Agriculture & Environment · Govt

Fisheries Development Officer

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

A Fisheries Development Officer helps improve fish farming, hatcheries, seed production, and aquaculture projects in government systems. In India, this role is usually entered through state-level recruitment after a BFSc or related fisheries qualification, with work in rural development, extension, and field supervision.

Who it's for: Best for students who like biology, agriculture, fieldwork, and government service, and are comfortable working with farmers, ponds, hatcheries, and district-level development programs.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: state
Key exam: State
Min qualification: BFSc + State
Duration: 4-5 yr
Starting salary: 4-8 LPA (approx, as of 2025; varies by state pay rules, allowances, and cadre)
Sector: Govt
Category: Agriculture & Environment

Subjects / Stream

BiologyAgricultureChemistryEnvironmental ScienceFishery ScienceScience stream

Step-by-step path

  1. Choose Science in Class 11-12, preferably with Biology.
  2. Complete BFSc or a related fisheries degree from a recognized institute.
  3. Check your state public service commission or fisheries department notifications for Fisheries Development Officer posts.
  4. Prepare for the state-level written exam, interview, and document verification if applicable.
  5. Apply when eligible, usually after graduation and within the state-prescribed age limit.
  6. Join the department and begin field-based work in fisheries development, extension, and scheme implementation.

Key exams

State PSC exam - recruitmentState fisheries department exam - recruitmentBFSc entrance exam - admissionICAR AIEEA - admissionState-level agriculture/fisheries entrance - admission

Top institutes / boards

Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), MumbaiICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), KochiICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), KochiTamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, NagapattinamWest Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, KolkataKerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi

Similar careers

Fisheries Extension OfficerAssistant Fisheries OfficerAquaculture OfficerFishery InspectorMarine Biologist
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Frequently asked questions

What is a Fisheries Development Officer in India?
It is a government role focused on improving fish farming, hatcheries, aquaculture, and fisheries schemes. Officers work with farmers, local bodies, and department teams to increase production and support rural livelihoods.
What is the minimum qualification for Fisheries Development Officer?
In many states, BFSc is the common minimum qualification. Some recruitments may accept related fisheries or allied degrees, but you must check the specific state notification.
Which exam is needed for Fisheries Development Officer?
Usually a state-level recruitment exam conducted by the state PSC or fisheries department. The exact exam name changes by state and vacancy.
Is there a central government exam for this post?
Usually no single central exam is used for this post. Most Fisheries Development Officer recruitments are through state government notifications and state-level selection.
Can I become a Fisheries Development Officer after 12th?
Not directly. You generally need to complete BFSc or an equivalent fisheries degree first, then apply for state recruitment when vacancies are announced.
Which stream should I choose in Class 11-12?
Science is the best choice, especially with Biology. Agriculture or related vocational science backgrounds can also help, depending on the college admission rules.
How many years does it take to become job-ready?
Typically about 4-5 years after Class 12, including a 4-year BFSc and time for exam preparation and recruitment.
What is the salary of a Fisheries Development Officer?
Starting pay is often around 4-8 LPA approximately as of 2025, but it depends on the state pay matrix, allowances, and posting location.
Is the salary fixed across all states?
No. State government pay rules differ. Basic pay, grade level, and allowances can vary by state and by the exact post title.
What is the age limit for this job?
Age limits vary by state recruitment rules. Many state exams keep a general range around the early 20s to early 30s, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Are there reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD candidates?
Yes, state government recruitments usually follow the reservation rules of that state and the applicable government policy. Exact benefits are given in the official notification.
Can girls apply for Fisheries Development Officer posts?
Yes. Women can apply if they meet the educational and age criteria. The job is open to eligible candidates of all genders.
Is fieldwork required in this profession?
Yes, often. The role usually involves visits to ponds, hatcheries, farms, and rural project sites, along with office and reporting work.
What skills are important for this career?
Biology knowledge, communication, field observation, problem-solving, report writing, and comfort with rural development work are important.
Which institutes are good for BFSc in India?
Good options include fisheries universities and ICAR-linked institutes such as CIFE, CMFRI, CIFT, and state fisheries universities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.
What is the fee for BFSc?
Fees vary widely by institute and state. Government colleges are usually more affordable than private colleges, but you should check the latest official fee structure.
Is this a good career for someone who likes government jobs?
Yes, if you want a stable state government role and are interested in agriculture, animal resources, and field-based development work.
What are the promotion and scope opportunities?
With experience, officers can move into senior fisheries administration, district-level supervision, scheme implementation, and technical leadership roles in the department.
Is this career right for me?
It may suit you if you enjoy science, outdoor work, and public service. If you prefer only desk work or urban corporate jobs, it may feel less suitable.
What should I do first if I want this career?
Choose Science with Biology, target BFSc admission, and keep track of your state fisheries department and PSC recruitment notifications after graduation.

Figures are indicative and source-stamped with an "as of" year (2025). Confirm on the official exam authority website before deciding.

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