How to Become a Zoologist: Career Guide, Courses, Types, Steps, Abroad, Jobs, Salary, Scope 2023

Steps to Become a Zoologist

Some of the key steps that are to be followed in order to become a Zoologist are listed below for your reference,

• Make a Decision: Before diving into the profession of Zoologist, one should have insight into His/her own area of interest. Based on which a candidate can apply to colleges offering a career in Zoology.
• Choosing the right set of Subjects: To become a Zoologist, you have to know the right set of subjects right from your 10+2. In 10+2 you can choose Physics, Biology, and Chemistry whereas for Post-Graduation you should have completed Graduation in Zoology. One should also have knowledge of Cell and Molecular Biology, Embryology, Genetics Evolution, Biosystematics, Structure, and Functions of Invertebrates, Animal Physiology and Ethology, etc. These are the subjects that students will learn in their Graduation or Post-Graduation.
• Preparation for Entrance Examination: To prepare for the Entrance Examination one should be aware of the subjects or syllabus of the entrance exam and should always keep an eye on the notification of the entrance exams. Candidates can refer to NCERT books of Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, etc.
• After Qualifying Exam: After one has qualified for the exam, he/she will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Some colleges give direct admissions based on the scores obtained in the entrance examination. You will be called by the college for a document verification post in which you will be offered admission.

Types of Zoologists

A person who studies Animal Kingdom, its Evolution, its Genome, its behavior and their characteristics is a Zoologist. Zoologists are responsible for improving the lives of the animal kingdom, preserving and protecting from any kind of threats. Zoologists observe the natural habitat of Animal Kingdom and also carry on laboratory experiments to preserve some depleting species. There are many different Zoologists such as Veterinarians, Animal Zoologists, Entomologists, Marine Biologists, Animal Biologists, etc.

• Veterinary: Veterinarians diagnose animals suffering from any injury or health disease, get them vaccinated against any disease, treat the wounds and take care of animals until they are all fit and fine. They advise clients on how to take care of their pets, prescribe medications for pets, euthanize animals, and conduct physical examinations.
• Entomologists: Entomologists study insects and their scientific study, Entomologists study and analyze insects and their relationship to Humans/Organisms. Entomologists can work with Governments, Institutes, Laboratory or with Museums.
• Marine Biologists: Marine Biologists study the genomics of underwater organisms. Marine Biologists researches on the habitat or underwater organism, their migration, impact by coral reefs on Humans, and underwater photosynthesis.

How to Become a Zoologist in India?

Becoming a Zoologist is not what every student thinks of pursuing a career in Zoology. But when researched about the course one can find many advantages of being a Zoologist. Students who wish to become Zoologists should have proper knowledge of what are the entrance exams for the course and what are some of the best colleges for Zoology.

• School Level Preparation: Students should choose subjects that contain Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology as these are essential subjects because these subjects act as a foundation stone for the ones who will be choosing Zoology as a career.

How to Become a Zoologist in India after 12th

After completing 10+2 a student has to take a decision on choosing the best field for his career. A student starts researching various career options after 12th. A career in Zoology can help those students who are conscious about protecting and preserving the animal kingdom.

• UG Preparation: After completing 10+2 a student will have to appear for Entrance examinations. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college.
• PG Preparation: After completing Graduation in B.Sc in Zoology Students will have to appear for an Entrance examination. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college. Some colleges might offer admission based on the scores obtained in Graduation.
• Ph.D. Preparation: Post completing M.Sc in Zoology candidates will have to undergo the NET exam to secure admission to various good colleges. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college.

Zoology Courses

There are several Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Zoology. Some of the top courses that can be pursued in order to become a Zoologist are listed below.

B.Sc. in Zoology

B.Sc. in Zoology is a 3-year full-time course in Zoology. B.Sc in Zoology teaches students about Physiology, Animal Biodiversity, Ecology, Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, etc.

Admission Process: Admission to B.Sc. Zoology is done on the basis of scores obtained by the student in the last qualifying examination. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are done on the basis of merit it is important for students to score good marks in their 10+2. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for B.Sc. Zoology.

• Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
• Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
• Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
• Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
• Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
• Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.

Entrance Exams: There are many entrance exams for admissions to B.Sc. Zoologists such as BHU UET, MCAER, NEST, JEST. We have discussed the details some exams as below

BHU UET

NEST

Eligibility: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in 10+2. Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 10+2.

M.Sc. in Zoology

M.Sc. in Zoology is a 2-year full-time Post Graduate course in Zoology. This course offers a chance to students to choose their specialization. This course focuses on the genetics, evolution, classification, etc of animals.

Admission process: Admission to M.Sc. in Food and Zoology/PGD in Zoology is done on the basis of scores obtained by a student in the last qualifying examination. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are done on the basis of merit it is important for students to score good marks in their Graduation. Below is a step-by-step guide to apply for M.Sc. in Food and Zoology/PGD in Zoology.

• Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
• Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
• Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
• Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
• Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
• Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.

Entrance Exams: Though there is no single national level entrance exam for M.Sc. however some colleges take their own entrance exam. Some of which are IIT JAM, IGNOU Entrance Test, IPU CET, DUET. Let’s see the details of DUET and IIT JAM

DUET

Eligibility: Candidates must have completed B.Sc. Zoology from a recognized university. Candidates should have obtained at least 50% in their Graduation.

Ph.D. in Zoology

M.Sc. in Zoology is a 3-year full-time Doctorate course in Zoology. This course offers a chance to students to choose their specialization. Students can study and conduct research on Ichthyology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, etc.

Admission process: Admission to Ph.D. Zoology is done on the basis of scores obtained by a student in the UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICAR. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Below is a step-by-step guide to apply for Ph.D. Zoology.

• Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
• Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
• Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
• Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
• Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
• Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.

Entrance Exams: Students are offered admissions on the basis of scores obtained in UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICAR. Details of which are furnished below.

Eligibility: Candidates must have completed M.Sc. Zoology from a recognized university. Candidates should have obtained at least 50% in M.sc Zoology.

How to become a Zoologist Abroad?

Zoology has been most of the opt field in many other countries so, apart from India many other countries offer Zoology courses. Some of the countries that offer Zoology courses are Australia, the US, UK, and Canada. We have discussed in detail about the courses in these countries. Please have a look.

How to Become a Zoologist in Australia 

Admission Process:

• For admission to any Zoologist course in Australia one should have cleared IELTS
• On should have score more than 7.0 in IELTS

Educational Requirement:

• For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Top Colleges in Australia that offer Zoology as a course: there are my universities that offer study in Zoology some of which are:

Courses available: 

How to Become a Zoologist in UK 

Admission Process:

• IELTS is mandatory for admission to any course in UK.
• IELTS Score of 6+ is required for entry into Zoology courses of UK

Educational Requirement:

• For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available: 

How to Become a Zoologist in US 

Admission Process:

• IELTS is the mandatory exam for entry into most courses in the US.

• Admission in Zoology courses of US universities is done on the basis of IELTS score which should be greater than 7.

Educational Requirement:

• For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.

• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available: 

How to Become a Zoologist in Canada 

Admission Process:

• Canadian Universities accept IELTS scores.
• A score of 6.5+ in IELTS is considered to be a safe score for admission into any course of Canada

Educational Requirement:

• For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Zoology with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available: 

Benefits of Becoming a Zoologist

The key benefits of becoming a Zoologist are listed below for your reference,

• Salary- Average salary of a Zoologist at the start of a career is INR 25,000 to INR 30,000.
• Job Security- career in Zoology is a promising career as the field of Zoology is never going to run out of business. There will always be a need for a Zoologist to look after animals.
• Positive Impact of career- one willing to work for the benefit of the animal kingdom can adversely have a positive impact on animals and all living organisms.
• Higher Studies- After completing B.Sc. in Zoology candidates can opt for higher studies. Candidates can choose M.Sc. in Food and Zoology. After Post-Graduation a candidate can choose to do a Ph.D. in zoology.
• Unique Experience- Candidates can experience the satisfaction of making an animal fit and healthy.

Skills Required to Become a Zoologist

Following are the skills required to be a good Zoologist

Salary of a Zoologist

The average salary of a fresher Zoologist is INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 whereas for experienced candidates it is INR 7,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.

Average Annual Salary

Specialization Wise Salary

Experience Wise