Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Integrated PhD and MS (By Research) Admission 2025-26 – Apply Now!
Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Integrated PhD and MS (By Research) Admission 2025-26 Notification Out. The Indian Maritime University (IMU), a Central University under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India, has opened admissions for its Ph.D., Integrated Ph.D., and M.S. (By Research) programmes for the academic session 2025-26. Established by an Act of the Parliament in 2008, IMU is headquartered in Chennai with six Campuses located across India, including Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. As per the Outlook 2025-report, IMU ranked as the No.1 maritime university in the country, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence in the maritime domain.
See Ongoing PhD AdmissionTable of Contents
- About IMU Research Programmes
- Important Dates at a Glance
- Thrust Areas for Research
- Educational Requirements for Admission
- Selection Procedure and Exemptions
- University Fellowship and Annual Fees Structure
- Duration of the Programme
- Contact Details
About Indian Maritime University (IMU) Research Programmes
IMU started the Ph.D. degree programme in the year 2017. The Research Programmes at the Indian Maritime University (IMU) are designed to promote high-impact research and innovation in the maritime domain. The research ecosystem is supported by experienced faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and significant industry collaborations. The programmes are structured to equip scholars with theoretical depth and practical insights to address real-world maritime challenges. The Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Integrated PhD and MS (By Research) Admission 2025-26 offers programmes under four schools:
- School of Marine Engineering and Technology
- School of Nautical Sciences
- School of Maritime Management
- School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Integrated PhD and MS (By Research) Admission 2025-26: Important Dates
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Online registration (https://www.imu.edu.in/imunew/index/home) | 23.11.2025 |
| Last date for online registration | 20.12.2025 |
| Written Test | To be announced later |
| Interview | To be announced later |
| Date of commencement of Programme | 01.03.2026 |
Thrust Areas for Research (Indicative)
| Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Security | Naval Architecture | Marine ballast water system studies; |
| Green technology -Tidal energy/renewable energy | Cyber security risk assessment for seaports | Marine bunker system studies; |
| Maritime/ Port Management | Seafarer mental health and well-being | Marine electric propulsion system Studies |
| Blue economy | Marine Environment: pollution/ litter management; Recycling, etc | Autonomous shipping and the possible challenges e.g. cyber threats (cyber security) |
Educational Requirements for Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Integrated PhD and MS (By Research) Admission 2025-26
Ph.D. Programme
- A 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree OR a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree, or equivalent qualifications.
- Equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by a recognized assessment and accreditation agency.
- 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme with a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
- M.S (By Research) awarded by IMU.
- Mariners with Master/ MEO Class I Certificates of Competencies or PGDMOM qualifications, with 2 years of teaching experience (preferably continuous) as faculty in IMU/ IMU Affiliated Institutes/Directorate General of Shipping approved institutes are also eligible.
Integrated Ph.D. and M.S (By Research) Programme
- Graduate (U.G) degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with at least 55% marks or equivalent Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
- For Mariners, a Master/MEO Class I Certificate of Competency would suffice.
Additional Requirement for Part-Time Candidates
Part-time programmes shall be permitted provided that all educational requirements are fulfilled. Specific requirements based on category:
- Seafarers: Candidates who are actively serving on board Merchant ships shall possess the Master or MEO Class I certificate of Competency or PGDMoM qualifications. They must submit proof of active seagoing service (copy of the COC and CDC for the six months of sailing prior to the last date of admission). They are exempted from NOC (No Objection Certificate).
- Other than Seafarers: Candidates who are undertaking shore jobs and are not employed on board Merchant ships. They shall submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for admission to the Ph.D. programme from the current employer.
Selection Procedure and Exemptions for Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Integrated PhD and MS (By Research) Admission 2025-26
Admissions to the I-PhD, Ph.D. & M.S. (By Research) Programmes shall be done through a Written Test and Interview. The written test syllabus comprises 50% questions on Research Methodology and the remaining 50% shall be subject specific. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an “test and interview” or “interview” by the department committee.
- Candidates who secure at least 50% marks in the Written Test are eligible to be called for the Interview.
- A relaxation of 5% marks will be allowed in the Written Test for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled category, EWS, and other categories.
- For the selection of candidates, a weightage of 70% for marks obtained in the Written Test and 30% weightage for the performance in the Interview shall be given.
- The selection of exempted candidates shall be based on the interview with 100% weightage.
- Reservations are applicable to SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD candidates as per Govt. of India rules.
Candidates Exempted from the Written Test:
- UGC-NET (JRF & Lectureship)/CSIR NET (JRF & Lectureship)/GATE/CEED/CAT. (Note: The validity of the certificate beyond the stipulated period shall not be considered).
- JRF/SRF working in projects of IMU or National or International Research Institutions with whom IMU has signed MoU.
- Scientists of Level ‘B’ and above with minimum 2 years of experience from National or International Research Institutions who are sponsored or nominated by the parent organisation.
University Fellowship and Annual Fees Structure
IMU University Fellowship (Full-Time Ph.D. Programme)
IMU offers 06 six university fellowships per year to the Scholars admitted under the full-time Ph.D. programme. The tenure of the fellowship is five years from the date of commencement of the Ph.D. Programme.
| Particulars | Fellowship Amount (Rs). |
|---|---|
| JRF – For first two years | 31,000/- |
| SRF- from third year to fifth year | 35,000/- |
Annual Fee Structure for Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Admission 2025-26
The annual fee structure varies based on the programme and mode.
Ph.D. Programme – Full Time Category
| No. of years | Fees (in Rs) per year |
|---|---|
| First 3 years | 30,000 |
| 4th Year & 5th Year | 40,000 |
| 6th Year | 50,000 |
| Extension to 7th & 8th Year | 75,000 |
| Extension to 9th & 10th year (Only for Female/Persons with Disabilities) | 1,00,000 |
| Caution Deposit (One-time) | 30,000 |
| Admission fee (One-time) | 10,000 |
Ph.D. Programme – Part Time Category
| No. of years details | Fee (in Rs) per year |
|---|---|
| First 4 years | 60,000 |
| 5th Year & 6th Year | 75,000 |
| Extension to 7th & 8th Year | 1,00,000 |
| Extension to 9th & 10th year (Only for Female/Persons with Disabilities) | 1,50,000 |
| Admission Fee (One-time) | 10,000 |
Integrated Ph.D. Programme – Full Time Category
| No. of years | Fees (in Rs) per year |
|---|---|
| First 4 years | 30,000 |
| 5th Year & 6th Year | 40,000 |
| Extension to 7th & 8th Year | 50,000 |
| Extension to 8th Year | 75,000 |
| Extension to 9th & 10th year (Only for Female/Persons with Disabilities) | 1,50,000 |
| Caution Deposit (One-time) | 30,000 |
| Admission fee (One-time) | 10,000 |
M.S (By Research Programme) – Full & Part Time Mode
| Fee Payable per Year | Fee (in Rs) per year |
|---|---|
| Programme Fee | 30,000 |
| Annual Fee | 1,50,000 |
Duration of the Programme
The minimum and maximum duration for the various research programmes under the Indian Maritime University (IMU) PhD Integrated PhD and MS (By Research) Admission 2025-26 are as follows:
| S.No | Name of the Programme | Minimum Years | Maximum Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| i. | Ph.D (Full time) | 03 | 06 |
| ii. | Ph.D (Part Time) | 04 | 06 |
| iii. | Integrated Ph.D with Engineering /Technology/Architecture | 04 | 06 |
| iv. | Integrated Ph.D with B.Sc/B.Com/BBA and others | 05 | 06 |
| v. | MS (By Research) | 02 | 03 |
- The total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission, including re-registration.
- Female Ph.D. scholars and Persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total period should not exceed ten (10) years.
- Female Ph.D. Scholars may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days in the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme.
- For M.S (By Research) scholars, a maximum of an additional one-year extension may be granted by the Competent Authority.
Contact Details
For admission related enquiries, please contact the CTR Section:
| Enquiry Type | Contact Email/Details |
|---|---|
| For online application Portal related queries (Technical) | phdadmission@imu.ac.in |
| For CET, Programme, admission | academics.research@imu.ac.in |
| Land Line No | 044-2453 9038 |
| Address | Indian Maritime University-Headquarters, Semmencherry, Sholinganallur Post, Chennai-600119 |
