BFSc, or Bachelor of Fisheries Science, is a 4-year UG degree that focuses on the science and management of aquatic organisms. The main aim of the course is to train fisheries professionals, aquaculture specialists, and marine biologists who can enhance India's fisheries industry.
The eligibility criteria for doing BFSc are to pass class 12th in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics with 50% marks from a recognized board. Candidates also have to qualify in entrance exams.
The average course fee for studying BFSc ranges between INR 10,000- 2,00,000. Some of the reputed institutes are Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Gopal Narayan Singh University, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, and West Bengal University of Animal and Fisheries Sciences.
After completing their graduation, BFSc graduates can pursue various job roles such as Marine Fisheries Biologist, Technical Specialist-Fisheries, Commercial Fishing Apprentice, Field Officer (F.O.)-Fishery, etc. They can earn an average salary of INR 3-8 LPA, depending on their job role and experience level.
BFSc Course Highlights
Given below is the key highlights for the Bachelor in Fisheries Science:
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | Bachelor of Fisheries Science |
Level of Study | Undergraduate/Bachelor’s |
Duration | 4 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed class 12th in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics with 50% marks from a recognized board |
Entrance Exams | ICAR-AIEE, OUAT-EE, KCET, MHT-CET, CIFNET-EE |
Admission Process | Entrance-Based |
Average Course Fee | INR 10,000-2,00,000 |
Colleges/Universities | Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Gopal Narayan Singh University, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, West Bengal University of Animal and Fisheries Sciences |
Average Salary | INR 3-8 LPA |
Job Roles | Marine Fisheries Biologist, Technical Specialist-Fisheries, Commercial Fishing Apprentice, Field Officer (F.O.)-Fishery |
Why Study BFSc?
The reasons to study Bachelor of Fisheries Science are:
- Rapidly Expanding Industry: With India ranking as the third-largest fish producer worldwide, the fisheries sector has seen significant growth, creating numerous job opportunities.
- Nutritional and Economic Stability: The fisheries sector offers food security, livelihoods, and income sources for millions of people in India. Graduates in this field play a crucial role in building sustainable food systems.
- Increased Demand from Government and Abroad: Initiatives like the Blue Revolution, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and marine exports have heightened the need for skilled professionals in governmental and international fisheries organizations.
- Multidisciplinary Education: The Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc) program combines aspects of biology, oceanography, aquaculture technology, biotechnology, and business management, equipping students for diverse career options.
- Opportunities for Entrepreneurship: Students have the option to establish fish farms, hatcheries, ornamental fish breeding enterprises, or partake in fish processing and export endeavors.
BFSc Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for doing Bachelor of Fisheries Science course are as follows:
- Completed class 12th in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics with 50% marks from a recognized board.
- Need to qualify state or national level entrance exams.
- Some universities also take their own entrance exam which needs to be qualified.
BFSc Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for taking admission in Bachelor of Fisheries Science course are given below:
Entrance Exam | Level | Registration Date | Exam Date |
ICAR-AIEE 2025 | National | 1-24 Mar 2025 | 8 May-1 June 2025 (tentative) |
OUAT-CEE 2025 | State (Orissa) | 18 Mar-24 Apr 2025 | 4-6 June 2025 (tentative) |
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University-EE 2025 | University | 15 Apr-21 Jun 2025 | August 2025 (tentative) |
KCET 2025 | State (Karnataka) | 23 Jan-24 Feb 2025 | 16,17,18 Apr 2025 |
MHT-CET 2025 | State (Maharashtra) | 30 Dec, 2024-15 Feb, 2025 | 9-27 April 2025 |
Kerala Agricultural University-CET 2025 | University | Apr-May 2025
(tentative) | June 2025
(tentative) |
CIFNET-EE 2025 | University | Apr-June 2025
(tentative) | June 2025
(tentative) |
BFSc Colleges and Fees
Some of the reputed institutes in India offering Bachelor of Fisheries Science course are listed below:
Institutes | Location | Course Fees |
Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University | Maharashtra | INR 1,10,000 |
Gopal Narayan Singh University | Bihar | INR 3,04,000 |
Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University | Tamil Nadu | INR 1,60,000 |
Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University | Madhya Pradesh | INR 7,14,000 (Payment Seats)
INR 2,74,000 (Free Seats) |
Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) | Kochi | INR 1,56,000 |
College of Fisheries | Tripura | INR 9,000 |
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, | Karnataka | INR 1,35,000 |
West Bengal University of Animal and Fisheries Sciences | Kolkata | INR 37,000 |
Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya | Raipur | INR 2,66,000 |
College of Fisheries Science | Gujarat | INR 1,92,000 |
BFSc Admission Process 2025
The admission process for taking admission in College of Fisheries Science for the Bachelor of Fisheries Science course is as follows:
Step 1: Candidates need to register for the applicable entrance exams as per their choice of college or state they want to take admission in. Appear for the registered entrance examination and wait for results.
Step 2: Candidates who will qualify the entrance examination will move to the next stage of counselling.
Step 3: In the counselling session, the candidates will have to select the college from the list they have got as per their ranking.
Step 4: After selecting the college, the candidates will have to appear for an interview in the selected college. They also have to go through document verification.
Step 5: The final selection will be based on the entrance exam rank, performance in interview and past academic performance.
Step 6: Selected candidates will have to pay admission/tuition fee to book their seat in the MFSc course and they can start their course when the new session begins.
BFSc Syllabus
The syllabus for Bachelor of Fisheries Science as per Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (Nagapattinam) has been given below:
Semester-1 | Semester-2 |
Principles of Aquaculture | Freshwater Aquaculture |
Anatomy and Biology of Finfish | Aquaculture in Reservoirs |
Taxonomy of Finfish | Taxonomy of Shellfish |
Meteorology, Climatology and Disaster Management | Anatomy and Biology of Shellfish |
Statistical Methods | Inland Fisheries |
Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Limnology |
Fundamentals of Microbiology | Marine Biology |
Soil and Water Chemistry | Food Chemistry and Fish in Nutrition |
Swimming | Information and Communication Technology |
- | Physical Education, First Aid & Yoga Practices |
Semester-3 | Semester-4 |
Ornamental Fish Production and Management | Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture |
Fish Food Organisms | Genetics and Breeding |
Fish Immunology | Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology |
Marine Fisheries | Fish and Shellfish Pathology |
Aquatic Ecology and Biodiversity | Physiology of Finfish and Shellfish |
Freezing Technology | Fishery Oceanography |
Refrigeration and Equipment Engineering | Aquatic Pollution and Coastal Zone Management |
Fisheries Extension Education and Personality Development | Fish Canning Technology |
Fisheries Economics | Fishing Gear Technology |
Semester-5 | Semester-6 |
Finfish Hatchery Management | Shellfish Hatchery Management |
Introduction to Biotechnology and Bioinformatics | Microbial and Parasitic Diseases of Fish and Shellfish |
Pharmacology | Therapeutics in Aquaculture |
Fish Toxicology | Fish Products and Value Addition |
Fish Population Dynamics and Stock Assessment | Fish Packaging Technology |
Fish By-Products and Waste Utilization | Quality assurance of Fish and Fishery Products |
Microbiology of Fish and Fishery Products | Fishing Technology |
Aquaculture Engineering | Navigation and Seamanship |
Fishing Craft Technology | Fisheries Administration and Entrepreneurship Development |
- | Fisheries Co-operatives, Marketing and Business Management |
Semester-7 | Semester-8 |
Student READY Programme:
| Student READY Programme:
|
- | Seminar |
BFSc Jobs & Salary
Some of the jobs available on job portals like Indeed and Naukri.com for Bachelor of Fisheries Science graduates are given below:
Job Title | Recruiters | Average Salary |
Marine Fisheries Biologist | Fathom Resources, A.I.S. Inc. | INR 3-5 LPA |
Technical Specialist, Fisheries | Fauna & Flora International, SCS Global Services | INR 4-6 LPA |
Field Officer (F.O.) | Jupiven Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | INR 5-7 LPA |
Marine Biologist | A.I.S. Inc., National Marine Fisheries Service | INR 5-7 LPA |
Commercial Fishing Apprentice | Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island | INR 7-8 LPA |
BFSc FAQs
Is BFSc only for rural or coastal students?
The BFSc course is suitable for anybody who's interested in sustainable food systems, aquaculture, and marine sciences, regardless of their location.
Can I start my own business after finishing BFSc?
Yes, after completing your graduation you can build fish farms, hatcheries, or can start seafood export operations with the help of initiatives such as the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Is BFSc globally recognized?
Yes, BFSc is recognized by many foreign institutions for master's and research programs, and it leads to employment opportunities with UN agencies, FAO, and worldwide aquaculture corporations.
What is the main difference between BFSc and BSc in aquaculture?
BFSc stands as Bachelor of Fisheries Science which is a professional degree certified by ICAR that offers a greater breadth and more practical experience. Meanwhile a BSc Aquaculture is often more academic and may not entail the same amount of fieldwork or industry preparation.
