BSc Hons. Zoology is a 3-years full time undergraduate course focused on in-depth study and research about animal biology, evolution, body functions, animal behaviour, ecology, and anatomy.
BSc Hons or BSc Honors is a more advanced programme than regular BSc. Hons. 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 course is 10+2 with Biology as one of the core subjects.
- Average course fee ranges between INR 5000 and 20,000 for government universities and INR 2 to 5 Lacs for private institutes.
- After completing the course, one can be hired by 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. Zoology: Course Highlights
Zoology is the subject to study about the animal world. It typically involves animal genetics, animal body functions and processes, evolution of animal specieses, vertebrates and invertebrates, classification of species etc.
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.
BSc Hons. Zoology serves as the base for higher study in the field like MSc, M.Phil, PhD 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.
| Programme name | Bachelor of Science (Honors) Zoology or BSc Hons. Zoology |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Admission | Merit based |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Biology as one of the main subjects |
| Average Course Fee | Government Institutes:INR 5000 to 20,000 Private InstitutesINR 2 to 5 lacs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 lacs to 4 lacs |
| 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, Forests 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. Zoology
BSc Hons. in Zoology is an advanced bachelor 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.
- 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 Eligibility
BSc Hons. Zoology is a UG level course hence requires passing 12th in Science from a recognized Board.
- 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.
- Biology as one of the core subjects is necessary to enroll in BSc Hons. Zoology.
Entrance exam for BSc Hons. Zoology
Some of the universities conduct an entrance test and consider the cut-off marks for admission. Few exams are listed below.
- Banaras Hindu University Entrance Exam
- Jamia Hamdard University Entrance Exam
- Jai Hind College Entrance Exam
- University of Delhi Entrance Exam
- Ranchi University Entrance Exam
- Gujarat University Entrance Exam
- CUET, LPU, NEST
BSc Hons. 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 and overall performance in personal interviews.
Candidates are advised to go through the admission guidelines and selection procedure of the college/university they wish to apply to.
Basic process of online application is as follows.
- Visit the official admission portal on the institute website.
- Fill out the application form with required information like personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload the supporting documents and pay the registration fees.
- Provide the cut-off marks, if applicable.
- Institute will scrutinize the application and call for subsequent counselling or interview rounds.
BSc Hons. 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 location and course fee.
| Name of COllege | Location | Average Fee/semester (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Christ University | Bangalore | 29,700 |
| Fergusson College | Calicut | 12,000 |
| The Oxford College of Science | Bangalore | 25,000 |
| Mount Carmel College | Bangalore | 51,900 |
| ST Joseph’s College | Calicut | 3,080 |
| Elphinstone College | Mumbai | 5,350 |
| ST Xavier’s College | Ahmedabad | 12,000 |
| National Post Graduate College | Lucknow | 20,000 |
| Jai Hind College | Mumbai | 5,020 |
| Hindu College | Delhi | 16,200 |
| Jyoti Nivas College | Bangalore | 30,000 |
| University of Lucknow | Lucknow | 10,300 |
| Ranchi University | Ranchi | 2,380 |
| Gujarat University | Ahmedabad | 6,000 |
| Saurashtra University | Rajkot | 60,000 |
BSc Hons. 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.
With the final semester, the curriculum covers more advanced training of animal science with subjects like immunology, breeding practices, reproduction, welfare, genetics and hands-on training or dissertation.
Almost all the universities follow the UGC recommended syllabus in alignment with the current research and competitive exam demands.
BSc Hons. Zoology syllabus followed by DU.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Animal diversity I: Non-chordate | Animal diversity II: Chordate | Microbiology, Parasitology & Immunology |
| Cell Biology & Genetics | Histology, Endocrinology & Reproductive Biology | Molecular Biology and Biotechnology |
| Animal Physiology & Biochemistry | Developmental Biology | Evolution, Systematics & Animal behaviour |
| Laboratory I | Laboratory II | Ecology and Environmental Biology |
| Applied Zoology and Biostatistics | ||
| Laboratory III, IV, V OR Dissertation |
BSc Hons. 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, compositions of wild animals’ anatomies and conducting the physical study. They have to analyze 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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 That might not be covered in regular BSc programmes. Also, it emphasizes thorough practical learning of specific aspects.
Ques. What practical skills one can 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.
Ques. 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.
Ques. 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.
Ques. 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.
