The Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai has witnessed 4.5-fold increase in registrations of students from Assam.
This was stated by Dr. Rajoo Balaji, Pro Vice Chancellor of IMU, during an interaction with a visiting team of editors from Assam in Chennai,
The expanding scope of maritime education, research and technology in India, along with growing opportunities for students from the Northeast, were highlighted during an interaction.
IMU’s admission-registration data indicates a sharp increase in interest from the region over the past four academic years.
In Assam, registrations increased from 116 in 2023-24 to 234 in 2024-25, 378 in 2025-26 and 525 in 2026-27. Admissions stood at 28 in 2023-24, 16 in 2024-25 and 35 in 2025-26, while admissions for 2026-27 are currently in progress.
For the Northeast as a whole, registrations increased from 135 in 2023-24 to 302 in 2024-25, 497 in 2025-26 and 706 in 2026-27. Admissions increased from 24 in 2023-24 to 24 in 2024-25 and 44 in 2025-26, with the admission process for 2026-27 still underway.
The figures represent an approximately 4.5-fold increase in registrations from Assam between 2023-24 and 2026-27, while registrations from the Northeastern States as a whole have increased by more than five times during the same period.
For a region such as the Northeast, with its extensive river systems and growing potential in inland waterways and logistics, maritime education can open opportunities in marine engineering, nautical science, naval architecture, ports, shipping, logistics, maritime management, maritime technology and other shore-based professions. The setting up of a Regional Centre of Excellence for Maritime Training in Dibrugarh, Assam will further enhance the opportunities available for the youth.
Dr. Balaji highlighted that IMU’s courses are planned in line with the standardisation and training guidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including the requirements of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Dr. Balaji also highlighted the importance being accorded to maritime education and development of the sector under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Established through an Act of Parliament in 2008, IMU is a Central University under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with the mandate of promoting maritime studies, training, research and extension work. The University currently has 7,521 students across its campuses, including 262 female students, and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and research programmes.
Maritime Education Gaining Traction In Northeast, IMU Registrations Up 5x
