Conduct

HBIMS-NAF&SA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, integrity, ethics, and mutual respect throughout the National Admission Framework & Seat Assurance pipeline. Every aspirant, parent/guardian, alumnus, and HBIMS staff member is expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct from the moment a NAF ID is issued through final MTI handover and beyond.

1. Honesty in Documentation

Every document submitted to NAF&SA — Aadhaar, PAN, mark-sheets, category certificates, medical reports, parental consent — must be genuine, original, and personally verified by the aspirant.

• Forged or fabricated documents result in immediate withdrawal from the pipeline.
• Forgery is reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities under IPC sections 463, 465, and 471.
• False declarations regarding age, education, category, or medical history void the entire dossier.
• Misrepresentation of identity (impersonation) carries lifetime ban and legal action.

2. Professional Standards

An aspirant under NAF&SA is preparing to enter a uniformed, disciplined profession. The standards of a Merchant Navy officer begin at Stage 1 — not on the first ship.

• Punctuality at all counselling sessions, Aptitude Screening Tests, medical examinations, and centre visits.
• Appropriate attire during centre visits and MTI orientation (formal/smart-casual; no shorts, slippers, or offensive prints).
• Respectful communication with HBIMS counsellors, support staff, and fellow aspirants.
• Compliance with HBIMS communication channels — no demands made via personal numbers or unauthorised intermediaries.

3. Anti-Harassment Policy

HBIMS-NAF&SA maintains zero tolerance for harassment of any kind:

• Sexual harassment (verbal, physical, or digital) is grounds for immediate dismissal and FIR.
• Bullying, intimidation, or discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, region, or disability is prohibited.
• Harassment of HBIMS staff, counsellors, or other aspirants results in permanent disqualification.
• Internal Complaints Committee (per POSH Act 2013) hears all gender-based complaints confidentially.

4. Substance Restrictions

The DGMA medical standard is strict, and your career at sea depends on it:

• Alcohol: Prohibited during all NAF&SA stages and at all MTI training campuses. Random breathalyser tests at MTIs.
• Illegal substances: Zero tolerance. Detection results in immediate termination and law enforcement reporting.
• Tobacco: Restricted to designated areas on campus; in violation of MTI rules, may incur fines.
• Prescription medication: Must be declared at Stage 6 (Medical Facilitation) — non-disclosure voids medical clearance.

5. Financial Discipline

NAF&SA operates on a fully documented, bank-channel financial system:

• All payments to HBIMS via UPI, NEFT, RTGS, or card only — cash is never accepted.
• Every payment generates an itemised Official invoice within 24 hours.
• Cash demand by any individual claiming to represent HBIMS is fraud — report immediately to mti@nationaladmission.com.
• Bribes, gifts, or any inducement to HBIMS staff are grounds for immediate aspirant dismissal and staff termination.

6. Communication & Confidentiality

All course materials, MTI internal documents, internal NAF&SA processes, and aspirant data are confidential:

• Do not share confidential framework documents with external parties or on social media.
• Public criticism of HBIMS should follow the formal grievance process before social media escalation.
• Do not impersonate HBIMS staff online or in person.
• Respect the confidentiality of fellow aspirants' personal information.

7. Disciplinary Action

Violations are handled in proportion to severity:

8. Grievance Redressal

Any aspirant may raise a grievance through the formal channel:

Step 1: Counsellor at your nearest listed office

Step 2: Centre Head (if Counsellor cannot resolve)

Step 3: Head Office Compliance Team — mti@nationaladmission.com

Step 4: HBIMS Director (final internal escalation)

Last reviewed by HBIMS Board of Directors on 1 March 2026. Reference: HBIMS/NAF&SA/LEGAL/CoC/2026/V3.0