BSc Aquaculture is a 3-year undergraduate course based on a semester system that deals with the Science of aquatic life which is not only about fish but also about the production, management, health, and other aspects of aquatic life.
It is a detailed study of functional forms of aquaculture including some insights about zoology and biochemistry.
Candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board in the science stream can apply for this course. The admissions to this course are either done on the basis of merit or an entrance test conducted by the respective college itself. BSc Aquaculture graduates can opt for MBA course or MSc course as it will enhance their academic career.
The only central entrance examination conducted for admitting students in the graduation course of BSc Aquaculture is the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Common Entrance Test. Read more about Top BSc Aquaculture colleges in India
Both regular and correspondence courses can be opted for pursuing BSc Aquaculture. There are various growth prospects after completing this course which is in the private as well as the public sector. However, the starting salary is nominal. Students get an average initial package of around INR 2-6 LPA after successful completion of this course.
Major subjects taught in the course are zoology, biochemistry, zoology, aquaculture, fishery, mollusks, etc. A student pursuing this course is likely to bag a job as an aquaculture consultant, Associate Research Scientist, Assistant Technical Manager, and Relationship Manager in Marine Product Export Development Authority, Export Inspection Agency, Coastal Aquaculture Authority of India, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India among others for research work.
See Also: Diploma in Aquaculture Course
BSc Aquaculture is yet not so common in India and only some of the Institutes offer this course. The average fees per annum to pursue this course are around INR 5k to 5 lacs.
BSc Aquaculture Course Highlights
| Course Level | Under Graduate Course |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester Examinations |
| Eligibility | Candidates should have passed 10+2 examinations with at least 70% marks in science stream (PCB) from a recognized board. |
| Admission Process | Merit Based/ Entrance Examination |
| Course Fee | INR 5k – INR 5 lacs |
| Average Salary | INR 2-6 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Area/Organization | Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Export Inspection Agency ( EIA), Indian National Centre for Ocean and Information Services(INCOIS), Hyderabad. |
| Job Positions | Aquaculture Consultant, Associate Research Scientist, Asst. Technical Manager, Relationship Manager, Teacher & Lecturer etc |
What is about BSc Aquaculture?
BSc Aquaculture is quite popular nowadays and can be described in the following points:-
- Aquaculture is the scientific study of aquatic life, its harvest, production, selling, and all the other aspects of every flora or fauna species existing or living in water.
- There are various topics that are inculcated in the course curriculum of BSc aquaculture like zoology, biochemistry, and botany of every aquatic species.
- BSc Aquaculture deals with various scientific aspects about nature, health issues, harvesting, marketing of aquatic life and its flora and fauna.
- There are various future prospects after completion of BSc Aquaculture. A student can work in Indian National Centre for Ocean and Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, MPEDA, EIA, Coastal Aquaculture Authority of India (CAA), and National Institute of Oceanography (NIO),
- BSc Aquaculture students gain knowledge about the scientific facts about aquatic life with respect to the health issues, harvesting, production, marketing and other aspect can choose this course.
Here are some reasons to justify why BSc Aquaculture should be chosen:-
- BSc Aquaculture opens various career options in different fields and organizations. The student with this course can work in private sector and government sector organisations. After completion of BSc aquaculture, jobs of aquatic harvest, quality assurance, health aspects, environmental effects and event management are available.
- Most of the jobs are related to research of aquatic life, hence needs an excellent aptitude along with reasoning based and language expertise.
- The study of scientific and natural aspects of aquatic evolution and the study of aquaculture harvest with all the flora and fauna species make the course interesting to study.
- The course is popular internationally and has a lot of job opportunities which can be bagged worldwide after completing this course.
- The package offered is reasonable ranging from INR 2,00,000 to INR 6,00,000 as per the post offered and more working experience.
- Aquaculture is a novel course with increasing popularity, hence it can be interesting as well as demanding which will open up opportunities in a better way.
What is the Admission Process followed for BSc Aquaculture?
The BSc Aquaculture admission process usually takes place on the basis of merit. But some colleges take admission through their own entrance exams. Below given is a detailed process on how to take admission in BSc Aquaculture.
Follow the steps given below for securing admission to a BSc Aquaculture college:
- Step 1: Signup on the university’s or the college’s official website and do the registration.
- Step 2: After logging in, go through all the instructions/ rules and follow the steps accordingly.
- Step 3: Fill up the application form and Register for the entrance exams (if any)
- Step 4: Upload the list of required documents into the online portal.
- Step 6: Submit your form and pay the mentioned application fees.
- Step 7: Wait for the college to update you via email, message or phone call.
What is the Eligibility for taking admission in BSc Aquaculture?
A candidate who is willing to take admission in BSc Aquaculture should pass the following eligibility criteria:-
- Candidates should have passed 10+2 examinations in science stream with Physics, chemistry and biology as the main subjects from a recognized board.
- Minimum aggregate marks scored by the candidate should be 70%.
| BSc Agriculture Eligibility | BSc Computer Science Eligibility | BSc Biotechnology Eligibility |
| BSc Psychology Eligibility | BSc Microbiology Eligibility | BSc IT Eligibility |
BSc Aquaculture Entrance Examinations
Some of the institutes organize an entrance exam of the college itself and some offer admission based on the entrance exam. The only central level examination which is held for admission in this course is the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Common Entrance Test considered by few colleges for selection. However, most of the universities grant admission on merit basis.
| Name of the Exams | Registration Dates | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| NPAT | December 01, 2022 – May 21, 2023 | January 04, 2023 – May 31, 2023 |
| CUET | April 2023 | May 21 – 31, 2023 |
| CUCET | November 28 - May 29, 2023 | November 28 - May 30, 2023 |
| SET | December 10 – April 12, 2023 | May 06, 2023 (Test 1) May 14, 2023 (Test 2) |
How to Prepare for BSc Aquaculture entrance examinations?
- Search for all the topics which are included in the BSc Aquaculture and read the topics as per the syllabus planning.
- You should have some background or knowledge in the respective subject and strong command on language.
- Practice previous year question papers to keep a check on exam patterns.
- For the general aptitude test, practice more questions related to logical reasoning and aptitude.
- Study the biology topics covered at school level thoroughly. Do check the basics of chemistry and physics as well.
How to get admission in a good college offering BSc Aquaculture?
For getting admission in a good college for BSc Aquaculture, following points needs to be considered:-
- Search about all the institutes offering BSc aquaculture and sort the best out of them keeping in mind all the necessary points.
- Go through the college brochure completely and try to learn all the details about the college including placement offers and facilities.
- Keep a regular check on the admission updates and follow that carefully
- Learn about the entrance exam subject properly and try to have in-depth knowledge of the same.
- Language evaluation is also done by some institutes for this course. So, be fluent in any one language for passing the entrance examination.
- Prepare for the 10+2 examination or the entrance examinations well.
Checkout: Top BSc Colleges in India
Syllabus for BSc Aquaculture
Semester Wise Syllabus which is followed by most of the university in the course of BSc Aquaculture is:-
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Invertebrate & Protochordate Biology | Computational and Analytical methods in Aquaculture-II |
| Practical I - Covering the Core Courses I & III | Freshwater Aquaculture |
| Biochemistry for Aquaculture I | Farm management and Water qualities studies |
| Practical | Microbial Infections, Disease Diagnosis and Control measures |
| Practical I-Covering the Core Courses I & III | Post-harvest Technology |
| Vertebrate Biology | Practical III covering the core courses VII, VIII & IX |
| Practical | Microbial Biotechnology |
| Biochemistry for Aquaculture II | Fish Nutrition and Feed Management |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| An Introduction to Genera; Biology and Physiology of Cultivable species. | Fishing Gears and Crafts |
| Practical II-Covering the Core Courses IV & VI | Practical IV–Covering the Core Courses XI & XII |
| Computational and Analytical methods in Aquaculture I | Immunology |
| Practical | Aquaculture Biotechnology |
| Ornamental Fish-culture | Farm Engineering and Aquaculture techniques |
| Practical II–Covering the Core Courses IV & VI | Practical |
Recommended Books for BSc Aquaculture
Important Books which can be followed while studying BSc Aquaculture are-
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology : Genetic Approach | Rex, A, Dunham |
| Aquaculture Ecosystem : Adaptability and sustainability | Rossita Shapawi, |
| A textbook of Fish biology and fisheries | H.R. Singh |
| Aquaculture Principles and Practices | TVR Pillay & MN Kutty |
| Aquaculture: Farming aquatic animals | Olando Martin |
*Various books and research guides are available for the course of BSc Aquaculture based on a particular subject.
Top Colleges for pursuing BSc Aquaculture
Listed below are some of the top institutes offering the course in India:-
| College Name | City | Average Fees per annum | Average Package Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | INR 22,854 | INR 3 LPA |
| Acharya Ng Ranga Agricultural University | Hyderabad, Telangana | INR 14,400 | INR 2.3 LPA |
| Punjab Agricultural University | Ludhiana, Punjab | INR 12,990 | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth | Pune, Maharashtra | INR 37,500 | INR 4 LPA |
| Sam Higginbottom Institute Of Agriculture Technology and Sciences | Allahabad | INR 70,000 | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University | Jaipur, Rajasthan | INR 50,500 | INR 4.2 LPA |
BSc Aquaculture College Comparison
There are various colleges offering BSc Aquaculture. Below is a detailed comparison of top 3 colleges for BSc Aquaculture
| College Name | Acharya Ng Ranga Agricultural University | Sam Higginbottom Institute Of Agriculture Technology and Sciences | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Hyderabad | Allahabad | Coimbatore |
| Overview | ANGRAU is a state university offering various UG, PG, Ph.D., and Polytechnic courses in the streams like Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Home Science, etc. | SHUATS was established in 1910 in Allahabad. It is NAAC accredited with an ‘A’ grade and also categorized by MHRD, Govt. of India as ‘A’. | TNAU is an agricultural university established in 1971 located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is recognized by UGC and functions in accordance with the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Education. |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 14,400 | INR 70,000 | INR 22,800 |
| Eligibility | Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) | Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) | Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) |
| Admission | Merit Based/ Entrance Test | Merit Based + Personal Interview | Merit Based |
| Average Annual Placement Package | INR 3-6 LPA | INR 2-3 LPA | INR 2-3 LPA |
Distance Education opportunity in BSc Aquaculture
The BSc Aquaculture distance course or correspondence course is done by the students who are doing some other course or job with the BSc Aquaculture course. However, regular course students are given more importance in jobs. There are various universities and institutes in India offering BSc Aquaculture Distance Learning programme. The syllabus and curriculum for both distance learning and regular course is the same.
The eligibility criteria for admission to a correspondence program or distance learning of course is the same as the regular course
Top distance education universities for BSc Aquaculture are mentioned below -
| College/Institute | Location | Fees per Annum |
|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | Delhi, Ahmedabad | INR 26,000 |
BSc Aquaculture Course Comparison
BSc Aquaculture vs BSc Agriculture
BSc Aquaculture and BSc Agriculture are two extensive research-based courses related to the science of nature; however, the course structure is very different for both the courses. Here are the major differences between these two courses:-
BSc Aquaculture Vs. BSc Agriculture
Following is the table differentiating both on various aspects:-
| Parameters | BSc Aquaculture | BSc Agriculture |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Bachelor of Science in aquaculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture |
| Course Overview | BSc Aquaculture is a 3-year undergraduate course based on a semester system which deals with aquatic life and its species, including their production, marketing, health, and even harvesting. | BSc Agriculture is a 4-year undergraduate course that deals with genetics, microbiology, soil science, and some other aspects related to plant or Agri product harvest. |
| Eligibility | 10+2 examination from a recognized board | 10+2 examination from a recognized board |
| Admission Process | Entrance examination/ Merit Based | Entrance examination / Merit-based |
| Average Annual Fee | INR 5K to 5 lacs | INR 2 lacs to 3 lacs |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 2 lakhs to 6 lakhs | INR 3 lakhs to INR 6 lakhs |
| Recruitment sectors | Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Export Inspection Agency ( EIA), Coastal Aquaculture Authority of India (CAA), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), | DuPont India, Rallis India Limited, Advanta Limited, National Agro Industries, Rasi Seeds, ABT Industries, and others such. |
| Top Job Profiles | Aquaculture Consultant, Associate Research Scientist, Asst. Technical Manager, Relationship Manager, Teacher & Lecturer, etc. | Agriculture Officer, Assistant Plantation Manager, Agricultural Research Scientist, Business Development Executive, Marketing Executive, etc. |
Job Prospects and Career Option after BSc Aquaculture
BSc Aquaculture is a course which opens doors for the students in various sectors. There are ample job opportunities and a number of fields where an aquaculture expert can work. From the education sector to the research or business sector, students after BSc in aquaculture are in demand everywhere. There are decent jobs after BSc Aquaculture in conservation, health, harvesting, sustainability, marketing of aquatic flora and fauna.
The job opportunities for students with BSc Aquaculture are not limited to the private sector but also expand in the government sector as well. After BSc Aquaculture completion, one can work in government organizations, research institutes, government agencies, schools, colleges, and universities. Aquaculture research at both centre and state level are conducted by students with specialisation.
Below is a detailed description about the Job opportunities after BSc Aquaculture and the salary trend:-
| Job Title | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Aquaculture Consultant | Their main role is to consult and advise people on the Aquaculture industry, their rearing and how to make the aquaculture process successful. | INR 2 to 4 Lacs |
| Associate Research Scientist | They arrange and execute the aquaculture data with research and technical approach. | INR 2 to 10 Lacs |
| Asst. Technical Manager | Assistant Technical manager looks upon the methodology from rearing to manufacturing and then marketing of the fishery and aquaculture flora and fauna | INR 7 to 10 Lacs |
| Aquaculturist | Aquaculturists are professionals who understand the growth, development, and production of aquatic animals. | INR 1 to 3 Lacs |
| Marketing Manager | They monitor, manage, and protect wild fish stocks, rivers, lakes, and other habitats where they live. | INR 3-4 lacs |
Salary Trend
BSc Aquaculture offers vast job opportunities with a firm package. The starting salary per annum after BSc Aquaculture is between INR 2 lacs and INR 3 lacs. After an experience of a few years, the salary trend increases to INR 4-5 lacs.
What is the Future Scope of BSc Aquaculture?
BSc Aquaculture is a holistic and interdisciplinary course. The person with BSc Aquaculture can choose from a lot of options for future prospects and career options. Some of them are:-
- Students with BSc Aquaculture can work as Aquaculture Consultant, Associate Research Scientist, Asst. Technical Manager, Relationship Manager, Teacher & Lecturer etc.
- The successful completion of BSc Aquaculture can lead to some jobs in organizations like Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Export Inspection Agency ( EIA), Indian National Centre for Ocean and Information Services(INCOIS), Hyderabad.
- Students who want to pursue further studies can opt for MSc, MPhil and then PhD in the same field. Higher Studies in the same course will brush up the knowledge of a student and will develop a more research thinking.
- For studying the marketing aspect in-depth, an aquaculture graduate can also opt for an MBA course.
BSc Aquaculture FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between BSc Aquaculture and BSc Fisheries?
Ans. Aquaculture is the study of the entire aquatic culture, be it flora or fauna. It is not specific to the production, harvesting, and marketing of only a particular aquatic species. However, BSc fisheries are only about the study of fish, their life, production, cultivation, and all other aspects.
Ques. What can be done with BSc Aquaculture?
Ans. After BSc Aquaculture, one can work in private or government sector as an Aquaculture Consultant, Associate Research Scientist, Assistant Technical Manager, Relationship Manager, and Teacher & Lecturer etc.
Ques. Is BSc Aquaculture hard?
Ans. Aquaculture is a diverse subject with various different aspects to study. It is an integrated course and needs research thinking to carry forward the course. Moreover, it needs a lot of fieldwork at faraway places, so at times is considered a bit hard. However, the person interested in aquatic life research would love to study this course.
Ques. Is BSc Aquaculture all about fish farming and fisheries?
Ans. BSc Aquaculture is not only about fish farming and fisheries. It deals with scientific level practicality. It also includes the study of molluscs, corals, and other flora fauna existing in aquatic culture. It gives an in-depth analysis of management, production, marketing, health, and safety issues too.
Ques. What are the advanced courses which can be pursued after BSc Aquaculture?
Ans. After successful completion of BSc in Aquaculture, a student can pursue MSc, MPhil or PhD in aquaculture specialisation.
Ques. How common is BSc Aquaculture?
Ans. BSc Aquaculture is not very common in India but is gaining popularity with time. However, BSc Aquaculture holds a significant importance internationally.
Ques. What are the growth prospects after completing BSc Aquaculture?
Ans. In India, Aquaculture is gaining importance with time. It is estimated by various agencies that the growth of this field is likely to be doubled in just 10 years. Hence, an aquaculture expert is likely to earn more with time.
Ques. What is the basic fee structure in BSc Aquaculture?
Ans. The average annual fee for BSc Aquaculture course varies from 5K to 5 lacs based on the college.
Ques. What are the documents required for admissions in BSc Aquaculture?
Ans. Following documents are required for admissions in BSc Aquaculture :-
-
School leaving certificate
-
Transfer certificate
-
Domicile certificate/ residential proof or certificate
-
Provisional certificate
-
Character certificate
-
Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Caste certificates
-
Proof of disability (if any)
-
Migration Certificate
-
Passing certificate/ Degree certificate
-
Age proof
-
No objection Certificate
Ques. Is it compulsory to have biology as a main subject in 10+2 examination?
Ans. Yes, it is compulsory to have biology as the main subject to pass the eligible criteria for admission in BSc aquaculture.
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