MSc Zoology is a 2-year postgraduate study dedicated to the study of animals. The program dives deep into the biology, behavior, and structure of animals. Any candidate who wishes to pursue a Master of Science in Zoology should have a bachelor's degree in Medical Sciences, Allied Sciences, Biosciences, or any Life Sciences specialization. They should have scored at least 50% marks at the undergraduate level from a recognized university.
It is a two-year postgraduate zoology program, consisting of 4 semesters. Admissions are either based on merit or through entrance exams conducted at the university level. Some of the institutes also hold a personal interview round as part of the admission process. The average tuition fee of the MSc in Zoology program is around INR 21,000 to INR 1.5 lacs annually.
MSc Zoology Syllabus focuses on an in-depth study of animal tissues, structures, etc. After completing the MSc Zoology course, candidates can pursue a career as a zoologist and earn an average salary of 3 – 4 LPA.
2.2 Entrance Exams
2.3 How to prepare for Entrance exams?
2.4 How to get admission in a good college?
8.1 Future Scope
MSc Zoology Course Highlights
Some of the key highlights of this course are shown in the table below.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Full-Form | Master of Science in Zoology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination type | Semester system |
| Eligibility | BSc Graduate |
| Admission Process | Entrance Examination |
| Course Fee | INR 21,000 to INR 1.5 lacs annually. |
| Average Salary | INR 90,000 to INR 2 lacs p.a. |
| Top Recruiting Companies | College/Universities, Zoo and National Park, Agricultural Sector, Food Park, Plant Research Centre, etc |
| Job Positions | Zookeeper, Wildlife Rehabilitator, Zoology Teacher, Wildlife Educator, Research Associate, etc |
MSc Zoology Admission Process
The top institutes in the country that offer MSc Zoology admit students either on the basis of an entrance examination or on the basis of previous academic records. The dates for the entrance exams are announced quite earlier. To secure admission into MSc Zoology, the following steps can be referred to.
- Step 1: Look out for the entrance examination notice of the institute you choose to apply to. Dates for registration will be announced in advance by the institutes.
- Step 2: Register for the examination and appear for it. Look for the syllabus and the past papers, if available. Practicing in a timely manner will be useful for the final examination.
- Step 3: If the candidate qualifies the examination and scores above the minimum cut-off, then they will be invited for an interview round.
- Step 4: Appear for the personal interview. Interviews are usually conducted with the department heads of the institute or college.
- Step 5: Candidates who have passed the personal interview round, will be given an offer letter for admission. They will have to pay the admission fee within the provided time, to book their seat in the program.
MSc Zoology Eligibility Criteria
The candidates are required to meet the eligibility criteria set by the institutes to apply for admission. The general criteria followed by most institutes are mentioned below:
- The candidate should have a B.Sc. degree in Zoology or other Allied Medical Sciences, with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognized institute.
- The candidate should have completed their 10+2 examinations from a state-recognized board.
MSc Zoology Entrance Exams
Institutes usually conduct their own entrance examination for this program. Some of the popular examinations at the top institutes are as follows:
- PUET: Pune University conducts an entrance exam for admission into its M.Sc. Zoology program. The examination is usually conducted in the month of June. Applications for the same are accepted from April and May.
- Christ University Assessment Test: Christ University conducts a skills assessment test to admit students in the M.Sc. Zoology program. The examination tests candidates in written skills, communication skills, and logical reasoning. Upon passing the entrance examination, candidates will be invited for a personal interview round.
| Entrance Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | February 2024 |
March 11 – 28, 2024 |
| BITSAT |
Session 1- April, 2024 Session 2- May 2024 |
Session 1- May 2024 Session 2- June 2024 |
| NEST | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| IIT JAM | September 05 – October 25, 2024 | February 11, 2024 |
| TISS NET | To be Announced | To be Announced |
How to prepare for the MSc Zoology entrance exam?
Most of the institutes do not have a prover syllabus set for its entrance examinations. Some of the expected topics are mentioned below:
- Biomolecules: structure, organization, and role
- Cell Structure and function
- Cell Signalling
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Animal and Plant Physiology
- Ecology
It is not very tough to solve MSc Zoology exams. The entrance examinations cover the material taught in the graduation level of B.Sc. Zoology program. So, candidates holding bachelors in zoology can clear it only by studying their course topics.
- It would be beneficial to look at the previous question papers, to get an idea of the exam you are applying.
- Solving model test papers can help to practice and check the amount of preparation done.
How to get admission in a good MSc Zoology college?
- If admission is merit-based, a high score at the undergraduate level is required. The candidate should meet the minimum cut-off prescribed by the college.
- Colleges advertise when seats are available and when admission season opens up. All the latest admission advertisements must be viewed regularly.
- For admission through entrance examinations, going through the undergraduate course material in zoology as well as general knowledge, latest news, and basic mathematics is recommended.
- Most colleges hold a personal interview round where students who have cleared the entrance examinations are invited. Candidates must prepare diligently for this round.
- Preparations must be started at least 6 months prior to the examination date to make time to cover all material.
MSc Zoology: What is it about?
Candidates with a B.Sc. degree in Zoology or other Allied Medical Sciences often opt for M.Sc. Zoology. It is the best program for the one who wishes to pursue a career related to animals.
- M.Sc. in Zoology covers a wide range of subjects that deals with the study of the animal kingdom including their biology, genetics, classification, evolution, and many more.
- Graduates from this program find employment as researchers, teachers, professors, zoologists, zoo animal welfare, etc.
- Candidates in this program get to learn about the basics of zoology like biochemistry and genetics. During the later semesters, one can choose specializations to study with their course load.
- The program helps students work in animal biodiversity, bioinformatics, ecosystem monitoring, wildlife conservation, etc.
Why study MSc Zoology?
Students who choose to do masters in zoology may see that there are many benefits of studying this program. Some of the benefits are:
- Diverse career options: An M.Sc. Zoology graduates can find jobs in numerous sectors after graduation. They can work as professors of zoology, work as researchers, animal trainers, wildlife experts, etc. Jobs are available in both the private and public sectors.
- High salary: Due to the high number of job options available, the salary offered to candidates is also high. For fresh graduates, the salary ranges up to INR 2 lacs p.a. The ultimate salary offered will depend on the caliber and experience of each candidate.
- Betterment of animals and humans: By studying the biology, anatomy, physiology, anatomy, etc. of animals, one can also begin to understand human beings. Observing an animal’s interaction with their environment is much like how humans interact. This in turn will help us make better choices and create better solutions for future human beings on earth.
- Increase in job outlook: The job outlook for a zoologist or similar career options is on the rise. With changes in the current situation of the environment, it is becoming more important to look after the animals and find out how to best preserve their habitats. M.Sc. Zoology graduates can take the opportunity to build a successful career in this field at this time.
MSc Zoology Course Comparison
MSc Biochemistry vs MSc Zoology
Here is the comparison between MSc Biochemistry and MSc Zoology, on the basis of eligibility, admission process, course fees, focus areas, suitability, job options, and salary package.
| Parameters | MSc Biochemistry | MSc Zoology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | This program is about the study of the chemistry of all living things. | This program is about the study of animal biology, structure, and classification. |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in Science and related field. | Bachelor's degree in Science. |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam and Merit-based | Entrance exam and Merit-based |
| Average course fees charges | INR 30,000 - INR 250,000 per annum | INR 21,000 - INR 150,000 per annum |
| Focus Area | The focus area is understanding the chemical processes in living organisms and includes topics like genetic engineering, enzymes, immunology, etc. | The focus area here is understanding the evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of animals in the animal kingdom. |
| Suitability | Suitable for people who wish to work as researchers in the field of biochemistry. | Suitable for people who envision working as animal welfare experts or zoologists. |
| Job Options | Biomedical Scientist, Medicinal Chemist, Forensic Scientist | Zookeeper, Wildlife Rehabilitator, Zoology Teacher, Wildlife Educator, Research Associate, etc |
| Average Salary | The average salary offered is around INR 4.97 lacs p.a. | The average salary offered is around INR 4.5 lacs p.a. |
MSc Microbiology vs MSc Zoology
Here is the comparison between MSc Microbiology and MSc Zoology, on the basis of eligibility, admission process, course fees, focus areas, suitability, job options, and salary package.
| Parameters | MSc Microbiology | MSc Zoology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | This program is a mix of the fields of chemistry and biology. | This program deals with the study of animals and all their biological processes. |
| Eligibility | BSc degree in life science, microbiology, biotechnology,biology, or any relevant field. | BSc in Zoology, or any relevant field. |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam or merit-based | Entrance exam or merit based |
| Average course fees charges | INR 50,000-3,00,000 per annum | INR 21,000-1,50,000 per annum |
| Focus Area | The focus of this program is on the study of bacteriology, virology, and other related fields. | The focus of this program is understanding animal anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, etc. |
| Suitability | Suitable for candidates who wish to work as microbiologists, hygienists, researchers, etc. | Suitable for candidates who wish to work as professors, zoologists, animal trainers, etc. |
| Job options | Research Assistant, Microbiologist, Pharmacologist, Biomedical Scientist | Zookeeper, Wildlife Rehabilitator, Zoology Teacher, Wildlife Educator, Research Associate, etc |
| Average Salary | The average salary is around INR 3.06 lacs p.a. | The average salary is around INR 4.5 lacs p.a. |
MSc Zoology Colleges
The top ten universities in India that offer MSc Zoology programs, according to NIRF ranking are as follows.
| College Name | City | Average Annual Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | INR 6,114 |
| University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | INR 3,420 |
| Calcutta University | Kolkata | INR 8,044 |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata | INR 24,000 |
| Anna University | Chennai | INR 12,285 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Manipal | INR 1,29,000 |
| Lady Brabourne College | Kolkata | INR 68,534 |
| Bethune College | Kolkata | INR 6,561 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | INR 12,000 |
| Maulana Azad College | Kolkata | INR 2,685 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | INR 18,577 |
| Dinabandhu Andrews College | Baishnabnagar | INR 27,340 |
| University of Delhi | New Delhi | INR 18,879 |
| Bharathiar University | Coimbatore | INR 12,615 |
| Bangabasi College | Kolkata | INR 34,340 |
MSc Zoology College Comparison
There are various top colleges that offer MSc Zoology and below is the comparison of some of the top colleges, based on NIRF rank, admission process, seats available, annual fees, average salary package, and top recruiters.
| Parameters | Banaras Hindu University | University of Hyderabad | Calcutta University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | One of the oldest universities in the country, Banaras Hindu University ranks high for its science programs. | The University of Hyderabad is a public university established in 1974. It is home to over 5,000 students enrolled in its programs. | It is also known as the University of Calcutta. They have been educating students since 1857. It is one of the first institutions in Asia which was a multidisciplinary and western style. |
| Rank | NIRF: 10 | NIRF: 11 | NIRF: 12 |
| Admission Process | Based on the marks obtained in BHU entrance examination, known as BHU-PET. | Based on the entrance exam. | Based on the entrance exam, followed by an interview. |
| Seats available | 51 seats | - | 85 seats |
| Average Fees | INR 6,114 | INR 3,420 | INR 8,044 |
| Average Placement Package | INR 4,00,000 lacs. p.a. | INR 4,55,000 lacs. p.a. | INR 8,16,000 lacs p.a. |
| Top recruiters | Concentrix, Future Group, Pradan, etc. | Dell Freescale, IBM, Oracle, Google, HSBC, Intergraph, Honeywell, etc | Allahabad Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, CorporationBank, DenaBank, haldia petrochemicals, HDFC Bank |
MSc Zoology Syllabus
The colleges may teach different subjects during different semesters, but the topics taught are usually the same by most of the institutes. For a reference, below are the topics that are taught in MSc Zoology.
| Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Structure and Functions of Non-chordates | Ecological theories and applications |
| Genetics and Genetic Engineering | Tissue structure Function and Chemistry |
| Parasites and Immunity | Laboratory course |
| Semester 2 | |
| Structure and Functions of Chordates | Comparative Animal Physiology |
| Endocrinology and Neuroscience | Cell and Receptor Biology |
| Biochemistry and Molecular biology | Laboratory course |
| Semester 3 | |
| Taxonomy and Biodiversity | Evolution and Animal Behaviour |
| Development and Differentiation | Laboratory course |
| Elective I Theory | Elective I Practical |
| Semester 4 | |
| Conservation Biology and Wildlife | Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Instrumentation |
| Biotechnology and Applications | Laboratory course (1 module) |
| Elective II Theory | Elective II Practical |
| Seminar and Dissertation or Review | - |
MSc Zoology Jobs and Career Prospects
After completion of MSc Zoology, the graduates can find jobs in both government and private sectors.
- Job profiles that are open to an M.Sc. Zoology graduates are animal trainers, zoologists, zookeepers, wildlife educators, researchers, wildlife biologists, etc.
- The area of employment for MSc Zoology graduates are colleges and universities, zoos and national parks, the agricultural sector, the food industry, etc.
Some of the top job options available after MSc Zoology are mentioned below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Behaviour and Training Specialist | One who provides knowledge about the safety of pets to their owners. | INR 2,21,945 |
| Veterinarian | The one who performs daily health assessments for laboratory animals. | INR 5,06,389 |
| Wildlife Biologist | A wildlife biologist has to make research about the habitat and population growth of various animal and plant species. | INR 5,00,000 |
| Conservationist | The main responsibility of wildlife conservationists is to preserve the habitats of plants and animals. | INR 3,68,528 |
| Zoologist | A zoologist looks after the health and living conditions of all the animals of a zoo. | INR 7,67,757 |
MSc Zoology Salary Trends
MSc Zoology Future Scope
Besides doing a job in a zoology related field, one can opt to do research-based programs or study for competitive examinations like civil services. There are government jobs in zoology where an M.Sc Zoology degree would be useful.
Some of the further study options available for MSc Zoology graduates are:
- Ph.D: Ph.D. or research-based programs are the highest level of educational degree one can get. The candidates get to do research on a topic of their choice and complete it within 3 to 5 years. Admission to Ph.D. programs is on the basis of entrance examinations. Upon completion of the program, one can get employed as a professor.
- Management courses: Another popular choice after completing M.Sc. Zoology is a management course. Management courses are designed to prepare future managers and entrepreneurs of the economy. Admission is through a competitive exam like CAT or MAT or XAT. Doing an MBA can help to get higher positions in the hierarchy and also increases the pay scale.
- BA LLB: If one wishes to study law and pursue a career in law then BA LLB is the program to look into. Unlike the traditional undergraduate law degree which takes 5 years to complete, this takes 3 years. Candidates can work as lawyers, advocates, legal consultants, and privately for organizations too.
MSc Zoology FAQs
Ques. What is the full form of M.Sc.?
Ans. The full form of M.Sc. is a Master of Science.
Ques. What is the average course fee for M.Sc Zoology?
Ans. The average course fee to pursue M.Sc Zoology is INR 21,000 to INR 1.5 lacs annually.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria to gain admission to this program?
Ans. To successfully secure a seat in this program, the candidate must have a B.Sc. degree in Zoology or Allied Medical Sciences with at least a 50% aggregate. Additionally, the candidate must have completed their 10+2 level in the science stream with a 50% minimum score.
Ques. What is the duration of an M.Sc Zoology program?
Ans. The normal duration of the program is two years and the academic year follows the semester system.
Ques. What are the job profiles after M.Sc Zoology?
Ans. One can work as a zoologist, zookeeper, professor, research associate, etc. among other job profiles.
Ques. What is taught in an M.Sc Zoology program?
Ans. Some of the core courses taught include genetics and evolution, environmental biology, animal physiology, etc. Some of the specializations to choose from are biomedical science, genetics, ecology, and environmental sciences, etc.
Ques. What is the average placement package of M.Sc Zoology?
Ans. The average placement package of this program is INR 4,00,000 lacs p.a.
Ques. When do admissions start for M.Sc Zoology?
Ans. The admission season starts from May to July of each year.
Ques. What is the admission procedure for this program?
Ans. Most colleges admit students through an entrance examination and a round of personal interviews. There are also colleges that admit students on the basis of merit.
Ques. What is the top university to pursue this program?
Ans. Among the top-rated universities, Banaras Hindu University followed by the University of Hyderabad and Calcutta University top in the list.
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