Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

Ph.D. in Zoology is a 3-year doctorate degree in Zoology. As an academic discipline, Zoology involves a study of animals, their structural classifications, and the science of their existence in the environment. The field is divided into several sub branches, such as:

• Ichthyology: study of fish and their habitats
• Ornithology: study of birds
• Mammalogy: study of mammals.

The minimum eligibility for pursuing the course is a Master’s degree in the discipline in some cases and additionally, M.Phil. in the subject in other cases.

Eligible candidates aspiring to pursue the course need to have attained a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/PH candidates) or an equivalent grade from a recognized university/institute of higher learning, besides a 5-year teaching/ industry/ administrative/ professional experience at a senior level.

Such postgraduates are hired in capacities such as Animal Caretaker, Conservationist, Animal Rehabilitator, Documentary Maker, Animal & Wildlife Educator, Forensic Expert, Animal Trainer, Lab Technician, Zoo Curator, Animal Breeder, Researcher, Animal, Behaviorist, Wildlife Biologist, Veterinarian, Zoo Keeper, etc.

The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 2,000 and 8 Lacs for a span of 3 years, and the average annual salary offered to such professionals ranges between INR 1.5 and 6 Lacs, increasing with the candidate’s experience and expertise in the field.

Ph.D. in Zoology: Course Highlights

Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.

Ph.D. in Zoology: What is it about?

The course is designed for students wishing to study animal behavior at an advanced level and as an academic specialty, besides evolutionary trends, species and characteristics, and the structure, functioning, behavior, and evolution of animals, including living beings.

Television channels such as National Geographic, Animal Planet, and Discovery channel offer various opportunities for documentary film-making for such specialists.

They may work as teachers/ lecturers in schools and colleges, often upon qualifying the NET. Also, such professionals may join chemical, pharmaceutical, and petroleum companies for jobs.

Ph.D. in Zoology: Who should opt?

Ideal candidates for the course would possess:

• data-handling skills such as recording, collating, and analyzing data using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• written communication skills
• presentation and oral communication skills such as to present research findings and make presentations in a clear, succinct way.
• project management skills, such as organizing and undertaking research projects, experiments, etc. (including budgeting, contingency planning, and time management).
• good understanding of information technology
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Top Institutes offering Ph.D. in Zoology

Listed below are some of the top institutes in India that offer the course.

Eligibility for Ph.D. in Zoology

As a minimum criterion of eligibility, aspiring candidates need to meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, completed from a recognized institute/university.
• A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50 % for SC/ST/PH hopefuls) or equivalent grade at the level of post-graduation.
• At least 5 years of teaching/ industry/ administrative/ professional experience at a senior level.

 Ph.D. in Zoology: Admission Process

Admission to the course in India is made on the basis of the candidate’s performance in a relevant written test and/or a round of Personal Interview and/or performance in a relevant qualifying examination. Candidates are shortlisted based on both academic record and performance in a relevant nation-wide screening test, such as:

• UGC (NET/JRF)

• CSIR(NET/JRF)
• ICAR (JRF/SRF)
• SLET
• GATE
• GPAT
• ICAR entrance tests.

Ph.D. in Zoology: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated here.

Ph.D. in Zoology: Career Prospects

Owing the growing need for conservation and administration of natural life in the present-day society, such postgraduates are employed in a number of lucrative professional vocations.

They are also often needed for professional research and documentary-making. Zoologists are additionally employed in zoos, wildlife settings, greenhouses, natural conservation-based organizations, national parks, colleges, labs, aquariums, animal facilities, fisheries and aquaculture, historical centers, pharmaceutical companies, veterinary healing centers, and such.

Such professionals are hired in capacities such as Animal Behaviorists, Animal Raisers, Animal Trainers, Animal Caretakers, Animal and Wildlife Educators, Animal Rehabilitators, Conservationists, Documentary Makers, Forensic Experts, Lab Technicians, Researchers, Wildlife Biologists, Veterinarians, Zoo Attendants, Zoo Curators, and related roles.

Tabulated below are some of the popular professional avenues open to such postgraduates in private and public sectors, along with the corresponding salaries and basic job duties.

Aspirants seeking admission to 3-year Full-time Ph.D. program should have passed Master’s Degree in the relevant stream or its equivalent from a recognized university. Admissions will be made on the basis of the rank obtained by the Candidate in the Entrance Test conducted by the University.