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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 College, Miranda House, Loyola 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:
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 | |
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. |
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.
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:
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:
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 is offered to students in two modes: full-time or via 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:
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 |
INR 10,000 | |
INR 4,400 | |
INR 10,550 | |
INR 36,000 | |
INR 10,650 |
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 |
New Delhi | INR 19,710 | |
New Delhi | INR 16,170 | |
Chennai | INR 11,820 | |
Coimbatore | INR 66, 200 | |
Varanasi | INR 6,114 | |
Kolkata | INR 24,000 | |
Hyderabad | INR 3,420 | |
Bangalore | INR 75,000 | |
Kolkata | INR 68,534 | |
Chennai | INR 12,285 |
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
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 |
Phase 1: April 2024 Phase 2: May 2024 | Phase 1: May 2024 Phase 2: June 2024 | |
February 2024 | March 11th – 28th, 2024 | |
September 5th – October 25th 2024 | February 11th, 2024 | |
To be announced | To be announced |
Further Reading: MSc Entrance Exams in India
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 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
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 |
Some of the top colleges offering MSc Zoology, along with their fees, are given below:
Name of the College/University | Location | Average Annual Fees |
New Delhi | INR 19,710 | |
Noida | INR 2,00,000 | |
Faridabad | INR 59,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 16,170 | |
Meerut | INR 30,000 | |
Chennai | INR 11,820 | |
Coimbatore | INR 66, 200 | |
Meerut | INR 70,000 | |
Varanasi | INR 6,114 | |
Kolkata | INR 24,000 | |
Hyderabad | INR 3,420 | |
Gurugram | INR 1,00,000 | |
Bangalore | INR 75,000 | |
Kolkata | INR 68,534 | |
Chennai | INR 12,285 |
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 |
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. |
Further Reading: MSc Jobs
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 |
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 includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:
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By - Kitiyala Jamir 2023-02-09 13:23:41 , 7 min readMSc Courses Admission 2024: Fees, Entrance Exam, Dates, Eligibility, Application, Selection
By - Chetna Verma 2024-09-10 12:04:07 , 4 min readMSc Zoology is a two-year postgraduate course that focuses on the study of all animals, their structure, physiology, behaviour, classification, and distribution.
MSc Zoology syllabus includes topics on Animal Physiology, Immunology, Genetics and Evolution, Animal Diversity, Animal Ecology and Reproductive Biology.
MSc Zoology jobs include Research Scientist, Ecologist, Zoo Curator, Animal Behaviourist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Teacher etc.
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.
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.
Yes, there are many open universities such as IGNOU, Tamil Nadu Open University, Nalanda Open University etc., that offer MSc Zoology via distance education.
MSc Zoology subjects include Animal Behaviour, Parasitology, Mammalogy, Comparative Anatomy, Endocrinology and Marine Biology.
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.
MSc Zoology entrance exam includes DUET, BHU PET and TISS NET etc.
The full form of MSc Zoology is Master of Science in Zoology.
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.