What is Oceanography?: Course Fees 2026, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Updated on Jan 14, 2026 05:24 IST
Diya Nihalani

Diya NihalaniContent Author

Oceanography courses are designed to offer knowledge about marine ecosystems which include the ocean's physical, chemical, biological and geological characteristics. The oceanography syllabus covers topics like marine organisms, ocean currents, role of oceans in climate change, etc.

Studying oceanography involves mapping ocean features and monitoring environmental shifts, along with field research and interpreting ocean data. In India, you can opt for Oceanography specialization at the time of your master's or doctoral.

Marine biologists, marine chemists, marine geologists, and physical oceanographers are some of the top job profiles one can pursue after completing a course in oceanography.

Helpful Links for Oceanography Courses:

Oceanography Courses Details: Highlights

Some of the core aspects of Oceanography include GIS or Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing. It leverages concepts from physics, chemistry, geology, and biology for understanding oceanic environments.

Check out the key highlights of this course from the table below:

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 2.8 Lakh

Oceanography Admission Procedure Merit and Entrance-Based

Oceanography Eligibility Criteria

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

Oceanography Entrance Exams

CUET-PG and IIT JAM
Oceanography Colleges in India

Annamalai University, UoH, Alagappa University, Amity University Jaipur, Cochin University of Science and Technology, IIT Bhubaneswar etc.

Oceanography Jobs

Oceanographer, Ocean Freight Manager, Ocean Import Manager, Maintenance Assistant, Marine Biologist, Climate Specialist etc.

Oceanography Salary in India

INR 2.5 - 4.5 LPA

Oceanography Top Recruiters

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

Source - Multiple external/official sites, data may vary.

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Q:   What is oceanography?
A:
Hi Manisha, Oceanography is the study of the deep sea and shallow coastal oceans. 1. Biology. 2. Chemistry. 3. Geology and 4. Physics together make oceanography a richly interdisciplinary science. Although they contain most of the Earth's water and carbon and surface heat, and much of its biomass, the oceans do not operate alone. Together with the atmosphere continents and ice-cover, they form a working machine driven mostly by energy from the sun. Lesser amounts of energy derive from tides raised by the moon and sun and planets and heat from the Earth’s interior. Feel free to raise more questions. Appreciate by giving it thumbs up or marking as best. All the Best.
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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. 

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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. 

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Table of contents
  • Oceanography Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process 2026
  • Oceanography Entrance Exams: Schedule 2026
  • Oceanography Syllabus 2026
  • Oceanography Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Oceanography Colleges in India
  • Oceanography Career Scope: Salary, Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
  • Oceanography Course FAQs
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Oceanography PG Courses
View More

Oceanography Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process 2026

Check out the table below for eligibility criteria for Oceanography courses at different levels:

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.

Source - Multiple external/official sites.

Suggested Oceanography Course Readings:

BSc Subject List: Check Courses, Eligibility, Syllabus & Colleges

 

Oceanography Admission Process 2026

Here is the admission process for the Oceanography courses in India:

  • Fulfill the eligibility requirements mentioned in the college guidelines.
  • Appear for the respective entrance exam. (if applicable)
  • Fill out application forms before deadlines.
  • Stay updated regarding cut-offs, ranks, and seat allotments.
  • Attend the counselling session.
  • Complete the admission formalities.
  • Join classes.

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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.

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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.

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Oceanography Entrance Exams: Schedule 2026

Entrance exams for Oceanography courses may vary depending on the course level and college. 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 2026

15 Feb 2026

IIT JAM Exam Date 2026

CUSAT CAT 2026

May 2026 (Tentative)

CUSAT CAT Exam Date 2026

CUET-PG 2026

March 2026 (Tentative)

CUET-PG Exam Date 2026

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

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Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
27 Jan ' 26 - 05 Mar ' 26

CUSAT CAT 2026 Application Form

ONGOING
09 May ' 26 - 11 May ' 26

CUSAT CAT 2026 Exam Date

3 Jan ' 26 - 30 Jan ' 26

CUET 2026 Application Process

11 May ' 26 - 31 May ' 26

CUET 2026 Exam

28 Jan ' 26 - 30 Jan ' 26

CUET PG 2026 Application Correction Window

Feb '26

CUET PG 2026 Advance City Intimation Slip

TENTATIVE

27 Jan ' 26

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Round 4 Counselling: Seat Allo...

28 Jan ' 26

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Round 4 Counselling: Verificat...

15 Dec ' 25

Rajasthan JET 2025 Counselling 2nd Provisional Li...

13 Dec ' 25

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Q:   What is the difficulty level of MSc Microbiology entrance exam?
A:

The MSc Microbiology entrance exam difficulty can be described in the range of moderate to high. For instance, the CUET PG examination is conducted in numerous streams and master's subjects; therefore, it is tricky to determine the difficulty of the examination subject-wise. The difficulty level of the exam differs widely across various subjects and slots. As compared to other national-level entrance exams like CUET PG, IIT JAM, ISI Admission Test, GAT-B, IISER Entrance exam, JEST, NEST examination, Candidates can expect a moderate to tough exam in comparison to state-level entrance examinations like GNDU, UPCATET, SHIATS, MCAER-CET, RUASAT, and OUAT.

Q:   What to do after M.Sc. Oceanography.
A:
An oceanographer studies the ocean. Biological oceanographers and marine biologists study plants and animals in the marine environment. They are interested in the numbers of marine organisms and how these organisms develop, relate to one another, adapt to their environment, and interact with it.

Oceanography Syllabus 2026

The Oceanography syllabus deals not only with the theoretical but also with the various practical techniques and methodologies. Though specific subject names may vary across courses and colleges, the general objective of the curriculum remains the same.

Here's the semester-wise syllabus of Oceanography courses at PG level:

Oceanography Courses - Semester 1
Physical Meteorology    Physical and Dynamical Climatology  
Dynamical Climatology   Marine Ecosystems
Oceanography Courses - Semester 2
Dynamical Oceanography    Synoptic Meteorology      
Advanced Dynamical Meteorology  Seawater Properties
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

Source - Multiple external/official sites, data may vary.

Oceanography Courses Links you may be interested in:

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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

The colleges mentioned in this section offer both BSc and MSc courses in this specialization. UoH, Alagappa University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, and Annamalai University are some popular government colleges offering Oceanography courses.

Best Government Oceanography Colleges

Government colleges offering Oceanography courses in India are listed below:

Government Oceanography Colleges

Tuition Fee

Alagappa University

INR 2,000

Cochin University of Science and Technology

INR 6,240

University of Hyderabad 

INR 14,900

Berhampur University

INR 16,090

IIT Bhubaneswar 

INR 26,000

Annamalai University

INR 57,800 - 68,800

Andhra University, Visakhapatnam

INR 2.8 Lakh

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

Click to know more about:

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Best Private Oceanography Colleges

Check this private college that offers Oceanography in India:

Private Oceanography Colleges

Tuition Fee

Techno India University

INR 3.16 Lakh

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

Useful Links for Oceanography Courses:

Top 100 Colleges in India 2025-26: Year-wise NIRF Ranks, Score & Admissions

 

1 Course
14.9 K
6.5 LPA

#48 NIRF

1 Course
2.8 L
6.7 LPA
1 Course
6.24 K
4.94 LPA

#18 NIRF

2 K
2.46 LPA

#285 QS World University Rankings

57.8 K - 68.8 K
5.13 LPA

#38 NIRF

2.52 L

#152 NIRF

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

2.52 L

#152 NIRF

1 Course
14.9 K
6.5 LPA

#48 NIRF

1 Course
2.8 L
6.7 LPA
1 Course
6.24 K
4.94 LPA

#18 NIRF

2 K
2.46 LPA

#285 QS World University Rankings

57.8 K - 68.8 K
5.13 LPA

#38 NIRF

Oceanography Career Scope: Salary, Job Profiles and Top Recruiters

The demand for students who studied Oceanography courses is projected to increase due to concerns like climate change and potential endangerment of marine biodiversity. This section will shed light on the salaries after Oceanography courses.

Oceanography Salary in India

Check the table below to see the possible job profiles and the average salary offered in India after Oceanography courses. 

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary

Ocean Engineer

Develops equipment for use in the ocean, such as submarines.

INR 13 LPA

Climate Specialist

Uses computer models to simulate and predict changes in ocean dynamics.

INR 9 LPA

Coastal Zone Manager

Protect and manage the coastal areas, which are often vulnerable to erosion & pollution.

INR 9 LPA

Marine Biologist

Researches and conducts detailed studies on marine life and its components. 

INR 6 LPA

Oceanographer

Researches and conducts detailed studies on physical properties, currents, temperature, and salinity.

INR 3 LPA

Marine Geologist 

Investigate and research the geological features of the ocean floor.

INR 7 LPA

Marine chemist

Studies the chemical behaviour of seawater and how the atmosphere reacts with the seafloor. Analyze pollutants and chemical impact on marine organisms.

INR 3 - 5 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. There are several top recruiters interested in hiring talented oceanographers. Career opportunities come in both governmental and private organizations. 

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: This info. is taken from the official website and may differ.

 

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.

Q:   What do candidates study in an Oceanography course?
A:

Oceanography courses are also related to various other subjects like Geology, Physics, Meteorology and Geography. The 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 Geography.3 and Technology. 

Q:   Why should I study Oceanography Courses?
A:
  • 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.

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Oceanography courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Oceanography.

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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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

The highest paid oceanographer in India can get a salary above Rs. 20 Lacs per year. People who are in top roles like - research directors or academic professors so on can even get higher salaries mostly in big organisations. 

You need a good level of experience, advanced degrees and expertise in a p

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

BSc Oceanography grads can start their careers in entry-level positions. Here is a rough estimate of the salary range for BSc Oceanography graduates in India which varies across Entry-Level, Mid-Level and Senior-Level as Rs. 2.5 - 4.5 LPA, Rs. 4.5 - 7 LPA and Rs. 7 - 20 LPA respectively.

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Oceanography is a good career. Especially For students interested in this field. List of some of the factors that you have to consider before joining the course is mentioned below -

  •  Academic and career considerations
  •  Personal and professional suitability
  •  Educational path and preparation 

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10