ICAR-CIFE was established with the assistance of UNDP in 1961 to promote fisheries education in the country by training officials from state governments. It was initially under the administrative control of Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India and subsequently transferred to ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) in 1979. The mandate of the Institute was widened to include higher fisheries education, research as well as extension education under its functional fold. Recognizing the pivotal role played by the Institute in Human Resources Development in fisheries, the Institute was accorded the status of Deemed-to-be- University in March, 1989. The Institute has emerged as a centre of excellence in HRD not only with state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories but by producing competent manpower who have been securing top ARS positions besides joining national and international organizations. The Institute has also been deeply engaged in orienting, grooming and preparing the professionals from the Afro-Asian countries in fisheries and aquaculture sector.