Syllabus for 2025-26
Note: The syllabus is based on the vocational curriculum for Fresh Water Fish Culture, assumed to be in effect for 2025-26 unless updated by the Maharashtra State Board. Exams are expected from February 11 to March 18, 2026.
Theory Syllabus (70 Marks)
| Unit | Topic | Marks (Without Option) | Marks (With Option) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Fresh Water Fish Culture | 10 | 12 |
| 2 | Fish Biology and Ecology | 12 | 15 |
| 3 | Aquaculture Systems and Pond Management | 12 | 15 |
| 4 | Fish Breeding and Hatchery Management | 10 | 12 |
| 5 | Fish Nutrition and Feed Management | 10 | 12 |
| 6 | Fish Health and Disease Management | 8 | 10 |
| 7 | Economics and Marketing in Fish Culture | 8 | 10 |
| Total | 70 | 86 | |
Practical Syllabus (30 Marks)
- Identification of common fresh water fish species
- Water quality testing (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature)
- Preparation of fish feed and feeding demonstration
- Pond management techniques (liming, fertilization)
- Observation of fish breeding techniques
- Diagnosis of fish diseases through sample analysis
- Maintenance of a practical journal (5 marks)
Marks Distribution for 2025-26
Total Marks: 100 (Theory: 70 marks, Practical: 30 marks)
Objective-wise Weightage (Theory)
| Objective | Marks |
|---|---|
| Knowledge | 15 |
| Comprehension | 20 |
| Application | 20 |
| Skill | 15 |
| Total | 70 |
Question Type Weightage (Theory)
| Question Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Objective (Fill in the Blanks, True/False, MCQs) | 18 |
| Short Answer | 32 |
| Long Answer | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
Paper Pattern for 2025-26 (Theory)
Note: The paper pattern includes 25% objective questions (MCQs) as per 2025-26 guidelines. The theory exam is of 70 marks.
| Question | Type | Marks for Each | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Fill in the Blanks | 1 Mark each | 5 | 5 Marks |
| Q2 | True or False | 1 Mark each | 5 | 5 Marks |
| Q3 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 1 Mark each | 8 | 8 Marks |
| Q4 | Short Answer (e.g., Define, Explain) | 2 Marks each | 6 | 12 Marks |
| Q5 | Short Answer (e.g., Differentiate) | 4 Marks each | 5 | 20 Marks |
| Q6 (A) | Long Answer (e.g., Describe process) (OR) | 10 Marks | 1 (out of 2) | 10 Marks |
| Q6 (B) | Long Answer (e.g., Case study) (OR) | 10 Marks | 1 (out of 2) | 10 Marks |
| Total | - | - | - | 70 Marks |
Practical Exam Format for 2025-26
Time: 3 hrs
Total Marks: 30
A) Perform One Practical
- Water quality testing or feed preparation: 10 marks
- Execution and observation: 10 marks
- Viva voce: 5 marks
- Total: 25 marks
B) Practical Journal
- 5 marks
General Instructions
- Practical slips contain 2 questions on different skill sets; students opt for one.
- The journal must be certified and submitted during the exam.
Sample Question Paper for 2025-26
Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Pune
Subject: Fresh Water Fish Culture (Vocational)
Marks: 70 | Time: 3 Hours
General Instructions:
- All questions are compulsory.
- Figures to the right indicate full marks.
- Answer Q6 (A) and Q6 (B) with an "OR" option by choosing one sub-question from each.
Q1. Fill in the Blanks (5 marks)
- The process of adding lime to a fish pond is called ________.
- The ideal pH range for fresh water fish culture is ________.
- ________ is a common bacterial disease in fish.
- The feed conversion ratio (FCR) measures the efficiency of ________.
- ________ is a major fresh water fish species in India.
Q2. State True or False (5 marks)
- Dissolved oxygen levels below 5 mg/L are ideal for fish growth.
- Induced breeding uses hormones to stimulate fish reproduction.
- Catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish species.
- Overstocking in a pond improves fish growth.
- Organic fish farming avoids the use of synthetic chemicals.
Q3. Multiple Choice Questions (8 marks)
- Which of the following is a carp species?
a) Tilapia
b) Rohu
c) Catfish
d) Trout - The primary source of oxygen in a fish pond is:
a) Aeration
b) Photosynthesis
c) Liming
d) Fertilization - What is the ideal temperature range for carp culture?
a) 10-15°C
b) 20-30°C
c) 35-40°C
d) 5-10°C - Which hormone is commonly used for induced breeding?
a) Insulin
b) Pitocin
c) Ovaprim
d) Adrenaline - A high ammonia level in a pond indicates:
a) Good water quality
b) Poor water quality
c) High oxygen levels
d) Low pH - Which of the following is a fungal disease in fish?
a) Fin rot
b) Saprolegniasis
c) Dropsy
d) Columnaris - The main purpose of pond fertilization is to:
a) Increase fish growth
b) Promote plankton growth
c) Reduce water pH
d) Control diseases - Which government scheme supports fish farmers in India?
a) PM Kisan
b) PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
c) MGNREGA
d) PM Awas Yojana
Q4. Short Answer (2 marks each, 6 questions, 12 marks)
- Define aquaculture.
- What is the role of aeration in fish ponds?
- Name two fresh water fish species suitable for polyculture.
- What is the significance of stocking density in fish farming?
- List two symptoms of bacterial disease in fish.
- What is the purpose of a practical journal in fishery?
Q5. Short Answer (4 marks each, 5 questions, 20 marks)
- Differentiate between extensive and intensive fish culture systems.
- Explain the process of pond liming and its benefits.
- Describe the nutritional requirements of fresh water fish.
- What are the preventive measures for fish disease management?
- Discuss the role of government subsidies in fish farming.
Q6 (A). Long Answer (10 marks, Answer any 1)
- Describe the process of induced breeding in fish, including the role of hormones.
- OR Explain the steps involved in preparing a fish pond for stocking, including water quality management.
Q6 (B). Long Answer (10 marks, Answer any 1)
- Analyze the cost-benefit aspects of a small-scale fish farming unit with an example.
- OR Discuss the emerging trends in aquaculture, such as organic fish farming and integrated farming systems.
