BSc Nautical Science

BSc in Nautical Science is a three-year undergraduate degree program. It prepares students for a career in the maritime industry, particularly in roles related to navigation and ship operations. BSc Nautical Science is a professional bachelor's degree that focuses on the fundamental academic and practical skills required to safely navigate and operate maritime vehicles such as ships. The BSc in Nautical Science course has been approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, which is part of the Indian government's Ministry of Shipping. The BSc in Nautical Science Syllabus covers topics such as navigation and seamanship, which are the fundamental applications of shipboard equipment and tools.

To pursue the BSc Nautical Science course, the candidate must have completed 10+2 in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths as the main subjects, with a minimum score of 60%. BSc Nautical Science admissions are typically based on entrance exams. Vels University, Indian Maritime University, AMET University, and Indian Maritime University are among the best BSc Nautical Science colleges in India. The annual fee for a BSc Nautical Science course ranges between INR 2 - 7L. After completing BSc Nautical Science, a student can become a trainee cadet officer on a ship. Graduates of this course have employment options beyond the Indian Navy; many private marine-based shipping and research firms also employ graduates in nautical science for operational positions. 

Students who successfully complete the programme can go on to have lucrative careers in both public and private companies, eventually holding senior positions. In addition, graduates can pursue BSc  Nautical Science jobs such as marine engineer, oceanographer, radio officer, nautical surveyor, etc., they can work as deck attendants, second officers, chief officers, captains, etc. For those who successfully complete the course, an average annual BSc Nautical Science salary varies from INR 6 - 8 LPA. Following the completion of the BSc Nautical Science course, graduates have the option to pursue an MBA to pursue a managerial position or continue their education by pursuing an MSc in Nautical Science.

The highlights of the BSc Nautical Science course are listed below:

Also Read: BSc Courses List for Science Students After 12th

Given that the BSc Nautical Science programme is highly competitive and in-demand, recent graduates can expect to have a very fulfilling and successful career. Few reasons to pursue BSc Nautical Science course are mentioned below:

Demand: There is a demand for BSc Nautical Science graduates because marine services across the country require graduates to carry out their functions. Because admission to the course is highly competitive, graduates will have a very rewarding career. The demand for graduates of this course is always greater than the number of applicants and graduates. 

Career Opportunities: BSc in Nautical Science course provides an opportunity for class 12 students to join as a Deck cadet on a ship. After completing the pre-sea training and receiving the BSc degree, cadets can join a ship and can rise to the position of Captain in 8 to 10 years (Depending on factors such as the type of company, type of ship, etc.). 

Practical Knowledge: Following the completion of this course, you will be needed to complete a year-long practical training at sea level. Once you pass this, you can take an oral exam to earn a "Second Mate's Foreign-going Certificate of Competency." To apply for the position of Navigation Officer in a Merchant Navy ship, you must have this certificate. Awarded to those who have served as Chief Mate for a full year, the "First Mate's Foreign-going Certificate of Competency" is obtained by passing both the written and oral exams and serving for 18 months as a Navigation Officer on Merchant Navy ships.

Handsome Salary: Following the completion of BSc Nautical Science graduates can earn a starting salary ranging from INR 6-8 LPA.

To provide admission to qualified applicants, multiple BSc Nautical Science entrance exams are held. Details about the main B.Sc. Nautical Science entrance exams are given below.

CUET: CUET UG 2024, or Common University Entrance Test, is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) every year to enroll students into UG programs. 

IMU-CET: The abbreviation for the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test is IMU CET. This university-level test is administered to applicants seeking admission to Maritime University's marine science and technology-focused academic programmes.

CUSAT CAT: Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Entrance Test is referred to as CUSAT CAT. This university-level test is administered to applicants seeking admission to different academic programmes offered by CUSAT.

AMET EE: The Academy of Maritime Education and Training is referred to as AMET EE. The focus of this university-level entrance exam is to grant admission to students enrolled in the university's marine courses. 

To be eligible for BSc Nautical Science admission 2024, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, otherwise, they will be rejected. 

BSc Nautical Science Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the course may differ from one college to the next, and the candidate must meet them in order to be accepted to his or her preferred college.

To be eligible for admission in a BSc Nautical Science programme, a candidate must fulfil the requirements listed below:

• The students must have completed (10+2) Secondary and Higher Secondary from a registered board with a minimum of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Math as compulsory subjects.
• Along with the required educational qualifications, students must maintain certain medical standards, which are critical components of the candidates' assessment process at the time of admission. 
• Candidates must have 6/6 eyesight and be free of visual impairments such as night blindness or colour blindness. In addition, candidates must be physically fit to apply for the course.
• Candidates must have their passports.
• Candidates must be under 25 years old at the time of admission.

BSc Nautical Science Admission Process 2024

The admissions process for a BSc in Nautical Science varies by college. Admission is determined by how well applicants performed on the entrance exam. The standard BSc Nautical Science admissions process consists of three rounds mentioned below:

Round 1 is based on a written entrance exam. It is used to assess individuals' understanding of basic concepts.

Round 2: This round involves group discussion, also known as the GD round. This round evaluates individuals' ability to work as a team and as leaders.

Round 3 is based on a personal interview. Candidates' self-confidence is tested during this round.

Steps to Apply for BSc in Nautical Science

BSc Nautical Science admission is based on either entrance exams or college and university-specific merit scores. The BSc Nautical Science admission procedure is as follows:

Step 1: Pass the entrance exam with at least 50%.

Step 2: Once the student has qualified for the entrance exam, he or she must complete the application form, which is available online or offline.

Step 3: Candidates will be called for counselling based on their entrance exam results and fitness certificates. Candidates who are interested in water sports and have strong communication and leadership abilities are also considered for admission to top colleges.

Step 4: After receiving admission confirmation, the candidate can submit documents and pay the fees.

Skills Required for BSc Nautical Science 

For a better understanding of the concepts and principles involved in nautical science, candidates wishing to pursue a degree in a BSc Nautical Science course must acquire a number of skill sets. The list of BSc Nautical science skills is listed below.

• Communication Skills
• Organisational Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving Ability
• Decision Making Ability
• Physical Strength
• Eye to Detail
• Navigation Skill

Admission to the BSc Nautical Science programme is usually based on merit at most colleges and universities. The BSc Nautical Science course will accept candidates based on a written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam relevant to the course. In these cases, candidates are usually chosen based on their academic standing and the results of a previous important exam. 

Here are some popular specializations in BSc Nautical Science:

• Deck Officer

The most common job for graduates of a BSc in Nautical Science. Deck officers are responsible for the navigation and operation of the ship.

• Maritime Consultant

Provides expert advice to shipping companies, port authorities, and maritime organizations on various aspects of maritime operations, safety, and environmental management.

• Nautical Surveyor

Inspects existing or new vessels to ensure that they comply with various specifications and standards and are seaworthy.

• Marine Engineer

A graduate of BSc in Nautical Science can also work as a marine engineer.

Also Read: Best MSc Courses after BSc 

The course fees for BSc Nautical Science range from INR 2 - 7L. The facilities and amenities provided by the college or university, as well as the level of education provided, influence the course fees. The average annual course fee for well-known universities offering the course is shown below:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

The syllabus for a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science is provided below. The course includes both theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. Every semester, students must select an elective from a list provided to them.

The BSc in Nautical Science syllabus is broken down by semester as follows:

The table below lists some of the top BSc Nautical Science colleges as well as their course fees and average salary.

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

Also Read: Top Colleges in Delhi University Based on NIRF Ranking 2024

Several private colleges in India offer a high-quality BSc Nautical Science course, preparing students for careers in the maritime industry. These private universities are known for their excellent instruction, knowledgeable faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and strong industry ties. Prospective employees who want to work in nautical science should consider these institutions for their education and training. 

The top BSc Nautical Science private colleges in India are listed in the table below.

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

BSc in Nautical Science course is offered by a number of government-affiliated colleges in India, offering top-notch instruction and training in the maritime sector. These government-affiliated colleges are well known for their excellent academic programmes, knowledgeable instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and solid industry ties.

A list of best BSc in Nautical Science government colleges offering course is provided in the following table.

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

Read below for a comparison of the BSc Nautical Science course with other relevant subjects:

BSc Nautical Science vs. Marine Engineering BTech 

Listed below are some of the main differences between the BTech in Marine Engineering and the BSc in Nautical Science.

Graduates with a degree in nautical science have numerous job opportunities in technical fields. Deck Cadet, Second Officer, Chief Officer, and Captain are among the job opportunities available to graduates, in addition to positions such as Marine Engineer, Oceanographer, Radio Officer, Nautical Surveyors, and so on.

Note: The salary mentioned above is subject to change.

BSc Nautical Science Top Recruiters

After completing the BSc Nautical Science course, graduates can find employment in a variety of industries, both private and public. In the table below, we have listed the top BSc Nautical Science recruiters in India who frequently hire people with this background.

• ONGC
• SAIL
• Coal India
• GMDC (Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation)
• Government-operated Quarries
• GSI (Geological Survey of India)
• Ocean Sparkle
• Anglo-Eastern Ship Management

BSc Nautical Science Salary 

The salary for BSc Nautical Science ranges from INR 6 to 8 LPA. However, the BSc Nautical Science salary offered to candidates varies based on a variety of factors. Candidates' skills and knowledge are important factors in obtaining high salary packages. Other factors influencing BSc Nautical Science salary include candidates' colleges and universities, the structure of the employing organisation, and its geographical location.

After completing a BSc in Nautical Science, you will be able to pursue various kinds of employment opportunities. Let's first look at some of the areas of employment that Nautical Science graduates can choose from.

Employment Areas BSc Nautical Science Graduates

Fresh graduates with a BSc in Nautical Science can find work in both the private and public sector. BSc Nautical Science jobs in India allow students to learn about marine life, crew management, voyage planning, and exploration. Following the completion of their course, they can work in a variety of industries, including: 

• Indian Navy
• Merchant Navy
• Private Marine Research Centres
• Private Navy Organisations

Below is a list of the top international companies that hire BSc Nautical Science Graduates:

• Essar Shipment
• APM-MAERSK
• Hapag Lloyd
• Best Countries

Below is the list of top countries offering job opportunities to BSc Nautical Science Graduates:

• Dubai
• USA
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa

Scope After BSc Nautical Science

The Nautical Science career path emphasises both the practical and theoretical aspects of navigation, seamanship, and maritime operations. The Nautical Science job requires a diverse set of knowledge and skills to operate and manage a variety of vessels, ranging from small boats to large ships. After completing Nautical Science courses, candidates can join the Merchant Navy, which is the most popular job option. For people who have a strong desire for adventure and the sea, the Merchant Navy career scope has a lot to offer. Among the most sought-after positions in nautical science are those of navigation or deck officer, marine engineer, marine superintendent, electro-technical officer, surveyor, etc. Graduates in nautical science typically make between INR 2.2 and INR 43.5 lakhs per year.

Candidates can enrol in courses after confirming that they meet the requirements if they must pursue a career and jobs in the Merchant Navy. There are course levels available for the Nautical Science course: BSc, BTech, UG Diploma, Certificate, and PhD. Exams like IMUCET, WBJEE, GATE, JEE Main, TNEA, and others are popular choices for those pursuing Nautical Science.

Following having a BSc in Nautical Science, you can continue your education in many different kinds of Marine Engineering specialisations, including Shipping, Maritime Law, Maritime Technology, Maritime Trade Management, and Oceanography, to name a few. We have listed some of the major courses after BSc Nautical Science:

• PG Diploma in Logistics and Shipping
• MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance
• MSc Maritime Policy and Shipping
• MSc Maritime Affairs
• MBA Maritime and Shipping
• ME in Marine Engineering
• Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering
• Maritime Law, LLM
• Certificate Course in ShipWright
• Post Graduate Programme in Maritime Law
• Graduate Marine Engineering
• Medical First Aid (MFA)
• ShipMasters Medicare
• Masters in Maritime Technology
• Masters in Marine Transport Management
• Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Engineering
• HND or Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• Chemical Tanker Familiarization (CTF)
• Pre – sea Training for Graduates (GME)