M.Sc Zoology: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Jul 25, 2025, by Priyanshu Mishra

M Sc Zoology is a two-year postgraduate degree program that mainly focuses on the theoretical study of animals, their biology, behavior, physiology, and ecology. The course explores topics like animal taxonomy, cell biology, genetics, evolution, environmental biology, and wildlife conservation. This course prepares students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for careers in research, education, environmental management, and the biotechnology sector.

 

Candidates for the M Sc Zoology program are required to have a bachelor's degree in Zoology or a related field, such as Biology, Medical Sciences, or Life Sciences, from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Candidates also take some entrance examinations to get admission to a specific college or university they wish to attend. Some entrance examinations are the DBUU, SUAT, CUET PG, etc.

 

The total course fees for the M Sc Zoology program depend on whether the college or university is a private or government institution. Generally, course fees range between INR 20,000 – 8,00,000. Some top colleges that offer these programs are IGNOU, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, St. Joseph University, Sharda University, etc.

 

Postgraduates who completed the M Sc Zoology program can have a variety of job roles and responsibilities available in India. Some job roles are Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, Research Associate (Zoology), Assistant Professor (Zoology), and Biomedical Researcher. They can make a high salary, which can range from INR 3-10 LPA or more, depending on their skills and knowledge.

 

Table of Contents

  1. M.Sc Zoology Key Highlights
  2. What is an M.Sc Zoology?
  3. Why Study an M.Sc Zoology?
  4. Who should study an M.Sc Zoology?
  5. M.Sc Zoology Eligibility Criteria
  6. M.Sc Zoology Entrance Exams 2025
  7. M.Sc Zoology Colleges in India
  8. M.Sc Zoology Admission Process 2025
  9. M.Sc Zoology Syllabus
  10. M.Sc Zoology Job Opportunities in India
  11. M.Sc Zoology FAQs

 

M.Sc Zoology Key Highlights

The primary points out for M Sc Zoology are as follows-

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Master of Science in Zoology

Course Level

Postgraduate/ Master’s

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Course Type

Full-Time

Admission Process

Entrance-based (DBUU, SUAT, etc) + Counselling

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree in Zoology or related fields like Biology, Medical Sciences, or Life Sciences with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university.

Course Fees

INR 20,000-8,00,000

Top Colleges

IGNOU, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, St. Joseph University, Sharda University

Job Profiles

Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, Research Associate (Zoology), Assistant Professor (Zoology), Biomedical Researcher

Top Recruiters

Zoological Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India, WWF India, National Parks, Wildlife Trust of India, CSIR Labs, ICAR, IISc, University Departments, Central/State Universities, Private Colleges, Biocon, Serum Institute, DRDO, Zydus Lifesciences

Average Salary in India

INR 3-5 LPA (Freshers)

 

INR 6-8 LPA (Mid-Level)

 

INR 10-12 LPA (Experienced)

 

What is an M.Sc Zoology?

M Sc Zoology is a two-year postgraduate/master's program that mainly focuses on the advanced study of animals, their biology, behavior, development, and classification. This Program enhances the fundamental understanding of life sciences obtained at undergraduate level, focusing deeply on concepts including animal physiology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology, and animal biotechnology.

 

The course mixes theoretical knowledge with laboratory experiments, research methodologies, and, in many cases, fieldwork to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the animal kingdom.

 

Students can further pursue MPhil in Zoology for higher education.

 

Why Study an M.Sc Zoology?

Pursuing an M Sc Zoology program offers a complete and detailed understanding of animal biology, behavior, and physiology. This course of study enables candidates to gain experience of a huge variety of animal life and the complex links found within ecosystems. This program creates advanced knowledge in fields like genetics, entomology, parasitology, marine biology, and wildlife conservation. There are various reasons why one should study this program are listed below:

  • Zoology is important for understanding animal existence, its connections with the environment, and the effects of human activity.
  • Zoological research helps in advanced medicine, agriculture, and conservation efforts.

 

Who should study an M.Sc Zoology?

An M Sc Zoology program is suitable for those types of candidates who have a strong interest in animal biology and biodiversity. Candidates who have a background in life sciences, especially in subjects like Zoology, Botany, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science at the undergraduate level, will find this course a natural progression.

 

There are various reasons to determine who should pursue these programs, which are provided below:

  • Candidates who are interested in animals and biodiversity, an MSc in Zoology can help you build a career in conservation, whether through research, management, or policy.
  • Graduates with an MSc in Zoology program can pursue careers at various levels, from high school to university, sharing their knowledge and passion for the subject with others.
  • An MSc in Zoology program may be a perfect choice for those with a background in other biological sciences or related subjects, provided they have a solid knowledge of zoological ideas.
  • An MSc degree can provide lots of job possibilities and progress in fields such as research, education, and wildlife conservation.
  • The MSc program prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct research on a wide range of zoological topics, including animal behaviour, genetics, ecology, and conservation.

 

M.Sc Zoology Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in M Sc Zoology in India, the applicant needs to meet certain criteria, without which admission into this course is not possible. Mentioned below are M Sc Zoology eligibility criteria:

  • Candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree in Zoology or related fields like Biology, Medical Sciences, or Life Sciences from a recognized university.
  • A minimum aggregate of 50% in their Undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
  • Qualify for certain entrance examinations, such as the DBUU, SUAT, or a specific university entrance examination.

 

M.Sc Zoology Entrance Exams 2025

To pursue an M Sc Zoology in India, candidates have to clear several national, state, and university entrance exams. Admission to Indian colleges and universities depends on the scores or rankings obtained on these exams. Here are some of the most difficult examinations for M Sc Zoology in India:

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

DBUU 2025

July 2025

August 2025

INR 1,000

SUAT 2026

Nov 2025-June 2026

 

(Tentative)

June 2026

 

(Tentative)

INR 1,500 (Male)

 

INR 1,000 (Female)

CUET PG 2026

January 2026

April 2026

INR 1400 (Gen)INR 1200 (OBC/NCL)INR 1100 (SC/ST)INR 1,000 (PwD)

 

M.Sc Zoology Colleges in India

Many respected or recognized universities in India offer M Sc Zoology courses. Some of the best colleges in India for pursuing M Sc Zoology are provided below, along with their location, approximate course fees, NIRF Ranking, etc.

College Name

Location

Total Course Fees

Intake Exams

IGNOU

New Delhi

INR 20,000

Merit

Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University

Uttarakhand

INR 60,000

DBUU

St. Joseph University

Karnataka

INR 1,87,000

Merit

Sharda University

Uttar Pradesh

INR 2,63,900

SUAT

 

M.Sc Zoology Admission Process 2025

The admissions process for M Sc Zoology is the same across all institutions offering this course. For reference, the admission process for enrolling in M Sc Zoology at IGNOU is as follows:

 

Step 1. Firstly, start by visiting the official website of the Indira Gandhi National Open University. After, the students need to click on New Registration.

 

Step 2. Now, the next step is to fill in all the personal details like name, mobile number, email ID, etc.

 

Step 3. Now, you need to choose the course M Sc Zoology from the course preference list, and then press submit on it.

 

Step 4. The next step is to pay the admission fees and once the admission fees is paid. The candidate will receive a confirmation mail about the commencement of the program.

 

Required Documents:

  • Scanned Photograph
  • Scanned Signature
  • Proof of Date of Birth
  • 10th &12th mark sheets
  • Undergraduate mark sheet

 

M.Sc Zoology Syllabus

The syllabus for M Sc Zoology in India is somewhat similar among colleges that offer the subject. The syllabus can vary slightly based on the curriculum used by the institute. For reference, the semester-by-semester syllabus for M Sc Zoology at IGNOU is given below:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Comparative Animal Physiology and Biochemistry (Core)

Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare Ethics (Elective)

Parasitology (Elective)

Aquaculture (Elective)

Lab Course I

Lab Course II

Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution (Core)

-

Genomics and Proteomics (Core)

-

Semester 3

Semester 4

Immunology (Core)

Insect Taxonomy and Morphology (Elective)

Research Methodology (Core)

Insect Physiology and Toxicology (Elective)

Lab Course III

Applied Entomology (Elective)

-

Lab Course IV

-

Project

 

M.Sc Zoology Job Opportunities in India

M Sc Zoology candidates in India have a variety of work opportunities in the government, private sector, and public sector (PSUs). A summary of the available positions can be seen below:

Job Title

Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary

Zoologist

Zoological Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India

0-2 years

INR 3-5 LPA

Wildlife Biologist

WWF India, National Parks, Wildlife Trust of India

1-3 years

INR 4-6 LPA

Research Associate

 

(Zoology)

CSIR Labs, ICAR, IISc, University Departments

0-2 years

INR 3-4.5 LPA

Assistant Professor (Zoology)

Central/State Universities, Private Colleges

2-5 years

INR 5-7 LPA

Biomedical Researcher

Biocon, Serum Institute, DRDO, Zydus Lifesciences

1-3 years

INR 4-6 LPA

 

M.Sc Zoology FAQs

Are internships compulsory during the M Sc Zoology program?

There are many universities that have compulsory internships in research labs, wildlife NGOs, or government agencies. Mainly, Internships provide practical experience and boost productivity.

Is there fieldwork covered in the MSc Zoology program?

Many universities provide field studies, nature camps, and ecological assessments. Fieldwork can develop or improve practical knowledge of animal habitats and habits. It is important for candidates interested in animal biology and conservation.

Can I work abroad after the M Sc Zoology program?

Yes, with the help of relevant experience or candidates having some further qualifications, candidates can work in research labs, universities, or conservation agencies abroad.

Is the M Sc Zoology program available through distance mode?

Yes, a few universities like IGNOU that offer M Sc Zoology program in distance mode.

What is the scope of research after the M Sc Zoology program?

Candidates can obtain a Ph.D. degree in Zoology or specialized fields like genetics, wildlife biology, or entomology. Research roles are available in government bodies like ICMR, CSIR, and DRDO.

Explore Other Popular M.Sc. in Zoology Colleges

Exam Accepting

Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA|
Engineering
ExamApr 2, 2025 - Apr 9, 2025
ResultApr 18, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
Online|
PG|
IITs and IISc|
Engineering
ExamFeb 1, 2025
ResultMar 19, 2025
ONLINE|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Engineering
ExamMay 18, 2025
ResultJun 2, 2025
Online|
UG|
Birla Institute of Technology and Science|
Engineering
ExamMay 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025
ResultJun 30, 2025
Offline|
UG|
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board|
Engineering
ExamApr 27, 2025
ResultJun 30, 2025
Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency|
Design
ExamFeb 9, 2025
Result
Online|
UG|
Consortium of National Law Universities|
Law
ExamDec 1, 2024
ResultMay 17, 2025
Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Science
ExamMay 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
ResultJul 15, 2025
Offline|
UG|
Central Board of Secondary Education
ExamJan 1, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025
ResultMay 13, 2025
Offline|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Medicine and Health Sciences
ExamMay 4, 2025
ResultJun 14, 2025

Explore Popular M.Sc. Courses

Loading exam list...

Students learning mobile

Your opinion matters to us!

Rate your experience using this page so far.