Toxicologist
Studies the harmful effects that chemicals, substances or situations can have on people, animals and the environment.
Overview
Toxicology is a field of science that helps understand the harmful effects that chemicals, substances, or situations can have on people, animals, and the environment. Some refer to toxicology as the 'Science of Safety' because as a field it has evolved from a science focused on studying poisons and adverse effects of chemical exposures to one devoted to studying safety. An expert in this field is called a toxicologist.
Where they work
- Government and private hospitals
- Medical colleges
- Government and industrial laboratories etc.
Work environment
It is a desk job. You will need to handle a team of nurses and other medical staff. Local travel may be part of the job. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. Hospitals and clinics usually work for 6 to 7 days. You are likely to work 9 to 10 hours 6 days a week. This may vary from clinic to clinic. Shift system may be available. Entrepreneurship: you can set up your own laboratory.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy science
- You like to experiment
- You pay attention to details while working
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's (BSc) degree in Botany/Chemistry/Zoology/Biochemistry or any related subject.
- 3Complete a Master's degree in Toxicology or a related subject.
- 4Complete a PhD in a 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
The course is offered by the Department of Toxicology. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
- Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
- Kolkata Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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
- 2Junior Doctor
- 3Toxicologist
- 4Senior Toxicologist
- 5Head of Department
Related careers to explore
Forensic Scientist
Examines and analyses evidence from crime scenes; their objective findings help investigate and prosecute crimes.
Virologist
Studies viruses and how they affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi and plants in community, clinical, agricultural and natural settings.
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
Dr. P. Sampath Kumar — A toxicologist and legal medicine and medical expertise specialist practising in Chennai, with 39 years of experience. He completed his MBBS and MD in Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at Madras Medical College, Chennai, and is a member of the Tamil Nadu Medical Council.
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 855 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/toxicologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 855, as the contents list gives. Its growth path (Intern → Junior Doctor) and work environment (leading a team of nurses and other medical staff) describe clinical toxicology, which requires a medical degree (MBBS and then MD), while its pathway describes science degrees — check which route fits the role you want. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, listed under private institutes, is a Government of India institute, so it is shown under government institutes. 'Shri Rameswary Memorial University' is shown as SRM Institute of Science and Technology, which it appears to mean — verify on the official website.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.