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PhD Ecology or Doctorate of Philosophy Ecology is a doctoral course of three to five-year duration which is centred around laboratory and field studies with theoretical and computational skills aimed at addressing issues related to Ecology and Climate Change.
This course basically helps in studying the interaction between plants, organisms and environment, analyses the issues related to environment, agriculture, water purification, biodiversity (genetic) etc.
To be eligible to apply to this course, students must hold a MSc or MPhil degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of at least 60% marks.
Admission to this program will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted by the college or university. However, there are some institutes which offer admission to this program based on merit in the Master’s degree exam. The average tuition fees for PhD in Ecology course in Indian colleges usually ranges between INR 15,000 and INR 75,000 per annum.
The average salary offered to PhD Ecology degree holders is around INR 5,00,000 to 7,00,000, but this can be higher based on the candidate's experience and other factors.After completing PhD Ecology course, students have many job opportunities in India as well as abroad. Students will be able to find work as an Associate Professor, Senior Research Associate ,Restoration Ecologist, Conservationist, Laboratory Head etc. in the areas like Climate Change Department, Wildlife Institute of India, Colleges etc.
If students wish to do further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. They can also earn a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in the related domain in future.
PhD Ecology Course Highlights
| Course Level | Doctoral |
|---|---|
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology |
| Duration | 3-5 years |
| Examination type | Semester/ Annual |
| Eligibility Criteria | 60% in the last qualifying examination in some Life Science stream. |
| Admission Process | Entrance Test /Research Proposal and Personal Interview |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 15,000 - 75,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 5,00,000 - 7,00,000 |
| Employment Areas | Educational Institutions, Government Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Power Plant,Wildlife, Medicinal and Rare Valuable Plants Gene Bank etc. |
| Job Profile | Assistant Professor, Department In Charge, Project Coordinator, Researcher, Operation Manager, Laboratory Assistant etc. |
| Recruiting Companies | Red Solar, Department of New & Renewable Energy, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Institute of India, Climate Change Department etc. |
PhD Ecology: What is it about?
Information and details about the PhD Ecology program are as follows.
- This course highlights the development of new technologies that would create a long term solution and also open business avenues.
- The topics that the students can cover in the research are Evolutionary Biology, Phylogenetics and Biogeography, Biodiversity and Community Ecology, Molecular Ecology and Molecular Evolution, Population Genetics, Sensory Ecology, Ecophysiology and Climate Change Research.
- This program encourages researchers to grow more consciousness and awareness about Ecological aspects like Biodiversity, Climate Change, Sewage Treatment, Soil Erosion.
- The course is designed to cover, learn and research every topic that comes under the bar of ecology and prepare students for practical implications.
- The way of assessment in this course is the thesis submission at the end which will be a review of the project performed during the three year span.
- An advanced level of study of Natural and Artificial ecosystems including the flaura, fauna and the marine organisms can be expected.
- The aim of this program is to help the Junior Research Fellows to develop ,articulate and gather information in an area and spread the knowledge in the same frontier.
- In future these candidates can be great researchers and academicians.
Why study PhD Ecology?
The goal to attain a PhD in Ecology degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the benefits and perks of pursuing PhD Ecology degree course has been mentioned below:
- Open ways to various professions, and more lucrative positions: There are a large number of positions that require a PhD degree. A PhD may win you more significant compensation, however not be vital. For example, you can be an advisor without a PhD, however it gives you a major favorable position.
- Will boost up your confidence: At the point when you take a shot at your PhD, you'll fundamentally be working alone, settling on your own choices, and wrestling with the results of your work. In an ideal situation, you additionally have a strong tutor and labmates, however this isn't ensured.
- You'll get five years of extraordinary research experience: A little bit of the populace can say that they've worked in a lab by any means, even better for 5.5 years all alone, autonomous undertaking. This experience will give you understanding into the cycle of science and, when done right, open you to important exploration aptitudes for the seat and past.
- On completion of this course, students can easily get an average salary package ranging between INR 5,00,000 and 7,00,000 per annum.
- After completing this course, students will be able to work as a Nature Biologist, Conservationist, Ecologist, Senior Research Associate, Assistant Professor etc.
PhD Ecology Admission Process
- Most of the colleges and universities follow an entrance-based process for admission to PhD Ecology courses.
- On cracking the entrance test, candidate’s research topic, proposal, methodology etc. are checked and an interview is held.
Merit-based admission
- Submit the application to the colleges or universities you are interested in for admission.
- Perform well in the undergraduate examinations as the scores obtained in these form the basis of the entire admission process.
- In due course of time colleges release their cutoff lists. Check if you are eligible for admission into the desired course.
- If eligible, visit the college and submit all the required documents.
Entrance Based Admission
Most of the colleges and universities offer admission to PhD Ecology courses based on the candidate's performance in entrance exams like UGC NET/ CSIR NET etc.
The step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission is as follows:
- Step 1: Students have to register themselves on the official website.
- Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.
- Step 3: After the entrance examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam.
- Step4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussion for admission to this course.
- Step 5: On fulfilling all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to this course.
What is the PhD Ecology Eligibility Criteria?
The common PhD Ecology eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil to be considered eligible for admission to this course is as follows:
- Candidates should have completed their MSc or M.Phil degree in the respective field with a minimum aggregate of 60% and above from a recognized university.
- They should have passed the entrance examination conducted by the university for admission to the program such as NET/ GATE etc.
Which are the popular PhD Ecology Entrance Exams?
There are many national and state-level entrance exams to appear for the admission into PhD Ecology course. Listed below are some of these popular PhD Ecology entrance exams.
| Entrance Exam | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET | To be announced |
| UGC NET | To be announced |
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF | To be announced |
| IIT JAM | Check here |
| VITMEE | Check here |
| NIPER PhD Entrance Exam | To be Announced |
How to Prepare for a PhD Ecology Entrance Exams?
The syllabus for PhD Ecology entrance exams will vary from college to college. Some of the important tips that students can follow to excel in entrance exams are given below:
- Go through the detailed syllabus of the written test, start studying them, revise your concepts.
- Time management is one of the most important aspects to crack entrance exams, this is not only applying to the study schedule but attempting the most exam as well.
- Practicing sample papers and mock test papers will assure you of the time management skills by the time your entrance exam starts.
- Practice is the thumb rule for cracking entrance exams. Ensure that your concepts are clear and you are aware of all the right ways to solve questions within the time frame.
- Start learning from the basic step and thereafter move to higher and difficult levels of concepts.
- The candidates need to brush up the knowledge of the Bachelor and Masters degree and come up with a genuine new research proposal.
- Clearing up basic concepts regarding Ecology will be beneficial even for the Interview Round.
How to get admission to a good PhD Ecology college?
To get admission in the top PhD Ecology college, the following points must be kept in mind:
- Candidates are shortlisted by the college through respective entrance exams followed by an interview.
- To get a good college for PhD Ecology, appearing for the UGC NET exam is the best way and for some of the colleges’ UGC NET is also considered good to approach.
- A few private institutes are there offering the course to admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview.
- Getting into a good college for the admission in PhD Ecology course, candidates need to score well in the respective entrance exams.
- Candidates should put their time and effort into the entrance test as well as be prepared for a personal interview round.
- They should be well versed with their research topic so that they can impress the interview panel with their research idea.
Which are the top PhD Ecology Colleges?
The table below shows the best PhD Ecology colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.
| Name of the College/ University | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU, Bhopal | Entrance-Test followed by Interview | INR 30,000 | INR 4,00,000 |
| CUTM, Paralkhemundi | Entrance-Based | INR 80,000 | INR 4,78,000 |
| Shyam University, Dausa | Merit-Based | INR 90,000 | INR 4,36,000 |
| ARGUCOM, Sivasagar | Entrance-Based | INR 62,000 | INR 6,78,000 |
| IFP, Pondicherry | Entrance-Based | INR 7,889 | INR 5,00,000 |
PhD Ecology College Comparison
The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the two top PhD Ecology colleges in India.
| Parameter | BU, Bhopal | CUTM, Parelkhemundi |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Barkatullah University is a state-funded govt. University which offers a large number of UG, PG and the Research courses. | This deemed university offers a large number of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-level in the discipline of Technology, Commerce, Science etc. |
| Location | Bhopal | Parelkhemundi |
| Eligibility Criteria | Hold a Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university | Hold a Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university |
| Admission process | Entrance-Based followed by Interview | Entrance-Based followed by Interview |
| Average Fees | INR 30,000 | INR 80,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 | INR 4,78,000 |
| Job Positions | Principal Scientist, Scientist, Biophysics tutor/teacher, Assistant Professor, Laboratory/Research Assistant, Bio-technical Research Manager and Method Development Scientist etc. | Principal Scientist, Scientist, Biophysics tutor/teacher, Assistant Professor, Laboratory/Research Assistant, Bio-technical Research Manager and Method Development Scientist etc. |
What is the Syllabus of PhD Ecology?
PhD in Ecology is a dynamic stream with various region of specialization.The table below includes all the subjects that a Junior Research Fellow can specialize in
| Research Methodology | Plant and Animal Physiology |
|---|---|
| Genetic Structure | Behavioural Ecology |
| Ecosystem | Physiological Ecology of Plants |
| Population Ecology | Mark Recapture |
| Carbon Storage | Urban Ecology |
| Habitat Data Analysis | Landscape Management |
| Bio Climatography | Thesis |
Which books to study for a PhD Ecology course?
Tabulated below are some of the PhD Ecology subject books that can help students to have a broader and better understanding of the course:
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Conceptual Breakthroughs in Evolutionary Ecology | Laurence Mueller |
| Ecologies of Writing Programs:Program Profiles in Context | Mary Jo Reiff,Anis S Bawarshi |
| Computational and Numerical Challenges in Environmental Modelling | Zahari Zlatev and Ivan Dimov |
| Ecological Models and Data in R | Benjamin M. Bolker |
| Novel Approaches in Risk,Crisis and Disaster Management | Michail Chalaris |
| The Creativity Revolution: Steps to an Ecology of Culture | Ben- Zion Weiss |
| Spatial Pattern Dynamics in Aquatic Ecosystem Modelling | Hong Li |
PhD Ecology vs PhD Renewable Energy
Both PhD Ecology and PhD Renewable Energy are doctoral courses and are quite similar to each other. However, there are some differences between two of these courses.
Check the list of Top PhD Renewable Energy Colleges in India.
Check the table given below for more comparative details:
| Parameters | PhD in Renewable Energy | PhD in Ecology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | PhD Renewable Energy is basically a research specialization in Energy Science, Engineering and Agricultural Science. | PhD in Ecology comprises flexible course work with more detailed work in the laboratory,Natural Resource Management, Ecology of Global Changes. |
| Admission procedure | The admission is mainly done based on the candidate's score in the entrance examination like NET /GATE etc. | The admission is carried out by following the entrance examination like NET,GATE ,CSIR. |
| Average Fees | INR 15,000 to 1,00,000 | INR 15,000 to 75,000 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum aggregate of 60% in MSc or MTech and 70% in BSc or BTech with more than five years of experience. | 60-70% marks in both Bachelors and Masters degree. |
| Job Profile | Energy Analyst, Renewable Engineers, Solar Project Manager, Professor etc. | Biotechnologist, Research Biologist, Biotechnical Research Manager, Ecologist, Assistant Professor etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 – 8,00,000 | INR 5,00,000 - 7,00,000 |
What are Job Prospects and Career Options after PhD Ecology?
After getting a degree in this field, a candidate can get a variety of jobs to choose from. It will be easy for them to work for the government and private organizations and many other sectors. They can also choose to teach as a professor or a lecturer in colleges or universities.
- PhD Ecology degree holders can find employment in numerous companies like companies like Godrej, Climate Change Department, Wildlife Institute of India, Colleges and so on.
- PhD degree holders in Ecology seek positions in various sectors as a Principal Scientist, Scientist, Biophysics tutor/teacher, Assistant Professor, Laboratory/Research Assistant, Bio-technical Research Manager and Method Development Scientist etc.
The table given below shows some of the most common PhD Ecology job profiles and career prospects after completing the course are as follows:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist | They are mainly responsible for creating and conducting complex research on gene, tissue, hormone, food, drugs etc. | INR 8,87,000 |
| Ecologist | They monitor and survey the ecosystem and analyze different problems related to it such as Climate, Population, Biodiversity etc. | INR 7,21,000 |
| Energy Manager | Responsible for the management of Energy related operations which should be on a similar page with the company vision. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Professor | Responsible for teaching ,guiding and mentoring students the current advancement in research in Renewable Energy | INR 5,47,000 |
What are the Future Scopes of PhD Ecology?
PhD degree is a doctorate level degree and is the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. In general, one does not pursue further studies post completion of the PhD Ecology.
Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this knowledge, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.
- Students can go for teaching jobs in the colleges/universities after this course and then clear the UGC-NET exam required for becoming a permanent lecturer.
- They have many jobs in Genetic Counselling Centres, Psychology Centres, Pharmaceutical Companies, Forensic Science Labs etc. after completing this program.
- Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field.
- After gaining adequate experience in the related field, Neurologists can work in govt. and private hospitals.
- Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Ecology and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales.
PhD Ecology FAQs
Some of the most frequently asked questions related to the PhD Ecology program are as follows:
Ques. What is the fee structure in public and private colleges offering PhD Ecology course?
Ques. What is the average annual salary of an Ecologist after completion of this course ?
Ques. Is a PhD in Ecology a worthy option to take up or the candidate should directly join a company ?
Ques. What is the duration of this course ?
Ques. What makes Ecology a desired course ?
Ques. Name some entrance examinations which are accepted by reputed institutes.
Ques. What is the most sought after job profile that students can opt for ?
Ques. What is the amount of fellowship granted in India for this course?
Ques.What are some of the areas of specialisation in this course ?
Ques. What is the admission process for admission to PhD Ecology programs in Indian Colleges/ Universities ?
![Barkatullah University - [BU]](https://static.zollege.in/public/college_data/images/appImage/25660_BU.jpg?tr=h-100,w-200,c-force)
![The French Institute of Pondicherry - [IFP]](https://static.zollege.in/public/college_data/images/appImage/10428_app image1.jpg?tr=h-100,w-200,c-force)