Zoologist
Studies animals — from their cells to their evolution — and their behaviour and habitats, often in zoos.
Overview
A Zoologist is a scientist who studies animals. Zoologists are experts on everything about animals — from their cells to the history of their evolution. They typically research animals and their natural habitat in zoos where they are kept in captivity. Zoologists try to enhance the understanding about the lives of animals by studying their behaviour.
Where they work
- Zoos
- Laboratories
- Government research centres among others
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You will supervise a team of assistant zoologists and other staff. Local travel may be a part of the job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. Organizations usually work 6 to 7 days a week and 8 to 10 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 like animals
- You are comfortable working outdoors
- You pay attention to details while working
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 Zoology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same or allied field.
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 Zoology. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC and AICTE before applying.
Government institutes
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
- Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Visva-Bharati University, Sriniketan, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
- National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Chandramohan Jha University, Shillong, Meghalaya
- CT University, Ludhiana, Punjab
- Bhagwant University, Ajmer, Rajasthan
- University of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- RKDF University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
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
- 1Zookeeper
- 2Assistant Zoologist
- 3Zoologist
- 4Senior Zoologist, Head of Department
- 5Chief Zoologist
Related careers to explore
Ecologist
Studies the relationships between plants, animals and their environment, usually specialising in one habitat or species.
Paleontologist
Studies fossils — the preserved remains and traces of ancient organisms — to learn the history of life on Earth.
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
Mukund Lal Bhatia — Was an expert in zoology and entomology. He was affiliated with the University of Delhi and was Honorary Professor at the Biosciences Department of Himachal Pradesh University. His academic and research career centred on the morphology and functional morphology of Indian and foreign leeches.
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 859 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://shorturl.at/Ms7fH
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 859, as the contents list gives. 'University of New Delhi' is shown as the University of Delhi. Check the current UGC recognition of Chandramohan Jha (CMJ) University before applying.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.