'Existing seafarer' (commenced pre-sea training before 1^st Auuust 1998)
Graduates: - Graduates with a degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Electronics or BE from recognized University, who have also successfully undergone a three month pre-sea course for cadets through an approved institution, are exempted from the Second Mate Foundation Course and examination.
 

'New entry' (commenced pre-sea training after 1^st August 1998)
Graduates: - In modification of Section M-H/1.7 of Training and Assessment Programme, Maritime Education, Training and Assessment (META) Manual, Volume-I 1998, Graduates with a degree in physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Electronics or BE from recognized University, who have also successfully undergone a three month pre-sea course for cadets through an approved institution, may be exempted by the Examiner of Masters and Mates, Mercantile Marine Department from appropriate subjects in the Second Mate Foundation Course Examination provided at least 55% marks are secured in each subject for which exemption is sought.
 

Such graduate candidates need not attend the Foundation Course, however, they would be required to pass the remaining papers of the Second Mate Foundation Course Examination which have not been cleared in graduation with at least 55% marks.