The Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] (Aquaculture) at Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Bidar, Karnataka, is a three-year doctoral programme focused on original research in aquaculture production systems, fish health management, and sustainable aquafarm design. The programme is offered at KVAFSU’s constituent College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, under the university’s doctoral degree framework. Total tuition fee is INR 2,58,900 over three years. Admission is through the NTA-ICAR All India Competitive Examination for Admission to Doctoral Degree Programme (AICEA-PhD).
📋 Admission Status: AICEA-PhD applications for the 2026-27 batch close on June 7, 2026; exam on July 4, 2026.
Key Points
- The Ph.D (Aquaculture) at KVAFSU is a three-year research programme (six semesters) conducted under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research framework, with course work in the first year followed by independent thesis research.
- Doctoral research covers advanced aquaculture systems, broodstock management, larval rearing techniques, fish disease diagnosis and control, water quality management, and aquatic animal genetics, combining advanced coursework, laboratory or field-based research, and an original thesis contribution to the discipline.
- Ph.D graduates can pursue careers as aquaculture research scientist, fisheries development officer, faculty in fisheries sciences, and aquafarm consultant for government and private aquaculture enterprises.
- Total tuition fee is INR 2,58,900 over three years (INR 86,300 per year); hostel accommodation is available on campus at a separate charge.
- KVAFSU offers Teaching Assistantships, University Resident Merit Scholarships, and merit scholarships for eligible doctoral students, with fee concessions covering tuition, lab, and examination charges.
KVAFSU Bidar Ph.D (Aquaculture) Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Annual Fee (per year) | INR 86,300 |
| Total Fees (Hostel charges separate) | INR 2,58,900 |
- Annual fee payable each year for all three years of the programme.
- Hostel accommodation available on campus at a separate charge per university regulations.
KVAFSU Bidar Ph.D (Aquaculture) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| AICEA-PhD Application End | June 7, 2026 |
| AICEA-PhD Exam Date | July 4, 2026 |
| AICEA-PhD Result | August 2026 |
| KVAFSU Document Verification | October to November 2026 |
| Classes Commence | November 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|
| AICEA-PhD | June 7, 2026 | July 4, 2026 | August 2026 |
- Apply via the NTA ICAR portal for AICEA-PhD registration.
- Produce AICEA-PhD score card and rank card at document verification.
- Domicile requirement is not applicable for PhD admission at KVAFSU.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in the respective or allied subject from an institute or university accredited by ICAR, New Delhi.
- A minimum OGPA of 7.00 on a 10-point scale at the Master’s degree level is required for general category; SC/ST/Category-I candidates need a minimum OGPA of 6.50.
- Candidates must have a valid NTA-ICAR AICEA-PhD score card and rank card for the current academic year.
- No domicile or state-residency requirement applies to doctoral degree admissions at KVAFSU.
Admission Process
- Register on the NTA portal (exams.nta.nic.in/icar) and submit the AICEA-PhD application before the June 7, 2026 deadline, paying the prescribed application fee.
- Appear for the AICEA-PhD on July 4, 2026 and download the score card and rank card after the result is declared in August 2026.
- Check the KVAFSU seat matrix for doctoral programmes published after AICEA-PhD results and participate in online counselling using the valid AICEA-PhD rank.
- Attend document verification at the relevant constituent college of KVAFSU (October to November 2026) with original degree certificates, mark sheets, AICEA-PhD score card, and caste certificates where applicable.
- Pay the first-year fee of INR 86,300 at the university cashier and complete enrolment formalities to confirm the Ph.D seat.
✓ Opt for this if
- Research-oriented candidates targeting ICAR institutes or fisheries/veterinary faculty roles
- MVSc/MFSc graduates seeking a PhD with national ICAR scholarship support
- Candidates from fisheries or animal sciences wanting affordable doctoral tuition
- Those pursuing government scientist or gazetted researcher posts in animal sciences
✗ Skip if
- Candidates seeking industry R&D roles outside agricultural or veterinary sciences
- Students needing metro-city campus for networking or industry placements
- Those without a relevant Master degree from an ICAR-accredited institution
- Candidates seeking interdisciplinary doctoral options outside animal or fisheries fields
KVAFSU Bidar Ph.D (Aquaculture) Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| University Resident Merit Scholarship (URMS) | INR 3,000 per month | One per subject per year; KVAFSU-affiliated institute graduates |
| Merit Scholarship | INR 4,000 per month | Awarded on academic performance at doctoral level |
| Student Aid Fund | INR 15,000 per year | Eligible registered doctoral students at KVAFSU |
| Teaching Assistantship | INR 10,000 per month | Doctoral students selected for teaching support roles |
- URMS restricted to one student per subject per year.
- SC/ST/Cat-I candidates must apply via government scholarship portals.
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