PhD Zoology is a program for students who want to learn about animals in great depth and specialize in this field academically. Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their behaviour, evolution, structure, and characteristics.

Students will learn about animal biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and other related fields during the course. They will also conduct research and gain hands-on experience in laboratory work, fieldwork, and data analysis.

Graduates from this program can find employment opportunities in research, academia, conservation, or the media industry. They can use their knowledge of animal behaviour to contribute to scientific understanding or create educational content for TV channels like National Geographic or Animal Planet.

Why Study PhD Zoology?

The PhD program benefits students interested in studying the behaviour, evolutionary patterns, characteristics, structure, functioning, behaviour, and evolution of animals, including living beings.

• This course provides in-depth knowledge of animal biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution, as well as hands-on research and laboratory experience.
• Graduates with a PhD in Zoology can pursue diverse career opportunities in zoology, including opportunities involving travel.
• You can also work for TV channels such as National Geographic, Animal Planet, and Discovery to create documentaries and educational content.
• Teaching is another option for graduates, where you can become a professor or a lecturer in schools or universities. However, you must pass the NET exam and comply with other UGC rules and regulations to work in schools.
• Graduates can also join research institutes and universities for further study.
• You can also work for chemical, pharmaceutical, and oil companies, where you can apply your knowledge of animal biology to various applications.
• Pursuing a PhD in Zoology can open doors to many exciting career opportunities in the field of zoology.

PhD Zoology Eligibility

To be eligible for a PhD in Zoology program, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Candidates must have completed a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized institute or university.
• They must have a minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/PH candidates) or an equivalent grade at the postgraduate level.
• Candidates should have at least five years of teaching, industry, administrative, or professional experience at a senior level.

PhD Zoology Admission Process

Before proceeding with the admission process, the candidate must clearly understand the eligibility criteria and other requirements of the institute they wish to apply to. The following are the PhD in the Zoology admission process.

Check the institute's requirements: Each institute may have different eligibility criteria for admission to a PhD program in Zoology. So, it is essential to check the institute requirements you want to apply for, such as the minimum educational qualifications, the minimum qualifying marks, and the specific subjects you need to study.

Fill out the application form for the college: Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility criteria of the institute, you need to fill out the application form to apply for the PhD program in Zoology. The application form typically requires you to provide personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information.

Appear for the relevant written test: Most institutes conducting PhD programs in Zoology require candidates to appear for a written test. The written test may be a general aptitude test or a subject-specific test, and the syllabus will be based on undergraduate and postgraduate Zoology courses.

There may or may not be a round of Personal Interviews: Some institutes may also conduct a personal interview round to assess the candidate's knowledge and aptitude for research in Zoology.

Your performance in a relevant qualifying examination may be taken into account: Some institutes may also consider your performance in appropriate qualifying examinations, such as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), the Joint Entrance Examination for Biotechnology (JEEB), or the National Eligibility Test (NET).

Shortlisting of candidates: It is done based on academic records and performance in relevant nationwide screening tests such as UGC (NET/JRF), CSIR (NET/JRF), ICAR (JRF/SRF), SLET, GATE, GPAT, ICAR entrance tests. Institutes shortlist candidates based on their academic records and performance in national screening tests such as the University Grants Commission's (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET)/ Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR) NET/JRF, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) JRF/SRF, State Level Eligibility Test (SLET), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT), or ICAR entrance tests.

Scope After PhD in Zoology

Here are some more details on the different career opportunities available for graduates with a PhD in Zoology:

Research: PhD in Zoology provides a strong foundation in research skills and scientific inquiry, making graduates well-suited for research positions in various domains such as biodiversity, conservation, genetics, ecology, and the evolution of animals. Zoologists can research animal behaviour, physiology, genetics, ecology, and other areas. They can also publish their research in scientific journals and present their findings at conferences.

Academia: A PhD in Zoology can lead to a career as a professor or lecturer in universities and colleges. They can teach various courses such as animal behaviour, ecology, physiology, and genetics. Zoologists can also conduct research and guide students in their research projects. Zoologists in academia are also involved in curriculum development and mentoring students.

Wildlife Management: Zoologists with a PhD can work for wildlife conservation organizations and government agencies as wildlife biologists, zoologists, or researchers. They can study the distribution and abundance of wildlife, develop conservation strategies, and monitor wildlife populations. Zoologists can also work as park rangers or game wardens, protecting wildlife from poachers, enforcing hunting regulations, and educating the public about wildlife.

Pharmaceuticals and Biotech: Zoologists can work in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, and research laboratories to develop and test drugs, vaccines, and other products. Zoologists can use their animal physiology and genetics expertise to develop treatments for human diseases. They can also work in animal health and develop treatments for animal diseases.

Animal Behaviourist: Zoologists with a PhD can work as animal behaviourists, studying the behaviour of animals in captivity or the wild. They can study the behaviour of animals in response to environmental changes, social interactions, and mating behaviour. Zoologists can also work with animal trainers to develop animal training programs in zoos or aquariums.

Environmental Consultancy: Zoologists can work as environmental consultants, helping organizations and governments develop policies and strategies for conserving and managing natural resources. They can conduct environmental impact assessments, develop management plans, and monitor the effects of human activities on wildlife populations.