The Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc) is a 2-year postgraduate course that teaches students about the science, management, and technology of aquaculture, fisheries and marine environments. The main topics of the course are growing fish for long-term production, controlling diseases and the economy of fish farming and marine resources. It gets students ready for jobs in study, government agencies, private aquaculture businesses and managing marine resources.
Candidates who want to join an MFSc course must have completed Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.) from a recognised university. Most colleges require at least 50-60% marks in the UG degree. Most of the time, entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA (PG) or university-level tests like CIFNET, OUATCEE or TANUVAS exams are used to decide who gets in. Some colleges also do interviews or look at how well students have done in college.
They can work as Fisheries Officers, Aquaculture Technologists, Hatchery Managers, Marine Biologists, Fish Pathologists or Research Scientists after finishing the training. There are jobs for them in marine research centres, aquaculture farms, seafood export companies, state fisheries offices and NGOs that work on sustainable fisheries. For freshers, the salary ranges from INR 3.5 to 6 LPA. For more experience, people working in leadership, consulting or R&D can make INR 10 to 15 LPA especially on foreign projects or in government-backed marine development programs.
Table of Contents
MFSc Key Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the Master of Fisheries Science course in India:
What is a MFSc?
Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc) is an advanced degree that takes two years to complete. It is for people who want to work in marine resource management, aquaculture or fisheries. People who like water life, raising fish, making seafood, and using water resources in a way that doesn't harm the environment will really enjoy this. This course is mostly about learning how to raise, care for, and control fish and other water animals for food, the environment, and the economy.
The students have a mix of science, practical skills, and new technology. Students learn about fish biology, farming, controlling water quality, fish nutrition, treating fish diseases, breeding, genetics, and the business of fishing. There is also hands-on training, lab work, study projects and jobs at fish farms or research centres as part of the program. Students also learn about fishing rules, protecting the ocean, and how fishers help make sure there is enough food for everyone. Data from the real world, current lab equipment and farm management software are all used to learn more about and improve food production in bodies of water.
Why Study MFSc?
Getting a Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc) can help you get good jobs in farming, marine study, government work and the seafood industry around the world. There are several important reasons why people pick this course:
- Growing Need for Sustainable Aquaculture: As the world's population grows, so does the need for sustainable fish farming, responsible aquaculture and better control of fishing. The MFSc students learn how to meet this need by combining science farming methods with knowledge of how to take care of the earth.
- Many Job Opportunities: Graduates can work as nursery managers, marine biologists, study scientists, fisheries workers or advisors for both national and international groups. Other people go into business for themselves and run their own fish farms or they work for environmental groups or companies that sell seafood.
- Research-based, hands on learning: The course combines theory with real world use through farm training, water tests, fish breeding and disease control. They also do study projects and jobs with private aquaculture companies or government agencies like ICAR and MPEDA.
Who should study MFSc?
A Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc) is a great degree for people who are interested in working with nature through science, marine life and long-term food sources. People who want to change the future of fishing, aquaculture and marine environments should take this course. Potential students should consider this training if they are interested in or want to achieve the following:
- These are college students who have studied biology, zoology, fishing, aquaculture, marine science, or animal science and want to learn more about food systems in water and the health of aquatic animals.
- This is for anyone who wants to learn more about fish farming, ocean environment, fisheries technology, or how fish are bred, raised, controlled, and sold.
- These are the people who want to work as fishing officers, aquaculture experts, marine researchers, nursery managers, or for environmental or seafood companies in the United States and other countries.
- People who want to start small aquaculture businesses, fish farms or seafood preparation plants but need science training and management experience to do well.
- People who already work in aquaculture, fishing, or study labs and want to improve their skills, learn more about new technology, or become leaders in public or private organisations.
MFSc Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in BFSc in India, candidates have to meet some educational and admission requirements. Without fulfilling these criteria, it is not possible to enter the course. Mentioned below are the BFSc eligibility criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc), Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Zoology, or a related biological science discipline from a recognized university or institution.
- Some universities specify a minimum age of 19 years or above.
- Minimum marks requirement is usually around 50-55% aggregate, with relaxation for reserved categories depending on the institution.
- Admission is often based on a common entrance test such as ICAR AIEAA PG, CIFNET, TANUVAS, OUAT CEE and others.
MFSc Entrance Exams 2025
For pursuing a MFSc in India, various national/state/university-level entrance examinations are required to be taken. Some of the top MFSc entrance examinations in India are given below:
MFSc Best Colleges in India
Various institutions in India are offering a MFSc course, each institute has got some entrance exam criteria for admitting students. Some of the best colleges in India for MFSc are given below:
MFSc Admission Process 2025
The admission process to enroll into the MFSc program is similar for all colleges. Fore reference, the admission process at SAGE University for the MFSc programs is given below:
Step 1: Go to the website of the college or university that offers the MFSc program. Examples include ICAR, the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, state farming universities, and more. Complete the online application form with information about yourself, your college, and how to reach you. You can pay the registration fee online and upload scanned copies of your picture and signature.
Step 2: Take the ICAR AIEEA (PG) entrance exam. This is the most popular test in India for getting into MFSc programs. You will be tested on your general information, biology, chemistry, and your understanding of fisheries. Some colleges might have their own tests for getting in.
Step 3: Log in to the ICAR or university page with your login information to see your score and All India Rank (AIR). Keep an eye on the cut-off marks, as they can be different for each group and college.
Step 4: Sign up for online therapy through ICAR or the college website. Fill in the names of the college and MFSc specialisations you want to study, such as aquaculture, fish genetics, fish disease and so on. Please upload the necessary files, such as grade reports, photo IDs, and, if necessary, race or category certificates.
Step 5: The system will assign you a college and course based on your AIR, selections, and available seats. If you were chosen, you must pay the seat acceptance fee by the due date to confirm your spot.
Step 6: Go to the college that was given to you in person with your original papers and copies of them for proof. Bring with you your scorecard from the entrance test, your degree certificates, your mark sheets, passport-sized photos, proof of who you are and any category awards you may have.
Step 7: Follow the college's instructions and pay the rest of the tuition and fees. Once your papers are checked and your payment is processed, the college will send you an official admissions statement.
Required Documents:
- 10th and 12th mark sheets
- ID proofs
- Transfer certificate
- Character certificate
- Medical certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
MFSc Syllabus
The syllabus for MFSc in India is more or less the same in the colleges offering the course. The syllabus may slightly differ depending on the curriculum followed by the institute. For reference, the syllabus for MFSc at Annamalai University is given below:
Students interested in dealing with animals can check Master of Veterinary Sciences (MvSc)
MFSc Job Opportunities in India
MFSc graduates can have job roles in multiple fields, including Fisheries Biologist, Fisheries Officer / Extension Officer, Aquaculture Manager / Specialist, Fishery Manager, Research Scientist / Research Assistant and others. Some of the common job roles for MFSc graduates in India are given below:
MFSc FAQs
In MFSc, what kinds of projects do people work on?
MFSc students work on real-world projects that involve aquaculture, testing the quality of the water, fish feeding, hatchery management and stopping marine diseases. In the lab, some people also study fish genes or raise fish. A lot of students write reports, case studies, and research papers based on the places they visit or work as interns, like fishing departments, private farms or research centres.
Do MFSc students get to do work that is based in the field or in the business world?
Yes! A lot of the time, MFSc programs include field training, internships, and work experience with seafood companies, marine schools, aquaculture farms, and fisheries offices. Students go to hatcheries, test sources of water, run aquaculture ponds, and help catch fish. This helps them use what they've learnt in the classroom to solve problems in the real world of fishing.
What kinds of tools do MFSc students learn how to use?
Some of the tools that MFSc students learn how to use are microscopes, water testing kits, pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters, and tools for taking samples of fish. They learn about fish anatomy and science in the labs. It is also used for study with statistical software like SPSS or R, as well as lab tech for genetics, nutrition testing, and disease detection.
What kinds of jobs do MFSc graduates get?
Aquaculture experts, nursery managers, fisheries officers, fish nutritionists, quality control officers, and study scientists are all jobs that graduates can get. They can work for marine study centres, hatcheries, seafood export companies, state fisheries offices, and companies that make fish food. Some also become teachers, start their own fish farms, or get their PhD.
