Diploma in Aquaculture: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Career

• Updated on  Jul 22, 2025, by Priyanshu Mishra

The Diploma in Aquaculture is a specialized one-year diploma program that is designed to provide students a complete knowledge and useful skills in the management and production of aquatic animals, including aquatic organisms, seafood such as shrimp, prawns, and fish. Aquaculture is now an essential component of the agriculture and food industries as the demand for fresh and sustainable seafood grows.

 

According to the eligibility criteria for the Diploma in Aquaculture program, the candidate must complete their 10+2 from any stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The total course fees for the Diploma in Aquaculture program is between INR 8,000 – 40,000; it totally depends on the college or university, whether it is a private or government institution. Primarily, the course is offered by the IGNOU through Distance mode in India.

 

Candidates who have completed their Diploma in Aquaculture program can have a variety of job roles available in India. Some job roles are Aquaculture Technician, Fisheries Officer, Hatchery Manager, Farm Supervisor, and Feed Sales Executive. They can also get a good salary that generally ranges between INR 2-5 LPA or more, depending on their skills and knowledge.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Diploma in Aquaculture Key Highlights
  2. What is a Diploma in Aquaculture?
  3. Why study a Diploma in Aquaculture?
  4. Who should study for the Diploma in Aquaculture?
  5. Diploma in Aquaculture Eligibility Criteria
  6. Diploma in Aquaculture Colleges in India
  7. Diploma in Aquaculture Admission Process 2025
  8. Diploma in Aquaculture Syllabus
  9. Diploma in Aquaculture Job Opportunities in India
  10. Diploma in Aquaculture FAQs

 

Diploma in Aquaculture Key Highlights

The essential components for the Diploma in Aquaculture programs are as mentioned below:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Diploma in Aquaculture

Course Level

Diploma

Duration

1 year

Course Type

Full-Time /Part-Time

Admission Process

Merit-Based

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must pass their 10+2 or equivalent in any stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

Course Fees

INR 8,000-40,000

Top Colleges

IGNOU

Job Profiles

Aquaculture Technician, Fisheries Officer, Hatchery Manager, Farm Supervisor, Feed Sales Executive

Top Recruiters

Coastal Aquaculture Authority, private shrimp farms, and fish hatcheries

 

State Fisheries Departments, NFDB, MPEDA

 

Avanti Feeds, Growel Feeds, Godrej Agrovet

Average Salary in India

INR 2-4 LPA (Fresher)

 

INR 4-5.5 LPA (Mid-Level)

 

INR 6-8 LPA (Experienced)

 

What is a Diploma in Aquaculture?

A Diploma in Aquaculture is a one-year diploma program that provides both practical and theoretical knowledge about the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms such as fish, shrimp, and mollusks. This diploma course is generally prepared for students who are interested in fisheries, marine biology, or sustainable food production. It focuses on important topics such as nursery practices, water quality management, fish nutrition, aquaculture systems, and aquatic species disease control.

 

Diploma in Aquaculture program combines the educational content with effecient practical experience in animal breeding facilities or aquafarms. It supports the increasing need for sustainable farming methods and aquatic supplies of food by preparing students for positions in government fisheries departments, commercial aquaculture operations, or research institutes.

 

Why study a Diploma in Aquaculture?

Pursuing a Diploma in Aquaculture program offers students essential knowledge and practical skills to work in the growing aquaculture industry, which mainly focuses on the farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants.

 

There are several reasons why one should study this program are listed below:

  • This diploma course prepares students for the reality of working in aquaculture environments by focusing on practical skill development and practical experience.
  • When managed effectively, aquaculture provides a sustainable means of producing protein while solving issues related to global food security.
  • Training in conservation and eco-friendly activities can be a part of the diploma program.

 

Who should study for the Diploma in Aquaculture?

The Diploma in Aquaculture program is suitable for those candidates who are passionate about fisheries, aquatic farming, and sustainable food production.

 

There are various reasons to consider who should study this program, are mentioned below:

  • The diploma program prepares students for a variety of positions in the aquaculture industry, including water quality specialists, hatchery technicians, and fish farm operators.
  • Considering the diploma is a shorter course than a degree, it allows faster entry into the workforce.
  • A diploma in aquaculture program provides a starting point for candidates who want to pursue a Bachelor's degree in the Aquaculture field.
  • Sustainable food production totally depends on aquaculture, and for people who are interested in this area, earning a diploma in this field might be a fulfilling career decision.

 

Diploma in Aquaculture Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who want to enroll in the Diploma in Aquaculture program should meet some basic criteria. The requirements are mentioned below:

  • Candidates must pass their 10+2 or equivalent in any stream from a recognized board.
  • Candidates must obtain at least a minimum score of 50% in their 10+2 from a recognized board.

 

Diploma in Aquaculture Colleges in India

Candidates who want to enroll in the Diploma in Aquaculture program, each Indian college has different admission exam requirements.

 

A diploma in Aquaculture is primarily provided by the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi.

College Name

Location

Total Course Fees

NIRF Ranking

IGNOU

New Delhi

INR 8,000

1 (Open University)

 

Diploma in Aquaculture Admission Process 2025

Applicants who want to enroll in the Diploma in Aquaculture program are requested to complete the admission process in a specific college or university where they wish to enroll in the respective course of study named Diploma in Aquaculture. They required some necessary information regarding the admission process. Hence, provided below is the admission process at the IGNOU for your reference:

 

Step 1. Firstly, Candidates should visit the official website of IGNOU for verification and course fee payment.

 

Step 2. Click on the New Registration.

 

Step 3. Fill in the personal details and all relevant information.

 

Step 4. Pay the Admission fees.

 

Step 5. Download the confirmation page and receipt.

 

Step 6. IGNOU will verify your documents, and if accepted, you will receive an admission confirmation email/SMS.

 

Step 7. Attend the classes as per the given schedule.

 

Required Documents:

  • 10th & 12th mark sheets
  • Photo ID (Aadhar Card)
  • Passport‑size photos
  • Signature

 

Diploma in Aquaculture Syllabus

Every Indian college providing a Diploma in Aquaculture program uses the same course materials. Depending on the type of study the institute offers, the syllabus may change slightly. The syllabus for the Diploma in Aquaculture at IGNOU is given below for your reference:

Syllabus

Basic of Aquaculture

Coastal Aquaculture

Project

Laboratory

Freshwater Aquaculture

-

Laboratory

-

 

Diploma in Aquaculture Job Opportunities in India

Candidates who completed their Diploma in Aquaculture program in India have a wide range of job opportunities in the government sector, private sector, and public sector. The overall summary of the available positions is shown below:

Job Role

Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary

Aquaculture Technician

Coastal Aquaculture Authority, private shrimp farms, and fish hatcheries

0–2 years

INR 2.0-3.5 LPA

Fisheries Officer

State Fisheries Departments, NFDB, MPEDA

1–3 years

INR 3-5 LPA

Hatchery Manager

Avanti Feeds, Growel Feeds, Godrej Agrovet, and independent hatcheries

2–5 years

INR 4-6.5 LPA

Farm Supervisor

Private aquafarms (shrimp, tilapia, carp), aqua start-ups

0–2 years

INR 2.5-4 LPA

Feed Sales Executive

CP Aquaculture, Growel Feeds, Skretting, Avanti Feeds

0–3 years

INR 3-4.5 LPA

 

Diploma in Aquaculture FAQs

Are practicals involved in the Diploma in Aquaculture course?

Yes, the Diploma in Aquaculture course includes practical training, laboratory sessions, and sometimes field visits to aquaculture farms or hatcheries for effective and smooth working.

Is the Diploma in Aquaculture course available in distance mode?

Yes, there are some institutions like IGNOU that offer this program in distance learning mode, and this is suitable for working individuals or those from rural backgrounds.

Are scholarships available in the Diploma in Aquaculture program?

Yes. Many state governments, universities, and NGOs provide scholarships for economically weaker sections of society or reserved categories.

Can I pursue higher studies after this Diploma in Aquaculture program?

Yes, candidates can pursue a Bachelor's in Fisheries Science, B.Voc. in Aquaculture, or a Bachelor of Fisheries Science to increase their skills and experience.

Can a candidate start their own aquaculture business after this Diploma in Aquaculture course?

Yes, the scientific knowledge is required for starting fish farms, shrimp farms, or animal breeding facilities is provided by this Diploma in Aquaculture course. Aquaculture business owners can also apply for NABARD loans and government incentives.

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