The full form of BSc Zoology is Bachelor of Science in Zoology. It is a three-year undergraduate course. BSc Zoology is the branch of Biology that focuses on the study of all animals, their structure, physiology, behavior, classification, and distribution.Entrance-Based
Admission into this course is done on both a merit and entrance basis. The BSc Zoology entrance exam includes BHU UET, NEST, and JEST among others.
BSc Zoology eligibility is 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board.
The fee for BSc Zoology is INR 10,000–2 lakhs. Some of the top BSc Zoology colleges are Hindu College, Miranda House, Christ University, and Madras Christian College among others.
The BSc Zoology syllabus includes topics on cell biology, microbiology, genetics, biomolecules, animal ecology, physiology, and biochemistry.
BSc Zoology subjects include animal behavior, molecular biology, ecology, immunology, biotechnology, and environmental science.
Also Read: BSc Courses after 12th
BSc Zoology jobs include Research Scientist, Ecologist, Zoo Curator, Animal behaviorist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Teacher, etc. The BSc Zoology salary ranges from INR 3–8 LPA.
Some of the top recruiters for this course are the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), and the Ministry of Environment.
The scope of BSc Zoology includes courses such as MSc Zoology, MSc Wildlife Biology, MSc Ecology, MSc Conservation Biology, and MSc Biotechnology.
More BSc courses:
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BSc Zoology: Course Details
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | BSc Zoology |
Course Level | Undergraduate |
Course Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Zoology |
Course Duration | 3 Years |
Course Types | Full-time/Distance Education. |
Admission Process | Merit and Entrance Based. |
Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board. |
Entrance Exams | |
Course Fees | INR 10,000 – 2 Lakhs |
Top Colleges | Hindu College, Miranda House, Christ University, and Madras Christian College. |
Average Salary in India | INR 3 – 8 LPA |
Job Profiles | Research Scientist, Ecologist, Zoo Curator, Animal Behaviourist, 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. |
What is BSc Zoology?
The branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom, their habits, lifecycle, and ecological interactions is known as BSc Zoology. This course focuses on animal diversity, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, genetics, evolution, and conservation.
Why pursue BSc Zoology?
BSc Zoology allows an in-depth study of the animal kingdom, their behavior, anatomy, physiology, and evolution. There are several reasons why pursuing a BSc Zoology degree in India might be a wise choice. Below are some of the factors:
- Passion for Animals: An individual who has true love and passion for animals will benefit a lot from studying this course.
- Career Opportunities: After the completion of this course, students can choose to work in various fields.
- Personal Development: Studying zoology improves critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Contribution to Society: An individual can make a huge difference in broader societal challenges.
Who Should Pursue BSc Zoology?
BSc 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:
- Students who were in the science stream in 12th grade and scored a minimum of 50% marks
- People who have a genuine love for animals and are curious about their behavior, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution.
- Individuals who have a strong aptitude for scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and data analysis are well-suited for this program.
BSc Zoology: Course Duration
The duration of BSc Zoology 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 Zoology distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.
BSc Zoology: Course Types
BSc Zoology is offered to students in two modes: full-time or via distance education.
- BSc Zoology Full-time: This course provides both theoretical and practical knowledge for the students. Various aspects of the animal kingdom, including their anatomy, physiology, and evolution, are taught.
- BSc Zoology Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis. Students engage in laboratory work, fieldwork, and research projects, allowing them to develop practical skills.
BSc Zoology: Distance Education
BSc Zoology distance education is a good 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:
- This course generally takes three to five years to complete.
- The curriculum covers topics related to animals and their behavior, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution.
- The study material is provided through printed books, e-books, and online resources.
- Students are required to complete assignments and appear for exams as part of the BSc Zoology distance education program.
Some of the top colleges and universities offering BSc Zoology distance education, along with their fees, are given below:
Name of the College/University | Course Fees |
INR 9,000 | |
INR 4,895 | |
INR 14,000 | |
INR 10,650 |
BSc Zoology: Fees
BSc Zoology in India normally costs anywhere between INR 10,000 and 2 lakhs. Depending on the university, college, and region, different BSc Zoology 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 BSc Zoology at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 5,000 to INR 20,000.
- 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 about INR 30,000 to INR 1,50,000 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 Zoology: Colleges
Given below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities offering this course, along with their fees and locations:
Name of the College/University | Location | Average Annual Fees |
New Delhi | INR 20,460 | |
New Delhi | INR 19,800 | |
Pune | INR 11,315 | |
Coimbatore | INR 7,000 | |
Coimbatore | INR 1,761 | |
New Delhi | INR 24,515 | |
Mumbai | INR 7,005 | |
Bangalore | INR 53,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 14,895 | |
Bangalore | INR 40,000 |
BSc Zoology: 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 Zoology 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 Zoology Admission: Entrance-Based
- Apply to the desired college through their official website. You can also visit the institution and fill 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, such as a Photograph, 10th and 12th Certificates, Aadhar cards, etc.
- 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 the eligible students, which will contain important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings.
- 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 Zoology: Eligibility
- 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board.
- The minimum age for this course is 17 years old.
BSc Zoology: Entrance Exams
The BSc Zoology entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It lasts 2–3 hours, with the total number of questions and marks varying depending on the institution. In some colleges or institutions, there might be negative marking as well.
Given below are the details of some of the entrance exams conducted by various universities, along with their details:
Name of the Entrance Exam | Registration Dates | Entrance Exam Dates |
February – April 2024 | May 15th – 31st 2024 | |
November 28th, 2023 – May 29th, 2024 | May 2024 | |
December 2023 – May 21st, 2024 | January – May 2024 | |
January 2024 | May 2024 |
BSc Zoology: Entrance Exam Syllabus
The BSc 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 |
Biology
| Cell Structure and Function Genetics and Evolution Diversity in Living Organisms Human Physiology Plant Physiology Reproduction and Development in Organisms Ecology and Environment |
Chemistry
| Basic Concepts of Chemistry Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding States of Matter Chemical Thermodynamics Chemical Equilibrium Organic Chemistry (Basic principles and nomenclature) |
Physics
| Physical World and Measurement Kinematics and Laws of Motion Work, Energy, and Power Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body Gravitation Properties of Bulk Matter Thermodynamics Behavior of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory |
Mathematics
| Sets, Relations, and Functions Algebra (Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, etc.) Co-ordinate Geometry Calculus Statistics and Probability |
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BSc Zoology: Subjects
BSc Zoology subjects may differ from one college to another. Nevertheless, given below is a list of potential subjects in BSc Zoology that students will study:
BSc Zoology: Subjects 1st Year | |
Cell Biology | Biomolecules |
Microbiology | Developmental Biology |
Animal Diversity-I: Non-Chordates | Animal Diversity-II: Chordates |
Genetics | Evolution |
BSc Zoology: Subjects 2nd Year | |
Biochemistry | Animal Ecology |
Biostatistics and Bioinformatics | Environmental Biology |
Physiology and Biochemistry of Invertebrates | Physiology and Biochemistry of Vertebrates |
Animal Behavior | Endocrinology |
Immunology | - |
BSc Zoology: Subjects 3rd Year | |
Molecular Biology | Genetics and Genomics |
Animal Biotechnology | Evolutionary Biology |
Animal Physiology | Animal Development and Reproduction |
Conservation Biology | Applied Zoology |
Research Methodology | Dissertation or Project Work |
BSc Zoology: Syllabus
The course is divided into six semesters, which must be covered in three years. The syllabus of BSc Zoology will vary from college to college; however, a brief overview of the syllabus is given in the following tables:
BSc Zoology: Syllabus 1st Year | |
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
Diversity of Non-Chordates | Diversity of Chordates |
Ecology | Biomolecules |
Animal Physiology | Developmental Biology |
Evolutionary Biology | Environmental Science |
BSc Zoology: Syllabus 2nd Year | |
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Animal Physiology and Endocrinology | Animal Behavior and Ethology |
Invertebrate Zoology | Applied Zoology |
Genetics and Molecular Biology | Biochemistry and Enzymology |
Ecology and Environmental Biology | Biostatistics |
BSc Zoology: Syllabus 3rd Year | |
Semester – 5 | Semester – 6 |
Comparative Anatomy and Embryology | Evolution and Animal Behaviour |
Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology | Conservation Biology |
Biotechnology and Applied Zoology | Immunology and Immunotechnology |
Animal Physiology and Endocrinology | Research Methodology and Dissertation |
Best Zoology Colleges in India
Given below is a list of the best Zoology colleges in India, along with their average annual fees and location:
Name of the College/University | Location | Average Fees |
New Delhi | INR 20,460 | |
New Delhi | INR 6,546 | |
New Delhi | INR 19,800 | |
Jalandhar | INR 1,23,000 | |
Pune | INR 11,315 | |
Coimbatore | INR 7,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 58,440 | |
Coimbatore | INR 1,761 | |
New Delhi | INR 24,515 | |
New Delhi | INR 44,050 | |
Mumbai | INR 7,005 | |
Hodal | INR 2,40,000 | |
Bangalore | INR 53,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 30,375 | |
New Delhi | INR 14,895 | |
Bangalore | INR 40,000 |
BSc Zoology: Recommended Books
Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of Zoology:
Name of the Book | Author's Name |
Zoology | Stephen A. Miller, John P. Harley |
Textbook of Animal Physiology | V. K. Rastogi |
Cell and Molecular Biology | Gerald Karp |
Ecology: Concepts and Applications | Manuel C. Molles Jr. |
Vertebrate Zoology | Jordan and Verma |
Practical Zoology | P.S. Verma |
Invertebrate Zoology | R.L. Kotpal |
Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach | John Alcock |
Environmental Science | G. Tyler Miller and Scott E. Spoolman |
Genetics: Analysis and Principles | Robert J. Brooker |
Course Comparison: BSc Zoology vs BSc Botany
Features | BSc Zoology | BSc Botany |
Course Name | Bachelor of Science in Zoology | Bachelor of Science in Botany |
Overview | BSc Zoology is the study of animals, their structure, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution. | BSc Botany is the study of plants, their structure, function, classification, and interactions with the environment |
Course Level | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years |
Course Types | Full-time/Distance Education | Full-time/Distance Education |
Course Syllabus | Cell Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biomolecules, Animal Ecology, Physiology and Biochemistry. | Plant Morphology, Plant Anatomy, Plant Physiology, Plant Taxonomy, Plant Ecology, and Plant Genetics. |
Average Course Fee | INR 10,000 – 2 Lakhs | INR 15,000 – 2 Lakhs |
Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum 50% marks from a recognized board. | 10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50% marks from a recognized board. |
Admission Process | Merit and Entrance Based | Merit and Entrance Based |
Top Colleges | Hindu College, Miranda House, Christ University, and Madras Christian College. | Hansraj College, Fergusson College, Kirori Mal College, and St. Xavier's College. |
Average Salary | INR 3 – 8 LPA | INR 3 – 8 LPA |
Scope | MSc Zoology, MSc Wildlife Biology, MSc Ecology, MSc Conservation Biology and MSc Biotechnology. | MSc Botany, MSc Plant Biotechnology, MSc Environmental Science, MSc Plant Ecology |
BSc Zoology: Jobs
There are various BSc Zoology jobs in India. Some of the popular job profiles along with their description are given below:
Job Profile | Job Description |
Wildlife Biologist | A Wildlife Biologist studies and manages wildlife population, habitats, and conservation. They usually work for environmental organizations, 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 wellbeing, 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 organisations. |
BSc Zoology: Salary
Given below are the BSc Zoology jobs and salary:
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 |
BSc Zoology: Top Recruiters
After completing BSc Zoology, graduates can apply to both private and public sector companies for job opportunities. Given below is a list of the top recruiters of 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 |
BSc Zoology: Scope
BSc Zoology scope includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:
BSc Zoology Scope | Description |
MSc Zoology is the study of the scientific aspects of animals, their structure, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution. | |
MSc Wildlife Biology | MSc Wildlife Biology is the study of wildlife species, their behavior, ecology, conservation, and management. |
MSc Ecology | MSc Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. |
MSc Conservation Biology | MSc Conservation Biology is the study of the preservation, management, and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems. |
MSc Biotechnology | MSc Biotechnology is the study of applying biological principles and techniques to practical applications in various fields |