Merchant Navy Salary in India (2025), Ranks, Posts and Monthly Pay

If the goal is a high income and a rewarding lifestyle, the merchant navy salary in India continues to attract ambitious young people, especially with global trade booming. This comprehensive guide answers the most frequently asked questions about merchant navy salaries per month, salaries after 10th and 12th grade, GP rating salaries, captain earnings, and more.

Merchant Navy Salary Per Month

The average merchant navy salary per month ranges from ₹25,000 for entry-level crew like GP ratings to over ₹20 lakhs for senior ranks such as Captain or Chief Engineer. The scale depends on your merchant navy rank, type of ship, and experience. Most crew and officers also receive additional benefits like paid leave, medical cover, and performance bonuses.

Typical monthly pay includes:

• Deck Cadet / GP Rating: ₹25,000 – ₹85,000

• Third Officer / Second Officer: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000

• Chief Officer: ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,00,000

• Captain: ₹8,65,000 – ₹20,00,000 (merchant navy captain salary per month)

• Chief Engineer: Up to ₹20,00,000

It’s common for skilled officers, especially those with international experience, to see figures at the top end of the range.

Merchant Navy Salary in India

The average merchant navy salary in India per month is competitive globally and can vary by shipping company. Experienced officers often receive salaries higher than their counterparts in many other fields, with foreign shipping companies sometimes offering a premium over Indian fleets.

Merchant Navy Salary After 12th

Freshers can join the merchant navy after 12th as deck cadets, rating crew, or trainee marine engineers. The merchant navy salary after 12th generally starts between ₹25,000 and ₹85,000 per month, depending on role and qualification.

GP rating, salary, and trainee deck cadet positions are attractive entry points, especially as salary grows rapidly with rank advancements and sea-time.

Merchant Navy Salary Per Month in India

For most employees, the take-home merchant navy salary per month in India is tax-free if they work outside Indian territorial waters for 183+ days per financial year, a favorite perk among seafarers.

Merchant Navy Salary After 5 Years

After 5 years at sea, officers often rise to mid-level or senior posts, with merchant navy salaries after 5 years typically ranging from ₹1,50,000 - ₹6,00,000 per month for junior officers, and over ₹10,00,000 per month for those promoted to chief officer or captain positions.

Merchant Navy Salary Captain

The merchant navy captain salary ranks among the highest for seafaring professions in India, with captains and chief engineers earning from ₹8,65,000 up to ₹20,00,000 per month on large oil tankers or LNG carriers.

• Salary of a captain in the merchant navy: ₹8,65,000 – ₹20,00,000 per month

Merchant Navy Salary After 10th

Candidates joining after 10th as GP ratings, mess boys, cooks, or engine ratings can earn starting salaries between ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 per month. The merchant navy GP rating salary and GP rating course salary offer lucrative career opportunities for those looking to start early.

Merchant Navy Salary is Tax Free

For those who qualify as Non-Resident Indians (by spending over 183 days at sea in a year), the merchant navy salary is tax-free, offering a unique financial edge over land-based professions in India.

Merchant Navy Salary Chart

Here is a consolidated merchant navy salary chart for 2025:

Merchant Navy Salary for Freshers

As a fresher, the merchant navy starting salary is mostly between ₹25,000 and ₹85,000 per month. By consistently gaining experience and necessary certifications, fast-track career growth is possible, and many see six-figure monthly salaries within the first decade at sea.

Throughout your journey, factors like merchant navy qualification, ship category, global contracts, and individual performance create opportunities for higher pay. Thanks to robust career growth, strong international demand, and unique tax advantages, working in the merchant navy remains one of the most lucrative choices for Indian talent.

Merchant Navy Salary in India with Qualification

The Merchant Navy in India provides alluring salary packages, which differ depending on one's rank, experience, and the type of vessel they serve on. The competitive salary structure in the Merchant Navy makes it an exciting career choice for individuals seeking adventure, international exposure, and significant financial benefits. Let's look into the specifics of the Merchant Navy Salary in India and the opportunities it presents for those venturing into a career at sea.

Merchant Navy Job Profile

Merchant Navy Authorities conduct a recruitment drive to get qualified professionals like Desk Cadet, Chief Officers, Captains, Maritime Engineers, and Hospitality Crew hired. A detailed job description is provided post-wise in the table. It can help candidates to know the responsibilities of a particular job profile in the Merchant Navy. 

Merchant Navy Courses: Entrance Exam 2025

After reviewing the salary of the merchant navy, it’s important to explore how to enter this rewarding field.

Merchant Navy Entrance Exams:

Aspiring candidates are encouraged to prepare for entrance exams alongside their 12th board examinations to secure admission to reputable Merchant Navy colleges. Some of the common entrance exams for this purpose include:

• IMU CET
• JEE Advanced
• MERI Entrance Exams
• TMI SAT

Admission through Sponsorship-Based Entry in the Merchant Navy:

Candidates have the option to apply for sponsorship from well-known maritime institutes for various maritime programs.

Admission through Lateral Entry LE) into the Second Year of Marine Engineering:

For this pathway, candidates can directly seek admission into the second year of marine engineering programs that are approved by the Directorate General of Shipping. To secure LE seats, candidates must meet either of the following criteria:

• Completion of the first year of engineering with electrical or mechanical specialisation, with a minimum aggregate mark of 60%.
• Possession of a Diploma in electrical, mechanical, marine, or ship-building engineering with a minimum mark of 60%.
• These multiple avenues provide diverse opportunities for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy.

Courses Available for the Merchant Navy

Candidates aspiring to join the Merchant Navy have several course options available to them, including:

• Merchant Navy Entrance Exams: Candidates can prepare for entrance exams like IMU CET, JEE Advanced, MERI Entrance Exams, and TMI SAT to secure admission to reputed Merchant Navy colleges.
• Sponsorship-Based Entry: Candidates can apply for sponsorship from popular maritime institutes to pursue various maritime programs.
• Lateral Entry (L.E.): Candidates can directly seek admission into the second year of marine engineering programs approved by the Directorate General of Shipping. They can achieve this by meeting specific academic criteria related to engineering or possessing a relevant diploma with the minimum required marks.