Ph.D. Zoology: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Job & Salary

Ph.D. Zoology is a doctorate course for a period of 3 to 6 years depending on research progress. The course aims to produce a deep understanding of animal behavior, genetics, evolution, and biodiversity along with research methodology and data analysis.

To be eligible for a Ph.D in Zoology, candidates must have a master's degree in a related field, and a minimum grade of 55%. Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D in Zoology include CSIR-NET, UGC-NET and CUET (PG).

Ph.D in Zoology provides candidates with the knowledge in animal science, studying behaviors, genetics and ecosystems in depth, opening doors to career in research and academia or related fields. Some of the job roles available for them are Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, University Professor, Researcher, Marine Biologist and many more.

Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Zoology can expect an average package in the range of INR 6 - 12 lakhs per annum.

PhD Zoology Course Highlights

The basic details of PhD in Zoology are as follows:

What is PhD Zoology ?

PhD Zoology is a 3 to 6 year doctorate course that involves research to discover and study aspects of animal biology and ecology, solving problems and writing a thesis. The course focuses on animal behaviors, genetics and ecosystems.

Like, a researcher might study how elephants communicate with each other or how fish adapt to polluted waters. They could also look at how species like bees help pollinate plants or how certain animals are at risk of extinction and what can be done to protect them. These studies help solve real-world problems of the natural world.

PhD in Zoology focuses on generating the creation of new knowledge, theories or methodologies. It provides individuals with in-depth expertise, strong research capabilities and enhanced critical thinking skills.

Why Study PhD Zoology ?

PhD Zoology is a field of study that opens up diverse career opportunities in research and academia. The course provides in-depth knowledge of animal biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, as well as hands-on research and laboratory experience.

A PhD in Zoology is in high demand because of the increasing threats to biodiversity, climate change and the loss of habitats, experts are needed to understand animal behavior, genetics, and ecosystems to protect species and maintain ecological balance.

Like, studying how polar bears are affected by melting ice in the Arctic provides information on how climate change is threatening species and ecosystems. These studies play an important role in preserving biodiversity.

PhD Zoology Eligibility

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

• The candidates must have a master's degree in a related field, and a minimum grade of 55%.
• Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like CSIR-NET, UGC-NET and CUET.

PhD in Zoology Entrance Exams

Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Zoology include CSIR-NET, UGC-NET and CUET.

Top Colleges in India for PhD Zoology

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

PhD Zoology Jobs

The basic details of jobs after PhD in Zoology are as follows:

• Industry: A PhD in Zoology can lead to jobs in research and academia or related fields.
• Employment Demand: A PhD in Zoology is in high demand, offering jobs like Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, University Professor, Researcher and Marine Biologist.
• Average Salary: The average salary after PhD Zoology varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The average salary is between INR 6- 12 lakhs per annum.

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 are mentioned in the table below:

PhD in Zoology FAQs