The foundation of the Fisheries College under Assam Agricultural University (AAU) began in 1982 when the Region-II Committee of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) convened at AAU’s Jorhat main campus. During this meeting, it was decided that AAU would prepare a proposal to establish a Fisheries College, addressing the growing need for specialized education in fisheries within Assam. By 1985, AAU had formulated and submitted a detailed proposal to ICAR and the Government of Assam, which was subsequently approved. ICAR endorsed the proposal, allocating Rs. 240 lakhs for the establishment of the college under the VIIth Five-Year Plan.

To initiate the program, the university, in collaboration with the Government of Assam, decided to temporarily locate the college at the Rice Research Station in Raha, 27 km west of Nagaon and 100 km east of Guwahati, near National Highway 37. This temporary setup facilitated the early commencement of the college while providing a strategic location for the nascent institution. On March 7, 1987, the then Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, laid the foundation stone for the first Fisheries College in North Eastern India at Raha, Nagaon district. This momentous event marked the official beginning of professional fisheries education in the region. The college began its academic operations in the 1987-88 academic year with the inauguration of the 4-year Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.) degree program, initially staffed by three faculty members and operating under the guidance of an Officer on Special Duty.
Over the years, the Fisheries College has adhered to ICAR guidelines and expanded its academic offerings. The college has developed comprehensive programs through its seven major departments: Aquaculture, Aquatic Environment Management, Fisheries Resource Management, Fish Processing Technology, Aquatic Animal Health Management, Fisheries Engineering, and Fisheries Extension, Economics & Statistics. These departments provide rigorous education and training in fisheries science, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in various specializations.

The college has consistently maintained high teaching standards, with its faculty recognized for their expertise and commitment to professional fisheries education. This dedication has resulted in numerous students achieving top ranks in national-level examinations, such as the All India Joint Entrance for Junior Research Fellowship conducted by ICAR. The impact of the college extends beyond education, as its alumni have made significant contributions in diverse fields. Graduates have found employment in prominent state and national organizations, including the Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of Assam, Dept. of Panchayat & Rural Development, ICAR, Assam Agricultural University, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and various financial institutions. Additionally, many alumni have become successful entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector, creating employment opportunities and contributing to regional economic growth.

In its three-decade journey, the College of Fisheries, Raha has become a pivotal institution for fisheries education in North Eastern India. Its legacy is reflected in the achievements of its alumni and their contributions to the fisheries sector and beyond, underscoring the college’s role in fostering regional development and professional excellence in fisheries science.