Career as a Zoologist: Courses, Eligibility, Qualifications, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Skills, Benefits, Salary

Zoologists study animal behaviour, biology and ecology to contribute to our understanding of wildlife and conservation efforts. To become a zoologist, candidates must clear class 12 from a recognised board and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field. They can start looking for jobs after pursuing a bachelor’s degree but a master’s degree or a PhD can provide better career opportunities.

The salary of a zoologist can vary according to their designation, experience and the type of organisation they work for. The average annual salary of a zoologist in India is INR 4.06 LPA. The monthly salary ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 30,000 with the highest salary being INR 6 LPA. Read: Job of a Zoologist

Candidates aspiring to become zoologists have to undertake zoology or related courses available at graduate and postgraduate levels. BSc and MSc Zoology are the top courses taken by candidates. There are also short-term diploma and certificate courses for students who do not wish to enrol in full-time courses.

Career as a Zoologist: Quick Facts

Eligibility to Become a Zoologist

To become a zoologist in India, candidates typically need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria which are as follows.

• Candidates must have a minimum bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field.
• Candidates must be interested in wildlife and should have practical knowledge and experience in the field.

Qualifications to Become a Zoologist

Candidates are required to have specific educational qualifications to become zoologists. The major qualifications required are as follows.

• Candidates must clear class 12 with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised university. They should choose the PCB stream to pass the exam.
• Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field from a recognised university.
• Candidates should qualify for entrance exams to graduate from top colleges offering courses in zoology.
• Candidates also have the option to opt for a master’s degree for better career prospects.
• Candidates can also specialise in specific areas of zoology according to their interests.

Steps to Become a Zoologist

Becoming a zoologist requires many steps which candidates have to follow. The major steps are mentioned in the following points.

• Candidates have clear class 12 with PCB as the main subject from a recognised board. They have to score at least 50% marks.
• After completing class 12, candidates have to pursue a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field.
• Most colleges give admission based on merit but if candidates are targeting top colleges, they have to qualify for entrance exams conducted by the colleges or national-level exams.
• Candidates also have the option of going for a master’s degree for better career prospects. Most of the research positions require candidates to have a master’s degree.
• Candidates can also opt for a PhD degree in zoology.

Zoology Courses

There are many courses that can be pursued by candidates to become a zoologist. BSc, MSc and PhD are some of the top courses available. The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.

Entrance Exams

There are many entrance examinations for becoming a zoologist in India. Some of the top entrance exams for zoology include BHU UET, NEST, PUET, DUET, BITSAT, GATE and CSIR NET. The details for some of the top exams are mentioned in the following table.

Top Zoology Colleges

There are many colleges in India that offer zoology courses for candidates looking for a career as a zoologist. Hindu College, Miranda House, Parul University, Loyola College and MCC are some of the best colleges for zoology. The details for top zoology colleges are mentioned in the table below.

Skills Required to Become a Zoologist

There are many skills required to contribute and excel in the field of zoology. Some of the top skills that a zoologist should have are tabulated below.

Benefits of Becoming a Zoologist

Becoming a zoologist can be a rewarding career choice with numerous benefits. Some of the key benefits include.

• Contribution to Conservation - By studying different aspects, zoologists contribute to efforts aimed at conserving endangered species and restoring ecosystems.
• Exciting and Dynamic Work Environment - Zoologists work in a variety of work settings making the job stimulating and engaging.
• Diverse Career Paths - Zoologists are required in different kinds of places for their services allowing them to choose a career path that aligns with their interests and goals.
• Impact on Public Awareness - Through public outreach zoologists play a crucial role in educating public about the animal behaviour and the importance of biodiversity.

Salary of a Zoologist

The average annual salary of a zoologist is INR 4.06 LPA in India. The average starting salary is INR 3 LPA while the highest salary is INR 6 LPA. The average monthly salary of a zoologist in India is between INR 25,000 to INR 30,000. The salaries for different zoologist designations are mentioned in the following table.