Home Articles MSc Zoology: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Career Scope, Top Colleges

MSc Zoology: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Career Scope, Top Colleges

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Adya Taneja
Adya Taneja
MSc Zoology: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Career Scope, Top Colleges

MSc in Zoology can be your ideal career path if you are interested to know more about the animal kingdom. MSc Zoology offers an in-depth understanding of animal biology, behavior, ecology, and evolution.

In this article we provide you a comprehensive overview about MSc in Zoology. Whether you’re aiming for research, conservation, or a career in academics, this article will help you take the first step toward a future in zoology. 

MSc in Zoology- Key Highlights

Category

Details

Duration

2 year post graduate course

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, or related field. Minimum 50–60% aggregate marks

MSc Zoology Fees

 

Government Colleges

₹5,000 – ₹30,000

Private Colleges

₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000

Admission Process of MSc Zoology 

Admission Modes:

Entrance-Based: Institutes conduct entrance exams (e.g., DUET, CUET-PG, BHU PET, JAM).

Merit-Based: Some universities offer admission based on UG scores.

Entrance Exam

Application Period

Correction Window

Exam Dates

Counselling Begins

Applicable For

CUET-PG 2025

January 2 – February 8, 2025

February 10 – 12, 2025

March 13 – April 1, 2025

Third week of May 2025

Postgraduate programs at participating universities

IAT 2025

-

TBA

May 25, 2025

TBA

Integrated MSc programs at Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)

MSc in Zoology Syllabus 

Core Areas of Study:

The core courses in an MSc Zoology Course are as follow:

Core Area

Description

Animal Diversity and Taxonomy

Focuses on the classification and characteristics of various animal groups, including invertebrates and vertebrates.

Animal Physiology

Involves studying the functions of animal organ systems, such as the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems, and how these systems adapt to different environments.

Animal Behavior and Ethology

Examines the behavior of animals, including their interactions with each other and their environment, and how these behaviors are influenced by genetics and environment.

Genetics and Evolution

Focuses on the mechanisms of inheritance, genetic variation, and evolutionary processes that lead to the diversity of life.

Ecology

Studies the interactions of animals with their environment, including their population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem processes.

Cell and Molecular Biology

Covers the fundamental principles of cell structure, function, and molecular mechanisms, including cell signaling, gene expression, and cell death.

Research Methodology and Biostatistics

Provides students with the tools and techniques needed to design, conduct, and analyze research in zoology, including data analysis and statistical inference.

Semester Wise Break Down of Syllabus in MSc Zoology course

The semester wise breakdown of all the topics to be covered in the two years of MSc in Zoology is given belowTop Colleges for MSc Zoology in India 

A list of colleges with their location and admission mode are given below:

College/University

Location

Admission Mode

University of Delhi

 Delhi

 CUET-PG

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

 Varanasi

 BHU PET

University of Calcutta

 Kolkata

 Merit/Entrance

Madras Christian College

 Chennai

 Merit-Based

Presidency University

 Kolkata

 Entrance-Based

Fergusson College (SPPU)

 Pune

 Merit/Entrance

Mumbai University

 Mumbai

 Merit-Based/CET

Christ University

 Bengaluru

 Entrance + Interview

Career opportunities after MSc in Zoology 

There are several career paths an individual can pursue after MSc in Zoology

Government Jobs after MSc in Zoology 

There are several government jobs an individual can pursue after MSc in Zoology:

 

Role

Organization/Sector

Responsibilities

Recruitment

Research/Conservation Program Staff

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Forest Departments, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), National Biodiversity Authority

Field studies, biodiversity documentation, wildlife census

 Varies by organization

Environmental/Forest Officer

State Forest Services, Central Environmental Boards

Policy implementation, habitat conservation, anti-poaching drives

 UPSC/State PSC exams

Scientific Officer/Lab Technician

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), CSIR Laboratories, BARC, DRDO, ISRO

Research in relevant labs

 Varies by organization

Fisheries Inspector/Livestock Development Officer/Extension Officer

Agricultural & Fisheries Departments

Improve rural livestock, aquaculture, and pest management

 Varies by department

Private Sector Opportunities

There are several career opportunities an individual can pursue in the private sector after pursuing MSc in Zoology 

Sector

Roles

Employers

Responsibilities

Clinical Research & Diagnostics

Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Lab Scientist, Quality Analyst

Pharma companies, hospitals, diagnostic labs

 

Biotech & Life Sciences Companies

Molecular biology roles, product testing, regulatory affairs

Biocon, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, Serum Institute, Reliance Life Sciences

 

Environmental Consulting Firms

Ecologist, Environmental Analyst, EIA Consultant

 

Prepare biodiversity impact reports, sustainability audits

NGO & International opportunities

A gate to international opportunities open up for an individual after MSc in Zoology :

Organization Type

Examples

Potential Roles

Wildlife Conservation NGOs

WWF-India, Wildlife Trust of India, BNHS

Field Biologist, Program Coordinator, Conservation Educator

UN & International Bodies

FAO, UNEP, UNESCO

Biodiversity and environmental research positions

Zoological Parks, Aquariums & Reserves

(Examples not explicitly listed in the provided text)

Animal Care Specialist, Educator, Zoo Curator

MSc in Zoology opens the doors to a world of opportunities for those interested in animal science, biodiversity & ecological research. This program lays a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue a PhD, contribute to sustainability or pursue a rewarding career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of MSc Zoology?

MSc Zoology is a 2 year post graduate course

What is the eligibility criteria of MSc Zoology ?

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, or related field. Minimum 50–60% aggregate marks

What is the fee of government colleges for MSc in Zoology?

The fee of government colleges for MSc in Zoology is ₹5,000 – ₹30,000 p.a.

What is the fee of private colleges for MSc in Zoology?

The fee of private colleges for MSc in Zoology is ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 p.a.

What are some of the top colleges/universities for MSc in Zoology?

Top colleges/universities for MSc in Zoology: University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Calcutta, Madras Christian College, Presidency University, Fergusson College (SPPU), Mumbai University, Christ University

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