**Executive Summary**
This notice from the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, dated 22.01.2026, provides information regarding the booking and scheduling of 2nd Mate (FG), ASM (FG), ASM (NCV), NWKO (NCV), and Fishing Grade written and oral examinations for March 2026. The booking window is open from 01.02.2026 to 25.02.2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the DGS website for any changes to the examination schedule.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Examination Booking:**
* Booking for written and oral examinations is open from 1000hrs 01.02.2026 to 1800hrs 25.02.2026 for both fresher and repeater candidates.
* Candidates should adhere to the instructions provided by their respective MMDs.
* **Examination Schedule and Locations:**
* Written examinations are tentatively scheduled to commence from 02.03.2026.
* All NCV examinations will be conducted in Mumbai only.
* Fishing Grade examinations will be conducted in Chennai only.
* **Eligibility and Requirements:**
* Candidates should refer to DGS Circular No. 13 of 2022 dated 16.06.2022 for booking and appearing in competency examinations.
* All relevant modular courses must be completed before the oral examination.
* Seafarers currently serving on a ship are ineligible to apply for online examinations.
* Candidates must comply with Annex I requirements from the notice dated 10.05.2021. Non-compliance will result in forfeited fees.
* **Oral Examinations:**
* Candidates unable to attend online oral examinations can opt for physical oral examinations at MMDs.
* Candidates must inform the Exam Centre via email, specifying their choice between online or physical examination, along with booking reference details.
* Even if conducted at the MMD, the oral examination will be conducted through an online platform.
* **Fresh Applicants:**
* Fresh applicants can complete the online assessment process at the respective MMDs.
* Required documents for eligibility assessment may be forwarded to the MMD through the institute.
* Candidates need not visit the MMD for assessment.
* **Signal Visual Examinations:**
* MMDs will display the dates for the conduct of signal visual examinations.
* Candidates should contact their respective MMD for details.
**Impact Analysis**
**Candidates for 2nd Mate (FG), ASM (FG), ASM (NCV), NWKO (NCV) & Fishing Grade examinations**
* **Impact:** Must book examinations within the specified window and adhere to eligibility requirements. Locations for NCV and Fishing Grade written exams vary. Oral examinations may be available online or at MMDs.
* **Action Required:** Book examinations between 01.02.2026 and 25.02.2026, comply with all eligibility criteria and modular course completion, monitor the DGS website for schedule changes, and contact the relevant MMD for signal visual examination details. Those wishing to take the oral exam in person must notify the MMD in advance.
**Maritime Mercantile Departments (MMDs)**
* **Impact:** Responsible for conducting oral examinations, and signal visual examinations, assisting fresh applicants with eligibility assessment, and communicating examination details to candidates.
* **Action Required:** Facilitate online assessment for fresh applicants, display signal visual examination dates, and prepare to administer oral examinations via an online platform.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai: The primary issuing authority for the notification
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: Parent ministry of the Directorate General of Shipping.
MMD: Mercantile Marine Department; organization that conducts the examinations.
Mumbai: Location where NCV examination will be conducted.
Chennai: Location where Fishing Grade examination will be conducted.
IITCflTCF'R/ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
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MfIfNIiSATRY {OFr PmORTS{, S,HfIPfPINiG AND WATERWAYS
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI
F. \o:25-13011/1112026-NT-DGS (C. \o. 17302) llate: 22.01.2026
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Su ect: lntim n
(NCV) & Fishine Grade written examinations and all grades of oral examr,rations fir, March
1026
reg.
Booking window will be opened from I 000hrs i 0l .02.2026 to I 800hrs / 25.02.2026 for fresher
and repeater candidates of 2nd Mate (FG), ASM (FG), ASM (NCV), NWKO (NCV) & Fishing Grade
for written examinations and all grades of oral examinations. Written examinations are tentatively
scheduled to commence from 02.03.2026 fNote: The examination schedule has Leen displa;.,ed on DGS
website.l The date may change depending on the circumstances. Candi,iates. therefore. continue to
monitor the DGS website for any change in the date examination.
2.
The booking may commence from 01.02.2026 ro 25.02.2026 to facriitate the cardidates
(fresher and repeater). However, the candidates are advised to be guided hy the respective MMD's
instructions in this regard.
3.
All NCV examination will be conducted in Mumbai only. & Fishing Grade examinati<'n will
be conducted in Chennai only.
4.
Candidates are requested to be guided by DGS (NT/Exam) Circular No. 13 of 2022 dared
16.06.2022 for booking and appearing in cornpetency examinations ofthe nautical discipline.
5. All the relevant modular courses need to be comoleted for the oral exarnination.
6.
Candidates who are serving on a ship (Articles of a ship) are not eligible for applying for an
online examination.
7. Candidates who are unable to appear in an online oral examination, rnay opt for attending the
oral examination at MMDs. In such cases, the candidates are required to specifv by an .mail lo the
Exam Centre of the concemed MMD immediately upon booking with 'iookiirg reference details,
whether online or physical examination method is being selected. Even in sucl a situarion the oral
examination at the MMD will be conducted through an online platform at the MMD.
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Candidates need to comply with the requirements of Annex I of lre notice dated 10.05.2021
regarding "lnstructions to the candidates for attending oral examination ofnautical discipline using the
online video-conferencing platform.
9.
Candidate who are not eligible for appearing in oral examination and those who cannot
comply with Annex-l requirements stated in para 8 of this notice, may not book their seat as their fees
would be forfeited.
10.
Fresh applicants may complete the online assessment process at the respective MMDs as per
usual practice. Candidate may forward the required documents for assessmeni of eligibility to the
MMD through the inslitute by speed post or courier at the earliest. The candidate need nor visit MMD
for the purpose of assessment. Once the assessment is approved, fresh candidates can book seats for
the Examination.
l.
I The MMDs will display the dates of conduct of the signal visual exanination. Candidates may
therefore conlact the respective MMD for details regarding the conduct ofsignal visual examinations.
12. This is issued with the approval of the Chief Examiner of Master & iMatcs.
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(ca dev G Dhirndhiya)
Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech)
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