About IGNOU DAQ – Diploma in Aquaculture
This course teaches students how to breed and raise fish, shrimp, and aquatic plants in controlled environments. It prepares learners for technical work in freshwater and coastal farming, focusing on modern hatchery management and water quality control.
Who Should Choose This Programme?
If you live near a river, lake, or the sea and want to start your own fish pond or work in a commercial hatchery, this course is for you. It is perfect for people from farming families who want to learn the scientific way to increase their fish production. It also suits school leavers with a science background who want a practical job instead of a desk job.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students choose this because it costs only Rs. 8,000 for the whole year, which is much cheaper than private fisheries colleges. You can study from home while continuing your daily work on the farm or at your current job. It is a government-recognised qualification that helps when applying for bank loans or fisheries subsidies for new business setups.
Where Does This Programme Help?
After completing DAQ, you can find work as a Farm Supervisor at a private shrimp farm or as a Technician in a fish seed hatchery. It helps you get jobs as an Extension Worker for state fisheries departments or as a Field Assistant in companies like Godrej Agrovet or CP Foods. You can also successfully run your own ornamental fish shop or a commercial carp culture pond.
IGNOU DAQ (Diploma in Aquaculture) Highlights
The following table provides a quick summary of the Diploma in Aquaculture. It includes the course duration, the school that manages the programme, and the basic entry requirements for interested candidates.
| Programme Name | Diploma in Aquaculture |
| Programme Code | DAQ |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Science Stream |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Offering School | School of Sciences |
IGNOU DAQ Admission – Important Details
The IGNOU DAQ Admission process is conducted twice a year for the January and July academic cycles. Since this is a science-based diploma, students must attend practical counselling sessions at designated Study Centres. These lab sessions are mandatory for completing the 28-credit requirement. Students should check if their nearest Regional Centre has a functional lab for aquaculture before finalizing their choice of Study Centre. All study materials are sent by post, but digital copies can be accessed immediately after admission through eGyanKosh.
IGNOU DAQ Admission Last Date 2026
The university accepts applications for two different sessions throughout the year. For the January session, the last date is typically February 28, 2026. For the July session, the deadline is usually July 31, 2026. Applicants must complete their registration on the Samarth Portal before these dates to ensure their seat is confirmed for the current cycle.
IGNOU DAQ Eligibility Criteria
To secure admission in this diploma programme, candidates must fulfill the specific educational requirements set by the School of Sciences. The criteria are as follows:
- Candidates must have successfully passed the 10+2 (Intermediate) examination.
- The 10+2 qualification must be from a recognised Board or University.
- A mandatory Science Stream background is required at the 10+2 level.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement or upper age limit for applying.
IGNOU DAQ Fees Structure 2026
The fee for the Diploma in Aquaculture is affordable and covers the cost of study materials and examination processing. Fees are paid online during the registration process.
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Programme Fee (DAQ) | Rs. 8,000 |
| Registration Fee (One-time, non-refundable) | Rs. 300/- |
| Development Fee | Rs. 200/- (As per common prospectus) |
| Total Payable (Approx. at Admission) | Rs. 8,500/- |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU DAQ Admission
- Visit IGNOU Admission Portal (Samarth) and click New Registration.
- Create a unique username and password using your active mobile number and email address.
- Fill out the digital application form and select DAQ from the programme list in the School of Sciences.
- Select a Regional Centre and a Study Centre near you that offers aquaculture lab facilities.
- Upload required documents: a recent passport-size photo, your signature, and 10th/12th Science mark sheets.
- Pay the total fees online via Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Save and print your application form and payment receipt for future reference and identity card collection.
IGNOU DAQ Curriculum and Course Structure
The curriculum consists of 28 credits divided into theory, practicals, and a project. Students must study the basics first and then choose between freshwater or coastal farming specialisations. This structure ensures that students get both general knowledge and area-specific expertise.
| Course Code | Core Subjects |
| BAQ 1 | Basics of Aquaculture (Compulsory Theory) |
| BAQP 1 | Project (Compulsory) |
| BAQ 2 / BAQ 3 | Freshwater Aquaculture / Coastal Aquaculture (Optional Theory) |
| BAQL 1 / BAQL 2 | Laboratory I: Freshwater / Laboratory II: Coastal (Optional Practical) |
IGNOU DAQ Programme Coordinator
Students seeking academic guidance or clarification regarding the course structure can reach out to the following faculty members at School of Sciences.
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Contact Number |
| Prof. BanoSaidullah | banosaidullah@ignou.ac.in | 011-29572818 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU DAQ
Completing this diploma opens up several doors in the blue economy sector. You can work as an Aquaculture Technician managing water quality and feeding schedules at large fish farms. Many graduates find roles as Fishery Officers or Extension Workers, helping local communities implement government schemes. If you are interested in business, you can become a Farm Manager for commercial units or start your own venture in fish seed production or fish feed supply. Research institutes often hire DAQ holders as Research Assistants for field data collection.
The degree is recognised by the
University Grants Commission (UGC)
and is equivalent to any regular university degree of the same level.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ Admission details for the 2026 session will be updated after IGNOU releases the official notification. Always verify fees, dates, and eligibility at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in before applying.
Also Read
More resources for DAQ students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU DAQ Admission
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Fee amounts, eligibility criteria, and admission dates are subject to change. Always verify current details at ignou.ac.in.
Official IGNOU Links
Join IGNOUED Community
Official IGNOU updates, admissions, assignments, results and guidance.
✔ Last updated: April 2026
