PhD in Zoology: Admissions 2025, Eligibility, Exams, Fees and Salary

A PhD program in Zoology is a doctoral-level program that usually ranges between 3 – 5 years. The program focuses on areas of zoology such as animal physiology, ecology, symbolism, genetics, and biodiversity.

The eligibility criteria for the Ph D Zoology is that the candidate must hold a master’s degree in the relevant field with an aggregate of 50-55% marks from a recognized university. The admission to the Ph.D in Zoology is based on the entrance exams such as UGC NET/CSIR NET, etc.

The average course fees for the Ph.D Zoology ranges from INR 50,000 – 3,00,000 depending on the institute type. Some of the famous colleges offering the course are Aligarh Muslim University, Chandigarh University, Lovely Professional University, Alagappa University, Christ University, Annamalai University, St. Xavier College, and Akal University.

Individuals with a PhD in Zoology have several career choices ranging from teaching to wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy, and biotechnology firms. Graduates may also end up doing zoology, wildlife biology, conservation, forensic analysis, and research. A PhD Zoology salary generally ranges from INR 7 to 12 LPA, depending on the job profile and years of experience.

PhD in Zoology Course Highlights

The basic details of a PhD in Zoology are as follows:

What is a PhD in Zoology?

The PhD in Zoology program helps students to learn about the scientific study and understanding of animals in society, including structure, classification, development, behavior, and interaction with the environment.

The candidates will be enabled to study classical and modern aspects of animal diversity through molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and medical diagnostics, so that various trends in animal life manifestations can be understood. Careers after completing the doctorate in Zoology would include teaching in higher academic institutions, working in zoological research institutes, NGOs concerned with wildlife conservation, environment consultancy, and several other roles where the grip of animal biology and ecology becomes extremely useful.

Why Study a PhD in Zoology?

A few reasons to pursue a PhD in Zoology are mentioned below:

• The program enables students to develop a deep understanding of animal biology, their behaviour, genetics, etc.
• A PhD in Zoology graduate can contribute to wildlife conservation and provide sustainable environmental solutions.
• Acquired skills serve as highly transferable intellects: critical thinking, data analytics, scientific writing, and communication, opening an array of options in other careers.
• Opportunities are present for one to grow in recognition as a rewarding researcher, university professor, conservationist, wildlife consultant, or policy specialist in governments, NGOs, or corporations.
• Changing environmental policy, educating the future generation, extending meaningful scientific discoveries, and enhancing the understanding of the natural world.

PhD in Zoology Eligibility Criteria

Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in PhD Zoology:

• The candidates must have a master's degree in a related field such as M.Sc in Zoology with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized institute.

• Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like CSIR-NET, UGC-NET and CUET.

PhD in Zoology Entrance Exams

Given below are some of the entrance exams for the Ph D Zoology. Students may need to appear in either of them in order to pursue the course from a recognized university.

PhD in Zoology Top Colleges in India

Some of the top colleges for PhD Zoology based on the NIRF Ranking 2024 are as follows:

PhD in Zoology Admission Process

Admission to the PhD in Zoology is based on both merit and entrance exams. Students need to have a valid entrance scores in either CSIR NET/UGC NET/GATE in order to pursue the course.

For your reference, given below is the step-by-step admission process for the LPU, Phagwara is mentioned below:

Step 1: Start by visiting the official LPU website and registering on the admission portal by entering the necessary information, such as name, email, and mobile number.

Step 2: The online application for the PhD in Zoology should now be completed. Attach the required documents and submit the application fee.

Step 3: Book your slot for LPUNEST, and then appear for the computer-based entrance examination.

Step 4: Shortlisted candidates according to LPUNEST scores are called for the personal interview, where a weightage of 30% is given to the selection process.

Step 5: Final selection will be based on the combined performance in the LPUNEST (70%) and the interview (30%).

PhD in Zoology Syllabus

The PhD in Zoology syllabus covers topics like Environmental Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Genetics and Molecular Biology, etc. The core focus remains the same for most institutes; however, the table shows the topics covered at the University of Kerala for the PhD Zoology program:

PhD in Zoology Vs PhD in Wildlife Science Course Comparison

Given below is the detailed course comparison between Ph D Zoology vs Ph D in Wildlife Science course for the students:

PhD in Zoology Jobs

There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Zoology. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:

PhD in Zoology FAQs