About BSc Environmental Science
The full form of BSc Environmental Science is a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. It is a three-year undergraduate course. BSc Environmental Science focuses on the environment and all its elements. The course incorporates biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography, and social sciences components.
Admission into this course is done mainly on a merit-based and direct basis. However, some universities conduct an entrance exam to finalize potential candidates. The BSc Environmental Science entrance exams are SET, CUCET, CUET, and NPAT.
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BSc Environmental Science eligibility is 10+2 (science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board. The required subjects include physics, chemistry, biology, and/or mathematics.
The BSc Environmental Science fees are INR 20,000–3 lakhs. BSc Environmental Science colleges include Fergusson College, Mount Carmel College, St. Joseph's College, St. Xavier's College, and Ramanujan College.
The BSc Environmental Science syllabus includes topics on environmental science, ecology, ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental chemistry. BSc Environmental Science jobs include Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Manager, Environmental Educator, Environmental analyst, etc. salary ranges from INR 3–8 LPA.
BSc Environmental Science: Course Details
| Details | Particulars |
| Course Name | BSc Environmental Science |
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Course Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science |
| Course Duration | 3 Years |
| Course Types | Full-time/Distance Education |
| Admission Process | Merit/Direct/Entrance based. |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board. |
| Entrance Exams | SET, CUCET, CUET, and NPAT. |
| Course Fees | INR 20,000 – 3 Lakhs. |
| Top Colleges | Fergusson College, Mount Carmel College, St. Joseph's College, St. Xavier's College, and Ramanujan College |
| Average Salary in India | INR 3 – 8 LPA |
| Job Profiles | Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Manager, Environmental Educator, Environmental Analyst, and Environmental Researcher. |
| Top Recruiters | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India, Tata Sustainability Group, Adani Group, Reliance Industries Limited, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). |
| Further Studies | MSc in Environmental Science, Master of Environmental Management (MEM), and MSc in Conservation Biology. |
What is BSc Environmental Science?
Everything that exists in and around us is referred to as the environment. It includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we live on, and all the living organisms that inhabit the Earth. The environment is essential for:
- supporting life
- supplying resources
- preserving the fragile ecosystem
BSc Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that combines scientific knowledge to study the environment and its interactions. It encompasses the study of the physical, biological, and social sciences to understand the complex environmental issues we face today and develop sustainable solutions.
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Why pursue a BSc Environmental Science?
BSc Environmental Science allows an in-depth study of the following:
- Environment
- Resources
- Living and non-living organisms
- Ecosystem
There are several reasons why one should pursue a BSc in Environmental Science. Below are some of the reasons:
- Interdisciplinary Approach: BSc Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that incorporates knowledge from various fields.
- Career Opportunities: BSc Environmental Science graduates are in demand due to the increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Studying Environmental Science fosters growth as it develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Positive Impact: Students with this degree can contribute to a more sustainable world with their knowledge.
Who Should Pursue BSc Environmental Science?
BSc Environmental Science is the perfect course for people who are passionate about the environment. However, it might be a good fit for the following potential candidates:
- Students who were in the science stream in 12th grade and scored a minimum of 50% marks
- An individual with a genuine passion for the environment who desires to protect and conserve natural resources.
- Students who are curious about the natural world and enjoy conducting experiments.
- People who have a strong aptitude for scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and data analysis are well-suited for this program.
BSc Environmental Science: Course Duration
The duration of BSc Environmental Science in India is 3 years, which is divided into 6 semesters. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university or institution offering the course. BSc Environmental Science distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.
BSc Environmental Science: Course Types
BSc Environmental Science is offered to students in two modes: full-time or via distance education.
- BSc Environmental Science Full-time: To build a strong foundation in BSc Environmental Science, various aspects of the environment are taught.
- BSc Environmental Science Distance Education: This option is available for students who require flexibility in choosing their study time.
BSc Environmental Science: Distance Education
BSc Environmental Science distance education is a feasible option for students who are unable to pursue the course regularly. Given below are some of the key highlights of this course:
- The eligibility is 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 40–50% marks from a recognized board. The required subjects include physics, chemistry, biology, and/or mathematics.
- BSc Environmental Science distance education in India generally takes 3 to 5 years.
- The study material for a distance education program in India is provided through printed books, e-books, and online resources.
- The BSc Environmental Science distance education curriculum is the same as a full-time course and covers topics related to the environment and its ecosystem.
- Students are required to complete assignments and appear for exams as part of the BSc Environmental Distance Education program.
Some of the top colleges and universities offering BSc Environmental Science distance education are listed below:
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Annamalai University
- Nalanda Open University
- Madurai Kamaraj University
- Periyar University
- Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU)
BSc Environmental Science: Fees
BSc Environmental Science in India normally costs anywhere between INR 50,000 and 2 lakhs. Depending on the university, college, and region, different BSc Environmental Science programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course.
- Government Colleges and Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of a BSc in Environmental Science at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.
- Private Colleges and Universities: The fee at a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 30,000 to 2 lakhs or more.
Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.
BSc Environmental Science: Colleges
Given below is a list of the top BSc Environmental Science colleges in India, along with their fees:
| Name of the College/University | Location | Average Annual Fees |
| Fergusson College | Pune | INR 11,135 |
| Mount Carmel College | Bangalore | INR 42,000 |
| Indian Institute of Science | Bangalore | INR 30,000 |
| Asutosh College | Kolkata | INR 24,760 |
| St. Joseph's College | Bangalore | INR 42,000 |
| Ramanujan College | New Delhi | INR 22,500 |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | INR 1,98,000 |
| Amity University | Noida | INR 1,02,000 |
| Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar | INR 1,59,000 |
| Calicut University | Calicut | INR 2,6390 |
| Martin Luther Christian University | Shillong | INR 1,00,000 |
| Galgotias University | Greater Noida | INR 60,000 |
| Gaya College | Gaya | INR 20,000 |
| NIMS University | Jaipur | INR 90,000 |
BSc Environmental Science: Admission 2024
It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their high school examinations or prepare well for the entrance exam. Below is an overview of both modes of admission:
BSc Environmental Science Admission: Merit-Based
- An aspirant should score more than 50% in their high school 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, Aadhar cards, 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.
BSc Environmental Science 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.
- 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 eligible students.
- 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.
BSc Environmental Science: Eligibility
- BSc Environmental Science eligibility is 10+2 (science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board.
- The required subjects may vary but typically include physics, chemistry, biology, and/or mathematics.
- The minimum age for this course is 17 years old.
BSc Environmental Science: Entrance Exams
The BSc Environmental Science entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It 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, along with their details:
BSc Environmental Science: Entrance Exams Syllabus
The BSc Environmental Science 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 |
| Environmental Science | Environmental studies, environmental pollution and control, natural resources, climate change, ecology and ecosystem, environmental laws and policies, and sustainability. |
| Physics | Basic concepts of physics, laws of motion, gravitation, thermodynamics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. |
| Chemistry | Atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and basic principles of analytical chemistry. |
| Biology | Cell biology, genetics, plant physiology, animal physiology, biodiversity, ecology, evolution, and environmental biology. |
| Mathematics | Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, statistics, and probability. |
| General Knowledge | Current affairs, general awareness, and environmental issues. |
BSc Environmental Science: Syllabus
The course is divided into six semesters, which must be covered in three years. The syllabus of BSc Environmental Science will vary from college to college; however, a brief overview of the syllabus is given in the following tables:
BSc Environmental Science Syllabus: 1st Year | |
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
English Communication Skills | Environmental Chemistry |
Fundamentals of Environmental Science | Ecology and Environmental Studies |
Chemistry | Biodiversity and Conservation |
Physics | Geology and Soil Science |
Mathematics | Computer Fundamentals and Applications |
BSc Environmental Science Syllabus: 2nd Year | |
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Environmental Microbiology | Environmental Toxicology |
Environmental Pollution and Control | Environmental Laws and Policies |
Environmental Geology and Remote Sensing | Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development |
Environmental Biotechnology | Environmental Monitoring and Management |
Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing | Elective Course (e.g., Renewable Energy, Waste Management, or Environmental Education) |
BSc Environmental Science Syllabus: 3rd Year | |
Semester – 5 | Semester – 6 |
Natural Resource Management | Environmental Risk Assessment and Disaster Management |
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability | Environmental Data Analysis and Modeling |
Environmental Ethics and Philosophy | Environmental Project and Field Work |
Research Methodology and Project Planning | Internship/Industrial Training |
Elective Course (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, or Urban Ecology) | Elective Course (e.g., Environmental Policy, Environmental Biotechnology, or Sustainable Agriculture) |
BSc Environmental Science: Subjects
BSc Environmental Science subjects may differ from one college to another. Nevertheless, given below is a list of potential subjects that students will study:
BSc Environmental Science Subjects: 1st Year | |
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
Environmental Science Fundamentals | Environmental Biology |
Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Physics |
Ecology and Ecosystems | Biodiversity and Conservation |
Environmental Geology | Soil Science and Land Resources |
Mathematics for Environmental Science | Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Techniques |
BSc Environmental Science Subjects: 2nd Year | |
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Environmental Pollution and Control | Climate Change and Sustainable Development |
Environmental Microbiology | Environmental Laws and Policies |
Environmental Impact Assessment | Environmental Data Analysis and Interpretation |
Waste Management and Recycling | Environmental Biotechnology |
Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Environmental Science | Natural Resource Management |
BSc Environmental Science Subjects: 3rd Year | |
Semester – 5 | Semester – 6 |
Environmental Risk Assessment and Management | Environmental Ethics and Philosophy |
Environmental Economics and Policy | Environmental Research Methodology |
Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability | Environmental Health and Toxicology |
Environmental Education and Communication | Environmental Conservation and Restoration |
Environmental Project Planning and Management | Environmental Project Work and Internship |
BSc Environmental Science: Recommended Books
Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of Environmental Science:
Name of the Book | Author's Name |
Environmental Science and Engineering | J. Glynn Henry and Gary W. Heinke |
Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure | R. Rajagopalan |
Environmental Science | Dr. A. Anil Kumar and Dr. R. Jagadeeshwar Rao |
Environmental Studies | Anindita Basak |
Environmental Science and Engineering | A.K. De |
Introduction to Environmental Science | R. S. Khoiyangbam |
Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure | Anubha Kaushik and C.P. Kaushik |
Textbook of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses | Suresh K. Dhameja |
Environmental Science: Principles, Concepts and Applications | Dr. Y. Anjaneyulu and Dr. R. Sreedhara Reddy |
Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet | Daniel B. Botkin and Edward A. Keller |
Environmental Studies | Erach Bharucha |
Environmental Science: A Global Concern | William P. Cunningham and Mary Ann Cunningham |
Environmental Science | G. Tyler Miller and Scott Spoolman |
Course Comparison: BSc Environmental Science vs BTech Environmental Engineering
| Features | BSc Environmental Science | BTech Environmental Engineering |
| Course Name | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science | Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Engineering |
| Overview | BSc Environmental Science focuses on studying the environment, its components, and the impact of human activities on the natural world. | BTech Environmental Engineering applies engineering principles to address environmental challenges. |
| Course Level | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Course Types | Full-time/Distance Education | Full-time/Distance Education |
| Course Syllabus | Environmental Science, Ecology, Pollution, Sustainability, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management. | Environmental Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Waste Management, Air Pollution Control and Water Treatment. |
| Average Course Fee | 20,000 – 3 LPA | INR 3 – 5 LPA |
| Eligibility Criteria | BSc Environmental Science eligibility is 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board. | BTech Environmental Engineering eligibility is 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board along with an Entrance exam. |
| Admission Process | Merit and Entrance Based | Entrance Based |
| Top Colleges | Fergusson College, Mount Carmel College, St. Joseph's College, St. Xavier's College, and Ramanujan College. | IIT Kharagpur, Amity University, Delhi Technological University, IIT Kanpur and CMJ University. |
| Average Salary | INR 3 – 8 LPA | INR 5 – 8 LPA |
| Job Profiles | Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Manager, Environmental Educator, and Environmental Researcher | Environmental Engineer, Environmental Consultant, Project Manager, Sustainability Engineer. |
| Scope | MSc Environmental Science, Environmental Science Management and MSc Conservation Biology. | MTech Environmental Engineering and PhD Environmental Engineering. |
BSc Environmental Science: Jobs
There are various BSc Environmental Science jobs in India. Some of the popular job profiles, along with their descriptions, are given below:
Job Profile | Job Description |
Environmental Consultant | Environmental Consultants assess and manage environmental effects, create sustainability strategies, and assure adherence to environmental legislation, by working with corporations, government agencies, and organizations. |
Environmental Officer/Manager | Environmental Officers or Managers work in industries, government agencies, or NGOs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, develop environmental policies, and implement environmental management systems. |
Environmental Analyst
| Environmental Analysts collect and analyze data on environmental conditions, assess environmental risks, and provide recommendations for environmental management and conservation. |
Waste Management Specialist
| Waste Management Specialists are responsible for designing and implementing waste management plans, to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable waste management practices. |
Environmental Educator
| Environmental Educators work in schools, colleges, NGOs, or environmental organizations to educate the public about environmental issues. |
Environmental Health and Safety Officer
| Environmental Health and Safety officers work in industries to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, assess and mitigate environmental risks, and promote workplace safety and environmental sustainability. |
Environmental Scientist/Researcher
| Environmental Scientists conduct research, collect samples, analyze data, and study various aspects of the environment such as air quality, water resources, biodiversity, and climate change. |
BSc Environmental Science: Salary
The BSc Environmental Science salary ranges from INR 3–8 LPA. Given below are various job opportunities available in the field, along with their average salary:
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Environmental Consultant | INR 2 – 18 LPA |
| Environmental Officer/Manager | INR 4.8 – 20 LPA |
| Environmental Analyst | INR 1.1 – 11 LPA |
| Waste Management Specialist | INR 1.6 – 19.9 LPA |
| Environmental Educator | INR 4.9 – 9 LPA |
| Environmental Health and Safety Officer | INR 1.1 – 10.2 LPA |
| Environmental Scientist/Researcher | INR 1.6 – 7.6 LPA |
BSc Environmental Science: Top Recruiters
After completing BSc Environmental Science, graduates can apply to both private and public sector companies for job opportunities. Given below is a list of the top recruiters for this course:
Field of Employment | Top Recruiters |
Government Agencies | Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) State Pollution Control Boards Forest Departments Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Authorities |
Environmental Consulting Firms
| Golder Associates Tetra Tech AECOM Ramboll |
Corporate and Industries
| Energy and Power Companies Manufacturing and Chemical Industries Construction and Infrastructure Companies Waste Management Companies Environmental Technology Companies |
Research and Academic Institutions
| Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES) Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Universities and colleges offer environmental science programs. |
Education and Research Institutions | Universities and colleges with anthropology departments Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Centre for Development Studies (CDS) |
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
| World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Greenpeace India The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Conservation Foundation of India (CFI) |
BSc Environmental Science: Scope
The scope of the BSc Environmental Science includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:
- Master's in Environmental Science (MSc Environmental Science)
- Master of Environmental Management (MEM)
- Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Master of Sustainable Development