rank and experience |
SIMS GME FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between GME and B.Tech Marine Engineering?
Ans. GME (Graduate Marine Engineering) is a 1-year postgraduate certificate program designed for mechanical engineering graduates to transition into maritime careers. B.Tech Marine Engineering is a 4-year undergraduate degree program for 10+2 students. GME is faster and specifically tailored for engineering graduates, while B.Tech is a comprehensive degree program for school graduates.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing GME?
Ans. Graduates can work as marine engineers, junior engineers, or engine officers on merchant ships. SIMS offers 100% in-house placement with Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore after obtaining COC (Certificate of Competency) from DG Shipping. Salaries are highly competitive, ranging from Rs 2-5 lakhs per month depending on rank and experience, with international exposure and career growth opportunities.
Ques. Is the GME certificate recognized internationally?
Ans. Yes, the GME certificate is awarded under the approval of Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India and is recognized internationally. Upon obtaining the Certificate of Competency (COC) from DG Shipping, graduates are eligible to serve as marine engineers on merchant ships worldwide.
Ques. What is the residential campus like at SIMS Lonavala?
Ans. SIMS Lonavala is a state-of-the-art residential campus spread over 55 acres on the Mumbai-Pune Highway near Lonavala. It features real-life ship machinery, advanced simulators, a unique ship-in-campus facility for practical training, well-equipped laboratories, sports facilities, and a multi-specialty hospital. All students are fully residential with all amenities provided within and around the campus.
Ques. What is the placement scenario for GME graduates?
Ans. SIMS offers 100% in-house placement to cadets in Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore after successful completion of the course and obtaining COC from DG Shipping. This is a unique advantage as graduates are guaranteed employment with a leading international ship management company immediately after graduation.
Ques. Are there any medical requirements for joining GME?
Ans. Yes, candidates must be physically fit and meet DG Shipping medical standards. Vision requirements are 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in other eye (corrective lenses permitted). No colour blindness is allowed. Height should be minimum 157 cm for boys and 152 cm for girls. BMI should be between 19 and 27. A medical examination by a DG Shipping approved doctor is mandatory before admission.