BSc Hons. in Zoology is a 4-years full-time undergraduate course focused on in-depth study and research about animal biology, evolution, animal behaviour, ecology, and anatomy. BSc Hons. in Zoology is the subject to study about the animal world. It typically involves animal genetics, animal body functions and processes, evolution of animal species, vertebrates and invertebrates, classification of species etc.
BSc Hons or BSc Honors is a more advanced programme than a regular BSc. Basically, Honours means studying a particular subject in greater detail. It prepares the student for a career in Science, Technology, Academia, and Healthcare sectors.
The minimum eligibility to pursue this BSc Hons. in Zoology is to pass 10+2 with Biology as one of the core subjects from a recognised board. Average course fee ranges between INR 25,000 and 4,00,000, depending on whether the institute is private or government. Some of the best institutes offering BSc Hons in Zoology are LPU, Amity University, Shoolini University, Acharya Narendra Dev College, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, and others.
After completing a BSc Hons. in Zoology course, one can be hired by the government or private organizations dealing in animal products, welfare, breeding, etc. The initial salary offered by these organizations are INR 2 to 4 LPA.
BSc Hons. in Zoology Course Highlights
Opting for BSc Hons. in Zoology will offer studying all these aspects of the animal world in detail with other subjects like animal morphology, biochemical and biological processes, immunology, physiological response, animal behaviour, migration pattern, etc. Below mentioned are some of the key highlights about the BSc Hons. Zoology course.
Particulars | Details |
Programme name | Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Zoology or BSc Hons. Zoology |
Duration | 4 years (8 semesters) |
Admission | Merit based |
Eligibility | 10+2 with Biology as one of the main subjects |
Average Course Fee | 25,000-4,00,000 |
Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 4 LPA |
Top Recruiting Companies | Zydus Healthcare, UPL Limited, Gharda Group, Indofil Industries, Bharat Group, Sharda Cropchem Limited, etc. |
Top Job Areas | Agrochemical Companies, Animal Clinics, Aquariums, Colleges & Universities, Conservation Agencies, Environmental and Ecosystem Management Sector, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forensics, Forest Laboratories, Medical Laboratories, Medical Research, etc. |
Top Job Positions | Animal Breeder, Animal Behaviourist, Animal Caretaker, Animal Physiologist, Animal Rehabilitator, Animal and Wildlife Educator, Documentary Maker, Forensic Expert, Lab Technician, Researcher, Veterinarian, Wildlife Biologist, Zoo Curator, Zoo Keeper, etc. |
Why Pursue BSc Hons. in Zoology
BSc Hons. in Zoology is an advanced bachelor's degree programme as compared to the regular BSc in Zoology. It emphasizes in-depth learning of animal science, including all the species existing on the planet. The benefits of studying this BSc Hons. in Zoology are as follows:
- Detailed study of animal biology offers higher competence for a career in this field.
- One can aim for advanced positions in government or private universities and research centers.
- It provides opportunities to work as a scientist, professor, and forensic expert, which are highly reputed and well-paying jobs.
- BSc Hons. Zoology is the first step for the aspirants seeking to dive into research as it provides training for animal handling, feeding, testing, etc.
- BSc Hons. Zoology serves as the base for higher study in the field like MSc in Zoology, M.Phil in Zoology or PhD in Zoology.
- Altogether, prepares an individual to work for animal welfare, animal breeding, animal products manufacturing, animal maintenance, and academia where research on animals is carried out.
BSc Hons. in Zoology Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for pursuing a BSc Hons. in Zoology are:
- Candidates have passed 12th in Science stream from a recognized Board with Biology as one of the core subjects
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks in 10+2 is required for the admission in private colleges.
- Some government Universities conduct entrance exam followed by a personal interview or counselling round.
Entrance exam for BSc Hons. in Zoology
The entrance exam for taking admission in BSc Hons in Zoology course are:
Entrance Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date | Registration Fee |
CUET UG 2026 | Mar 2026
(tentative) | May-June 2026
(tentative) | INR 1000 (Gen/UR)
INR 900 (OBC/EWS)
INR 800 (SC/ST/PwD/TG) |
LPU NEST 2026 | Jan-Feb 2026
(tentative) | Feb 2026
(tentative) | INR 1000 (SCK)
INR 1500 (PK) |
BSc Hons. in Zoology Best Colleges
BSc Hons. Zoology is provided by many institutes affiliated to government and private universities. Some of the popular universities and colleges are listed below with their location and course fees.
Name of College | Location | Approx. Course Fee |
Acharya Narendra Dev College | New Delhi | INR 25,000 |
Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Phagwara | INR 4,00,000 |
Amity University | Gautam Budh Nagar | INR 1,95,000 |
Shoolini University | Solan | INR 4,40,000 |
Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University | Dehradun | INR 3,26,000 |
RKDF University | Ranchi | INR 1,48,000 |
Sanskaram University | Jhajjar | INR 4,40,000 |
MKM Group of Colleges | Palwal | INR 1,20,000 |
Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences | New Delhi | INR 52,000 |
PDM University | Bahadurgarh | INR 2,15,000 |
BSc Hons. in Zoology Syllabus
Syllabus of BSc Hons. Zoology covers the entire animal kingdom and classification system. It starts with a basic concept of the animal world, equipping the students with practical skills required to study live or dead animal species.
Almost all the universities follow the UGC recommended syllabus in alignment with the current research and competitive exam demands. The table below shows BSc Hons. Zoology syllabus followed by Lovely Professional University (LPU).
Semester-I | Semester-II |
Animal Diversity Laboratory | Animal Diversity II Laboratory |
Animal Diversity-I | Animal Diversity-II |
Basic Chemistry | Biochemistry Laboratory |
Basic Chemistry Laboratory | Cell Biology and Histology |
Basic Genetics | Cell Biology and Histology Laboratory |
Basic Genetics Laboratory | Environmental Studies |
Communication Skills-I | Fundamentals of Biochemistry |
Learn Animals Through Photography | Fundamentals of Computers |
Programme Orientation-I | Human Values and Program Orientation-II |
- | Introduction To Python |
- | Language Elective 1 |
Semester-III | Semester-IV |
Ai, Ml and Emerging Technologies | Animal Physiology |
Basics of Research and Publication | Animal Physiology Laboratory |
Community Development Project | Basic Principle of Ayurveda |
Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | Discipline Minor Elective 3 |
Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates Laboratory | Discipline Minor Elective 4 |
Discipline Minor Elective 1 | Ecology and Evolution |
Discipline Minor Elective 2 | Ecology and Evolution Laboratory |
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology | Open Elective 1 |
Molecular Biology Laboratory | - |
Pathway Elective 1 | - |
Semester-V | Semester-VI |
Applied Zoology | Industrial Internship |
Applied Zoology Laboratory | Open Elective 2 |
Behaviour and Chronobiology | Pathway Elective 2 |
Developmental Biology | Pathway Elective 3 |
Developmental Biology Laboratory | Research Project |
Discipline Minor Elective 5 | - |
Discipline Minor Elective 6 | - |
Parasitology and Immunology | - |
Semester-VII | Semester-VIII |
Biochemical and Biophysical Techniques | Animal Biotechnology |
Comparative Endocrine Physiology | Bioinformatics |
Discipline Minor Elective 3 | Discipline Minor Elective 8 |
Fundamentals of Research | Research Project |
Zoology Laboratory-I | Zoology Laboratory-Iii |
Zoology Laboratory-Ii | Zoology Laboratory-Iv |
BSc Hons. in Zoology Admission Process
Many universities consider the 12th grade merit for admission in BSc Hons. Zoology. They provide direct admission through online application and counselling. However, some government universities consider the cut-off marks scored in entrance exam.
Candidates are advised to go through the admission guidelines and selection procedure of the college/university they wish to apply to.
For reference the admission process for enrolling into BSc Hons. Zoology course at Shoolini University is given below:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the college, go to the admission page and fill up the online application form and submit it by paying the application fee.
Step 2: Register for the CUET-UG exam and appear on the scheduled date and time.
Step 3: Wait for the results, once the results are declared, submit the entrance exam scores to the university.
Step 4: The university will verify your application and the CUET-UG scores. The seats are allocated according to the rank in the CUET-UG exam and the available seats.
Step 5: The university will release a list of candidates who are shortlisted for the admission.
Step 6: The shortlisted candidates will receive a letter of enrolment and then they have to pay the admission fee to finalize their seat in the chosen course.
Step 7: The university will verify the payment done, and will give confirmation along with the final admission letter via mail. After receiving the final admission letter, you can start your new academic journey in the selected course.
BSc Hons. in Zoology Jobs & Salary
BSc Hons. in Zoology ensures career in biomedical field, healthcare and animal welfare, Research centers, animal breeding, forensic lab, forestry, Fisheries, Marine, and academics.
Graduates with BSc Hons in Zoology can further opt for higher studies like MSc, M.Phil, and PhD or competitive exams to work in government sectors.
As per the government pay scale policies, initial earnings of graduates in this field are INR 2 to 4 LPA, depending on the position, industry, and location.
Job Profile | Job Description | Avg. Salary (in INR) |
Animal Caretaker | Animal Caretaker is in charge of catering for everyday requirements of animals. Their job is to feed, bathe, and conduct everyday exercises for animals. | 3 to 4 LPA |
Conservationist | They are responsible to work with governments and landowners to guarantee the conservation of natural resources such as water and soil. | 5 to 6 LPA |
Forensic Expert | They are in charge of assessing and inspecting physical aspects, composition of wild animals’ anatomies and conducting the physical study.
They have to analyse the blood, hair, nail, and skull of animals. | 6 to 7 LPA |
Wildlife Biologist | Wildlife Biologists are responsible for examining and observing wild animals and evaluating their behaviour, migration, reproduction etc. | 8 to 9 LPA |
Zoo Keeper | They are responsible for maintaining the well-being of zoo animals. They regularly execute feeding, bathing, and taking care of their regular physical activities. | 7 to 8 LPA |
BSc Hons. in Zoology FAQs
Which one is better: BSc Zoology or BSc Hons. Zoology?
BSc Hons is advanced than regular BSc as it focuses on in-depth learning of concepts
What practical skills can one gain in BSc Hons. Zoology course?
In BSc Hons. Zoology course, students learn to handle the animals, feeding, dissection, anatomical study, animal catching, histology, microscopy, etc.
Can I work in animal research directly after BSc Hons. Zoology?
To work in a research field, one has to have an MSc or PhD in a specific domain. However, BSc graduates can work as interns in research labs or industries.
What is the salary of forensic experts in India?
With entry-level positions, one can earn around INR 3-4.5 LPA and potentially reach 9-12 LPA or more for senior roles.
Is it worth doing Honors in Zoology for an academic career?
Yes, an academic career demands in-depth knowledge of a particular subject which comes while pursuing Honors or Master degree in that subject.
