PhD in Zoology is a 3-year doctorate degree in Zoology. As an academic discipline, Zoology involves a study of animals, their structural classifications, and the science of their existence in the environment. The minimum eligibility for pursuing the course is a Master’s degree in the discipline in some cases and additionally, M.Phil. in the subject in other cases. Eligible candidates aspiring to pursue the course need to have attained a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/PH candidates) or an equivalent grade from a recognized university/institute of higher learning, besides a 5-year teaching/ industry/ administrative/ professional experience at a senior level. The core of the Ph.D. program is the research component, which typically requires students to conduct original research in a specific area of zoology. This research will be supervised by a faculty advisor and will culminate in the production of a doctoral dissertation. The dissertation should make an original contribution to the field of zoology and must be defended before a committee of experts in the field.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Duration of the Course | 3 Years |
Examination Type | Semester System |
Eligibility | Post-graduation |
Admission Process | Based on shortlisted candidates’ performance in the round of interview. |
Top Recruiting Companies | Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Botanical Gardens, Zoos, Research Laboratories, Aquariums, Animal Clinics, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Museums, Pharmaceutical Companies, Veterinary Hospitals, etc. |
Job Positions | Animal Caretaker, Conservationist, Animal Rehabilitator, Documentary Maker, Animal & Wildlife Educator, Forensic Expert, Animal Trainer, Lab Technician, Zoo Curator, Animal Breeder, Researcher, Animal, Behaviorist, Wildlife Biologist, Veterinarian, Zoo Keeper, and such. |
Admission to a Ph.D. in Zoology program typically requires applicants to take a qualifying entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). However, some universities may also accept other exams such as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST).
Entrance Exam
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Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, completed from a recognized institute/university. |
A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50 % for SC/ST/PH hopefuls) or equivalent grade at the level of post-graduation. |
At least 5 years of teaching/ industry/ administrative/ professional experience at a senior level. |
The duration of a Ph.D. in Zoology program varies depending on the university and program, but it typically takes between 3-5 years to complete. The duration of the program is primarily determined by the time taken to complete the research component, which is the core of the program.
Selection criteria for a Ph.D. in Zoology program include academic records, research experience, entrance exam scores, and recommendation letters. Additionally, some universities may require applicants to undergo an interview process to assess their fit for the program.
The application form for a Ph.D. in Zoology program can be obtained from the university or program's website. The application process typically involves filling out the form, submitting required documents, and paying an application fee. The application fee varies depending on the university, and applicants should check with the program for specific fees and payment methods.
Semester 1
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Semester 2
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The fee for a Ph.D. in Zoology program varies depending on the university and program. In addition to the application fee, students are also required to pay tuition fees, which can range from will be updated soon, per year. However, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to help offset the cost of the program.
Job Role | Job Description |
Animal Caretaker | An Animal Caretaker is responsible for catering to the daily requirements of animals. They feed, prep, bathe, and conduct daily exercises for pets and other wild animals. They work in an assortment of settings, including pet hotels, zoos, stables, pet stores, veterinary centers, and aquariums. |
Conservationist | A Conservationist works with landowners and governments to ensure conservation of natural assets such as soil and water. They help discover approaches for resource use without exploiting nature and wildlife. They are often called Soil and Water Conservationists or Preservation/Conservation Researchers |
Forensic Expert | Forensic Science Specialists inspect and assess physical aspects, compositions of wild animals’ anatomies, and conduct physical examinations. They might be required to work with blood and other organic liquids, hair, bodily discharge, drugs, strands, paint, and glass. |
Wildlife Biologist | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists observe and examine wild animals and other forms of wildlife, and analyze how they associate with their biological communities. They observe the physical natures of animals, animal practices, and the effects people have on wildlife and their natural habitats. |
Zoo Keeper | Zookeepers are in charge of maintaining the well-being of zoo animals. Such managers routinely execute daily tasks for animals, such as bathing, feeding, and taking care of their regular physical exercise. |
A Ph.D. in Zoology provides individuals with a broad range of career opportunities, including roles in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private industry. Graduates can work in areas such as animal behavior, ecology, conservation, genetics, and evolution. They may also work in areas such as animal welfare, veterinary science, and pharmaceuticals. Some potential job titles for graduates with a Ph.D. in Zoology include wildlife biologist, research scientist, conservation biologist, and zoology professor.
There are several top universities and colleges around the world that offer Ph.D. programs in Zoology. Some of the top-ranked institutions include:
Applicants should research each program carefully to determine the best fit for their research interests and career goals.
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.