College of Fisheries, Lembucherrra

The College of Fisheries (COF), Lembucherra, established in 1998, is a constituent college of the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal. It is a premier institute for fisheries education in Northeast India, located approximately 12 km from Agartala, West Tripura. In 2026, the college continues to be a hub for aquatic research and sustainable aquaculture development.

The college is renowned for its specialized focus on tropical and subtropical aquaculture. The following programmes are highly sought after in 2026:

• B.F.Sc. (Bachelor of Fisheries Science): A four-year comprehensive degree covering aquaculture, fish processing, and resource management.
• M.F.Sc. (Master of Fisheries Science): Available in specializations like Aquaculture, Fish Health Management, and Fisheries Resource Management.
• Ph.D. in Fisheries: Research-intensive programs focusing on the unique biodiversity of the Northeast region.

These programs are popular due to the high demand for Fisheries Extension Officers in the Tripura State Government and neighboring states like Assam and Mizoram.

Admission for the 2026 academic session is primarily handled through national-level entrance examinations. The process is transparent and merit-based.

• UG Admission (B.F.Sc.): Based on the ICAR AIEEA (UG) or CUET (ICAR-UG) scores. A certain percentage of seats are reserved for candidates from the participating North Eastern states.
• PG/Ph.D. Admission: Selection is based on the ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE-JRF/SRF exams respectively.

Important Dates (Tentative):

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoff ranks for COF Lembucherra are influenced by the number of applicants in the ICAR AIEEA. Generally, the trends are as follows:

• General Category: Expected ICAR Rank within 2,500 - 4,500 for B.F.Sc.
• OBC/EWS: Expected Rank within 4,000 - 6,000.
• SC/ST: Expected Rank within 8,000 - 12,000.

Note: Candidates applying through the State Quota (Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, etc.) may have different cutoff criteria based on their respective state entrance norms or merit lists.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season saw a healthy mix of government and private sector recruitment. Since fisheries is a specialized field, many students opt for higher studies or government competitive exams.

• Average Package: INR 4.5 LPA to 6 LPA.
• Highest Package: INR 9 LPA (Offered by a leading feed manufacturing multinational).
• Top Recruiters: Godrej Agrovet, CP Foods, NABARD, State Fisheries Departments, and various NGOs working in rural development.
• Roles Offered: Technical Officer, Farm Manager, Quality Control Executive, and Fisheries Extension Officer.

Financial aid is robust for students in 2026, ensuring that economic barriers do not hinder education.

• ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS): Awarded to students who join through the All India Quota.
• University Merit Scholarship: Provided by CAU to toppers of each semester.
• Ishan Uday Scholarship: A special UGC scholarship for students of the North Eastern Region.
• State-wise Post-Matric Scholarships: Available for SC/ST/OBC students from their respective home states in the NE region.

The college offers specialized courses that align with the current needs of the blue economy in 2026:

• B.F.Sc.: The core undergraduate program covering 8 semesters.
• M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture: Focuses on intensive fish farming and seed production.
• M.F.Sc. in Fish Processing Technology: Focuses on value addition and post-harvest management.
• M.F.Sc. in Aquatic Animal Health Management: Dealing with disease diagnostics and prevention in fish farms.

The fee structure at COF Lembucherra is highly subsidized by the Government of India, making it accessible to all sections of society.

*Fees exclude hostel mess charges and one-time admission deposits.

The application for 2026 is entirely digital. Candidates must follow these steps:

1. Visit the official ICAR/NTA website for AIEEA registration.
2. Select "Fisheries Science" as the primary subject for UG or the specific discipline for PG.
3. Fill in personal details and upload documents (Aadhar, 10+2 marksheet, Caste certificate).
4. Pay the application fee online.
5. After results, participate in the CAU Imphal Centralized Counseling for seat allotment at the Lembucherra campus.

The campus is equipped with modern facilities to support both academic and residential needs:

• Instructional Fish Farm: Features various types of ponds (nursery, rearing, stocking) for practical training.
• Laboratories: Specialized labs for Microbiology, Bioinformatics, and Soil & Water Chemistry.
• Hostels: Separate, well-secured hostels for boys and girls with Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Library: A digital library with access to CeRA (Consortium for e-Resources in Agriculture).
• Sports: Facilities for indoor and outdoor games, including a gymnasium.

The academic structure is divided into several specialized departments:

• Department of Aquaculture
• Department of Fisheries Resource Management
• Department of Fish Processing Technology
• Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management
• Department of Aquatic Environment Management
• Department of Fisheries Extension, Economics & Statistics
• Department of Basic Sciences & Humanities