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PCB streamEntrance: Class 12 marksLife sciences & research

Marine Biologist

Marine biologists study life in the sea — fish, corals, seaweeds and plankton — and how to protect oceans and fisheries.

Class 11–12 subjectsPhysics, Chemistry, Biology
Entrance / admissionClass 12 marks / CUET UG
DegreeB.Sc Zoology / B.F.Sc + M.Sc Marine Biology
Duration5–6 years

Your route, step by step

  1. 1Class 11–12: take PCBBiology and Chemistry; swimming helps for fieldwork.
  2. 2B.Sc Zoology or B.F.Sc · 3–4 yearsB.Sc on Class 12 marks or CUET UG; B.F.Sc (Fisheries Science) at TNJFU on Class 12 marks.
  3. 3M.Sc Marine Biology · 2 yearsAnnamalai University’s Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Parangipettai, is a well-known option.
  4. 4Research or workPhD via CSIR-UGC NET, or jobs with fisheries and marine institutes.

What a marine biologist does

  • Collect samples on boats and along the coast
  • Study coral reefs, mangroves and marine animals
  • Monitor pollution and climate effects on the sea
  • Advise on sustainable fishing and coastal protection

Entrance exams & admission

  • Class 12 marksB.Sc and TNJFU admissions in Tamil Nadu
  • CUET UGCentral universities
  • CSIR-UGC NETPhD fellowships

Where you may work

Marine research institutes, fisheries departments, coastal universities, aquaculture companies and conservation NGOs.

Well-known colleges in and near Tamil Nadu

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

Official links

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

Outlook

Tamil Nadu’s long coastline and the Gulf of Mannar reefs make marine science relevant here; research jobs are competitive.

Specialise later

  • Coral reef ecology
  • Fisheries biology
  • Marine conservation
  • Aquaculture
  • Ocean & climate research