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How to Become a Zoologist: Career Guide, Courses, Types, Steps, Abroad, Jobs, Salary, Scope 2023

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Ahana Bhaduri

Senior Content Specialist

Zoology is the study of the structure of organisms, evolution, behaviour, physiology, habits, classification, and distribution of animals. Every year around 2,00,000 students appear for entrance exams related to Zoology but only 50,000 get through the college of their choice. To preserve and understand the evolution of organisms it is important to study zoology. With the help of zoologists, we help to protect the species that are on the verge of extinction. 

In order to become a Zoologist, students can pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate Zoology Courses from any of the top Zoology Colleges across the country. Entrance to these colleges are done both on the basis of Entrance Exams as well as on the basis of Merit as well. 

Check More: 

After completing a course in Zoology, a candidate can work as a Veterinarians, Animal Zoologist, Entomologists, Marine Biologists, Animal Biologist, Teachers, etc. earning an average starting salary of INR 25,000 to INR 30,000. Read More: Zoologist Salary

Top government organizations under which a candidate can work after completing a degree in Zoology are the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Forest Department of State, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER). Check More: Zoologist Jobs

How to Become a Zoologist: Quick Facts

Industry Animal
Eligibility B.Sc. in Zoology-10+2 with Physics, Biology, and Chemistry M.Sc. in Zoology- B.Sc. in Zoology Ph.D. in Zoology- M.Sc. in Zoology with at least 55%.
Average Starting Salary INR 25,000-INR 30,000 per month
Job Opportunity Veterinarians, Animal Zoologist, Entomologists, Marine Biologists, Animal Biologist

Steps to Become a Zoologist

Some of the key steps that are to be followed in order to become a Zoologist are listed below for your reference,

  • Make a Decision: Before diving into the profession of Zoologist, one should have insight into His/her own area of interest. Based on which a candidate can apply to colleges offering a career in Zoology.
  • Choosing the right set of Subjects: To become a Zoologist, you have to know the right set of subjects right from your 10+2. In 10+2 you can choose Physics, Biology, and Chemistry whereas for Post-Graduation you should have completed Graduation in Zoology. One should also have knowledge of Cell and Molecular Biology, Embryology, Genetics Evolution, Biosystematics, Structure, and Functions of Invertebrates, Animal Physiology and Ethology, etc. These are the subjects that students will learn in their Graduation or Post-Graduation.
  • Preparation for Entrance Examination: To prepare for the Entrance Examination one should be aware of the subjects or syllabus of the entrance exam and should always keep an eye on the notification of the entrance exams. Candidates can refer to NCERT books of Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, etc.
  • After Qualifying Exam: After one has qualified for the exam, he/she will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Some colleges give direct admissions based on the scores obtained in the entrance examination. You will be called by the college for a document verification post in which you will be offered admission.

Types of Zoologists

A person who studies Animal Kingdom, its Evolution, its Genome, its behavior and their characteristics is a Zoologist. Zoologists are responsible for improving the lives of the animal kingdom, preserving and protecting from any kind of threats. Zoologists observe the natural habitat of Animal Kingdom and also carry on laboratory experiments to preserve some depleting species. There are many different Zoologists such as Veterinarians, Animal Zoologists, Entomologists, Marine Biologists, Animal Biologists, etc.

  • Veterinary: Veterinarians diagnose animals suffering from any injury or health disease, get them vaccinated against any disease, treat the wounds and take care of animals until they are all fit and fine. They advise clients on how to take care of their pets, prescribe medications for pets, euthanize animals, and conduct physical examinations.
  • Entomologists: Entomologists study insects and their scientific study, Entomologists study and analyze insects and their relationship to Humans/Organisms. Entomologists can work with Governments, Institutes, Laboratory or with Museums.
  • Marine Biologists: Marine Biologists study the genomics of underwater organisms. Marine Biologists researches on the habitat or underwater organism, their migration, impact by coral reefs on Humans, and underwater photosynthesis.

How to Become a Zoologist in India?

Becoming a Zoologist is not what every student thinks of pursuing a career in Zoology. But when researched about the course one can find many advantages of being a Zoologist. Students who wish to become Zoologists should have proper knowledge of what are the entrance exams for the course and what are some of the best colleges for Zoology.

  • School Level Preparation: Students should choose subjects that contain Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology as these are essential subjects because these subjects act as a foundation stone for the ones who will be choosing Zoology as a career.

How to Become a Zoologist in India after 12th

After completing 10+2 a student has to take a decision on choosing the best field for his career. A student starts researching various career options after 12th. A career in Zoology can help those students who are conscious about protecting and preserving the animal kingdom.

  • UG Preparation: After completing 10+2 a student will have to appear for Entrance examinations. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college.
  • PG Preparation: After completing Graduation in B.Sc in Zoology Students will have to appear for an Entrance examination. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college. Some colleges might offer admission based on the scores obtained in Graduation.
  • Ph.D. Preparation: Post completing M.Sc in Zoology candidates will have to undergo the NET exam to secure admission to various good colleges. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college.

Zoology Courses

There are several Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Zoology. Some of the top courses that can be pursued in order to become a Zoologist are listed below.

B.Sc. in Zoology

B.Sc. in Zoology is a 3-year full-time course in Zoology. B.Sc in Zoology teaches students about Physiology, Animal Biodiversity, Ecology, Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, etc.

Admission Process: Admission to B.Sc. Zoology is done on the basis of scores obtained by the student in the last qualifying examination. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are done on the basis of merit it is important for students to score good marks in their 10+2. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for B.Sc. Zoology.

  • Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
  • Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
  • Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
  • Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
  • Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
  • Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.

Entrance Exams: There are many entrance exams for admissions to B.Sc. Zoologists such as BHU UET, MCAER, NEST, JEST. We have discussed the details some exams as below

BHU UET

Particular Details
Application Date 2nd week of August – 1st week of September, 2023
Admit Card Release Date 2nd week of September 2023
Date of Exam 4th week of September 2023
Date of Result 2nd week of October 2023

NEST

Particular Details
Application Date February – July, 2023
Admit Card Release Date August 2023
Date of Exam August 2023
Date of Result September 2023

Eligibility: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in 10+2. Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 10+2.

M.Sc. in Zoology

M.Sc. in Zoology is a 2-year full-time Post Graduate course in Zoology. This course offers a chance to students to choose their specialization. This course focuses on the genetics, evolution, classification, etc of animals.

Admission process: Admission to M.Sc. in Food and Zoology/PGD in Zoology is done on the basis of scores obtained by a student in the last qualifying examination. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are done on the basis of merit it is important for students to score good marks in their Graduation. Below is a step-by-step guide to apply for M.Sc. in Food and Zoology/PGD in Zoology.

  • Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
  • Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
  • Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
  • Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
  • Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
  • Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.

Entrance Exams: Though there is no single national level entrance exam for M.Sc. however some colleges take their own entrance exam. Some of which are IIT JAM, IGNOU Entrance Test, IPU CET, DUET. Let’s see the details of DUET and IIT JAM

DUET

Particular Details
Application Date April – May 2023
Admit Card Release Date To be Notified
Date of Exam May 21 – 31, 2023
Date of Result July 2023

Eligibility: Candidates must have completed B.Sc. Zoology from a recognized university. Candidates should have obtained at least 50% in their Graduation.

Ph.D. in Zoology

M.Sc. in Zoology is a 3-year full-time Doctorate course in Zoology. This course offers a chance to students to choose their specialization. Students can study and conduct research on Ichthyology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, etc.

Admission process: Admission to Ph.D. Zoology is done on the basis of scores obtained by a student in the UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICAR. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Below is a step-by-step guide to apply for Ph.D. Zoology.

  • Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
  • Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
  • Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
  • Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
  • Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
  • Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.

Entrance Exams: Students are offered admissions on the basis of scores obtained in UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICAR. Details of which are furnished below.

Important Events UGC NET
Application End Date December 29, 2022 – January 17, 2023
Admit Card Release Date To be Notiied
Exam Date February 21 – March 10, 2023
Result Date To be Notiied

Eligibility: Candidates must have completed M.Sc. Zoology from a recognized university. Candidates should have obtained at least 50% in M.sc Zoology.

How to become a Zoologist Abroad?

Zoology has been most of the opt field in many other countries so, apart from India many other countries offer Zoology courses. Some of the countries that offer Zoology courses are Australia, the US, UK, and Canada. We have discussed in detail about the courses in these countries. Please have a look.

How to Become a Zoologist in Australia 

Admission Process:

  • For admission to any Zoologist course in Australia one should have cleared IELTS
  • On should have score more than 7.0 in IELTS

Educational Requirement:

  • For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
  • For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Top Colleges in Australia that offer Zoology as a course: there are my universities that offer study in Zoology some of which are:

College Average Fees
The University of Western Australia INR 59,54,744
Deakin University INR 54,94,402
University of Tasmania INR 50,41,485
The University of Queensland INR 83,38,028
Monash University INR 21,53,212

Courses available: 

B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology B.Sc. Animal Biology B.Sc. Zoology
Master of Biological Sciences- Zoology Master of Scientific Studies- Zoology

How to Become a Zoologist in UK 

Admission Process:

  • IELTS is mandatory for admission to any course in UK.
  • IELTS Score of 6+ is required for entry into Zoology courses of UK

Educational Requirement:

  • For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
  • For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available: 

B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology M.Sc. Zoo Conservation Biology MA Anthrozoology

How to Become a Zoologist in US 

Admission Process:

  • IELTS is the mandatory exam for entry into most courses in the US.
  • Admission in Zoology courses of US universities is done on the basis of IELTS score which should be greater than 7.

Educational Requirement:

  • For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
  • For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available: 

BA in Zoology B.Sc. Zoology MA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Entomology

How to Become a Zoologist in Canada 

Admission Process:

  • Canadian Universities accept IELTS scores.
  • A score of 6.5+ in IELTS is considered to be a safe score for admission into any course of Canada

Educational Requirement:

  • For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
  • For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available: 

Benefits of Becoming a Zoologist

The key benefits of becoming a Zoologist are listed below for your reference,

  • Salary- Average salary of a Zoologist at the start of a career is INR 25,000 to INR 30,000.
  • Job Security- career in Zoology is a promising career as the field of Zoology is never going to run out of business. There will always be a need for a Zoologist to look after animals.
  • Positive Impact of career- one willing to work for the benefit of the animal kingdom can adversely have a positive impact on animals and all living organisms.
  • Higher Studies- After completing B.Sc. in Zoology candidates can opt for higher studies. Candidates can choose M.Sc. in Food and Zoology. After Post-Graduation a candidate can choose to do a Ph.D. in zoology.
  • Unique Experience- Candidates can experience the satisfaction of making an animal fit and healthy.

Skills Required to Become a Zoologist

Following are the skills required to be a good Zoologist

Administrative Skills Listening Skills
Planning Skills Understanding of Zoology
Research Skills Understanding of food and composition for animals
Communication Skills

Salary of a Zoologist

The average salary of a fresher Zoologist is INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 whereas for experienced candidates it is INR 7,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.

Average Annual Salary

Name of Organisation Average Annual Salary
Govt INR 2,50,000 to INR 3,50,000
Private INR 3,00,000 - INR 5,00,000.

Specialization Wise Salary

Specializations Salary
Marine Biologists INR 9,00,000
Veterinarians INR 5,50,000
Entomologists INR 5,20,000

Experience Wise

Experience Salary
Fresher INR 3,50,000
Experienced INR 8,00,000

How to Become a Zoologist: FAQs 

Ques. What are the Qualities of a Zoologist?

Ans. Understanding of animal genomics and its composition, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Time Management, Listening are some of the Qualities of a Zoologist.

Ques. What is the role of a Zoologist in Healthcare?

Ans. Zoologists are important because they are responsible for conducting research on the animal kingdom, preserve distinct animals, study the evolution of animals, and many more.

Ques. What are the colleges for Zoologists?

Ans. Some of the colleges to pursue Zoologist course are

  • Fergusson College Pune with a total fee of INR 11,000.
  • Chandigarh University- Chandigarh with a fee of INR 1,10,000 for the first year.
  • St. Xavier's College- Mumbai with a first-year fee of INR 7,000.
  • PSG College of Arts and Science- Coimbatore with a first-year fee of INR 7,000.
  • Christ University-Bangalore having a fee of INR 45,000 for the first year.

Ques. What are the career Prospects of a Zoologist?

Ans. After completing the course in Zoology a candidate can choose to become a Veterinarians, Animal Zoologist, Entomologists, Marine Biologists, Animal Biologist, Teachers, etc. earning an average starting salary of INR 25,000 to INR 30,000.

Ques. How is the Zoologist profession?

Ans. If you have the desire and feel like you have the quality of helping animals with their health and have all skills to be a good Zoologist then this field is one of the best fields as this field will never be out of business and will be always in demand because Zoologist is always looked out to be as a Conservator, Preservation, and researcher of the animal kingdom.

Ques. What are the Government departments that recruit Zoologists?

Ans. Government departments that recruit Zoologists are the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Forest Department of State, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Indian Institutes of Science Education, and Research (IISER).

Ques. Which books I can refer to for being a successful Zoologist?

Ans. Following are the books you can refer to become a successful Zoologist

  • Invertebrates Zoology by R.L Kotpal
  • Animal Behaviour by Reena Mathur
  • Animal Physiology by H.R. Singh
  • Vertebrates Zoology by R.L Kotpal
  • Genetics by Vir Bhala Rastogi
  • Ecology and Environment by P.D. Sharma

Ques. What are the subjects taught in the Zoology field?

Ans. Candidates are taught about Physiology, Animal Biodiversity, Ecology, Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, etc.

Ques. What is the duration of the Zoology course?

Ans. The duration of the course depends on the type of course chosen. The degree course is of 3 Years while a Ph.D. is of 3 Years whereas M.Sc. course is of 2 years duration.

Ask your question

Answered Questions

RC

Raja Chaudhary

18 Nov 22

Preparing for the BHU MSc entrance exam in Zoology is not very difficult as the syllabus comprises the basics you have already learned in BSc. 

The 4 most important domains of this entrance test are

  1. Diversity 

  2. Ecosystem 

  3. Cell Biology 

  4. Molecular Biology 

Strong command of these topics will guarantee your entrance. Moreover, a daily dose of the latest Digest and GK from some basic General studies books will get you some brownie points.

The best book for this entrance is Arihant’s 

Publication book for BHU MSc Zoology. 

Everything else depends on your own dedication and efforts. The key is not to give in to pressure and stay motivated throughout.

...Show More

AB

Anubhav Bhardwaj

21 Oct 21

I have a few friends from HPU Shimla and according to them, there is no specific syllabus for Zoology entrance. The question of the last few years can be helpful in analyzing the paper pattern. There is no specific syllabus mentioned but the courses generally comprise the topics from the UG degree. So it is definitely recommended to study the UG books and it would be really helpful if you could get previous papers.

There are some books that can be useful such as Arihant’s entrance test book for MSc. 

...Show More

SC

Sreemona Chaterjee

23 Jun 22

Both Zoology and Botany are good for Masters. Both of these subjects offers good career prospects. You should choose one among these based on your interests. 

Job roles available for M.Sc Zoology students - 

  • Assistant Professor 
  • Zoology Teacher
  • Zoologist
  • Junior Research Associate
  • Wildlife Educator
  • Naturalist
  • Associate Editor Zoology
  • Zookeeper 

The salary packages offered for these roles usually range from INR 3-5 LPA.

Some of the career paths available after doing an M.Sc in Botany are - 

  • Associate Professor
  • Research Associate
  • Botanist
  • Agriculturalist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Medical Coder

The salary packages for M.Sc Botany students are in the range of INR 4-9 LPA. 

For most universities, the syllabus for M.Sc Zoology and Botany is in English. 

...Show More

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