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

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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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.
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.
- 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
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 |
|
|
PG |
|
|
Doctorate |
|
|
Certification |
|
Source - Multiple external/official sites.
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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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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.
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 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 |
|
|
CUSAT CAT 2026 |
May 2026 (Tentative) |
|
|
CUET-PG 2026 |
March 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
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Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming 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 | Rajasthan JET 2025 Counselling 2nd Provisional Li... |
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.
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.
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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.
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 |
|---|---|
|
INR 2,000 |
|
|
INR 6,240 |
|
|
INR 14,900 |
|
|
INR 16,090 |
|
|
INR 26,000 |
|
|
INR 57,800 - 68,800 |
|
|
INR 2.8 Lakh |
Note: This information is from the official website and may vary.
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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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
There are many popular and useful Oceanography books that offer an in-depth knowledge about oceans. Here are some of them:
| Popular Oceanography Books | Author Names |
|---|---|
| Essentials of Oceanography | Harold V. Thurman |
| Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science | Tom Garrison |
| A textbook of oceanography | J. Travis Jenkins |
| The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean | Susan Casey |
| At Every Depth: Our Growing Knowledge of the Changing Oceans | Eric Simons |
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.
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.
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.
Most Popular Courses
Popular Oceanography PG Courses
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News & Updates
Jan 27, 2026
Student Forum
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
D
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
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
Contributor-Level 10
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