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.
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. |
Most PhD programs in Zoology require applicants to take a graduate-level entrance exam such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or an equivalent exam. Some universities may also require subject-specific exams such as the Biology GRE.
Entrance Exam |
CSIR UGC NET |
UGC NET |
IIT JAM |
GPAT |
VITMEE |
1 | Appear for the relevant written test. |
2 | There may or may not be a round of Personal Interview. |
3 | Your performance in a relevant qualifying examination may be taken into account. |
4 | Candidates are shortlisted based on both academic record and performance in a relevant nation-wide screening test. |
The duration of a PhD program in Zoology typically ranges from 4-6 years, depending on the program and the student's progress.
The application form for a PhD program in Zoology is typically available on the website of the university's graduate school. Applicants need to fill out the application form, provide their personal and educational details, and upload the required documents.
The application process for a PhD program in Zoology usually involves the following steps:
Research the programs: | Research different PhD programs in Zoology and identify the ones that match your interests and goals. |
Prepare for the entrance exam: | Prepare for the graduate-level entrance exam such as GRE, Biology GRE, or an equivalent exam. |
Gather required documents: | Gather all the required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and research proposal. |
Submit the application: | Complete and submit the online application form along with the required documents and application fee. |
Wait for the decision: | Wait for the university's decision regarding your admission status. Successful applicants may be invited for an interview or asked to provide additional information. |
The application fee for a PhD program in Zoology varies depending on the university and the program. It usually ranges from Updated Soon.
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Graduates with a PhD in Zoology have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Some of the popular career options include:
University Professor: Zoology professors teach and conduct research in universities and colleges. The median annual salary for postsecondary teachers in Zoology is $80,790 (BLS).
Wildlife Biologist: Wildlife biologists study animals and their behavior, habitat, and interactions with their environment. The median annual salary for wildlife biologists is $68,000 (BLS).
Research Scientist: Research scientists conduct research on animals and their behavior, physiology, and ecology. The median annual salary for research scientists is $85,190 (BLS).
Conservation Biologist: Conservation biologists work to conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitats. The median annual salary for conservation scientists is $62,670 (BLS).
Graduates with a PhD in Zoology have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Some of the popular career options include:
University Professor |
Wildlife Biologist |
Research Scientist |
Conservation Biologist |
Environmental Consultant |
Zoologist |
Museum Curator |
Science Writer |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD program in Zoology include:
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.