Paleontologist
Studies fossils — the preserved remains and traces of ancient organisms — to learn the history of life on Earth.
Overview
A Paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils. Paleontology is the study of the history of life on Earth as reflected in these fossil records. Fossils are the remains or traces of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and other single-celled living things) that lived in the geological past and are preserved in the crust of the Earth.
Where they work
- Government and private research organizations
- Environmental organizations
- Natural science museums among others
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You will not handle a team. Local travel is a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. Organizations usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day. This may vary from organization to organization. Shift system may be available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy science
- You like working outdoors
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You have a keen sense of observation
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Biology/Geology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree and Ph.D. in the same or related subject.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Geology or Geological Sciences. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Government Arts College, Karur, Tamil Nadu
- Government Arts College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu
- Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
- Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Government Arts College, Salem, Tamil Nadu
- Government Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Sri Pratap College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Shri Guru Ram Rai PG College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- A. Doraisamy Nadar Maragathavalliammal College for Women, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
- AVS College of Arts and Science, Salem, Tamil Nadu
- Dayanand Brijendra Swarup PG College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Deogiri College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Dr Palpu College of Arts and Science, Puthussery, Kerala
- Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Gossner College, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Palaeontologist
- 3Senior Palaeontologist
- 4Deputy Director of the Department
- 5Director of the Department
Expected income
₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 per month
These figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Geologist
Studies the Earth and its history to explain present events, predict the future, survey land and plan safe buildings.
Zoologist
Studies animals — from their cells to their evolution — and their behaviour and habitats, often in zoos.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Devapriya Chattopadhyay — A palaeobiological researcher, described in the source as one of the few Indian women who have made a mark in the palaeontology community, with several research works to her name. She did her B.Sc. in Geology at Jadavpur University, her M.Sc. in Applied Geology at IIT Bombay, and her Ph.D. at the University of Michigan.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 839 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/paleontologist/india
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 839; the contents list gives 841. Its institute lists are the same as the Geologist card's.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.