Zoology Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
Degrees offered: M.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons), B.Sc., Ph.D, M.Phil.
What is Zoology
Zoology is a branch of biology that studies the animals and their entire gamut, which includes evolution, classifications, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and habits. The subject covers environmental effects on animal behaviours, their interaction between humans and other animals, animal remains, animal behaviour, and conservation. Candidates with zoology courses find opportunities in government departments, environmental agencies, universities, colleges, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and ecological fields.
The zoology course is offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Candidates can choose the specialisation from the structure, physiology, ethology, biogeography, marine biology, and other branches of the zoology. Candidates can go for a doctorate and postdoctoral programme after the post-graduation in zoology and work as a lecturer or researcher.
The article provides more details about the zoology courses, which covers the details about the courses, subjects, specialisations, syllabus, scope, opportunities, and details about the recruiters.
Zoology Highlights:
Zoology course level | Graduate and postgraduate degree |
Zoology course admission process | Based on the entrance exam/merit-based |
Zoology courses | B.Sc in Zoology M.Sc in Zoology Ph.D in Zoology |
Minimum qualification for the B.Sc, M.Sc and Ph.D in Zoology. | For B.Sc: Candidates must have passed in class 12 with science stream. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12.
For M.Sc: Candidates must have passed BSc/BSc (Hons) in Zoology. Candidates who have passed allied medical sciences/biosciences/life sciences are also eligible to apply.
For Ph.D: Candidates must have scored 55 per cent in M.Sc. (50 per cent for SC/ST candidates). |
Zoology course - Annual course fee | INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per annum |
Average salary offered | Up to Rs. 8 LPA, depending on the experience |
Career prospects | Animal care specialist, conservationist, wildlife biologist, zoo curator, wildlife educator, zoology faculty, zoology researcher and lab technicians. |
Top recruiters | Government departments, environmental agencies, universities, colleges, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and ecological fields. |
Required skills |
|
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Zoology
To get admission to zoology courses, candidates have to follow the certain eligibility criteria. The detailed admission process for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses are given below:
Eligibility Criteria for B.Sc:
Candidates must have passed class 12 in science stream.
They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in class 12.
Eligibility Criteria for M.Sc:
Candidates must have passed B.Sc in zoology from a recognised university and college.
Candidates who have passed allied medical sciences/biosciences/life sciences are also eligible to apply.
They are required to have a minimum of 50 per cent at B.Sc.
M.Sc Entrance Exams:
M.Sc course is offered by various universities and colleges in India. The admission process of these colleges and universities are based on merit as well as the entrance exam conducted by the respective colleges or national-level body. To appear for the entrance exam, candidates need to follow the following procedure:
Eligible candidates are required to submit their application online at the college or university’s website along with scanned copies of the required documents. They have to pay the application fee online.
They can also download the filled in application form and send it to the concerned department of the university/college along with required documents and receipt of application fee payment.
Candidates are shortlisted based on the merit of the qualifying exam.
Some of the universities/colleges conduct the entrance test.
Candidates have to appear for the entrance test conducted by the university or college.
Based on the entrance test result, candidates will be invited for the counselling/interview.
Selected candidates have to report to the college/university/institute and complete the admission process, which includes, document verification and fee payment.
Eligibility for Ph.D:
Candidates must have scored 55 per cent in M.Sc. (50 per cent for SC/ST candidates).
Ph.D Entrance Exam:
Ph.D in zoology is offered by various universities and colleges in India. The admission process of these colleges and universities are based on merit as well as the entrance exam conducted by the respective colleges or national-level body. To appear for the entrance exam, candidates need to follow the following procedure:
Candidates need to apply online at the official website of the university.
Admission to Ph.D. is based on the rank secured in the entrance examination conducted by the Research Department of the respective colleges and institutes.
Candidates with UGC-CSIR-NET/JRF, UGC-NET/JRF, SLET, GATE are exempted from the Entrance Test.
The candidates who have qualified in the entrance test will be called for interview/viva-voce, conducted by the Department Research Committee.
The general merit list for the M.Phil./Ph.D. programme is prepared by the DRC on the basis of performance of the candidate in the entrance test, the interview/viva-voce.
Interview judges the suitability of the applicant on the basis of applicant’s research aptitude, knowledge of the subject, a clear understanding of the proposed research problem, the suitability of proposed research methodology, research facilities available and availability of the research supervisor in the proposed research area etc.
Shortlisted candidates need to report to the respective centres of the University and complete the admission process which includes document verification and fee payment.
Zoology Specialisations:
Ethology: Ethology is one of the specializations of zoology. This is a scientific and objective study of animal behaviour under natural conditions. Ethologists study the evolution of behaviour and the understanding of behaviour in terms of the theory of natural selection.
Biogeography: Biogeography is the specialisations of zoology. It studies the spatial distribution of organisms on the earth and focuses on topics like plate tectonics, climate change, dispersal and migration, and cladistics.
Physiology: This specialisation studies the mechanical, physical, and biochemical processes of living organisms by attempting to understand how all of the structures function as a whole.
Structure: The cell biology or structure studies the structural and physiological properties of cells. This includes cell behaviour, interactions, and environment. This is done on both the microscopic and molecular levels.
Evolution: Evolutionary research is concerned with the origin and descent of species and their change over time. It generally involves scientists who are trained in particular organisms such as mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, or entomology.
Scope of Zoology in India and Abroad
Candidates with zoology courses have opportunities in government departments, environmental agencies, universities and colleges. They also have opportunities in biotechnological and pharmaceutical fields. While doing higher studies, candidates can choose the specialisation from the structure, physiology, ethology, biogeography, marine biology, and other branches of the zoology and can pursue the research in the same field. As per their specialisation, they will have opportunities in the field of conservationist, wildlife biologist, zoo curator, wildlife educator, zoology faculty, zoology researcher and lab technicians.
Opportunity in higher studies: Candidates can go for a doctorate and postdoctoral programme after the post graduation in zoology and work as a lecturer or researcher.
Course Fees Zoology
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
1.07 K
B.Sc. in Zoology at South Travancore Hindu College, Nagercoil
|
396
B.Sc.(Hons) in Zoology at Rairangpur College, Mayurbhanj
|
6.11 Lakhs
B.Sc.(Hons) in Zoology at Auro University, Surat
|
7.39 Lakhs
B.Sc M.Sc in Zoology at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
|
| PG |
759
M.Phil. in Zoology at St John's College, Palayamkottai
|
890
M.Sc. in Zoology at Government Arts College, Salem
|
3.18 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Zoology at Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan
|
4.92 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Zoology at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
|
| DOCTORAL |
23.40 K
Ph.D in Zoology at Aditanar College of Arts and Science, Tiruchendur
|
---
Data not available
|
13.85 Lakhs
Ph.D in Zoology at Asian International University, Manipur
|
2.56 Lakhs
Ph.D in Zoology at Prof Rajendra Singh University, Prayagraj
|
| DIPLOMA |
12.60 K
Diploma in Zoology at Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati
|
3.60 K
M.Sc. in Zoology at Mata Jijabai Government Girls PG College, Indore
|
1.47 Lakhs
Diploma in Zoology at The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati
|
98.00 K
M.Sc. in Zoology at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar
|
Course Subjects
B.Sc syllabus has been developed to provide in-depth knowledge about biodiversity, their development and interaction with the environment. It covers the study of physiology, endocrinology, cell biology and molecular biology. The course also provides in-depth knowledge of the subject on instrumentation and techniques including biostatistics, biotechnology and bioinformatics. The detailed outline of the B.Sc syllabus is mentioned below:
Semester-I
Theory Papers:
Paper I: Non-chordate diversity and Systematics
Paper-II: Practical based on Paper I
Semester-II
Theory Papers:
Paper I: Biochemistry
Paper-II: Practical based on Paper I
Semester-III
Theory Papers:
Paper I: Chordate diversity and Comparative Anatomy
Paper-II: Practical based on Paper I
Paper III: Bioinstrumentation & Biostatistics
Paper IV: Practical based on Paper III
Semester-IV
Paper I: Biotechniques, Biostatistics and Ethology
Paper-II: Practical based on Paper I
Paper III: Developmental Biology
Paper IV: Practical based on Paper III
Semester-V
Paper I: Genetics and Evolution
Paper-II: Practical based on Paper I
Paper III: Animal Physiology
Paper IV: Practical based on Paper III
Paper V: Endocrinology
Paper VI: Practical based on Paper V
Paper VII: Molecular Biology and Immunology
Paper VIII: Practical based on Paper VIII
Semester -VI
Paper I: Parasitology and Ethology
Paper-II: Practical based on Paper I
Paper III: Molecular Biology and Immunology
Paper IV: Practical based on Paper III
Paper V: Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Paper VI: Practical based on Paper V and project work
Paper VII: Economic Zoology
Paper VIII: Practical based on Paper VIII
Syllabus for M.Sc Zoology:
M. Sc. syllabus has been developed to carry out research in the areas of endocrinology, physiology, cell and tissue culture, reproductive biology, and neurobiology in the branches of entomology, fish and fisheries, animal physiology and of mammalian reproductive physiology. The detailed outline of the M.Sc syllabus is mentioned below:
Semester-I
Theory Papers:
Paper I: Structure and Function of Invertebrates.
Paper-II: General Physiology.
Paper III: Cell Biology and Genetics.
Paper IV: Advance Reproductive Biology
Seminar-I, Practical: I, Practical II
Semester-II
Theory Papers:
Paper V: Structure and Function of Vertebrates
Paper VI: Comparative Endocrinology
Paper VII: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Paper VIII: Advance Developmental Biology
Seminar-II, Practical: III, Practical: IV
Semester-III
Theory Papers:
Paper IX: Parasitology
Paper X: Immunology
Paper XI: Special Group paper-I (Entomology/Fish and Fisheries Animal Physiology/MRP)
Paper XII: Special Group Paper-II (Entomology/Fish and Fisheries Animal Physiology/MRP)
Seminar-III, Practical: V, Practical: VI
Semester-IV
Paper XIII: Biotechniques, Biostatistics and Ethology
Paper XIV: Toxicology and Bioinformatics
Paper XV: Special Group Paper-III (Entomology/Fish and Fisheries Animal Physiology/MRP)
Paper XVI: Special Group paper-IV (Entomology/Fish and Fisheries Animal Physiology/MRP)
Seminar-IV, Practical: VII and Project work
Careers in Zoology
Candidates who have completed the zoology courses in B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D level have various job opportunities in the public and private sectors. Depending on their degree level, interest, and work experience they can opt for the following opportunities.
Bio-Technician/biological technician: A bio technician, or biological technician, works with biologists and other scientists and assists them in solving scientific problems dealing with living organisms. The job role involves performing a test on blood or other biological substances. It also includes molecular diagnostic testing, pathology testing, and many other types of medical testing.
Animal Care specialist: The job involves taking care of pets and other domesticated animals. Training animals, rescue animals, zoo keeping are other roles related to this profile.
Wildlife and Conservationist: Wildlife and conservationists study all aspects of animal life and relate it to the management and conservation of natural resources. A conservationist is a person who advocates or acts for the protection and preservation of the environment and wildlife. The conservationist groups keep an eye on the environment activities and guide the government and corporate for the right actions towards the protection of the environment. The groups create pressure on the government for changing the wrong policies or creating new ones for the protection of the environment.
Teaching and research: There is a good scope in academics after studying M.Sc in Zoology. For the teaching and research at the university level, candidates are shortlisted based on both academic record and performance in a relevant nation-wide screening test, like UGC (NET/JRF), CSIR(NET/JRF), ICAR (JRF/SRF), SLET. As per the score in the exams candidates can go for a doctorate study in zoology. They can pursue research in structure, physiology, ethology, biogeography, marine biology, and other branches of zoology.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists: Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and their interaction with ecosystems. After pursuing the Ph.D. candidates can join the research and become a zoologist and wildlife biologists.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Candidates with zoology courses have opportunities in government departments, environmental agencies, universities and colleges. They also have opportunities in biotechnological and pharmaceutical fields.
Average Salary
The government, non-government, and corporate sector offers jobs to people who have successfully completed the UG and PG zoology courses. The salary offered varies from sector to sector depending upon the skills, qualifications, experience, and other specific demands of the recruiters. As freshers or at the entry-level the average salary package offered varies from Rs 2 to Rs.3 LPA. People with a decent number of years of experience can earn up to a salary package of Rs.6 to Rs.10 LPA. The detailed salary offers as per the experience is given below:
Experience level | Years of Experience | Salary Starting from | Up to |
Entry-level | 0-5 years | INR 2 LPA | INR 3 LPA |
Mid Level | 5-10 years | INR 3 LPA | INR 6 LPA |
Top-level | 10-20 year | INR 6 LPA | INR 10 LPA |
Popular Zoology Entrance Exams in India
Popular Zoology Colleges in India VIEW ALL
LPU Jalandhar
- Fees: ₹ 327000
Christ University
- Fees: ₹ 197000
BHU Varanasi
- Fees: ₹ 5864
Chandigarh University
- Fees: ₹ 312000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How much is the fee for the Master of Science (M.Sc) in Zoology course at Sri Agrasen Kanya PG College Varanasi?
Answer :
The Sri Agrasen Kanya PG College Varanasi fee for the M.Sc in Zoology course is Rs 50.00 K.
Questions related to Zoology
Showing 2141 out of 2141 Questions
4 Views
Ddu cut off msc 2025 zoology for general category
26th Jul, 2025
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya University (DDU) Gorakhpur has not yet released the cutoff marks for M.Sc. Zoology admission for the year 2025. The university is expected to release the cutoff list by the last week of July 2025.
To apply for M.Sc. Zoology, students from the general category must have at least 55 percent marks in their B.Sc. degree. This is the minimum eligibility needed.
In past years, DDU has not shared the exact cutoff marks publicly. Admission is based on the marks scored in the university's entrance exam. Students with higher marks in the entrance test have better chances of getting selected.
Once the cutoff list is published, you will be able to check if your marks meet the required level for admission in the general category. Counselling is expected to start from 24 July 2025.
Website for more details:
https://ddugu.ac.in
Answer later 9 Views
Sir my main course is B.Sc (Hons) Botany in Delhi University. Can I take zoology as a minor subject. If possible, then how can I opt for it?
26th Jul, 2025
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if you are a student pursuing B. Sc (Hons) Botany in Delhi University, you can choose Zoology as a minor subject based on the college's syllabus. According to the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF 2022), part of the NEP framework, the Delhi University system allows students, the opportunity to select a minor subject that is outside of their major discipline. Zoology, is an acceptable minor choice for Botany students as both subjects belong to life sciences. Here is how to choose zoology as a minor:
- You should first check with your college's Botany department/academic coordinator if Zoology is available as a minor subject.
- When you register for your courses or fill your preferences (which usually occurs in the first semester), select Zoology as your minor subject of preference.
- You may have to continue studying Zoology for the subsequent semesters to obtain the required credits for a minor.
Remember to refer to your college specific academic handbook or website, as the subjects offered may vary from each of the DU colleges.
3 Views
Jkbose last 5 years question paper of botony and zoology
24th Jul, 2025
If you're preparing for your JKBOSE Class 12 exams and looking for the last 5 years’ question papers for Botany and Zoology, you're on the right track. These papers can help you understand the exam pattern, frequently asked questions, and important chapters.
You can easily find them on educational websites like Aglasem or Scribd, or even download model papers directly from the JKBOSE official site. Practicing with these papers will not only boost your confidence but also help improve your time management during exams
4 Views
Will I be able to get admission with a score of 127 in msc zoology aupgat allahabad university entrance exam obc category in allahabad university ?
23rd Jul, 2025
A score of 127 in the AUPGAT entrance exam for MSc Zoology, combined with your OBC category, gives you a decent chance of getting into Allahabad University. The cut-offs vary each year, depending on the number of applicants, difficulty level of the exam, and seat availability.In recent years, candidates in the OBC category have managed admission with scores slightly above 120, so you’re definitely in the safe or borderline zone. However, your actual admission will depend on your Category rank in the final merit list,number of seats reserved for OBC candidates and the rounds of counselling.
You should definitely participate in the counselling process, keep your documents ready like your mark sheets, caste certificate, AUPGAT scorecard, ID, etc.Even if you don’t get a seat in the first round, don’t lose hope many students secure seats in later rounds.
Wishing you all the best!
2 Views
I have taken zoology as the main subject in the au entrance exam and chemistry as second subject then psychology as optional subject. In the exam we have to do only one subject other than the main subject so I have done psychology but now psychology marks arent showing on score card
23rd Jul, 2025
Hii,
As you mentioned taking Zoology as your main subject and Chemistry as second, and Psychology as optional in AU entrance, and it’s not reflecting in your scorecard, you need to reach out to the exam authority (Andhra University) directly.
Because entrance exams generally consider only the main and second subjects for calculating results. If Psychology was optional and not attempted during the exam, it won’t be added to the scorecard. However, if you did appear for Psychology and it’s still missing, this could be an error.
You can follow these steps:
- Email or visit the AU exam office or helpdesk.
- Mention your roll number, subjects selected, and attach your admit card.
- Ask for a revised scorecard or clarification.
Hope you will find it helpful!
