1,993 students graduate from Indian Maritime University during 11th convocation

The Indian Maritime University (IMU) held its 11th convocation in Chennai, awarding degrees to 1,993 graduates. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous academic program that blends classroom instruction with sea‑time experience. Among the cohort were 1,605 seafarers who have completed mandatory training for deck and engine departments, 13 gold medalists, 11 silver medalists, and four candidates who earned Ph.D. degrees in maritime studies. University officials highlighted the role of the graduates in supporting India's growing merchant fleet and international shipping commitments.

India’s merchant navy is a critical component of the nation’s trade infrastructure, moving more than 90 percent of the country’s external commerce by sea. The IMU, with campuses in several coastal states, supplies the industry with officers, engineers, and specialists who operate vessels ranging from bulk carriers to offshore support ships. The recent batch reflects a steady increase in enrolment, driven by government incentives that aim to reduce reliance on foreign‑trained personnel and to meet the demand for skilled crew on new vessels under construction in Indian shipyards.

The presence of gold and silver medalists underscores the academic excellence that the university strives to maintain, while the four new Ph.D. scholars are expected to contribute research on navigation safety, environmental compliance, and maritime logistics. Graduates from Tamil Nadu and other states will likely find employment with major shipping lines, port authorities, and maritime consultancy firms, helping to create jobs in coastal communities. For readers across India, the ceremony signals continued investment in a sector that supports economic growth and offers stable career paths for young professionals.