What is GP Rating Course? Eligibility, Syllabus, Salary & Career (Merchant Navy)
🚀 Key Highlights
Course: Merchant Navy entry point for 10th pass
Duration: 6 months training + 18 months sea service
Exam: Total 500 marks (MEK & GSK subjects)
Salary: Starting ₹25,000 - ₹50,000 per month
Career: Path to become Motorman, Fitter, Pumpman
The GP Rating course is the fastest entry route into the Merchant Navy for 10th passed students. This complete guide explains GP Rating eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, salary chart, and career growth. Learn everything about GP Rating course salary and job opportunities.
- 1 What is the GP Rating Course?
- 2 GP Rating Full Form & Meaning
- 3 GP Rating Course Eligibility (10th Pass Students)
- 4 GP Rating Course Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- 5 GP Rating Salary in Merchant Navy
- 6 GP Rating Salary Chart (India & Abroad)
- 7 GP Rating Course Career Scope & Future
- 8 GP Rating Course FAQs
What is the GP Rating Course?
The GP Rating course is a 6-month pre-sea training program for 10th passed students to join the Merchant Navy as engine room ratings. It stands for General Purpose Rating and is approved by the Director General of Shipping, India.
After completing the GP Rating course, candidates work as a Motorman, Fitter, or Pumpman on ships. The total program includes 6 months of training plus 18 months of sea service to obtain the final certificate.
Why Choose GP Rating Course?
GP Rating is perfect for students who want a quick entry into the Merchant Navy without higher education. The GP Rating salary starts at a good level, and career growth is fast with experience. It is the most affordable Merchant Navy course.
GP Rating Full Form & Meaning
GP Rating Full Form: General Purpose Rating. In Merchant Navy terms, "Rating" refers to junior crew members who work in the engine room or deck department under the supervision of officers.
GP Rating meaning is a certified crew member who can perform multiple duties. They handle maintenance, repairs, and operations under the guidance of Marine Engineers.
GP Rating vs Other Courses
Unlike B.Tech Marine Engineering, which takes 4 years, the GP Rating course requires only 6 months of training. It is designed for practical hands-on work rather than officer-level theoretical knowledge.
GP Rating Course Eligibility (10th Pass Students)
GP Rating eligibility is simple and accessible for most Indian students. Here are the exact requirements to join the GP Rating course after 10th:
- Education: 10th pass with minimum 40% marks in Science and Mathematics.
- Age: 17.5 to 25 years at the start date of the course.
- Medical: DG Shipping approved medical fitness certificate.
- Eyesight: 6/6 vision without color blindness.
- Documents: 10th marksheet, passport, PAN card, Aadhar card.
Physical Requirements
Good health without serious medical conditions. Minimum height 157 cm and weight proportional to height. No hearing impairments or physical disabilities affecting ship duties.
GP Rating Course Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The GP Rating course syllabus is divided into two main subjects: MEK (Marine Engineering Knowledge) and GSK (General Ship Knowledge). The total course duration is 6 months including theory and practical training.
GP Rating Exam Pattern
The GP Rating exam consists of 500 total marks divided into three types: MCQ, Practical, and Oral exams. Students must pass all components to get the GP Rating certificate.
GP Rating MEK & GSK Subjects
MEK subjects cover engine room machinery, pumps, valves, and maintenance. GSK subjects include ship construction, safety equipment, firefighting, and emergency procedures.
| Exam Type | MEK (Marine Engineering Knowledge) | GSK (General Ship Knowledge) | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online MCQ | 75 Marks | 75 Marks | 150 Marks |
| Practical Exam | 100 Marks | 100 Marks | 200 Marks |
| Oral Exam | 75 Marks | 75 Marks | 150 Marks |
| Grand Total | 250 Marks | 250 Marks | 500 Marks |
GP Rating Practical & Oral Exam Details
The Practical exam tests hands-on skills in engine room operations. The MEK Oral exam checks knowledge through face-to-face questioning. Both MEK Oral and GSK Oral are conducted by DG Shipping examiners.
To pass the GP Rating course, candidates must score a minimum of 50% in each MEK MCQ and GSK MCQ , plus 60% in practical and oral exams combined. All exams are mandatory.
GP Rating Salary in Merchant Navy
GP Rating salary starts from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month for freshers on Indian ships. With 2-3 years of experience, the Merchant Navy GP Rating salary can reach ₹70,000 - ₹1,00,000 monthly.
Foreign shipping companies pay a higher GP Rating salary in USD. Starting salary on international ships is $800 - $1200 per month with free food and accommodation.
Salary Components
Basic salary plus overtime, bonus, and leave salary. Most companies provide free medical, insurance, and travel allowances. GP Rating fitter salary is often higher due to specialized skills.
GP Rating Salary Chart (India & Abroad)
| Experience | Indian Ships (Monthly) | Foreign Ships (Monthly) | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresher (0-1 year) | ₹25,000 - ₹40,000 | $200 - $500 | Trainee Rating |
| 1-2 years | ₹40,000 - ₹60,000 | $500 - $800 | Junior Motorman |
| 2-3 years | ₹60,000 - ₹80,000 | $800 - $1,800 | Senior Rating |
| 3-5 years | ₹80,000 - ₹1,20,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | Pumpman/Fitter |
| 5+ years | ₹1,20,000+ | $2,000+ | Chief Rating |
Indian vs Foreign Ship Salary
Indian ships offer better job security and family contact. Foreign ships provide higher salary in USD but longer contracts. The GP Rating salary chart shows clear growth with experience.
GP Rating Course Career Scope & Future
GP Rating career progression leads to senior positions like Chief Rating, Storekeeper, or Engine Room Supervisor. After gaining sea experience, ratings can appear for the 2nd Class Motor certificate exam.
With a 2nd Class Motor certificate, former ratings can work as Junior Engineers. Further promotions lead to the Chief Engineer position over a 10-15 year career.
Future Growth Opportunities
The shipping industry always needs trained ratings. After the GP Rating course, candidates can join oil tankers, container ships, or cruise liners. Specialized training increases GP Rating salary and job opportunities.
Alternative Career Paths
Shore jobs in shipyards, ports, or marine companies are available after gaining sea experience. Some ratings start their own marine repair workshops or supply businesses.
GP Rating Course FAQs
The GP Rating course is a 6-month Merchant Navy training program for 10th pass students. It prepares candidates to work as engine room ratings on ships. After course completion, they must complete 18 months of sea service for the final certificate.
MEK (Marine Engineering Knowledge) covers engine room machinery and maintenance. GSK (General Ship Knowledge) includes ship safety and operations. Both have MCQ, Practical, and Oral exams totaling 500 marks.
GP Rating total marks are 500 divided as: MEK MCQ (75), GSK MCQ (75), MEK Practical (100), GSK Practical (100), MEK Oral (75), and GSK Oral (75). All exams must be passed to complete the course.
The MCQ exam is computer-based with multiple-choice questions. The Practical exam tests hands-on skills in the workshop. The Oral exam is face-to-face questioning by examiners. All three types are conducted for both MEK and GSK subjects.
Indian ships pay ₹25,000-₹50,000 monthly for freshers. Foreign ships pay $800-$1200 monthly with higher growth. With experience, GP Rating salary can reach ₹1,20,000+ in India or $2,500+ on foreign vessels.
Yes, the GP Rating course is the best option for 10th pass students wanting quick Merchant Navy entry. It is affordable, has a short duration, and offers a good starting GP Rating salary. Career growth to the officer level is possible with experience and further exams.