B.F.Sc in Aquaculture is a four-year undergraduate degree in the scientific breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic life including fish, prawns and mollusks. Throughout the degree, students will learn the academic side of the course while training practically in aquaculture systems, aquatic biology, water quality, fish nutrition, hatchery management etc.
Candidates wishing to pursue the B.F.Sc in Aquaculture course, must complete their schooling (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects. Admission into the degree is typically on the basis of a state-level admission test like ICAR AIEEA or may be based on institute-specific tests.
The fee range for this course in India will be somewhere between INR 20,000 - INR 1,50,000/year depending on the Institute. Reputed colleges for this B.F.Sc in Aquaculture are Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies(KUFOS), Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University and Dr.Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University.
Some of the opportunities for graduates of B.F.Sc in Aquaculture include working in government fisheries departments, aquaculture farms, research organizations, hatcheries, seafood processing companies and food security and marine conservation related NGOs.
Table of Contents
- BFSc Aquaculture Highlights
- What is BFSc Aquaculture?
- Why Study BFSc Aquaculture?
- Who should study BFSc Aquaculture?
- BFSc Aquaculture Eligibility Criteria
- BFSc Aquaculture Colleges in India
- BFSc Aquaculture Admission Process 2025
- BFSc Aquaculture Syllabus
- BFSc Aquaculture Job Opportunities in India
- BFSc Aquaculture FAQs
BFSc Aquaculture Highlights
Here is a brief summary of the BFSc Aquaculture program's curriculum, prerequisites, length, and employment opportunities.
What is BFSc Aquaculture?
B.F.Sc in Aquaculture typically caters to students seeking to establish a career in sustainable fish farming and aquatic food production. The purpose of this program is to educate about aquatic ecosystems, breeding fish, hatcheries, and managing fish health/diseases with contemporary aquacultural needs and practices as a focus.
The students will complete coursework that is focused on aquaculture systems, managing water quality, fish nutrition, diagnosing and treating fish pathogens, and formulating fish feed. Practical field experiences, internships, and training programs in commercial aquaculture technology are required in the program. Upon graduation, students will be qualified not only for technical positions as aquatic professionals but also for self-employment in the fisheries industry.
Why Study BFSc Aquaculture?
Taking B.F.Sc in Aquaculture offers students ample opportunity with India's booming fisheries and aquaculture industry. Some of the compelling reasons to pursue this course are:
- Growing Sector: Aquaculture is a key component of India's Blue Revolution, and has been recognized for its ability to contribute to the National Income.
- Skills-Based: Aquaculture will teach practical skills with regard to health, nutrition, hatchery technology and sustainable aquaculture.
- Government Involvement: Almost every state and central government scheme offers financing and jobs in this sector.
- Global Careers: Training that focuses on the production of export quality seafood can lead to international opportunities and acceptance to higher education reform.
Who should study BFSc Aquaculture?
The course can be pursued by various candidates who want to indulge or are already indulged directly or indirectly in the fisheries sector. Some of the best-fit candidates for BFSc Aquaculture are:
- Biology students who have an interest in marine life, aquatic ecosystems, and/or fish farmers
- Rural students looking for jobs in the government sector or an agribusiness company
- Individuals seeking to own and operate their own aquaculture farms or hatcheries
- Individuals who intend to pursue postgraduate studies in fisheries science or marine biology
BFSc Aquaculture Eligibility Criteria
Before applying make sure that you satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- You are a 10+2 pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, (PCB) from a recognised board.
- You have scored at least 50% in aggregate (note that it includes only PCB subjects from class 12th) (these criteria may vary college/Institution to college/Institution)
- Your age should be between 17–25 years (there is a few relaxations in the age limit for persons belonging to reserved categories)
- You must have passed the ICAR AIEEA UG or other state-level entrance test or institute-specific exams for admissions.
Students of Science stream in 10+2 can also pursue BSc in Fisheries
BFSc Aquaculture Colleges in India
Explore some of the institutes offering B.F.Sc in Aquaculture across India, along with their locations, approximate fees, and admission process.
BFSc Aquaculture Admission Process 2025
The following details the B.F.Sc (Aquaculture) admission process based on a notice from the College of Fisheries, Mangaluru:
Step 1 - Visit the website www.cofm.edu.in and download the registration form in Annexure A.
Step 2 - Fill out the registration form by hand, sign the form, and scan the filled out registration form.
Step 3 - E-mail the scanned registration form to the Academic Section at fisheries2020ougreg@gmail.com. Note that only e-mail communication will be acceptable.
Step 4 - You can find your applicable course fee in Annexure B (General / SC / ST / Cat-I / OBC).
Step 5 - Make the payment through the bank challans method at any bank (refer to Annexure C for the account details that your fee needs to be deposited into).
Step 6 - Scan the counter slip (proof) of the bank challan.
Step 7 - e-mail the scanned photo of challans to fisheries2020ougreg@gmail.com.
Step 8 - Refer to Annexure D for details if there is a late fee.
Step 9 - If you have any doubts, contact the Administrative Unit at College of Fisheries, Mangaluru. The contact number 0824-2249256, is during office hours.
Required Documents:
- Bachelor’s degree mark sheets and certificate
- Transfer/Migration certificate (if applicable)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Entrance exam scorecard (if required)
BFSc Aquaculture Syllabus
Below is the semester-wise course structure for BFSc Aquaculture Syllabus at Gopal Narayan Singh University.
BFSc Aquaculture Job Opportunities in India
Graduates of B.F.Sc in Aquaculture can take up technical and managerial roles across fisheries, aquaculture, research, and conservation sectors.
BFSc Aquaculture FAQs
Is B.F.Sc in Aquaculture a good course for jobs?
Yes, B.F.Sc in Aquaculture is effectively a job oriented program and offers a variety of careers in the government and private sectors. Graduates can work in aquafarms, hatcheries and seafood export companies and their credentials would have them qualified for positions in fisheries departments and in research centres.
Can I join M.F.Sc after this course?
Certainly, a B.F.Sc will qualify you for postgraduate studies like M.F.Sc in aquaculture fish genetics or aquatic animal health. Advanced degrees in the field can lead to advanced research credentials or higher education appointments in universities.
Which entrance will be required to apply to B.F.Sc?
Generally the ICAR AIEEA UG exam is used by the central and some state agricultural universities. Some states may have their own separate entrance test for B.F.Sc admissions.
Can I start my own fish farm after B.F.Sc in Aquaculture?
Certainly, this program exports students with a curriculum involving hatchery management of aquaculture, feed formulation, disease control and other business practices. This will allow students to start and run their own aquaculture units.
Is there scope for overseas jobs?
Yes, trained professionals in aquaculture and seafood processing are in demand internationally. Countries like Norway, Canada, Vietnam, and those in the Gulf region offer lucrative opportunities for skilled B.F.Sc graduates.
