Rajendra College Balangir M.Sc Zoology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Balangir, OdishaEstd 1946 Sambalpur University, Sambalpur NAAC Grade B
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

Rajendra University, Balangir offers a 2-year full-time Master of Science (M.Sc) in Zoology programme, structured across 4 semesters. The total course fee is Rs. 8,470 for the entire duration, making it one of the most affordable PG programmes in the life sciences stream in Odisha. Admission is through the Odisha Combined PG Entrance Test (CPET), and the programme is offered in full-time on-campus mode. The course is popular among students from western Odisha due to the university's government status, affordable fees, and strong emphasis on animal biology, ecology, and laboratory-based learning.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are upcoming. The Odisha CPET 2026 registration is currently open (February 27 - March 15, 2026), with the exam scheduled from April 27 to May 10, 2026. Results are expected tentatively in July 2026, after which college-level admissions will commence.

Key Points

  • Offered under the Department of Zoology at Rajendra University, a UGC-recognised State Public University in Odisha.
  • The programme covers animal physiology, ecology, genetics, cell biology, and wildlife science components.
  • Students have access to a well-equipped zoology laboratory and the university's central library.
  • The course is a strong foundation for careers in research, teaching, wildlife management, and competitive exams like CSIR-NET/JRF and GATE (Life Sciences).
  • Reservation norms as per Government of Odisha apply for SC, ST, OBC, and other categories.

Rajendra University M.Sc Zoology Fees

The M.Sc Zoology programme at Rajendra University is highly affordable, with a total fee of Rs. 8,470 for the complete 2-year course. The fee is Rs. 4,235 per year, covering tuition and other academic charges. No separate lab or development fees are reported beyond this amount.

Fee Breakdown

Fee ComponentYear 1 (Rs.)Year 2 (Rs.)Total (Rs.)
Tuition Fee4,2354,2358,470
Other ChargesIncludedIncludedIncluded
Hostel Fee (Optional)~3,600 (approx. Rs. 300/month)~3,600~7,200
Total Fees (without Hostel)4,2354,2358,470
  • Hostel accommodation is optional and not mandatory for the course.
  • Hostel fee is approximately Rs. 300 per month (Rs. 3,600 per year), charged separately.
  • Mess/food charges at the hostel are additional and paid on a monthly basis as per consumption.
  • Fees are refundable as per university norms in case of withdrawal before the academic session begins.
  • No EMI facility is officially mentioned; fees are generally paid at the time of admission each year.

Rajendra University M.Sc Zoology Admission 2026

Admission to M.Sc Zoology at Rajendra University is done through the Odisha CPET conducted by the Government of Odisha. The 2026 admission cycle is currently in the registration phase. Candidates must apply through the SAMS portal and appear for CPET. Seat allotment is based on CPET scores, followed by document verification and fee payment at the university.

College Admission Dates

EventDate
CPET 2026 Application StartFebruary 27, 2026
CPET 2026 Application Last DateMarch 15, 2026
CPET 2026 Admit Card ReleaseApril 23, 2026
CPET 2026 Exam DatesApril 27 - May 10, 2026
CPET 2026 Result (Tentative)July 1, 2026
College Admission / CounsellingJuly 2026 (Tentative, based on 2025 pattern: June 2 - July 24)
Batch CommencementAugust 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam EventDate
Registration OpensFebruary 27, 2026
Registration ClosesMarch 15, 2026
Admit CardApril 23, 2026
Exam DateApril 27 - May 10, 2026
Result (Tentative)July 1, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc) with Zoology as a major/honours subject from a recognised university.
  • A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination is required for General/OBC category; relaxation applicable for SC/ST as per Odisha government norms.
  • Candidates must qualify in the Odisha CPET conducted by the state government.

Admission Process:

  • Register and apply online through the SAMS Odisha portal (samsodisha.gov.in).
  • Appear for the Odisha CPET entrance examination.
  • Check merit list/seat allotment published on the SAMS portal based on CPET score.
  • Report to Rajendra University with original documents for verification.
  • Pay the admission fee at the university counter to confirm the seat.
  • Attend classes as per the schedule announced by the university.

Rajendra University M.Sc Zoology Scholarships 2026

Students enrolled in M.Sc Zoology at Rajendra University can avail several government-funded scholarships. Given the very low course fees, even a single scholarship can effectively cover the entire programme cost. Both central and state government schemes are available.

Available Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
Post-Matric Scholarship (State - Odisha)SC/ST students enrolled in PG coursesRs. 2,000 - Rs. 3,000 per year (SC/ST); up to Rs. 8,000 for OBC/General
NSP - PM-USP Yojana (Central)Students in AICTE-recognised UG/PG courses, parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs, 80% in Class 12Up to Rs. 82,000 per annum
National Scholarship for PG Studies (UGC)First-time PG students under 30 years in UGC-recognised full-time programmesRs. 10,000 per year or Rs. 15,000 per month
Biju Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana (State)Odisha domicile studentsLaptop award (in-kind benefit)
Merit-based Scholarship (University)High-achieving studentsUp to Rs. 25,000
  • Post-Matric Scholarship applications are submitted online through the state scholarship portal.
  • NSP scholarships require renewal each academic year with proof of attendance and marks.
  • Students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance and 50% marks to remain eligible for most scholarships.
  • Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to revision by the respective government bodies.

Rajendra University M.Sc Zoology FAQs

Ques. What is the CPET cutoff for M.Sc Zoology at Rajendra University?

Ans. Based on the 2024 CPET allotment data, the cutoff for M.Sc Zoology at Rajendra University was 47 marks in both Round 1 and Round 3 (General category). This is among the lower cutoffs for M.Sc programmes at this university, indicating relatively lower competition compared to Botany or Physics.

Ques. Does M.Sc Zoology at Rajendra University include dissection and laboratory practicals?

Ans. Yes, the M.Sc Zoology curriculum includes laboratory practicals such as dissection, microscopy, and specimen study as part of the practical component. These hands-on sessions are integral to the programme and are assessed as part of the semester examinations.

Ques. Can M.Sc Zoology graduates from Rajendra University pursue PhD?

Ans. Yes, after completing M.Sc Zoology, graduates can apply for PhD programmes at Rajendra University or other universities. Qualifying CSIR-NET/JRF or UGC-NET is generally required for fellowship-supported PhD admissions at central universities and research institutes.

Ques. What government job opportunities are available after M.Sc Zoology from Rajendra University?

Ans. M.Sc Zoology graduates can apply for positions in the Forest Department (Wildlife Warden, Range Officer), Fisheries Department, Zoological Survey of India, and other state/central government bodies. Teaching positions in government schools and colleges (after qualifying SET/NET) are also a popular career path.

Ques. Is M.Sc Zoology from Rajendra University recognised for CSIR-NET/JRF eligibility?

Ans. Yes, M.Sc Zoology from Rajendra University, being a UGC-recognised programme, makes graduates eligible to appear for CSIR-NET/JRF in Life Sciences. Qualifying this exam opens doors to research fellowships and lectureship positions across India.

Ques. What is the hostel situation for M.Sc Zoology students at Rajendra University?

Ans. Hostel accommodation is available on campus but is allotted on a merit basis and subject to availability. The hostel fee is nominal at approximately Rs. 300 per month. Students are advised to apply for hostel accommodation early after securing admission, as demand can be high.

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