Maritime master's in India: IIT Kharagpur PGDMOM, M.Tech and IIM Mumbai Executive MBA

Most officers assume a maritime master's means flying abroad or applying to a dedicated maritime university. Very few know that an IIT and an IIM both run real, structured maritime pathways, and neither is a generic programme with maritime branding attached.

The credibility difference is worth something concrete. An IIT or IIM credential carries weight well beyond shipping, which matters if you later want to move between the maritime sector, logistics and wider industry without explaining your background from scratch each time.

IIT Kharagpur, PGDMOM

The Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Operation and Management is the one built specifically for working officers rather than fresh graduates.

Eligibility is an MEO Class I Certificate of Competency from the Government of India, or an equivalent qualification. The programme spans three fields, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, and naval architecture and marine engineering, so your engineering background needs to align with one of them.

Admission requires you to be either employer sponsored or self sponsored. IIT Kharagpur does not admit PGDMOM candidates without one of those two routes confirmed as part of the application, so sort this out early rather than late.

IIT Kharagpur, M.Tech in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture

A different route with a different audience. This is a full two year M.Tech through the Department of Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture.

It is open to engineering graduates generally. You do not need a Certificate of Competency, but you do need a qualifying GATE score. If you hold a Class I CoC and want the pathway built around that instead, PGDMOM is the better fit.

The content is technical rather than managerial: structural and materials engineering, hydrodynamics, marine structures, offshore technology and coastal engineering. If you want a design and engineering degree rather than an operations or management one, this is the serious option.

To apply, register for GATE first through the national GATE Online Application Processing System, then apply separately to IIT Kharagpur for the M.Tech seat once your score is confirmed.

IIM Mumbai, Executive MBA in Maritime Management, Logistics and Supply Chain

This is the one people are most surprised to learn exists. IIM Mumbai runs it in partnership with the Centre for Maritime Management Institute, built for experienced maritime professionals rather than fresh graduates.

Two years, with the option to extend to three by taking a break after the first year, which is genuinely useful flexibility if you are still sailing. Thirty courses in total: 19 management and 11 maritime specific, plus an internship, a global online course and a capstone project. Sessions run mostly at weekends with the occasional weekday evening, built around working schedules.

Eligibility is a first class bachelor's degree plus a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. Batch 3, running 2026 to 2028, commences in June 2026. If you are reading this later, check directly for the next batch timeline.

Side by side

Four things to do before you commit

• •Match the pathway to what you already hold. A Class I CoC points to PGDMOM, a GATE score points to the M.Tech, and solid work experience without either points to the IIM Mumbai Executive MBA.
• •Confirm fees and intake cycles directly. None of these three publish a single always current fee in one place, so email the admissions office before you plan a budget.
• •Prepare documents early: CoC or degree certificates, a current CV, and for IIM Mumbai a clear account of your relevant work experience.
• •Settle sponsorship upfront if you are going for PGDMOM, because it is part of the application rather than something to resolve later.