NATIONAL CENTRE FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH, COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Kerala
Fees: M.Tech: Approx ₹1 Lakh total; Ph.D.: ₹37,200 total academic fee
Average Package: INR 5.5 LPA
Highest Package: INR 12 LPA

About NATIONAL CENTRE FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH, COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health (NCAAH) was established in 2000 as a premier research and developmental unit under the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). The centre was born out of a critical need to address the health challenges faced by the burgeoning aquaculture industry in India. Over the last two decades, NCAAH has evolved into a center of excellence, focusing on the mission of 'Relentless effort for the protection of health of aquatic animals and their environment.' It bridges the gap between high-end academic research and practical application for end-users, specifically aqua-farmers. NCAAH is unique in its integrated approach, housing a dedicated Aquaculture Health Products Division that produces indigenous health management products. The center specializes in diverse research areas including Marine Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Bioinformatics, and Aquatic Animal Cell Culture. It has been recognized nationally and internationally for its contributions to disease diagnosis and the development of sustainable aquaculture production systems. With funding support from major central agencies like DBT, DST, and ICAR, the centre maintains cutting-edge infrastructure, including a DBT-supported Bioinformatics Centre. Students at NCAAH benefit from an immersive research environment, participating in projects that directly impact the blue economy of the nation. The M.Tech and Ph.D. programs are designed to produce highly skilled professionals capable of tackling emerging challenges in marine biosecurity and environmental management.

Admission Process

Admission to M.Tech programs is through the Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B). Ph.D. admissions are based on the CUSAT Common Admission Test (CAT) followed by an interview, with exemptions for NET/GATE qualified candidates.

Cutoffs

GAT-B Score > 120 for M.Tech Marine Biotechnology

Rankings & Recognition

Ranked among top Marine Research Centres in India; CUSAT ranked in 801-1000 range globally (THE 2026)

Top Recruiters & Placements

Biocon,Syngene,CP Foods,RGCA,MPEDA,ICAR Institutions

Scholarships

DBT Fellowships for M.Tech GAT-B students; CSIR/UGC-NET Fellowships for Ph.D. scholars.

Student Life & Campus

Life at the Lakeside campus is vibrant and research-oriented. Students enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kochi backwaters while engaging in rigorous lab work, national seminars, and cultural festivals organized by CUSAT.

Facilities

DBT-Bioinformatics Centre (BIC),Aquaculture Health Products Division,Disease Diagnostic Laboratory,Cell Culture Facility,Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Facility,High-End Microscopy Unit

Faculty Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entrance exam for M.Tech Marine Biotechnology?

Admission is primarily based on the Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) score.

Does NCAAH offer diagnostic services to farmers?

Yes, the centre maintains a diagnostic service for aquatic animal diseases to support the aquaculture industry.

Courses & Fees

  • Marine Biotechnology - ₹45,000 per year
  • Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing - ₹50,000 per year
  • Aquatic Animal Health Management - ₹14,065 (First Year)
  • Microbial Genome Sequencing and Analysis - ₹5,000

Reviews & Ratings

Overall Rating: 0 out of 5 (0 reviews)

Pros

  • State-of-the-art research infrastructure
  • Excellent industry-academia linkage
  • Highly qualified research faculty
  • Direct contribution to sustainable aquaculture

Cons

  • Specialized niche might limit general biology opportunities
  • Research-heavy workload

Photo & Video Gallery

Available Media: 5 Photos, 1 Videos

Notifications & Updates

  • M.Tech Marine Biotechnology Admissions 2026 via GAT-B (2026-03-15)
  • Ph.D. Entrance Examination Schedule 2026 (2026-03-20)

Location

Lakeside Campus, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala 682016

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Contact Details

Phone: +91-484-2381120

Email: valsamma@cusat.ac.in

Medical Details & Hospital Load

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