A Fishing License is a legally required permit that allows individuals, fishing groups, or cooperative societies to carry out fishing activities in government-controlled water bodies. In Bihar, fishing plays a significant role in rural employment, nutritional security, and the local economy, especially in river-belt districts along the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Son, and Punpun rivers.
The Bihar Government regulates fishing activities to protect aquatic life, prevent illegal fishing practices, and ensure fair distribution of fisheries resources. Without a valid Fishing License, fishing in notified rivers, ponds, reservoirs, and tanks is considered illegal and punishable under state fisheries laws.
The Bihar Fishing License is also essential for accessing government fisheries schemes, subsidies, training programs, seed distribution, and welfare benefits.
Official Bihar Government Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
What is a Bihar Fishing License?
Table of Contents
The Bihar Fishing License is an official permit issued by the Government of Bihar that authorizes eligible persons or groups to legally fish in designated water bodies within the state.
The license is issued and regulated by the Bihar Fisheries Department, which functions under the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department.
Purpose of the Bihar Fishing License
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Legal authorization to fish in rivers, ponds, reservoirs, and tanks
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Conservation of fish species and aquatic ecosystems
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Identification of genuine fishermen and cooperative societies
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Prevention of destructive and seasonal fishing violations
Fisheries Department Link: https://state.bihar.gov.in/ahd
Eligibility Criteria For Bihar Fishing License Application
Applicants must fulfill the following Bihar-specific eligibility criteria to apply for a Fishing License:
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Must be 18 years or older
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Must be a permanent resident of Bihar
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Should be actively engaged in fishing or fisheries-related livelihood
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Preference given to:
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Traditional fishing communities
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Registered fishermen cooperative societies
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An income or BPL category may be required for subsidized licenses
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Must not be blacklisted or convicted for illegal fishing activities
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Special categories (if applicable):
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Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe fishermen
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Extremely Backward Class (EBC) fishermen
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Women engaged in fisheries or fish marketing
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Documents Required For Bihar Fishing License Application
Applicants must submit the following documents while applying for a Bihar Fishing License:
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Aadhaar Card
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Bihar Residence Proof (Voter ID / Ration Card / PRC)
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Birth Certificate or Age Proof
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Passport-size photographs
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Income Certificate (for subsidy or BPL category)
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Caste Certificate (SC/ST/EBC/OBC, if applicable)
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Fishermen Cooperative Society Membership Certificate (if applicable)
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Self-declaration of fishing activity
How to Apply for a Bihar Fishing License Online Method:
Important Note:
Bihar follows a hybrid system. Online submission is available in many districts, but physical verification by the Fisheries Office is mandatory.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Bihar government portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
Step 2: Register / Login
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Register using your mobile number and Aadhaar
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Log in to the Citizen Services / Fisheries Services section
Step 3: Select Fishing License Service
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Choose Fishing License / Fisheries Permit
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Read eligibility and instructions carefully
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
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Enter personal, residential, and occupation details
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Mention the fishing area or water body, if required
Step 5: Upload Documents
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Upload scanned documents
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File size recommendation: 200–300 KB
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Accepted formats: PDF / JPEG
Step 6: Submit Application
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Submit the form
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Save or note the Application Reference Number
How to Apply for a Bihar Fishing License Offline
Offline application is widely used and officially accepted, especially in rural areas.
Step 1: Visit the Local Office
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District Fisheries Office
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Sub-Divisional Fisheries Office
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Block Office / Gram Panchayat
Step 2: Collect the Application Form
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Ask for the Bihar Fishing License Application Form
Step 3: Fill and Attach Documents
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Fill the form carefully
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Attach self-attested copies of documents
Step 4: Submit and Get Acknowledgment
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Submit the completed form
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Collect the Acknowledgment Receipt
Track Bihar Fishing License Application Status
Applicants can track their Bihar Fishing License application status through:
Official Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
Steps:
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Log in tothe portal
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Enter Application Reference Number
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Check verification or approval status
For offline applications, status can be checked at the District Fisheries Office.
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
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Bihar Fishing License is usually valid for 1–3 years
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Renewal must be done before expiry
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Re-verification may be required depending on policy or water-body lease changes
Documents Required for Renewal
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Existing Fishing License copy
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Updated residence proof
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Passport-size photograph
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Renewal application form
Renewal Instructions: https://state.bihar.gov.in/ahd/fisheries-renewal
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Aadhaar or name mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar via UIDAI and ensure name consistency across documents.
Problem: Document upload failure
Solution: Compress files to 200–300 KB and upload only PDF/JPEG formats.
Problem: Application rejected due to missing documents
Solution: Re-check the document checklist and reapply with complete documents.
Problem: Delay in verification
Solution: Visit the District Fisheries Office with an acknowledgment receipt.
Important Government Links
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Bihar Government Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
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Bihar Fisheries Department: https://state.bihar.gov.in/ahd
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Bihar Citizen Service Portal: https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ:
Q. How to apply Bihar Fishing License online?
A. You can apply through the official Bihar government portal under Fisheries Services.
Q. Is a fishing license mandatory in Bihar?
A. Yes, fishing without a valid license is illegal in government-notified water bodies.
Q. What is the minimum age for a Bihar Fishing License?
A. The minimum age is 18 years.
Q. Who issues the Fishing License in Bihar?
A. The Bihar Fisheries Department issues the license.
Q. How long does approval take?
A. Usually 15–45 days, depending on verification and district workload.
Q. Can women apply for a Bihar Fishing License?
A. Yes, eligible women engaged in fisheries can apply.
Q. Is an income certificate mandatory?
A. It is required for subsidized or BPL-category licenses.
Q. Is a fishing license renewable?
A. Yes, it must be renewed before expiry.
Q. Where can fishing be done using the license?
A. Only in government-approved rivers, ponds, and reservoirs.
Q. Where can I download the Bihar Fishing License form?
A. From the District Fisheries Office the or official Bihar government portal.
Conclusion:
The Bihar Fishing License is essential for legal fishing, livelihood security, and sustainable fisheries management. It protects fishermen from legal penalties and enables access to government welfare schemes, training programs, and financial assistance.
Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official Bihar Government and Fisheries Department portals for the latest updates, renewal notifications, and new fisheries schemes.