BSc in Zoology is a three-year undergraduate program that includes advanced study and research work in the field of Animal Diversity, Biology of Vertebrates, Biological Oceanography, Invertebrate Zoology, Parasitology etc. BSc Zoology covers the form, function, and behavior of animals that elucidates general biological principles through the study of specialized or experimentally tractable systems.
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Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria in order to pursue the BSc Zoology course. The candidate must have a class 12th or equivalent diploma from a recognized board and a minimum aggregate of 50% in the qualifying examination. There is usually some relaxation for the reserved candidates, depending on the institute.
Admission to BSc Zoology is done in two ways Merit-Based and Entrance exam based such as BHU UET, MCAER CET, NEST, JEST. Some of the top colleges for BSc Zoology are Banaras Hindu University, Mount Carmel College, St. Xavier's College, and Hansraj College. In various universities, the average annual fee for the course ranges from INR 3000 to around INR 7,000 per semester. For a private institution, the fee could be as high as INR 1 lakh.
BSc Zoology graduates can work as zookeepers, Researchers, Lab technicians, Teachers, and Nature conservation officers. The average salary offered to a fresh BSc Zoology graduate can be anywhere in between the range of INR 4 lakhs to 7 lakhs per annum.
BSc Zoology Course Details
A brief Information regarding the BSc Zoology course is mentioned in the table below.
| Course level | Undergraduate |
| Full-form | Bachelors of Science in Zoology |
| Duration of the Course | 3 years |
| Eligibility | A candidate must have passed Class XII with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. |
| Admission Process | Merit-based and Entrance exam based |
| Top Entrance Exam | BHU UET, MCAER CET, NEST, JEST, etc |
| Examination type | Semester-based |
| Average Fee per Semester | INR 3000 to INR 7000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4 to INR 7 lakhs |
| Top Job Positions | Zoology faculty member, forensic expert, Wildlife Biologist, Ecologist, Veterinarian, Zoologist, Nutrition Specialist, Research Associate, Biomedical scientist |
| Top Recruiting Fields/Areas | Colleges, Indian Forest Service (IFS), Animal biodiversity prospecting, wildlife conservation, environmental management, Bioinformatics, Ecosystem monitoring. |
BSc Zoology: What is it about?
- Zoology or Animal Biology is the branch of biology that pertains to living as well as extinct animals and their interaction with their ecosystems.
- It is well-structured with theory-based papers along with practical sessions to provide a hands-on experience to the students and help them comprehend scientific concepts easily.
- The subjects taught during the course include Animal Physiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Developmental Biology, Biotechnology, Functional Histology, Ecology, Immunology, Genetics & Genomics, Bioinformatics, Environmental Management, Biodiversity: Non-Chordata, Biodiversity: Chordata, Evolutionary Biology, Cell Biology.
- This course prepares students to experience the high possibilities in the emerging fields of Biology like Animal Biotechnology, Biodiversity Studies, Environmental Management, Ecosystem Monitoring, and Animal Bioinformatics. It also focuses on developing students’ practical scientific skills.
- The curriculum of the course caters to the current requirements of B.Sc (Hons.) Zoology students. The contents have been prepared to familiarize them with the widening horizons of Biological Science.
Why study BSc Zoology?
Over the past years, BSc Zoology has emerged as one of the most sought-after degrees in India in terms of personal growth and career growth opportunities. There are many benefits to pursuing BSc in Zoology. Some of them are given below.
- The course provides various career growth opportunities and promotes the growth in knowledge one has already acquired.
- The course imparts in-depth knowledge about the various aspects of the subject like Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics & Genomics, Biodiversity, etc..
- The course offers handsome salary packages ranging from 4 lakhs per annum up to 7 lakhs per annum.
- The course opens up various career opportunities in front of students. Students can either find themselves working in their respective fields or pursuing higher education in related fields. Either way, their knowledge of the subject builds up.
BSc Zoology Admission Process
- Admission to the course is mostly based on the cut-off list issued by the university or college. However, some universities like Banaras Hindu University also conduct their own undergraduate entrance tests to shortlist students for admission into the course.
- The process starts in the month of May. The first step is to duly fill out the admission form. Applicants can apply either online or offline depending on the institution.
- In the case of test-based selection, students have to qualify for the respective exam of a college/university in order to get admission into the course.
- After the tests are conducted, the college or university declares the result and releases the final list of shortlisted candidates. The selected candidates are then invited for the admission process by the respective university or college.
- In the case of merit-based selection, most universities release cut off lists after the students have filled out the admission forms. If the aggregate percentage obtained by the student in the class XII examination satisfies the cut-off criterion issued by the college, he/she is granted admission.
BSc Zoology Eligibility
A candidate must qualify the following eligibility criteria in order to pursue BSc in Zoology in India.
- The candidates should have completed class 12th from a recognized board.
- The candidate must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in class 12.
- The candidate must fulfill the minimum requirement of 50% aggregate in the 10+2 examinations. There is usually some relaxation for the reserved candidates, depending on the institute.
| BSc Agriculture Eligibility | BSc Computer Science Eligibility | BSc Biotechnology Eligibility |
| BSc Psychology Eligibility | BSc Microbiology Eligibility | BSc IT Eligibility |
BSc Zoology Entrance Exams
There are some institutes that select students based on common entrance tests or through university-level entrance tests. They release their cut-offs and the students who clear these are usually admitted. Some of the exams for admission to BSc Zoology are mentioned below.
| Name of the Exams | Registration Dates | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| NPAT | December 01, 2022 – May 21, 2023 | January 04, 2023 – May 31, 2023 |
| CUET | February 9, 2023 – March 30, 2023 | May 21, 2023 to May 31, 2023 |
| CUCET | November 28 - May 29, 2023 | November 28 - May 30, 2023 |
| SET | December 10 – April 12, 2023 | May 06, 2023 (Test 1) May 14, 2023 (Test 2) |
How to Prepare for the BSc Zoology Entrance Exam?
The first step while preparing for any entrance test is to do thorough research about the latest exam pattern. This not only gives a clear idea about the exam pattern but also helps one in managing time. Apart from this, one should know the full syllabus of the entrance exam.
Refer to the tips given below while preparing for the entrance exams.
- The BSc Zoology entrance exam paper generally consists of multiple-choice questions. These questions revolve around the various domains of the subject. 12th level biology and chemistry form the most important part of the exam.
- The questions asked in the exam are generally of the 12th level. Hence it is very important to brush up on the student’s fundamental concepts in order to perform well in the exam.
- Studying concepts from class 11th and 12th NCERT books can be of great help. Do make sure that students cover each and every section while preparing for the entrance exam.
- One of the great ways of succeeding in any entrance exam is by preparing notes. Jot down all the important points while reading. This will help students in revising all the concepts very quickly before the exam.
- One of the most important parts of preparation is solving the previous year's question papers and solving at least 20-30 mock test papers before appearing for the exam.
- On exam day, avoid reading any new topic. Just be confident about whatever students have learned.
How to get admission in a good BSc Zoology College?
- Since most of the colleges offer admission on merit basis, one must make sure to score pretty well in class 12th examinations.
- In case of an entrance test, one must keep a track of important dates of the entrance exams so that one can register for the exam on time.
- Be well updated about the latest exam pattern.
- Do thorough research about the complete syllabus for the exam.
- Revise from NCERT books and solve previous year papers.
- Finally, write the exam with positivity. Do not panic and stay confident.
BSc Zoology Syllabus
BSc Zoology is divided into six semesters. The course curriculum includes several theory exams, assignments, practical, laboratory work. The weightage for theory papers and the weightage for practical papers is different for different universities.
For better knowledge of students, a detailed syllabus structure of the course is given below.
| Name of the course | Topics Covered | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity: Non-Chordata | Protozoa, Metazoa, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Onychophora, Mollusca, Echinodermata, etc. | General characters of different phyla: Their physiology, structure, distribution, classification, and significance. |
| Biodiversity: Chordata | Protochordate, Pisces, Amphibia, Reptiles, Mammals, etc. | General characters and outline classification: Their physiology, distribution, classification, and significance. |
| Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Carbohydrates Proteins, Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, Protein Metabolism, Enzymes, Oxidative Phosphorylation, etc. | Includes the knowledge about chemical and physio-chemical processes related to living organisms. |
| Biotechnology | Introduction, Transgenic Animal Technology, Transgenic Plants, Applications of Biotechnology, Patenting & Biosafety, Animal Cell, and Tissue Culture, etc. | This course is designed to understand the biological processes that can be used in industries especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms. |
| Principles of Ecology | Introduction to Ecology, Ecosystem, Biome, Biosphere, and Ecosphere, Population Growth regulation, Ecosystem, Community succession, etc. | Understanding relationships among different organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. |
| Evolutionary Biology | Lamarckism, Darwinism, Life’s beginning, Evidence of evolution, Products of evolutionary change Extinction and mass extinction, Origin and evolution of man, etc. | Studies the evolutionary processes that produced the diversity, common descent, and speciation on Earth. |
| Genetics | Introduction to Genetics, Mitosis and Meiosis, Sex Determination, Genomic Analysis - Dissection of Gene Function, Population Genetics, Eukaryotic Viruses, Mendelian Genetics and its Extension, Linkage, Mutations, Developmental Genetics and Model System, Genomics, Genetic Analysis, and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages, Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Evolutionary Genetics, etc. | Comprehend the heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. |
| Molecular Biology | Nucleic Acids Convey Genetic Information, Structures of Genetic Material, Mutability and Repair of DNA, RNA Modifications, Translation (Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes), Genome Structure, Replication of DNA in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes, Transcription Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes, Regulatory RNAs, etc. | Knowledge of the structure and function of the macromolecules. |
| Cell Biology | Overview of Cells, Composition of Cells, Nucleus, Protein Sorting, and Transport Mitochondria, Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement, Plasma Membrane, Cell Wall, the Extracellular Matrix and Cell Interactions, Cell Cycle, Cell Death and Cell Renewal, Cancer, etc. | It covers the different structures and functions of the cell and focuses on the idea of the cell as the basic unit of life. |
| Animal Physiology | Nervous System, Endocrine System, Tissues and Glands, Digestive System Respiratory System, Circulatory System, etc. | The scientific study of the physiology of animals. |
| Immunology | Overview of Immune system, Cells, and Organs of the Immune System, Antigens, Immunoglobulins, Antigen Processing and Presentation, Immune Effectors Mechanisms Hypersensitivity, Immune System in Health & Disease, etc. | Deals with various aspects of the immune system in organisms. |
BSc Zoology Colleges
A significant number of colleges across the country offer BSc Zoology courses to candidates who have successfully passed class XII examinations from a recognized board. Some of the top colleges offering the course are given below.
| College Name | Location | Admission Process |
|---|---|---|
| Miranda House | Delhi | Merit-based or DUET |
| Hansraj College | Delhi | Merit-based |
| St. Xaviers College | Ahmedabad | Merit-based |
| St. Xaviers College | Mumbai | CET |
| Mount Carmel College | Banglore | Merit-based and interview |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | BHU UET |
| Christ University | Banglore | Entrance-test |
| Jyoti Nivas College | Banglore | Merit-based |
| DAV College | Chandigarh | Merit-based |
College Comparison
There are several colleges that offer BSc Zoology courses. To make it easier to choose, here is a comparison of top colleges based on their ranking, annual fees, average salary, admission process, and top recruiters.
| College name | Hansraj College, New Delhi | Christ University, Bangalore | Jyoti Nivas College, Bangalore |
|---|---|---|---|
| College overview | Hansraj College is one of the top colleges affiliated to Delhi University. The college offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs. | Christ University is deemed to be a university in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs in various academic disciplines | Jyoti Nivas College is an Arts College in Bangalore. The college offers various Undergraduate and graduate degrees. Admission to these courses is done either on a merit basis or an entrance basis. |
| Admission Process | Merit-based | Based on a skill assessment test conducted by the university. | Merit-based |
| NIRF Ranking | 9 | - | - |
| Average annual fee | INR 21,395 | INR 20,000 | INR 30,000 |
| Average annual package offered | INR 5,50,000 | INR 5,75,000 | INR 3,68,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | College does not conduct in-campus placements. | ACCENTURE, Bajaj Finserv, Bata India,| Genpact, HCL, HP, IBM, ICICI, Kotak Bank, KPMG, NTT Data, Oracle, Oyo Rooms, Reliance, Robosoft, SAP, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Wildcraft, etc | BAJAJ Allianz, Cognizant, Concentrix, Deloitte Consulting, Deutsche Bank, Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs, HONEYWELL, IBM, Infosys, JP Morgan Chase, etc. |
BSc Zoology Distance Learning
Students can pursue B.Sc. Zoology through distance education mode also. There are a number of colleges and universities in India that offer bona fide education in Zoology through distance or correspondence mode. Before taking admission, Students must check for the validity of the course and the college in distance or correspondence medium.
Given below are some colleges which offer this course in distance mode.
| Institute name | Location | Course Duration | Average annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | Delhi | 3 years minimum and 6 years maximum | INR 9,000 |
| Open University of Kota | Kota | 3 years | INR 13,667 |
| Acharya Nagarjuna University | Guntur | 3 years | INR 4,895 |
| Vardhman Mahaveer Open University | Kota | 3 years | INR 14,200 |
| Annamalai University | Tamil Nadu | 3 years | INR 12,850 |
Course comparison
BSc Zoology vs BSc Botany
Below are the differences between the two courses, BSc Zoology and BSc Botany. Both the courses are the branch of Biology and the comparison here is done on the basis of focus of study, eligibility, admission process, annual fees, and some other parameters.
| Parameters | BSc Zoology | BSc Botany |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor of Science in zoology | Bachelor of Science in botany |
| Course Overview | B.Sc. Zoology, also known as animal biology, is an amalgamation of understanding the animal world from outside as well as at the molecular level. | BSc Botany is a 3-year undergraduate degree course. The course pertains to the study of plants and their physiology. |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with a minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognized board. | 10+2 with a minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognized board. |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or entrance-exam | Merit-based or entrance-exam |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 6000 to INR 15,000 (Government colleges) INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh (Private colleges) | INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 (Government colleges) INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh (Private colleges) |
| Average Salary Offered | INR 4 to INR 7 lakhs | INR 4 lakh to INR 7 lakhs |
| Job Profiles | Zoology faculty member, Forensic expert, Wildlife Biologists, Ecologist, Veterinarian, Zoologist, Nutrition Specialist, Research Associate, Biomedical scientist, etc | Plant Pathologist, Nursery Manager, Ecologist, Plant Explorer, Conservationist, etc. |
| Higher Education Options | M.Sc. Zoology, M.Sc. Environmental Management, Ph.D. Zoology, M.Phil. Zoology | M.Sc. Botany, M.Sc. Environmental Management, Ph.D. Botany, M.Phil. Botany |
| Colleges | St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Mount Carmel College, Banglore, Hansraj College, Delhi, St Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Christ University, Banglore | St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, SIES college of art science and commerce, Mumbai, Jai Hind College, Mumbai, St. Joseph's College Devagiri, Calicut, Christ University, Banglore |
BSc Zoology Job and Career Options
The course comes with an ample amount of career development opportunities. Graduates in the subject can find jobs in Indian Forest Service (IFS), animal biodiversity prospecting, wildlife conservation, environmental management, bioinformatics, ecosystem monitoring.
Students can even choose to pursue post-graduation in a basic life science courses such as Zoology, Life-Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Toxicology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Immunology as well as applied biological courses such as Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Entomology, Forest and Wild-life, Pharmaceutical sciences, etc.
The table given below mentions some of the top BSc Zoology job profiles available to graduates.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Zookeeper | A zookeeper looks after the animals kept in the zoo. He makes sure that all the rules are being followed by the visitors. He is also responsible for feeding the animals kept in the zoo | INR 1,70,000 |
| Researcher | A researcher conducts extensive researches in various domains like animal genetics, animal reproduction, animal behavior, etc | INR 3,50,000 |
| Lab technician | A lab technician works in well maintained and well-equipped labs. He assists researchers and scientists in conducting their research work. | INR 2,30,000 |
| Teacher | A teacher is responsible for imparting correct and valuable knowledge to the students. He/She delivers lessons in the form of lectures. A teacher also conducts regular tests and assignments to assess students properly. | INR 3,00,000 |
| Nature conservation officer | A nature conservation officer is responsible for conserving the endangered species of plants and animals and their respective habitats. He proposes plans to do the same. | INR 4,50,000 |
The graph given below shows the salary trends of some of the top job profiles available to B.Sc. Zoology graduates.
BSc Zoology Scope
During recent years, BSc Zoology as a course has gained immense popularity among students. Students are willing to explore the different aspects of biology. This alone accounts for the ever-increasing scope of the course. Apart from going for jobs, students may have the following scope:
- Master of Science (MSc): The students can prefer to increase their skill set by pursuing further education in the respective field. Students can choose to pursue a Master of Science in Zoology, Applied Zoology, Life Science, etc,
- Post Graduate Diploma: Students who want to specialize in any field can do PG Diploma in areas like Genetics, Biomedical Science, Marine Biology, Ecology & evolutionary biology, Animal behavior & neurobiology, etc.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): Students who are business enthusiasts can also pursue a Master of Business Administration in Biotechnology, Pharma Management, Dairy Management, Clinical Research, Hospital Administration. This not only increases their skillset but at the same time opens up various high paying job opportunities in front of them.
- Masters in Communication: The students can also pursue higher education in mass communication and build a career in the media industry. There is a constant need of zoologists for research and documentaries. They can prepare themselves to get jobs in the National Geographic Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, or any other such channels.
- Bachelors in Education: Students who are interested in teaching in schools and other academic institutions can pursue B.Ed. B.Ed. usually requires a bachelor’s in any field and after completion of BSc Zoology, the students can join B.Ed and continue imparting knowledge in the field of Zoology and other subjects.
- Law: Law is another different course that the graduates can pursue. After completion of BSc Zoology, they can opt for the 3-year LLB course, rather than applying for 5-year LLB.
- They can prepare for government exams. There are various jobs available for graduates in government organizations as conservationists, zoologists, etc. They can also go for civil service exams, which is available for every Indian citizen who has completed graduation in any field.
BSc Zoology FAQs
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria one must fulfill in order to pursue BSc Zoology?
Ques. How much does it cost to pursue a B.Sc Zoology degree program?
Ques. What are the most popular colleges offering B.Sc Zoology?
- Miranda House
- St. Xavier's College
- Mount Carmel College
- Hansraj College
- St Xavier's College
- Banaras Hindu University
- Christ University
- Jyoti Nivas College
Ques. What are the job options available for a B.Sc Zoology graduate?
Ques. How can I get admission into Banaras Hindu University in B.Sc Zoology course?
Ques. Can I pursue a B.Sc Zoology degree program through distance learning mode? If yes, then what are some of the colleges offering the same?
Ques. What salary can I expect as a fresh B.Sc Zoology graduate?
Ques. Are the entrance exams being postponed due to COVID19?
Ques. What are the various specializations one can opt for in the B.Sc Zoology course?
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