MSc Zoology: Course Details, Colleges, Entrance Exam Syllabus, Fees 2024

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MSc Zoology: Course Details, Colleges, Entrance Exam Syllabus, Fees 2024

Course

Simran Kaur

Updated on 17th April, 2024 , 10 min read

The full form of MSc Zoology is Master of Science in Zoology. It is a two-year postgraduate course. MSc Zoology is the branch of Biology that focuses on the study of all animals, their structure, physiology, behavior, classification, and distribution.

Related Article: What is MSc?

Admission into this course is done on both a merit and entrance basis. MSc Zoology entrance exam includes DUET, BHU PET, TISS NET etc. MSc Zoology eligibility is a BSc degree in Zoology, Biology, Medical Science, Allied Science, Bioscience, or any Life Science specialization with a minimum of 50% marks. The fee for an MSc in Zoology is INR 10,000 – 5 Lakhs. Some of the top MSc Zoology colleges are Hindu CollegeMiranda HouseLoyola College, and Madras Christian College

The MSc Zoology syllabus includes topics on Animal Physiology, Immunology, Genetics and Evolution, Animal Diversity, Animal Ecology, and Reproductive Biology. MSc Zoology subjects include Animal Behavior, Parasitology, Mammalogy, Comparative Anatomy, Endocrinology and Marine Biology.

MSc Zoology jobs include Research Scientist, Ecologist, Zoo Curator, Animal Behaviorist, Environmental Consultant, etc. MSc Zoology salary ranges from INR 3 – 6 LPA. Some of the top recruiters for this course are the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), and the Ministry of Environment.

More MSc Courses:

MSc Physics

MSc Psychology

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics

MSc Food Technology

MSc Sports and Event Management

MSc Computer Science

MSc Zoology: Course Highlights

Details

Particulars

Course Name

MSc Zoology

Course Level

Postgraduate

Course Full Form

Master of Science in Zoology

Course Duration

2 Years

Course Types

Full-time/Distance Education

Admission Process

Merit and Entrance Based.

Eligibility Criteria

BSc degree in Zoology, Biology, Medical Science, Allied Science, Bioscience, or any Life Science specialization with a minimum of 50% marks.

Entrance Exams

DUET, BHU PET and TISS NET

Course Fees

INR 10,000 – 5 Lakhs

Top Colleges

Hindu College, Miranda House, Loyola College, and Madras Christian College.

Average Salary in India

INR 3 – 6 LPA

Job Profiles

Research Scientist, Ecologist, Zoo Curator, Animal Behaviorist, Environmental Consultant.

Top Recruiters

Wildlife Institute of India (WII), World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), and Ministry of Environment.

msc-zoology

What is MSc Zoology?

The branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom, their habits, lifecycle, ecological interaction, and adaptability is known as MSc Zoology. This course is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in various aspects of zoology, including animal diversity, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, genetics, evolution, and conservation.

Why pursue an MSc in Zoology?

MSc Zoology allows an in-depth study of the animal kingdom, their behavior, anatomy, physiology, and evolution. There are several reasons why pursuing an MSc Zoology degree in India might be a wise choice. Below are some of the factors:

  • Passion for Animals: An individual who has true love and passion for animals will benefit a lot from studying this course as it helps to gain a better understanding of the animal kingdom while also contributing to its conservation and well-being.
  • Career Opportunities: After the completion of this course, students have a wide range of career opportunities. They can choose to work in research institutions, universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, wildlife conservation organizations, zoos, pharmaceutical companies, and environmental consulting firms.
  • Personal Development: Studying zoology improves critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, and these abilities are transportable and beneficial in a variety of professional settings.
  • Contribution to Society: By studying MSc Zoology, an individual makes a difference in broader societal challenges like conservation, biodiversity protection, climate change, and sustainable development through thorough awareness of animals and their ecosystems.

Who Should Pursue an MSc Zoology?

MSc Zoology is the perfect course for people who are passionate about animals and want to learn more about them. However, it might be a good fit for the following potential candidates:

  • Students who have a BSc degree in Zoology, Biology, Medical Science, Allied Science, Bioscience, or any Life Science specialization with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • People who have a genuine love for animals and are curious about their behavior, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution.
  • Individuals with a strong aptitude for scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and data analysis are well-suited for this program.

MSc Zoology: Course Duration

The duration of MSc Zoology in India is 2 years, which is divided into 4 semesters. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university or institution offering the course. MSc Zoology distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.

MSc Zoology: Course Types

MSc Zoology is offered to students in two modes: full-time or via distance education.  

  • MSc Zoology Full-time: This course is designed systematically and provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to the students. To build a strong foundation in MSc Zoology, various aspects of the animal kingdom, their anatomy, physiology, and evolution are taught.
  • MSc Zoology Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis and require flexibility in choosing their study time. Throughout the program, students will engage in laboratory work, fieldwork, and research projects, allowing them to develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience in biological sciences.

MSc Zoology: Distance Education

MSc Zoology distance education is a feasible option for students who are working professionals or are unable to pursue the course regularly. Given below are some of the key highlights of this course:

  • Candidates who have a BSc degree in Zoology, Biology, Medical Science, Allied Science, Bioscience, or any Life Science specialization with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • MSc Zoology distance education in India generally takes 2 years to complete, although some universities may offer longer-duration programs.
  • The MSc Zoology distance education curriculum is the same as a full-time course and covers topics related to animals and their behavior, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution.
  • The study material for a distance education program in India is provided through printed books, e-books, and online resources.
  • Students are required to complete assignments and appear for exams as part of the MSc Zoology distance education program.

Some of the top colleges and universities offering MSc Zoology distance education, along with their fees are given below: 

Name of the College/University

Course Fees

Indira Gandhi National Open University

INR 10,000

Nalanda Open University

INR 4,400

Tamil Nadu Open University

INR 10,550

Netaji Subhas Open University

INR 36,000

Bharathiar University

INR 10,650

MSc Zoology: Fees

MSc Zoology Fees is INR 10,000 – 5 Lakhs. Given below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities offering this course along with their fees:

Name of the College/University

Location

Average Annual Fees

Hindu College

New Delhi

INR 19,710

Miranda House

New Delhi

INR 16,170

Loyola College

Chennai

INR 11,820

PSG College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore

INR 66, 200

Banaras Hindu University

Varanasi

INR 6,114

Jadavpur University

Kolkata

INR 24,000

University of Hyderabad

Hyderabad

INR 3,420

Christ University

Bangalore

INR 75,000

Lady Brabourne College

Kolkata

INR 68,534

Anna University

Chennai

INR 12,285

MSc Zoology: Admission Process

It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their undergraduate examinations or prepare well for the entrance exam.  Below is an overview of both modes of admission:

Related Article: MSc Admission 2024: Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Colleges, Fees, and Scope

MSc Zoology Admission: Merit-Based

  • An aspirant should score more than 50% in their undergraduate examinations to be eligible for merit-based admission.
  • Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
  • Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th certificates, undergraduate degree, Aadhar card, photographs, etc.) in hand.  
  • Merit lists are usually updated on the official website of the colleges and need to be checked regularly by the aspirant.
  • If selected, the aspirant can pay the required fees and the admissions process will be complete.  
  • Finally, candidates must attend the counseling or orientation organized by the institution for further details if selected from the merit list.  

MSc Zoology Admission: Entrance-Based

  • Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
  • The application form will require the candidates to register themselves with an email ID, password, and mobile number, along with academic and course details.
  • The candidate is required to upload the necessary documents online, such as Photograph, 10th and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degrees, Aadhar Card, etc.)
  • Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal application fee.
  • It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam, and entrance exam syllabus.
  • Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students, which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings.
  • The college or university will then publish lists according to their cutoffs and seat availability.
  • If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation or counseling organized by the college for further information.

MSc Zoology: Eligibility

  • A BSc degree in Zoology, Biology, Medical Science, Allied Science, Bioscience, or any Life Science specialization with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • There is no minimum or maximum age for this course.

MSc Zoology: Entrance Exams

The MSc Zoology entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and normally lasts 2-3 hours, with the total number of questions and marks varying depending on the institution. In some colleges, there might be negative markings as well.

Given below are the details of some of the entrance exams conducted by various universities:

Name of the Entrance Exam

Registration Dates

Exam Dates

BITSAT

Phase 1: April 2024

Phase 2: May 2024

Phase 1: May 2024

Phase 2: June 2024

CUET PG

February 2024

March 11th – 28th, 2024

IIT JAM

September 5th – October 25th 2024

February 11th, 2024

NEST

To be announced

To be announced

Further Reading: MSc Entrance Exams in India

MSc Zoology: Entrance Exam Syllabus

The MSc Zoology Entrance Exam syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the syllabus:

Subjects

Topics

Cell Biology

Cell structure and function, cell cycle, cell division, organelles, cell signaling, and cellular processes.

Genetics and Evolution

Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, gene expression, genetic variations, evolutionary mechanisms, and principles of evolution.

Animal Physiology

Structure and function of different systems in animals, including digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, nervous, sensory, and endocrine systems.

Evolutionary Biology

Theories of evolution, natural selection, speciation, phylogenetics, evolutionary patterns, and evolutionary genetics.

Animal Diversity

Classification and characteristics of various animal groups, including protozoa, porifera, cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Chordata, and others.

Animal Behavior

Behavioral ecology, ethology, communication, social behavior, mating systems, foraging behavior, and animal cognition.

Biochemistry

Basic principles of biochemistry, biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids), enzymes, metabolism, and energy production.

Ecology

Principles of ecology, ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics, community ecology, biodiversity, conservation biology, and environmental issues.

Developmental Biology

Fertilization, embryonic development, organogenesis, metamorphosis, regeneration, and developmental processes in animals.

Biotechnology

Principles of biotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular biology techniques, applications of biotechnology in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Immunology

Immune system components, innate and adaptive immunity, immune response, antigen-antibody interactions, immunological techniques, and immunological disorders.

MSc Zoology: Subjects

MSc Zoology subjects may differ from one college to another. Nevertheless, given below is a list of potential subjects in MSc Zoology that students will study:

MSc Zoology Subjects: 1st Year

Cell Biology and Molecular Biology

Genetics and Evolution

Animal Physiology

Animal Diversity

Research Methodology and Techniques

Biochemistry

Ecology

Environmental Science

 

MSc Zoology Subjects: 2nd Year

Developmental Biology

Biotechnology

Evolutionary Biology

Immunology

Animal Behavior

Research Project

Elective Subjects

Dissertation

Also Read: MSc Subjects and Syllabus

MSc Zoology: Syllabus

The course is divided into 4 semesters, which must be covered in 2 years. The syllabus of MSc Zoology will vary from college to college; however, a brief overview of the syllabus is given in the following tables:

Further Reading: MSc Zoology Syllabus

MSc Zoology Syllabus: 1st Year

Semester – 1

Semester – 2

Structure and Functions of Non-chordates

Structure and Functions of Chordates

Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Endocrinology and Neuroscience

Parasites and Immunity

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Ecological Theories and Applications

Comparative Animal Physiology

Tissue Structure Function and Chemistry

Cell and Receptor Biology

Laboratory Course

Laboratory Course

 

MSc Zoology Syllabus: 2nd Year

Semester – 3

Semester – 4

Taxonomy and Biodiversity

Conservation Biology and Wildlife

Development and Differentiation

Biotechnology and Applications

Elective I Theory

Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Instrumentation

Evolution and Animal Behavior

Laboratory Course (1 module)

Laboratory Course

Elective II Theory

Elective I Practical

Elective II Practical

MSc Zoology: Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges offering MSc Zoology, along with their fees, are given below:

Name of the College/University

Location

Average Annual Fees

Hindu College

New Delhi

INR 19,710

Amity University

Noida

INR 2,00,000

J. C. Bose University of Science and Technology

Faridabad

INR 59,000

Miranda House

New Delhi

INR 16,170

IIMT University

Meerut

INR 30,000

Loyola College

Chennai

INR 11,820

PSG College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore

INR 66, 200

Subharti University

Meerut

INR 70,000

Banaras Hindu University

Varanasi

INR 6,114

Jadavpur University

Kolkata

INR 24,000

University of Hyderabad

Hyderabad

INR 3,420

Starex University

Gurugram

INR 1,00,000

Christ University

Bangalore

INR 75,000

Lady Brabourne College

Kolkata

INR 68,534

Anna University

Chennai

INR 12,285

MSc Zoology: Recommended Books

Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of Zoology that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course: 

Name of the Book

Author's Name

Marine Biology

B.R. Subramanian

A Textbook of Animal Diversity

Ramesh Gupta

Wildlife Conservation in India"

B.C. Choudhury

Animal Behavior

S. Immanuel

Invertebrate Zoology

E.L. Jordan and Dr. P.S. Verma

Principles of Animal Taxonomy

S.S. Tandon

Animal Physiology

V.K. Agarwal

MSc Zoology: Jobs

There are various jobs after an MSc Zoology degree in India. Some of the popular job profiles, along with their descriptions, are given below:

Job Profile

Job Description

Wildlife Biologist

A Wildlife Biologist studies and manages wildlife populations, habitats, and conservation. They usually work for environmental organizations behavior, national parks, or animal reserves.

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research and studies on the many facets of animal biology, behavior, ecology, or conservation in research institutions, universities, or governmental organizations.

Zoo Curator/Manager

A Zoo Curator or Manager is responsible for overseeing the management and care of the animals housed there, as well as their well-being, breeding plans, and habitat enrichment.

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide knowledge on protecting species and ecosystems, evaluate environmental impact, and offer guidance on environmentally friendly methods in sectors like mining, building, or energy.

Scientific Writer

A Scientific Writer combines their knowledge of zoology with strong communication skills to write scientific articles, blogs, or educational material, or work as a science journalist or communicator.

Environmental Teacher

An Environmental Teacher teaches and raises awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental issues in educational institutions, nature centers, museums, or non-profit organizations.

msc-zoology-jobs

Further Reading: MSc Jobs

MSc Zoology: Salary

Given below are the MSc Zoology jobs along with their respective salaries:

Job Profile

Average Salary

Wildlife Biologist

INR 2 – 5 LPA

Research Scientist

INR 3 – 16 LPA

Zoo Curator/Manager

INR 3 – 8 LPA

Environmental Consultant

INR 2 – 6 LPA

Scientific Writer

INR 2 – 11 LPA

Environmental Teacher

INR 3 – 6 LPA

MSc Zoology: Top Recruiters

After completing an MSc Zoology, graduates can apply to private and public sector companies for job opportunities. Given below is a list of the top recruiters for this course:

Recruiter's Name

Average Salary

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

INR 16 LPA

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

INR 3.7 LPA

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

INR 2 – 8 LPA

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

INR 3.5 LPA

Forest Departments (of various state governments)

INR 8 LPA

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)

INR 5 LPA

MSc Zoology: Scope

MSc Zoology scope includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:

  • PhD in Zoology
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is MSc Zoology?

MSc Zoology is a two-year postgraduate course that focuses on the study of all animals, their structure, physiology, behaviour, classification, and distribution.

What is the MSc Zoology syllabus?

MSc Zoology syllabus includes topics on Animal Physiology, Immunology, Genetics and Evolution, Animal Diversity, Animal Ecology and Reproductive Biology.

What are the MSc Zoology Jobs?

MSc Zoology jobs include Research Scientist, Ecologist, Zoo Curator, Animal Behaviourist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Teacher etc.

What is the MSc Zoology Entrance Exam Syllabus?

The MSc Zoology Entrance Exam Syllabus consists topics on Cell Biology, Animal Physiology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Diversity, Animal Behaviour, Biochemistry, Immunology and Biotechnology among more.

What is the MSc Zoology scope?

MSc Zoology scope includes various further study options for graduates in India such as PhD in Zoology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree etc.

Is MSc Zoology via distance education possible?

Yes, there are many open universities such as IGNOU, Tamil Nadu Open University, Nalanda Open University etc., that offer MSc Zoology via distance education.

What are the MSc Zoology subjects?

MSc Zoology subjects include Animal Behaviour, Parasitology, Mammalogy, Comparative Anatomy, Endocrinology and Marine Biology.

What is the MSc Zoology eligibility?

MSc Zoology eligibility is a BSc degree in Zoology, Biology, Medical Science, Allied Science, Bioscience, or any Life Science specialisation with a minimum of 50% marks.

What are the MSc Zoology entrance exams?

MSc Zoology entrance exam includes DUET, BHU PET and TISS NET etc.

What is the full form of MSc Zoology?

The full form of MSc Zoology is Master of Science in Zoology.

What are MSc Zoology Subjects in Semester 1?

The MSc Zoology Subjects in Semester 1 are Structure and Functions of Non-chordates, Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Parasites and Immunity, Ecological Theories and Applications, and, Tissue Structure Function and Chemistry.

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