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Ichthyologist

Ichthyologists are scientists who study fish — their kinds, biology, behaviour and habitats. There is no single entrance exam; the route is through zoology or fisheries science.

Class 11–12 subjectsPhysics, Chemistry, Biology
Entrance / admissionTNJFU admission / CUET UG
DegreeB.F.Sc or B.Sc Zoology + M.F.Sc / M.Sc
Duration5–6 years, plus PhD for research

Your route, step by step

  1. 1Class 11–12: take PCBAnimal diversity and ecology in Biology are the base; an interest in rivers, the sea and fish helps.
  2. 2B.F.Sc or B.Sc ZoologyB.F.Sc (4 years) at TNJFU on Class 12 marks, or B.Sc Zoology (3 years).
  3. 3M.F.Sc or M.ScFish biology, fisheries resource management or aquaculture.
  4. 4Research or fisheries servicePhD through CSIR-UGC NET or ICAR fellowships; fisheries officer posts through TNPSC.

What an ichthyologist does

  • Identify and classify fish species
  • Study fish breeding, growth and health
  • Survey rivers, lakes and seas
  • Advise on fisheries and conservation

Entrance exams & admission

  • TNJFU admissionB.F.Sc on Class 12 marks
  • CUET UGCentral universities
  • CSIR-UGC NETPhD fellowships
  • TNPSCState fisheries posts

Where you may work

Fisheries research institutes, fisheries departments, universities, aquaculture farms, museums and conservation projects.

Well-known colleges in and near Tamil Nadu

  • Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University
  • Annamalai University (CAS in Marine Biology)

Official links

Links checked: Oct 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.

Outlook

A niche research field linked to India’s large fisheries sector; most jobs are in research institutes and fisheries departments.

Specialise later

  • Fish taxonomy
  • Fish genetics
  • Aquaculture
  • Fish health
  • Freshwater fisheries