Your Ultimate Guide To Marine Biology Courses After 12th

What You Must Know Before Choosing Marine Biology After 12th Grade?

Oceans or saltwater covers around two-thirds of the earth’s surface and there are hundreds of thousands of species that live on and underwater. Thus, Marine Biology as a subject has a significance of its own. Marine Biology courses after 12th mainly consist of biochemistry, pathology, ecology, pathology, ocean farming, development, anatomy, reproduction, and so on and so forth. 

Marine Biology mainly deals with the organisms that live underwater, especially the ocean, and all those aspects relating to the marine world. In simple words,  it is the study of the different flora and fauna that live underwater. Marine Biology courses are generally offered at graduate and postgraduate levels as a specialization subject under B.Sc degree, and at the doctoral level as well. One can choose to do a PhD in Marine Biology.  

Most of the candidates do not get any clear information regarding the subject and how they can pursue the course, as there is not much information about it. So, this article explains all the necessary details that a candidate needs to know about the Marine Biology courses after 12th from eligibility criteria, best colleges, and entrance exams, to the scope of Marine Biology in India.

How Can I Become A Marine Biologist After 12th?

Before we explain how to become a Marine Biologist after 12th, it is important to have a deep understanding of the subject. In Marine Biology, the species are mainly classified on their environmental surroundings rather than taxonomic differences. The subject is closely related to the study of the physicochemical relationship of the living organisms that live in the ocean. Marine biologists study organisms and how they adapt themselves to the environment and understand the food chain of the organisms, their predator-prey relation, and many more.

Coming to skills that a Marine Biologist must possess, one should be flexible and willing to work on short-term projects on a contract basis. A Marine Biologist will encounter people from top officials to local fishermen. At times, they also need to deal with protests. Moreover, the work of a Marine Biologist is not a one-person job, thus, they need the skills and understanding to work in teams. Physical fitness is a must for those who are into fieldwork. 

A Marine Biologist also has a huge responsibility under his/her banner. It depends on the job role. A Marine Biologist is responsible for monitoring species inventories; conducting tests on marine organisms; collecting and analyzing species samples; understanding different processes like a geographic information system, coring techniques, sampling, visual recording, etc; environmental impact assessments, conducting interviews, discussions, expeditions, and so on and so forth.

To become a Marine Biologist, one can pursue Marine Biology courses after 12th in India. The eligibility criteria set for the Marine Biology courses after 12th vary from institute to institute. It also varies depending on whether a candidate wants to take it at the graduate or postgraduate level or chooses to do academic research on the subject. 

To be admitted to the Marine Biology courses after 12th  at the undergraduate level, applicants must score a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate in their 12th standard in the science stream. Along with that applicants must have biology as one of their subjects in their 10+2.  Similarly, for admission to a Marine Biology course at the postgraduate level, candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree in life sciences such as aquaculture, zoology, Marine Biology, biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, botany, and so on and so forth. Candidates must also have a minimum of 55% to 60% marks in aggregate, depending on the institute, at the graduate level.

Prior to taking up Marine Biology courses after 12th, one must have a deep interest in the subject. Applicants must understand that Marine biologists play an important role in the marine world, like understanding the oceans and the organisms that dwell in them. Also, the scope of the subject is very vast as it deals with the diverse nature of the marine life organisms residing deep in the ocean and is more complex related to those that live on land. Also, the demand for marine biologists in India and abroad is very high. So, with the right guidance and the right road map, one can take up Marine Biology Courses after 12th and have a great career in Marine Biology.

Check this out: Best Job Oriented Courses after 12th

Which Subject Is Best For Marine Biologists?

There are many subjects that you can choose if you want to take up Marine Biology courses after 12th, but the most important of them is that you need to have biology as your main subject during your 10+2 and chemistry as your second subject. As we know Marine Biology deals with marine organisms, and it is important to have a good hold in biology. To get admission in the PG course of Marine Biology it is important to have a UG degree in life science. 

Marine Biology as a subject is very vast and most importantly, it will depend on the candidate’s interest. It is not necessary to have an interest towards all the subjects when pursuing a Marine Biology course. But, considering the students’ choice in Marine Biology subjects over the years, here are a few subjects that have a huge demand worldwide: Marine Ecology, Ocean Engineering, Marine Geology, Marine Archeology, Environmental Engineering, and Marine Biotechnology to name a few.

Check this out: Best Medical Courses after B.Sc

B.Sc Marine Biology 

If one pursues Marine Biology courses after class 12th, he/she will be awarded a B.Sc degree in Marine Biology. B.Sc in Marine Biology is offered to candidates at the graduate level. B.Sc Marine Biology course duration is usually three years and the course curriculum is divided into six semesters. They study different core subjects and specializations in Marine Biology, do project work, take up internships, attend workshops, and visit the different marine industries during the course of their study. B.Sc Marine Biology fees usually range between Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 5,00,000.

Marine Biology UG Courses in India

Though the subjects vary from course to course, here is a list of some of the subjects that are offered in almost all the colleges and institutes offering Marine Biology: Marine Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Fishery Science, Biology of Marine Organisms, Chemistry, Chemical Oceanography, Botany, Fundamentals of Marine Ecology, Zoology, Marine Geology, Aquaculture, and Marine Pollution.

B.Sc Marine Biology Eligibility

To take up Marine Biology courses after 12th, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the institutes. The B.Sc Marine Biology eligibility criteria are:

• Candidates must complete their 10+2 in the science stream.
• Candidates must have Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as compulsory subjects. 
• Candidates must secure an aggregate of 55% marks in 10+2.
• If any college or university accepts an entrance exam, he/she must meet the cut-off score released by the institute or the entrance exam conducting body.

Is NEET Required for Marine Biology?

So the answer is NO, you do not need to qualify for NEET to pursue Marine Biology courses after 12th. NEET is accepted as the basis of admission in educational institutes for courses like medicine, nursing, etc. Some of the top institutes in India provide both UG and PG courses in Marine Biology. 

The selection is done both on the basis of merit as well as on the basis of entrance exams conducted at the national and state level or by the institute itself. In colleges and Universities where admissions are done on a merit basis, applicants are evaluated based on the marks scored in their qualifying exam followed by a personal interview. 

For the institutes, where the selection criteria are entrance-based, candidates must apply for the respective entrance exam, qualify for it, and also clear the cut-off set for the exam. Next, the candidates who have been shortlisted as per the merit list need to attend counseling sessions, where they need to select their preferred institute based on the availability of the seats. 

Entrance Exam for Marine Biology

Admission to Marine Biology courses after 12th at the graduate level is done on the basis of marks scored in their last qualifying exam and eligibility criteria for most of the institutes. Some institutes conduct their own entrance exams followed by an interview. For admission in Marine Biology at the postgraduate level, some universities accept admissions based on merit, while some institutes provide seat allotment through CUET or conduct their own entrance exams. Admission to the Marine Biology PG program at the top institutes is done through AIIMS PG. The All India Institute of Medical Science conducts the entrance exam for postgraduate programs, clearing which students will get a chance to study in India’s one of the most prestigious institutions.

At the doctoral level, candidates must qualify the following entrance exams:

CSIR UGC NET

The National Testing Agency conducts the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test to allot seats to applicants who want to work as an assistant professor or take up a Junior Research Fellowship. Prior to that, they have to meet the eligibility criteria set for it. The test has three sections with multiple-choice questions. The total mark is 200 and the test duration is three hours.

JRF

Junior Research Fellowship is conducted twice a year. Candidates clearing the exam can pursue PhD or research at the college level or university level on the basis of their performance.

AURCET

Andhra University conducts the  Andhra University Research Common Entrance Test The test is MCQ based and there are a total of two papers. Candidates who have qualified for the test have to go through a counseling session where the final allotment will be made.

Best Marine Biology Colleges In India

Many colleges in India offer Marine Biology Courses after 12th, some of the notable Marine Biology colleges in India are

• Pondicherry University, Pondicherry
• Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi
• Government Science College, Gujarat
• SMS College of Arts and Science, Tamil Nadu
• Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
• Karnatak University, Karnataka
• Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat
• Andhra Pradesh University, Waltair; etc, to name a few.

M.Sc Marine Biology Colleges in India

Some of the top colleges in India which provide M.Sc Marine Biology courses are:

• Berhampur University, Orissa
• Bhavnagar University, Gujarat
• Cochin University of Science and Technology – CUSAT, Kerala
• Karnatak University, Karnataka
• Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Gujarat
• Pondicherry University, Puducherry; Shivaji University, Maharashtra
• Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU), Andhra Pradesh
• National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji
•  Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat
•  Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) Hyderabad ,etc, to name a few.

M.Sc Marine Biology is offered at the postgraduate level. M.Sc Marine Biology course duration is of two years, and the course curriculum is divided into four semesters. The subjects that are offered under the master’s degree program in Marine Biology are Marine Chemistry, Marine Biochemistry, Sedimentology, Dynamic Oceanography, Marine Microbiology, Marine Biology Dissertation, Marine Microbiology Practical, Marine Ecology Practical, etc. M.Sc Marine Biology fees at government institutes generally range between Rs 24.78 K and 1.47 Lakhs. 

Marine Biology Colleges in Mumbai

Many reputed institutes in Mumbai provide Marine Biology courses. The admission procedure of the colleges might vary but most of the institutes accept CUET scores. Here it is listed with some of the best institutes that you can consider to take up Marine Biology courses after 12th at the graduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels:

• Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI).

• M.D. College of Arts, Science, and Commerce.
• J.S. Hall University.
• SVET College
• Saint Francis D’Assisi College.
• VES College of Arts, Science, and Commerce
• Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai University
• The Foundation of Medical Research

Does Marine Biology Have Scope In India?

Yes, Marine Biology has a huge scope in India and it is a good choice if one wants to pursue higher education in Marine Biology courses after 12th. Research has shown that with the growing environmental concerns, the demand for the subject is on a rise.  Some of the few reasons that have increased the demand for Marine Biologists to such an extent is due to the rising sea level, and the upgradation of technology in the marine field that have increased the chances to resolve any issues regarding the marine habitat and also boosted the need to dive into unexplored ocean life, etc to name a few. 

There are countless opportunities in marine biology, from becoming a biologist to unraveling the secrets of the ocean. Students can find something that interests them in marine biology because it has such a broad scope. The highest-paid job in the ocean engineering field is marine biology.

Marine biologists, marine mammal trainers, marine archaeologists, oceanographers, marine researchers, aquatic veterinarians, and scuba diving instructors are other jobs associated with ocean engineering. There are many exciting and fun careers in marine biology. Careers in the field are rewarding both in India and abroad.

A marine biology fresher’s salary in India is Rs. 35,000 to 45,000. A fresher might be able to earn Rs. 75,000 – 1,00,000 at a foreign organization if they have experience. A career in marine biology pays well and has satisfying job responsibilities, proving that the field is a lucrative one.

Job Profiles for Marine Biology Professionals

Professionals in marine biology have many job titles, including wildlife biologists, zoologists, fisheries biologists, aquatic biologists, conservation biologists, and biological technicians. The majority of marine biologists work for the state and federal governments.

The positions offer job security and promotion opportunities. Research laboratories or consulting firms also employ marine biologist positions. There is a rising demand for marine biologists who are passionate and talented in their domain. Teachers are also welcome to the field. Colleges and universities hire them as assistants and chief professors.

Marine Biologist

Scientists who study life in the oceans and saltwater environments are known as marine biologists. A veterinarian observes and analyzes data, conducts experiments, and rehabilitates injured animals.

Aquatic Biologist

It is the job of an Aquatic Biologist to study the organisms that live in lakes, streams, and ponds. Among the assessments they conduct are aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, habitat for fish and wildlife, population assessment, and environmental impacts.

Biological Technician

It is the responsibility of a biological technician to set up, maintain, and clean laboratory equipment and instruments. Their duties include collecting and preparing biological samples for analysis, such as blood, food, and bacteria cultures.

Reef Restoration Project Manager

To ensure that restoration proceeds smoothly, a Reef Restoration Manager ensures all the necessary components are in place.

Fisheries Biologist

The goal of Fisheries Biologists is to determine the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems and the impact they have on populations. Marine life and fish identification.

Biological Technician

It is the responsibility of a biological technician to set up, maintain, and clean laboratory equipment and instruments. Their duties include collecting and preparing biological samples for analysis, such as blood, food, and bacteria cultures.

Professor

Aquatic activities are taught by a professor who teaches policy, planning, and management. For their expeditions, they use fishing vessels and research vessels.

Fishery Data Manager

The Fishery Data Manager is responsible for overseeing fishery activities. Fishery data managers monitor fishing growth, prepare equipment, maintain it, and screen cultivation areas.

Marine Biology Scope in India

Various research institutes, both government and private, have a high demand for marine biologists. Marine Biology provides various opportunities in both research as well as non-research fields as well. In the present-day world, Marine Biology is one of the most reputed jobs. Marine Biology career opportunities are diverse and increasing. With an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology, one can apply to private research companies and various biotechnology companies as they also hire Marine Biology candidates. Almost all the research organizations, both government and non-government, want a candidate with higher degrees like PG and Ph.D. who are most desirable as research scientists and academicians as well. A marine biologist’s average salary is estimated to be around Rs 5 LPA to Rs 9 LPA.

Some of the roles that one can bag by taking up Marine Biology courses after 12th are Research Assistant, Marine Ecologist, Marine Biology Technician, Aquatic Veterinarian, Environmental Engineer, Marine Archeologist, Marine Geologist, Oil Spill Response Specialist, Marine Biotechnologist, Dive Operations Manager, Ocean Engineer, Marine Policy Advisor, Fishery Data Manager, Scuba Diving Instructor, Marine Subjects Professor, Marine Lines Accountant, etc. In India, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, Geological Survey of India, Department of Oceanography, National Institute of Oceanography, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, WaterSports Simple India Pvt Ltd., Vertex Infosoft Solution Pvt Ltd, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Pfizer Inc, and Meteorological Survey of India are some of the top recruiters in this sector.

Marine Biology courses after 12th are gradually being implemented in almost all the colleges and universities in India. Coming to the subjects there are various degrees that are offered in Marine Biology at all levels. Apart from the regular full-time programs, admissions are also accepted in part-time mode. Moreover, there are also many certificate courses that are offered in Marine Biology. Regarding the Marine Biology career prospects,  the scope is huge and with diverse opportunities not only in India but all over the world. 

Various research, as well as non-research institutes in India and abroad, hire marine biologists. When looking up at the salary aspect, Marine Biology jobs are high-end jobs that require a lot of technical skills. But freshers must not expect high salaries because it demands experience and as one gains experience during the process the earnings will increase. With an experience of one to three years, a marine biologist can earn between Rs 5 Lakh CTC which can increase up to Rs 8 Lakh per annum. 

A Marine Biologist can work both in the private and government sectors in departments like research laboratories, fishery industries, marine laboratories, and many more. Marine biologists can also choose an academic career and can be assistant professors in universities and various top institutes. 

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