College of Fisheries

The College of Fisheries, Dholi, is one of the oldest colleges in the fisheries sector in the country, offering undergraduate and post-graduate professional degree programs. It was officially established on November 5, 1986, following approval by the Board of Management, than Rajendra Agricultural University during its meeting on August 26, 1986. Thus, this college became the 7^th Fisheries College in the country operating under the Agricultural University Education System. The first batch of students was enrolled in the academic session of 1986-87, with the classes commenced on January 13, 1987.

The College is situated in Dholi Parisar, approximately 25 km from Muzaffarpur, the district headquarters, and about 10 km from the university headquarters along the Muzaffarpur – Pusa road. The place is well connected with airports at Patna (110 km) and Darbhanga (53 km). The nearest railway station is Dholi.

Courses Offered

A. Bachelor Degree Programme : (Duration : 4 Years )

1. Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.)

Admission of Indian nationals to the B.F.Sc. programme is taken by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through the ICAR-AIEEA (UG) examination, held annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Eligible subjects for this examination include PCB, PCMB, or Inter-Agriculture in Higher Secondary/10+2/Intermediate.

For Foreign/NRI/PIO/SAARC/ASIAN/AFRICAN nationals, admission is through ICAR or nomination by their respective country’s embassy. Applicants can also apply directly to RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India, with RPCAU obtaining clearance from DARE/MEA, Government of India. Candidates can apply when admissions are announced on the university website (www.rpcau.ac.in).

Present Intake Capacity: 44 (Forty-four)

Residential Requirements

 Course Curriculum

In accordance with the 6^th Dean’s Committee Report, the college currently offers a curriculum comprising a total of 172+10 (Non-gradial) credit hours, distributed among seven departments.

Additionally, students are encouraged to learn the French/German language at both beginner and intermediate levels. This offers them numerous advantages, including the improvement of communication skills, the enrichment of cultural understanding, and the broadening of professional opportunities.

 Scholarship

• As part of the Agricultural Road Map initiative, the Government of Bihar is awarding a monthly scholarship of ₹ 2,000 to all students having domicile of Bihar enrolled in the B.F.Sc. program. In addition, an annual grant of ₹ 6,000 is also extended to assist them in purchasing books and stationary supplies.
• After the accreditation the National Talent Scholarships (NTS) are available to every student who is admitted through an ICAR at any Agricultural University located in a state different from their domicile state at a rate of ₹ 3,000 per month for the entire duration of their study.

 B. Master Degree Programme : (Duration : 2 Years )

 Admission of Indian nationals to the M.F.Sc. programmes is taken by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through the ICAR-AIEEA (PG) examination, held annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

In-service candidates from Central/State Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, and industry-sponsored candidates may also apply for the program through the proper channel or their employer under their academic upgradation scheme.

Foreign/NRI/PIO/SAARC/ASIAN/AFRICAN nationals seeking admission to PG and PhD programs can apply directly to RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India. RPCAU will obtain clearance from DARE/MEA, Government of India. Candidates should apply via email (asst.registrar_exam@rpcau.ac.in) when admissions are announced on the university website (www.rpcau.ac.in).

Present Intake Capacity

 Residential Requirements

 Course Curriculum

In accordance with the recommendations of the Broad Subject Matter Area (BSMA) Committees Report to ensure uniform system of education.

 Scholarship

ICAR-PG scholarship through AIEEA (PG) is awarded by ICAR to candidates having domicile other than Bihar at a rate of ₹ 5,000 per month for the duration of their study.

C. PhD Programme : (Duration : 3 Years )

Admission of Indian nationals to the Ph.D. programs at RPCAU is conducted through the AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.), organized annually by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through the National Testing Agency (NTA).

In-service candidates from Central/State Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, and industry-sponsored professionals may also apply through the proper channel, under their respective academic upgradation schemes, with due approval from their employer.

Foreign nationals, including NRI/PIO/SAARC/Asian/African candidates, may apply directly to RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India. RPCAU will obtain the necessary clearances from DARE and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. Such candidates must apply via email at asst.registrar_exam@rpcau.ac.in once admissions are announced on the university website: www.rpcau.ac.in.

 Present Intake Capacity

Course Curriculum

In accordance with the recommendations of the Broad Subject Matter Area (BSMA) Committees Report to ensure uniform system of education.

Research Projects

 Ongoing Projects

 1. Externally Funded

2. University Funded Project

Academic Training

The VIII^th Semester of the undergraduate programme is dedicated to providing hands-on training to students. It comprises components such as In-plant/Industry Attachment, Experiential Learning Programme (ELP), Rural Fisheries Work Experience (RFWE), Project Work, and a Seminar. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster an entrepreneurial culture, instill a deep respect for entrepreneurship, and highlight its vital contribution to society. In the year 2025, students are being attached to the AU–Avanti Aquaculture Skill Development Centre, Visakhapatnam, as part of their experiential learning programme. The training includes hands-on exposure at both the shrimp hatchery facility and the shrimp farming operations of the Centre, providing practical insight into advanced aquaculture practices.

Farmers Training

Farmers’ Training at the College of Fisheries is a vital extension activity aimed at empowering fish farmers with the latest scientific knowledge, practical skills, and sustainable aquaculture practices. The training programmes cover a wide range of topics, including fish seed production, pond management, integrated fish farming, ornamental fisheries, fish disease management, and value addition. These sessions are designed to be interactive and field-oriented, ensuring that farmers can directly apply the techniques in their own settings. By bridging the gap between research and practice, the college plays a crucial role in enhancing fish productivity, improving livelihoods, and promoting environmentally responsible aquaculture in the region.

During the year 2024–25, the College of Fisheries, with financial assistance from the Fisheries Department, Government of Bihar, successfully organized 10 training programmes of 6 days duration each, covering farmers from 10 different districts of Bihar. Additionally, with support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, the college conducted 6 training programmes of 3 days duration each. Of these, 3 programmes focused on the value addition of fish for the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, and the remaining 3 programmes were on the breeding and rearing of ornamental fishes.

Achievements (2024-25):

Total Farmers Trained: 450

Female Participants: 97 (21.55%)

Farmers Started Self-Employment: 30+

Participation of Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST): More than 40%

Learning Resources

• The classrooms at CoF, Dholi provide an excellent environment for learning. They are furnished with well-designed furniture, offer proper seating arrangements, and feature Digital Podiums equipped with interactive whiteboards. The teaching-learning pedagogy adopted in these classrooms is IT-enabled, allowing each classroom to accommodate up to 45 students. Classrooms are provided with CCTV for effective supervision. 
• V.G. Jhingran Committee Room and Dr. P.V. Dehadrai Video Conference Hall are dedicated spaces designed for hosting post-graduate seminars and conferences.

 Laboratory

• Independent laboratories to each departments for conducting UG/PG practicals, designed to accommodate the sanctioned student capacity. These laboratories are equipped with the necessary instruments and equipment to facilitate postgraduate research activities.
• The College boasts a vibrant aquarium lab that houses a diverse array of indigenous and exotic ornamental fishes. This facility not only offers practical, hands-on training to students but also serves as a captivating attraction for a significant number of visitors.
• The wet laboratory is available at the College to support post-graduate experiments.

 Library

• The College library has been providing services to the students, teachers & researchers and supporting teaching, research and extension programmes of the College with a collection over 7000 text/reference books. J-Gate@ CeRA gives access to the e-Resources including high impact journals.

Farm Facility

• CoF, Dholi is equipped with a well-established research-cum-demonstration fish hatchery & farm, which serves as a valuable resource for teaching, research and training purposes. It comprises of following: Circular Carp Hatchery, Giant Freshwater Prawn Hatchery, Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), Biofloc Unit, Fish Feed Mill, Instructional Fish Farm, & Cage Culture (Participatory mode).

Museum

• The museum houses a fascinating collection of a large variety of finfish and shellfish and other aquatic animals that are carefully preserved and classified.

Hostel Facilities

• The Dinkar Boys Hostel at the College can accommodate up to 75 male students. While, hostel facilities for female students are provided in the three Girls Hostel at Dholi Parishar. Both hostels offer all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. The mess is run by students themselves on a cooperative basis.

Employment Opportunities

There is a great need of fisheries graduates in the Department of Fisheries, Government of Bihar. Several public and private sector units engaged in fisheries and aquaculture activities are also employing fisheries graduates.

Placement Cell

A placement cell is in operation at University and College. It functions with the objective of exploring and coordinating the placement possibilities of fisheries graduates with perspective employing agencies as well as guiding students in persuing higher studies. Campus interview are also arranged as and when required by the employing agencies.

At present, almost all the graduates passed from this college are employed in the public sectors (State Fisheries Deptt., Research Institutes of ICAR, Fisheries Colleges of SAU’s and CAU’s, Banks, private sectors (Aqua-farms, Processing plants, Feed industries)  and are holding responsible positions.