Oceanography Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Aug 6, 2024 02:41 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Oceanography courses are designed to offer knowledge about a variety of elements of the ocean and its associated systems. This includes the ocean's physical, chemical, biological, and geological characteristics. It also focuses on the marine organism's habitats, microscopic plankton, fish, whales, and other animals

Oceanography courses are available at various levels including UG, PG, Doctorate, and Certifications. The minimum eligibility criteria for Oceanography admission are to pass Class 12 in the Science stream with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) subjects with a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized board. Admissions to Oceanography courses are based on entrance exams such as CUET-PG, IIT JAM, etc. 

There are a very limited number of Oceanography colleges in India, among them, the University of Hyderabad, Alagappa University, Andhra University, Annamalai University, and IIT Bhubaneswar are some top colleges. The average Oceanography course fee ranges between INR 4,950 to INR INR 2.8 Lakh.

Oceanography students can seek career opportunities in Research Institutions, Government Agencies, Marine & Coastal Conservation Organizations, Fisheries & Aquaculture Industries, and Naval & Defense Sectors and opt for Oceanography jobs such as Oceanographer, Ocean Freight Manager, Ocean Import Manager, Maintenance Assistant, etc. The average salary of an Oceanographer in India is INR 6.8 LPA

Interested candidates can continue reading the article to learn more about Oceanography courses. 

Helpful Links for Oceanography Courses:

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Oceanography Courses Details: Highlights

During the Oceanography course, Students get to understand the ocean and its importance to the Earth's system, as well as the tools and techniques for conducting research in this field. Here are some key highlights of the Oceanography Courses for candidates' reference.

Parameters

Courses Details

Oceanography Course Level

UG, PG, Doctorate, and Certification

Oceanography Course Duration

UG: 3-4 Years

PG: 2 Years

Doctorate: 3-5 Years

Certification: 6 Months - 1 Year

Oceanography Course Fees

INR 4,950 to INR INR 2.8 Lakh

Oceanography Admission Criteria Merit and Entrance-Based

Oceanography Course Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects.

Oceanography Entrance Exams

CUET-PG, IIT JAM, etc.
Oceanography Popular Colleges

UoH, Alagappa University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, etc.

Oceanography Jobs

Oceanographer, Ocean Freight Manager, Ocean Import Manager, Maintenance Assistant, etc.

Oceanography Average Salary

INR 6.8 LPA

Oceanography Top Recruiters

Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India, Coal India, Mineral Exploration Authority, etc.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Oceanography Courses Useful Links:

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Q:   What do Oceanographers do?

A:

An Oceanographer studies elements of the ocean like its physical, chemical, biological, and geological properties and its interactions with the atmosphere, land, and human activities. Their work involves both fieldwork and laboratory analysis, and they may specialize in different sub-disciplines within Oceanography. 

Q:   What is the course of Oceanography all about?

A:

Studying the aspects of the oceans and how they are related to our planet is an exciting field of oceanography. Oceanography is a scientific field that covers a wide range of subjects, including marine biology, the physical characteristics of the ocean, and the effects of human activity on these enormous bodies of water. 

All About Oceanography Courses

Oceanography courses are also related to various other subjects like Geology, Physics, Meteorology and GeographyThe study of marine flora and fauna and judging their consumption and worthiness is also a part of the Oceanography courses.

The main branches of Oceanography courses include biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography and geological oceanography. 

As an Oceanographer, candidates will mostly find themselves working on a ship or a coastal base but there will also be plenty of time spent in the laboratory for data interpretation.

Many Oceanography graduates are also engaged in studies to predict the impact of increased carbon dioxide, depletion of the ozone layer, effect of fertilizers, fossil fuels and other items on oceans. Oceanography courses are a perfect blend of scientific research and application of the same in the fields of Engineering and Technology

Why Study Oceanography Courses?

  • Secrets of Marine Life: Oceanography courses delve into marine biology, exploring the diverse ecosystems and showcasing the incredible array of plant and animal species residing beneath the waves. 
  • Knowledge about Earth: By studying oceanography, individuals develop a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's dynamic processes and contribute to valuable research in this field.
  • Career Opportunities: Oceanography courses open up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can find employment in various sectors such as environmental consulting, marine research, coastal management, fisheries, and even government organizations. 

Q:   What is the scope of Oceanography?

A:
The need of study of various oceans is present in our world that is why the demand of oceanographers is increasing day after day. The oceanographers, study the ocean waters and their effects on sea life, the weather and many others. The oceanographers can work in the fields ranging from conservation to the oil industry. Job duties vary depending on the specialization in this field of courses. A good place for an eligible oceanographer is to start from Bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience in particular. The demand for jobs arises from the need for environmental protection and water management. All the best.

Oceanography Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for Oceanography courses can vary depending on the level of study (undergraduate or graduate) and the specific institution offering the program. It's essential for prospective students to thoroughly review the admission requirements of the specific Oceanography courses they are interested in applying to, as these requirements can vary widely between universities.

Candidates can check the table below to learn the eligibility criteria for Oceanography courses.

Oceanography Courses Level

Oceanography Eligibility Criteria 

UG

  • Class 12 in the Science stream
  • PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
  • Minimum 50% aggregate score.

PG

  • Bachelor's Degree in Oceanography or a related field such as Environmental Science, Marine Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, or Geology from a recognized university.
  • Minimum 50% aggregate score.

Doctorate

  • Master's degree in a relevant discipline.

Certification

  • Class 12 in the Science stream
  • PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
  • Minimum 50% aggregate score.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Q:   What are the BSc Oceanography eligibility criteria?

A:

Hi, you need to pass Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects from a recognised board. The Class 12 may vary depending on the colleges' requirements.

Q:   Can I study Oceanography after Class 10?

A:

No, you cannot pursue a course in Oceanography after Class 10 as the minimum requirement to pursue an Oceanography course is to have PCM in Class 12. Till Class 10, students study all the subjects in the base form and after Class 10, they choose a specific stream in which they foresee their careers.

Oceanography Courses Entrance Exams 2024

Entrance exams for Oceanography courses may vary depending on the specific university or institution offering the program. Prospective students should carefully review the admission requirements of the Oceanography courses they are interested in applying to, as well as any specific instructions regarding standardized tests or entrance exams.

Candidates can check the table below to learn about the entrance exam scores that are accepted for Oceanography courses.

Oceanography Entrance Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Details

IIT JAM

2nd Feb'25

IIT JAM Schedule

CUSAT CAT May'25 CUSAT CAT Schedule

CUET-PG

March'25

CUET-PG Schedule

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

2 Jan ' 25 - 1 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

2 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

6 Jan ' 25 - 10 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling: Online Registrati...

15 Jan ' 25 - 16 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling 1st Round: Seat Al...

14 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Campus repor...

11 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Last date t...

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

17 Jan '25 -

16 Feb '25

CUSAT CAT 2025 application form

May '25

CUSAT CAT 2025 exam date

TENTATIVE

May '25

CUSAT CAT 2025 answer key

TENTATIVE

May '25

CUSAT CAT 2025 answer key objection window closed

TENTATIVE

Jun '25

CUSAT CAT 2024 B.Tech Option Registration

TENTATIVE

Q:   What are the tips to crack IIT JAM 2025 examination?

A:

Candidates can go through the IIT JAM prep tips mentioned below in order to formulate a strategy to crack the JAM exam paper for Physics.

Know the exam pattern

The first and foremost thing that candidates need to be well acquainted with is to know the IIT JAM exam pattern. IIT JAM 2023 for Physics will consist of three sections wherein candidates need to attempt – MCQs, MSQs and NAT questions.

Section

Type of Questions

No of Question

A

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

30

B

Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

10

C

Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

20

Total

60

Know the marking scheme

The next step for exam prep is to know the marking scheme for IIT JAM 2022. This is important as by knowing the marking scheme, aspirants can have a plan of action in place to avoid negative marking wherever possible in the exam.

Section

No of Questions

Marks

A

10 MCQs

1 mark each

20 MCQs

2 marks each

B

10 MSQs

2 marks each

C

10 NAT Questions

1 mark each

10 NAT Questions

2 marks each

In IIT JAM for Physics, there is a negative marking in Section A only. There is no negative marking in Section B and Section C of the exam.

Know the syllabus

Next, aspirants need to be thorough with IIT JAM syllabus. Here, candidates need to be well acquainted with the topics that they need to ace to score well in the science entrance exam. The topics that form a part of IIT JAM syllabus include:

Mathematical Methods

Mechanics and General Properties of Matter

Oscillations, Waves and Optics

Electricity and Magnetism

Kinetic theory, Thermodynamics

Modern Physics

Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics

Prepare a timetable

Candidates should prepare a timetable for how they want to complete and revise the syllabus for the Physics paper in the IIT JAM exam. Also, while preparing the timetable candidates need to include adequate time to solve practice papers and thereafter revise important topics for IIT JAM preparation.

Know important formulas

While preparing different topics for the IIT JAM Physics paper, candidates should ensure that they keep jotting down the important formulae for each topic. This will prove extremely helpful at the time of revision as students would have a consolidated list of all the important formulae for IIT JAM Physics preparation which they can easily refer to before taking the exam.

Read important books

Aspirants should make a list of important books to read for IIT JAM physics exam preparation. Here, candidates should go through one or two important books and thereafter prepare well for each section of this Science exam.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of CUET PG exam?

A:

The CUET PG exam difficulty level is depicted in the range of moderate to high. CUET PG examination is conducted into various streams and master's subjects, therefore it is difficult to say the difficulty level of the examination subject wise. However, the difficulty level of the exam varies from subject to subject. 

The difficulty level of the exam also differs from subject to subject. As compared to the other national level entrance exam like IIT JAM, ISI Admission Test, GATE-B, IISER Entrance exam, JEST, NEST examination, the level of CUET PG examination is comparatively low-level. Candidates can expect the high difficulty level of the examination in comparison to State level entrance examinations like- GNDU, UPCATET, SHIATS, MCAER-CET, RUASAT, OUAT.

Oceanography Courses Syllabus

The Oceanography syllabus deals with not only the details of the theoretical aspects but also the various techniques and methodologies. The table below will give candidates a basic idea about the subjects covered in Oceanography courses.

Candidates can check the table below to see the semester-wise syllabus of Oceanography courses.

Oceanography Courses - Semester 1
Physical Meteorology    Physical and Dynamical Climatology  
Dynamical Climatology   -
Oceanography Courses - Semester 2
Dynamical Oceanography    Synoptic Meteorology      
Advanced Dynamical Meteorology  -
Oceanography Courses - Semester 3
Air-Sea Interaction Cloud Physics        
Numerical Weather Prediction Observational Techniques
Oceanography Courses - Semester 4
Climate Modelling Satellite Meteorology  
Agricultural and Hydrometeorology  Tropical Meteorology

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Click here to see the detailed Oceanography syllabus

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Oceanography Specialisations

Oceanography courses provide a diverse field that encompasses the study of various aspects of the ocean. Within this broad discipline, several specialisations have emerged to focus on specific areas of research and exploration. 

Candidates can check the specialisations provided in Oceanography courses that are offered in India in the table below.

Specialisations

Biological Oceanography

This involves the study of plants, animals and microbes in the ocean and is also termed “marine biology”.

Chemical Oceanography

It involves studying the chemistry of the ocean in association with the chemistry of the atmosphere.

Geological Oceanography

This deals with the study of ocean floor geology, including plate tectonics and paleoceanography.

Physical Oceanography

This subject deals with the physical attributes of the ocean involving the tides, currents, waves and salinity.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Q:   Which are the courses available in Oceanography?

A:

Oceanography courses are offered at various levels such as UG, PG, Doctorate, and Certification. Bachelor of Science in Oceanography, Bachelor of Technology in Ocean Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Diploma in Oceanography, M.Sc in Oceanography, M.Sc in Marine Science, etc., are some of the top courses available in Oceanography. 

Q:   What is taught in Oceanography courses?

A:

Hi, Oceanographers study the seas, its coastline, estuaries, coastal waters, shelves and the ocean bed. The study is used for preparation of maps, charts and graphs as well as research and development activities in all branches of ocean science for use in subsequent technology development. Oceanographers conduct surveys for locating nonliving and living resources, for preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and marine resources and for exploration and scientific work. For more details, 

Oceanography Colleges in India

Choosing the top colleges for oceanography courses can depend on various factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, facilities, location, and reputation. The popular universities in India offer excellent Oceanography courses.

Prospective students should consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, facilities, location, and specific areas of focus whilst choosing Oceanography courses.

Here are some renowned institutions known for their strong Oceanography courses:

Best Government Oceanography Colleges

9 government colleges offer Oceanography courses in India. UoH, Alagappa University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, and Annamalai University are some popular government colleges offering Oceanography courses. Candidates can check these popular government colleges that offer Oceanography courses in the table below.

Government Oceanography Colleges

Tuition Fee

UoH 

INR 13,500

Alagappa University

INR 12,700

Cochin University of Science and Technology

INR 4,950

Annamalai University

INR 52,600 - 87,500

Mangalore University

INR 6,300

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology 

INR 1.2 Lakh

IIT Bhubaneswar 

INR 26,000

Berhampur University

INR 336

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Best Private Oceanography Colleges

There are 2 private colleges Oceanography colleges in India. Candidates can check these popular private colleges that offer Oceanography in the table below.

Private Oceanography Colleges

Tuition Fee

Amity University, Jaipur

INR 1.6 Lakh - 2.6 Lakh

Techno India University

NA

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

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1 Course
13.54 K
6.5 LPA

#239 QS World University Rankings

1 Course
2.8 L
6.62 LPA
1 Course
4.95 K
4.94 LPA
12.7 K
2.46 LPA

#285 QS World University Rankings

1.62 L - 2.52 L

#152 NIRF

1 Course
1.6 L
4.5 LPA

Q:   Which are the best colleges that offer Oceanography in India?

A:

There are only 12 Oceanography Colleges in India, of which, 2 are private and 10 are government insitutions. These colleges offer Oceanography courses on various levels and specializations including Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, Marine Ecology, etc. 

Some top Oceanography Colleges in India include University of Hyderabad, Alagappa University, Andhra University, and IIT Bhubaneswar

Q:   What is the fee for Oceanography courses in India?

A:

The Oceanography course fees in India vary from college to college depending on the course level and specialisation offered, campus infrastructure, placement records, etc. The average course fee ranges between INR 4,950 to INR 2.8 Lakh.

Popular Private Oceanography Colleges in India

1.62 L - 2.52 L

#152 NIRF

1 Course
13.54 K
6.5 LPA

#239 QS World University Rankings

1 Course
2.8 L
6.62 LPA
1 Course
4.95 K
4.94 LPA
12.7 K
2.46 LPA

#285 QS World University Rankings

1 Course
1.6 L
4.5 LPA

Oceanography Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

The career scope after Oceanography courses in India is diverse and promising. One can choose to specialize in various branches such as biological oceanography, physical oceanography, marine geology, or marine chemistry. Specialisations in Oceanography courses open up avenues for research, exploration, and conservation of the marine environment.

As graduates of Oceanography courses, one can work with government agencies, research institutions, environmental organizations, or even private companies engaged in marine-related activities. The demand for graduates of Oceanography courses is projected to increase due to the growing importance of understanding and mitigating climate change, managing coastal resources, and exploring marine biodiversity.

Oceanography Salary in India

The average salary after Oceanography courses in India depends on various factors such as experience, qualifications, and location. It's worth mentioning that salary after Oceanography courses can vary across different sectors of oceanography, such as research institutions, government organizations, private companies, or academic institutions. 

However, candidates can check the table below to see the possible job profiles and the average salary offered in India after Oceanography courses.

Job Profiles

Description

Average Salary

Oceanographer

They study various aspects of the ocean, including its physical properties, currents, temperature, and salinity.

INR 15.7 LPA

Marine Biologist

They study marine life, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. 

INR 6.8 LPA

Marine Geologist 

They investigate the geological features of the ocean floor, including the formation of underwater landscapes, minerals, and resources. 

INR 14.5 LPA

Ocean Engineer

They design and develop equipment and systems for use in the ocean, such as submarines, offshore platforms, and underwater robots. 

INR 13 LPA

Coastal Zone Manager

They work to protect and manage the coastal areas, which are often vulnerable to erosion and pollution.

INR 7.2 LPA

Marine Conservationist

These professionals focus on protecting marine ecosystems and species.

INR 6.4 LPA

Climate/Ocean Modeler

Specialists in this field use computer models to simulate and predict changes in ocean dynamics, climate patterns, and their interactions. 

INR 4.2 LPA

Note: The salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

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Oceanography Top Recruiters 

Oceanography is a highly specialised field that combines Physics, Geology, Chemistry, and Biology to study the world's oceans and their ecosystems. As such, there are several top recruiters interested in hiring talented oceanographers. Career opportunities come in both governmental and private organizations. 

Candidates can check the table below to know the top recruiters hiring graduates of Oceanography courses. 

Oceanography Top Recruiters

Geological Survey of India

Meteorological Survey of India

Central Groundwater Board

Coal India

Mineral Exploration Authority

Oil & Natural Gas Corporation

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Top-Ranked Science Colleges in India 

Q:   What is the salary of Oceanographer in India?

A:

Oceanography students can find career opportunities in various industries and sectors that are related to the study and exploration of the oceans. The average salary of an Oceanographer is INR 6.8 LPA in India. However, the salary package also depends on relevant experience, skillset, job location, employer, etc.

Q:   Is Oceanography a good career?

A:

Oceanography is a good career if you are passionate about the ocean and its mysteries. There has been a growing demand for professionals in this field, as the importance of the preservation of Marine Biology and oceans is increasing.

Oceanography Course FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for Oceanography course FAQs. 

Q:   Which are the best Oceanography books to read?

A:

There are many popular and useful Oceanography books that offer an in-depth knowledge about oceans. Here are some of them:

Popular Oceanography BooksAuthor Names
Essentials of OceanographyHarold V. Thurman
Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine ScienceTom Garrison
A textbook of oceanographyJ. Travis Jenkins
The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the OceanSusan Casey
At Every Depth: Our Growing Knowledge of the Changing OceansEric Simons

Q:   What is Argo Oceanography?

A:

Argo is a global programme for Oceanographic research. It monitors temperature, salinity, and currents using profiling floats. Ocean bio-optical properties have recently been observed. It started functioning in the early 2000s. Its real-time data support oceanographic and climate research.

Popular Oceanography UG Courses

Following are the most popular Oceanography UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Oceanography PG Courses

Following are the most popular Oceanography PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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