Career options in Zoology in India after BSc or MSc in Zoology: In this article, we have discussed Zoology career options in India. If you belong to zoology graduation or zoology post-graduation you may want to know what are the career options or if you have decided to take zoology as your career option in 2022 and in the future to come what will be the future scope of your Zoology career and zoology education in India. After completing B.Sc. in zoology, a job aspirant can choose any field of zoology from a school teacher to a wildlife educator or officer.
Top Career Options in Zoology in India after BSc or MSc in Zoology
1. Academics / Teaching
In academics, you can work as a teacher at the school or you can go as a teacher at colleges and universities. If you want to become a school teacher then you need to continue with a scheme. The scheme is something like starting from taking PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) then graduating in zoology or B.Sc. in zoology and after that, you have to complete M.Sc. and B.Ed. respectively. Then only you will become eligible for the school teacher examination.
The second thing is regarding the lecturer position. Candidates aspiring to become a lecturer in college or university should first complete their graduation in zoology from a recognized university with a minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA. After that, you must complete your post-graduation with a minimum of 55% marks in this particular field. However many colleges and universities can offer you a job as a lecturer after your M.Sc. But if you want to work as an assistant professor in top universities and colleges, it is advisable that students clear CSIR UGC-NET and pursue PhD for a hassle-free career.
Average Salary: A govt. School teachers get around 50+ thousand per month and a college professor gets near about 12 lakhs per annum.
2. Forrest Officer
You can be a forest officer after completing your B.Sc. degree in Zoology. However, a graduation degree does not guarantee a job in Indian Forest Service. You have to appear in the IFS examination conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). The examination involves three stages i.e. prelims (written exam), mains(written exam), and interviews. You must clear all three rounds to become an IFS officer. If you are able to clear these rounds then only you will be trained at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy for two years.
Average salary: The salary package varies from post to post but if you are able to get this your average salary will be around 10 lakhs per annum.
3. Research Scientist
If you have a desire to contribute to the research field, then being an academic researcher you can fulfil your dreams. You can utilize your academic knowledge and research expertise, to gain recognition by publishing your valuable findings in renowned journals or writing up books in your area of specialization within zoology. Working as an academic researcher you may pursue your doctorate and may take it to the post-doctoral level. The openings for research fellows are offered by many renowned universities and government-aided organizations. Some of the best multi-disciplinary research Centres like BARC and ISRO offer training programs with decent stipends for encouraging career progression in the research.
Average salary: As a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher, you can get a tax-free stipend in the form of a scholarship after clearing national scholarship programs or under some government research grant schemes.
4. Ecologist
If you are a person who adores nature, you can quench your love for the same by getting into the job of an ecologist. An ecologist needs to conduct field surveys to gather biological information needed for various databases maintained by many government bodies working in the environmental sector, carry out habitat surveys, assess the environmental impacts on the animals, analyse different ecosystems, data reporting, etc. After your Master’s, you can apply for this very post.
Average salary: The average salary of an ecologist is 5-6 lakhs per annum in India.
5. Animal Nutritionist
You can also work as an animal nutritionist to design diet routines for the animals in the field of agriculture or zoo. As an animal nutritionist, you will be responsible for a variety of duties in order to keep the animals happy, healthy, and safe.
Average Salary: the average salary of an animal nutritionist is 13-14 lakhs per annum.
6. Scientific Writer
If you love to write journals and have expertise in the field of zoology then you can be a scientific writer. You will be taking the writing assignment for animal-based articles, journals, magazines, blogs, and daily newspapers, and content for TV programmes based on animal findings or reports. Here you can cherish your writing skill by turning into a freelance writer on animal welfare in the comfort of your home.
Average salary: Salary depends on your writing ability, the company you are working with and your experience.
7. Veterinarian
With increasing fanaticism toward keeping pets in both rural and urban areas, the demand for veterinarians in India has also increased. Many students are adopting this field by realising its prospects. Numerous government and private husbandry departments or animal care centres, dairy research institutes, national parks, zoos, piggery and poultry farms and wildlife sanctuaries also offer jobs for veterinarians where one has to perform daily health assessments for the animals.
Average salary: average salary of a veterinarian is 5 lakh per annum.
8. Marine Biologist
If want to work for aquatic animals then this job could be the best career option. A marine biologist may have to study, observe, preserve and protect marine organisms by observing their behaviour in the environment. You can work in association with wildlife organisations and conservations to deliver collaborative research and data reports.
Average salary: average salary of a marine biologist in India is around 7 lakhs per annum.
9. Other Competitive Exams and Jobs
You can also prepare for SSC CGL, UPSC, Public Sector Bank, and State PSCs after your B.Sc. in zoology.
Average salary: average salary varies from post to post.
