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Nitin

Nitin Sathe  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Recruitment Expert - Answered on Jan 12, 2024

Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) is an IAF veteran with experience in aviation, aviation management, recruitment and HR.He has commanded a frontline base in Jammu and Kashmir, served with the UN Peace Keeping Force in Congo and volunteered for tsunami relief operations. Today, he is a certified recruiter and personality assessor.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 20, 2023Hindi
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Career

I want become a merchant Navy. How this is possible plzz give me some suggestions

Ans: In the executive branch one can join after 12th. One could also join as an engineer in the merchant navy. There are regular exams for both the entries as well as specific colleges with pertinent programs to join the Merchant Navy. All the best!
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Maxim

Maxim Emmanuel  | Answer  |Ask -

Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

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Career
can you guide me for career in Merchant navy
Ans: Merchant Navy, aspiring candidates must have completed either their 10th or 12th-grade education. Age: Typically 17-25 years. Medical: Must pass a fitness exam for physical and mental health. Skills: Good English communication.
Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in their 10+2 curriculum. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 50% marks in the English language at the 10th or 12th standard. The minimum qualification for a marine engineering course is a 10+2 pass certificate with PCM

Merchant Navy is a prestigious career choice for individuals who are passionate about sailing and the sea. The Merchant Navy is responsible for transporting goods and passengers across the world’s oceans and seas. It is a highly challenging and rewarding career that requires individuals to meet certain eligibility criteria. In this blog, we will discuss the Merchant Navy eligibility criteria in detail.

The eligibility criteria for entry into the Merchant Navy varies depending on the course. Age is an important factor to consider, and below are the age restrictions for different courses

1. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) course
The maximum age is 25 years, and the minimum age is 17 years on the date of commencement of the course. A relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC(NCL) candidates, and 2 years for women candidates.

2. B.Sc. in Nautical Science course
The maximum age is 25 years, and the minimum age is 17 years on the date of commencement of the course. A relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC(NCL) candidates, and 2 years for women candidates.

3. B. Tech Marine Engineering
For B.Tech Marine Engineering the maximum age is 25 years and the minimum age is 17 years on the date of commencement of the course. A relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC(NCL) candidates, and 2 years for women candidates.

4.Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)
The age of the Candidate must not be more than 28 years on the day of the start of Training.

5. Electrical Technical Officer
For general category candidates, the maximum age is 35 years. For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates, the maximum age relaxation of 5 years is applicable, a maximum of 3 years relaxation applies to OBC (NCL) candidates, and 2 years for female candidates as per the directives of the Government of India.

6. Hospitality Management & related culinary qualifications are sort after on Cruise Passenger Ships and Regular Cargo Ships too!

However, some companies may have different age criteria, so it is advisable to check with the particular company you are applying to.

Candidates must meet the medical fitness criteria set by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to join the Merchant Navy. The medical examination is conducted by a DGS-approved doctor who will assess the candidate’s physical and mental fitness. Candidates with any major medical conditions such as colour blindness, hearing problems, or any other disability are not eligible to join the Merchant Navy.

Physical Standards for Merchant Navy:
In addition to medical fitness, candidates must meet certain physical standards set by the DGS to join the Merchant Navy. Candidates must have a minimum height of 157 cm and a weight proportionate to their height.

Selection Procedure for Merchant Navy:

The selection procedure for Merchant Navy includes a written examination, a medical examination, an interview and IMUCET. The written examination tests the candidate’s knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, GK and Aptitude.

The medical examination is conducted to ensure that the candidate meets the medical fitness criteria set by the DGS. After that the interview is conducted to assess the candidate’s communication skills, confidence, and attitude towards the profession.

Finally, candidates must appear for the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMUCET). The IMUCET exam is conducted by the Indian Maritime University and is a computer-based test that assesses the candidate’s knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, and general knowledge. The IMUCET exam is mandatory for candidates who want to join the Merchant Navy

Last but not the least.. The Training :
You must find an opportunity to apprentice and do an internship!
Hands on exposure to the shipping industry... Sailing on the Ship

Wish you Luck...Bon Voyage!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |241 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Jan 15, 2026

Money
Hi, I am 55 years of age, an NRI working in Dubai and my company has a medical insurance policy that covers all medical expenses for me and my wife all over the world. In 5 years time, upon retirement, I will relocate back to India. Will I be able to take a medical insurance policy for myself and my wife at the age of 60 years ? If I take a medical insurance policy now, would it help in reducing the insurance premium ? Kindly advice.
Ans: Hi Girish

You are 55, working in Dubai, and currently covered under your company’s medical insurance worldwide. That cover is excellent, but please remember one important thing: it ends the day your employment ends. Health insurance planning has to look beyond employment.

Can you take a health insurance policy in India at age 60?
Yes, you can. Most insurers in India do allow entry at 60 years and even later.
However, at that age:

Premiums are significantly higher

Medical tests and scrutiny are much stricter

Any lifestyle condition or past medical history can lead to waiting periods, exclusions, or higher premiums

So while it is possible, it is not ideal to start fresh at 60.

Will taking a policy now help reduce premium later?
The bigger benefit is not just premium, but certainty and continuity.

If you take a policy now at 55:

You enter at a lower age slab

Mandatory waiting periods (usually 2–4 years) get completed well before retirement

By the time you are 60, the policy becomes mature and far more useful

Underwriting happens when you are younger and healthier

Premiums will still rise with age, but you avoid the sharp jump and uncertainty of entering as a new senior citizen.

But since you already have full medical cover, is this necessary?
Think of this Indian policy as a retirement safety net, not a replacement for your employer cover.

You do not need to actively use it now.
You just need it to run in the background, so that when you return to India, you are not forced to buy insurance at the worst possible time.

Many NRIs make the mistake of postponing this decision and then struggle at 60 when options become limited.

What kind of policy should you consider?
Keep it straightforward:

A family floater for you and your wife

Decent coverage, not the bare minimum

Focus on hospitalisation benefits

Buy it with the intention of continuing it for life

Avoid over engineering the policy. Simplicity works best in health insurance.

Final advice
Health insurance is one area where early action quietly pays off later.
You may never thank yourself at 60 for buying a policy at 55, but you will definitely regret not doing it if a medical issue arises.

Most obvious question how can I take the family floater insurance most insurance will issue when you are visiting India

Few insurance will issue incase your are not able to visit Indian the cost of medical test in your abroad hospital or clinic will cost you heavy on pockets

Naveenn Kummar
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai

...Read more

Komal

Komal Jethmalani  |445 Answers  |Ask -

Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Jan 15, 2026

Komal

Komal Jethmalani  |445 Answers  |Ask -

Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Jan 15, 2026

Komal

Komal Jethmalani  |445 Answers  |Ask -

Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Jan 15, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 03, 2025Hindi
Health
I recently entered menopause, and I’ve noticed my weight going up no matter what I eat or how careful I try to be. Earlier, if I skipped sweets for a week or reduced portions, I could see a small difference, but now it feels like nothing works. My metabolism seems to have completely slowed down, and I also experience sudden mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. It’s quite frustrating because I’m eating mostly home food — chapati, sabzi, dal, very little oil — and I even try to go for walks regularly. Still, my clothes have become tighter and I feel more irritable than before. Some friends say it’s just hormonal and can’t be helped, while others suggest cutting carbs or going on a high-protein diet. But I’m not sure what’s safe or sustainable at this stage. Is there a specific kind of diet that can help women during menopause manage their weight, energy levels, and mood swings without feeling constantly hungry or deprived?
Ans: During menopause, weight gain and fatigue are common due to hormonal changes and a slower metabolism, but the right diet can help. A balanced approach is beneficial, such as a Mediterranean-style diet or a modified high-protein plan that emphasizes whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. This supports weight management, stabilizes mood, and boosts energy without leaving you hungry. Pairing this with strength training, good sleep, and stress management can help you manage weight, energy, and mood swings sustainably.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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