DGS Shipping has released the CoC Written Examination schedule for April 2026. Check exam dates, timings, subjects, centers, and important instructions for MEO CL & ETO grades.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS Shipping) has released an important notice regarding the CoC (Certificate of Competency) Written Examination for Engineering candidates scheduled for April 2026. This notification provides the detailed exam schedule, including dates, timings, and subjects for various MEO CL (Marine Engineer Officer Class) and ETO (Electro Technical Officer) grades, along with crucial instructions for candidates appearing for the examination.
Exam Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Directorate General of Shipping (DGS Shipping) |
| Exam Name | CoC Written Examination – April, 2026 (for MEO CL & ETO grades) |
| Exam Dates | April 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Written Examination (Offline) |
| Official Website | www.dgshipping.gov.in |
Detailed Exam Schedule
The examination will be conducted across multiple days in April 2026. Candidates must note their specific exam dates, timings, and subjects carefully.
| Date | Day | Class / Grade | Time | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.04.2026 | MONDAY | MEO CL -I | 10:00-13:00 | ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT |
| MEO CL-II-A | 10:00-13:00 | THERMODYNAMICS & HEAT TRANSMISSION | ||
| MEO CL-II-B | 10:00-13:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE (STEAM) | ||
| ETO | 14:00-17:00 | MARINE ELECTRO TECHNOLOGY & SSEP | ||
| 21.04.2026 | TUESDAY | MEO CL-II-A | 14:00-17:00 | MECHANICS & HYDROMECHANICS |
| MEO CL-II-B | 10:00-13:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE (GENERAL) | ||
| MEO CL-II-B | 14:00-17:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE (MOTOR) | ||
| MEO CL-II-B | 10:00-13:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING PRACTICE | ||
| 22.04.2026 | WEDNESDAY | MEO CL-III NCV SEO (PART –A) | 10:00-13:00 | MECHANICS & HYDROMECHANICS |
| MEO CL-IV A | 10:00-12:00 | HEAT ENGINE | ||
| MEO CL-II-B | 14:00-16:00 | SHIP SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | ||
| MEO CL-III NCV SEO (PART –A) | 14:00-17:00 | THERMODYNAMICS & HEAT TRANSMISSION | ||
| 23.04.2026 | THURSDAY | MEO CL-IV A | 14:00-16:00 | MATHEMATICS |
| MEO CL-II- B | 10:00-13:00 | MARINE ELECTRO TECHNOLOGY | ||
| MEO CL-III NCV SEO (PART –A) | 10:00-13:00 | APPLIED MATHEMATICS | ||
| MEO CL-IV A | 10:00-12:00 | APPLIED MECHANICS | ||
| MEO CL-IV-B | 10:00-13:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE (STEAM) | ||
| MEO CL- II-B | 14:00-17:00 | NAVAL ARCHITECTURE | ||
| 27.04.2026 | MONDAY | MEO CL-III NCV SEO (PART –A) | 14:00-18:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING DRAWING |
| MEO CL-IV A | 14:00-18:00 | ENGINEERING DRAWING | ||
| MEO CL- IV-B | 10:00-13:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE (GENERAL) | ||
| MEO CL- IV-B | 14:00-17:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE (MOTOR) | ||
| 28.04.2026 | TUESDAY | MEO CL-IV-B | 10:00-13:00 | SHIP CONSTRUCTION & STABILITY |
| MEO CL-IV-B | 14:00-16:00 | SHIP SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | ||
| 29.04.2026 | WEDNESDAY | MEO CL-IV-B | 10:00-13:00 | MARINE ENGINEERING PRACTICE |
| MEO CL-IV B | 14:00-17:00 | MARINE ELECTRO TECHNOLOGY |
Exam Centers & Capacity
The DGS Shipping CoC Written Examination will be held at various MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) exam centers across India. Each center has a maximum capacity for candidates.
| MMD Exam Centre | Total Capacity for MEO & ETO Grade Written Examination |
|---|---|
| MMD, Mumbai | 160 |
| MMD Kolkata | 150 |
| MMD Chennai | 140 |
| MMD Noida | 100 |
| MMD Kochi | 60 |
| MMD Visakhapatnam | 75 |
Exam Pattern
The CoC Written Examination for MEO CL and ETO grades follows a subject-specific pattern. As per the schedule, each paper will be of 2 to 4 hours duration, depending on the class/grade and subject. Candidates are advised to refer to their specific course syllabus for detailed topic breakdowns and marking schemes for each subject.
Admit Card & Seat Booking Information
The DGS Shipping has indicated that the CoC examination registration, eligibility assessment, and seat booking modules are transitioning to a new enhanced system. The roadmap with detailed information regarding this will be notified on the DG Shipping website by March 25, 2026. The seat booking schedule for the April 2026 examinations will be enabled, and details will be communicated on the DG Shipping website by the last week of March 2026. Candidates must regularly check the official website for updates on admit card download and seat booking procedures.
Documents Required on Exam Day
While the official notification does not list specific documents, based on standard government examination practices, candidates should be prepared with the following:
- Printed Admit Card: A clear printout of your CoC Exam admit card (once released).
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Original): Any government-issued photo identification such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
- Passport Size Photographs: A few recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2-3), matching the one uploaded during registration.
- Blue/Black Ballpoint Pen: For marking answers or filling details.
It is crucial to carry the original photo ID proof as a photocopy might not be accepted. Ensure your admit card details match your ID.
Exam Day Instructions
Candidates must strictly adhere to the following instructions on the day of the examination:
- Reporting Time: Reach the examination centre at least 45 minutes before the commencement of the examination.
- No Early Departure: No candidate will be allowed to leave the examination hall before the examination is officially over.
- Prohibited Items: Examinees should not carry any bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, or any other electronic devices inside the exam hall.
- Discipline: All candidates must maintain strict discipline inside the examination centre and protect furniture and IT infrastructure.
- Unfair Means: Indulging in unfair means during the exam will lead to severe action as per Rule 72 of the MS(STCW) Rules, 2014.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
As the exam dates approach, effective last-minute preparation can significantly boost your performance:
- Revision Focus: Prioritize revising key concepts and formulas. Avoid starting new topics.
- Practice: Solve previous year’s question papers or mock tests to get accustomed to the exam pattern and time constraints.
- Health & Sleep: Ensure you get adequate sleep before each exam day. A fresh mind performs better.
- Time Management: During the exam, allocate time wisely to each section/question. Don’t spend too much time on a single difficult question.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to all instructions mentioned on the question paper and admit card.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Candidates should expect a formal and disciplined examination environment. The written examination will likely involve answering descriptive or objective questions based on the marine engineering subjects. The questions will test your theoretical knowledge and practical understanding relevant to your CoC grade. Focus on clear and concise answers, especially for descriptive questions. Maintain composure and manage your time effectively to attempt all questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the admit cards for the April 2026 CoC Exam be released?
A: The seat booking schedule and admit card details will be communicated on the DG Shipping website by the last week of March 2026. Keep checking the official website for updates.
Q2: What should I do if my admit card has incorrect details?
A: If you find any discrepancy in your admit card details after it’s released, immediately contact the Directorate General of Shipping through the contact details provided on their official website for rectification.
Q3: Is there a specific dress code for the exam?
A: The notification does not mention a specific dress code. However, it is advisable to wear comfortable and modest clothing to avoid any issues at the exam center.
Q4: Can I bring a calculator into the examination hall?
A: The notification strictly prohibits electronic devices like phones and smartwatches. Unless explicitly allowed in the admit card or exam instructions, assume calculators are not permitted. It’s best to clarify with the exam authorities if needed.
Q5: What if I reach the exam center late?
A: Candidates are advised to reach at least 45 minutes before the exam starts. Latecomers might not be allowed to enter the examination hall, leading to disqualification.
Q6: Where can I find the detailed syllabus for my CoC grade?
A: The detailed syllabus for various CoC grades is typically available on the DG Shipping website or the relevant maritime training institution’s portal. Candidates should refer to these resources for comprehensive preparation.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website of DG Shipping | https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/ |
| NT/ENG Examination Notice (dated March 12, 2025, for MMD Noida) | https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/News/202503130716043862309EXAMREFORMNOTICEforpilotproject12032025.pdf |