Here, aspirants can explore all the essential details such as M.Sc Zoology Eligibility, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Books, Career Opportunities, and Jobs in a structured way.
M.Sc Zoology programme deals with the scientific study of animals, their structure, evolution, classification, behaviour, and interaction with ecosystems. Graduates of this PG course develop analytical and research skills that are applicable across life sciences, pharmaceuticals, agricultural sciences, and conservation biology. Here is the quick overview of the course:
M.Sc Zoology Overview | |
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Particulars | Details |
Course Name | Master of Science in Zoology (M.Sc Zoology) |
Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Eligibility | B.Sc. in Zoology / Life Sciences / Biological Sciences or equivalent |
Average Fees | ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year |
Top Entrance Exams | CUET PG, BHU PET, and other university-level exams |
Average Salary (Starting) | ₹3.5 to ₹7 LPA |
Career Roles | Zoologist, Ecologist, Research Scientist, Lecturer, Wildlife Biologist |
Note: The above details about the programme may slightly differ depending on the university or institution. Therefore, interested students should confirm official updates about the course from particular institution before applying for the admission.
Candidates interested in pursuing this postgraduate degree must carefully check the M.Sc Zoology eligibility norms of their preferred universities. While requirements may vary slightly from one university to another, the general criteria remain as follows:
M.Sc Zoology Eligibility Criteria | |
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Criteria | Requirements |
Educational Qualification | B.Sc. degree in Zoology, Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, or related field |
Minimum Marks | 50–60% aggregate in undergraduate degree (varies by university) |
Age Limit | No specific age limit |
Additional Requirement | Some universities may require candidates to have Zoology as a core subject in their undergraduate course |
Note: Eligibility conditions may be revised each year based on university guidelines for the candidates who want to pursue course. Hence, candidates are advised to check official admission brochures of their chosen universities for accurate details.
Depending on the type of institution, admission can be based on merit or entrance test results. Central and state universities generally conduct entrance tests, while some private universities admit students on merit basis only. Here are common information about admission process:
M.Sc Zoology Admission Process | |
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Mode | Details |
Merit-Based | Admission based on B.Sc. aggregate marks |
Entrance-Based | Selection through exams like CUET PG, BHU PET, etc. |
Counselling | Seat allocation, document verification, and fee submission |
Final Selection | Based on merit/entrance score and counselling performance |
Note: Admission procedures may vary across institutions. Hence, students must refer to the respective university’s official website for updated admission processes.
To secure admission into top universities, candidates must appear for entrance examinations that test their subject knowledge in zoology, biology, and allied sciences.
M.Sc Zoology Entrance Tests | |||
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Exam Name | Conducting Body | Mode | Subjects Covered |
CUET PG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Online (CBT) | Zoology, Life Sciences, General Aptitude |
BHU PET | Banaras Hindu University | Online/Offline | Zoology & Allied Sciences |
JNUEE | Jawaharlal Nehru University | Online | Life Sciences & Zoology |
Note: Candidates must check the latest notifications for the entrance exam pattern, syllabus, and dates for admission in the programme as they may change yearly.
The M.Sc Zoology syllabus includes an advanced understanding of animal biology along with specialisations in genetics, ecology, physiology, and applied zoology. Students also undergo research projects and dissertations in the final year. Here are the semester-wise details of the syllabus:
M.Sc Zoology Syllabus | |
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Semester | Subjects Covered |
Semester 1 | Structure & Functions of Invertebrates, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biostatistics |
Semester 2 | Structure & Functions of Vertebrates, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Physiology |
Semester 3 | Endocrinology, Developmental Biology, Immunology, Applied Zoology |
Semester 4 | Environmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Research Methodology, Dissertation/Project |
Note: The exact syllabus for masters’ course in Zoology may differ slightly depending on the university curriculum, but UGC guidelines are generally followed with small modifications in each university.
The following core subjects are included in the course in almost each institution:
M.Sc Zoology Core Subjects | |
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Core Subject | Focus Area |
Genetics | Study of heredity, gene expression, and molecular inheritance |
Ecology | Ecosystem functioning, conservation, biodiversity |
Physiology | Functions of organ systems, endocrinology, and neurobiology |
Evolution | Origin of Species, natural selection, evolutionary trends |
Developmental Biology | Growth, differentiation, and embryology |
Applied Zoology | Sericulture, aquaculture, pest control, and biotechnology applications |
Government M.Sc Zoology colleges in India are generally more affordable, while private universities may provide modern facilities and research opportunities. Here are the details about top M.Sc institutions for Zoology studies in India:
M.Sc Zoology Colleges in India | ||
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College/University | Location | Exam Accepted |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | CUET PG / BHU PET |
Delhi University (DU) | New Delhi | CUET PG |
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | JNUEE |
University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | CUET PG |
Osmania University | Hyderabad | University Entrance |
University of Madras | Chennai | CUET PG |
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh | University Entrance |
Note: Students should verify the admission process and eligibility of their chosen college before applying, as it may differ each year.
The course fees for M.Sc Zoology varies depending on the type of institution. Central and state universities usually offer affordable options, while private universities may charge higher due to infrastructure and facilities.
M.Sc Zoology Fees in India | |
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Type of Institution | Average Fee Range (per year) |
Central/State Universities | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 |
Research Institutes | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
Private Universities | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Note: The fees range mentioned here are approximate. Students are advised to confirm the exact fee structure from the respective institution’s website.
Reference M.Sc Zoology books can help candidates strengthen concepts and preparing for exams. Below are some of the widely recommended titles for M.Sc Zoology students:
M.Sc Zoology Books | |
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Subject | Recommended Books |
Cell Biology | Cell and Molecular Biology – De Robertis |
Genetics | Principles of Genetics – Snustad & Simmons |
Ecology | Fundamentals of Ecology – Eugene P. Odum |
Physiology | Animal Physiology – Guyton & Hall |
Evolution | Evolution – Douglas J. Futuyma |
Developmental Biology | Developmental Biology – Scott F. Gilbert |
Note: While these are standard references, students should also explore university-prescribed textbooks and recent research publications.
Graduates of the course have wide career opportunities in academics, research, environmental agencies, wildlife conservation projects, and biotechnology companies. Candidates can read here about the popular job roles after completing this PG course:
M.Sc Zoology Jobs | |
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Career Role | Average Salary (per annum) |
Zoologist | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
Research Scientist | ₹5 – ₹10 LPA |
Ecologist | ₹4 – ₹8 LPA |
Wildlife Biologist | ₹4 – ₹9 LPA |
Lecturer/Professor | ₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA |
Environmental Consultant | ₹5 – ₹11 LPA |
Note: Salary packages after completion of the course vary based on skill set, location, employer, and experience.
The future scope of the course is highly promising as it combines research, conservation, and industrial applications. Students can pursue higher studies like a Ph.D. in Zoology, Environmental Sciences, or Biotechnology. Job opportunities are available in ICMR, CSIR, DBT, DRDO, Wildlife Institutes, and international research labs. Graduates can also work in NGOs, forestry departments, pharmaceuticals, and global conservation organisations.