Kerala University M.Sc Biodiversity & Conservation: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. At Kerala University, M.Sc Biodiversity and Conservation is offered as M.Sc Botany with Specialization in Biodiversity Conservation through the Department of Botany at Kariavattom. It is a distinct specialisation within the Botany department, with a focused curriculum on conservation biology, biodiversity assessment, ecology, and environmental management, rather than the broader plant science curriculum of a general M.Sc Botany. The intake is 10 seats, making it a highly specialised and competitive programme. Students interested in conservation careers or research in biodiversity should specifically apply for this specialisation.

Ans. Kerala is one of the most biodiverse states in India, situated within the Western Ghats, which is one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots. The state has over 6,000 species of flowering plants, numerous endemic species, and rich forest ecosystems. Kerala University's Kariavattom campus is located in Thiruvananthapuram, close to the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. This proximity provides students with unparalleled opportunities for field studies, biodiversity surveys, and conservation research. The university also has strong linkages with KFRI (Kerala Forest Research Institute) and TBGRI (Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute).

Ans. The total academic fee for the complete 2-year (4-semester) M.Sc Biodiversity and Conservation programme is Rs. 6,210. This includes all one-time charges collected at the time of admission in Semester 1 (admission fee, lab fee, library fee, union fees, student care fund, etc.) plus tuition fees of Rs. 840 per semester for all 4 semesters. A Caution Deposit (refundable) is collected separately and communicated in the admission memo. The application/registration fee of Rs. 1,500 (General) is non-refundable. Hostel fees, if opted, are additional.

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in the Forest Department (as Forest Range Officers through competitive exams), environmental consulting firms, NGOs working in conservation, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, biodiversity research institutions like KFRI, TBGRI, ZSI (Zoological Survey of India), and BSI (Botanical Survey of India), and international conservation organisations. Many graduates also pursue Ph.D. research in ecology and conservation biology, or qualify for CSIR-UGC NET to become college lecturers. The growing emphasis on environmental impact assessment and biodiversity offsetting in infrastructure projects has also created new career opportunities.

Ans. Yes, the PG-CSS entrance examination for M.Sc Botany (Specialization in Biodiversity Conservation) is the same as for other M.Sc Botany programmes at Kerala University. The exam consists of 100 MCQs for 100 marks, with a duration of 2 hours and a negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. Questions are based on the B.Sc Botany syllabus, covering topics such as plant taxonomy, plant physiology, ecology, cell biology, genetics, and related areas. Candidates should thoroughly revise their undergraduate Botany syllabus and practice previous years' PG-CSS question papers.

Ans. Yes, students with B.Sc Botany and Biotechnology are explicitly eligible to apply for M.Sc Botany (Specialization in Biodiversity Conservation) at Kerala University, as per the PG-CSS 2026 prospectus. Additionally, graduates of any multi-major course with Botany as a Core course are also eligible. Candidates from universities outside Kerala must provide an Equivalency/Eligibility Certificate at the time of admission. The minimum eligibility is 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in the qualifying degree (with relaxations for reserved categories).