How to Become a Zoologist after 12th: Career, Courses, Eligibility, Skills, Benefits, Salary

Zoologists in India are professionals dedicated to studying animals, their behavior, habitats, and interactions within ecosystems. They conduct field research, analyze data, and contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts, helping us understand and protect the diverse wildlife.

To become a Zoologist, candidates need to pursue courses like B.Sc Zoology or B.Sc (Hons) Zoology. Some colleges enroll students based on merit and some colleges conduct entrance exams. Some of the entrance exams are BHU UET, NEST, and JEST. Candidates can pursue M.Sc in Zoology or even PhD in Zoology to gain more knowledge about this field.

Zoologists' salaries vary based on factors like education, experience, and the employing organization. Entry-level positions might start around INR 3 - INR 5 LPA, while experienced professionals in research or senior roles could earn INR 8 to INR 12 LPA. Top recruiters of zoologists are the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, and the Zoological Survey of India.

Also Check:Zoologist Salary

How to Become a Zoologist after 12th: Quick Facts

Eligibility to become a Zoologist after 12th

To become a Zoologist, there are certain eligibility criteria required. Eligibility criteria do not vary according to the board of education rather the candidates will be in a place to fulfill the basic criteria that are framed to become a Zoologist after Class 12th. The usual eligibility criteria to become a zoologist are listed below.

• Candidates should have completed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects with at least 55%.
• Then candidates must take up their undergraduate in the stream of Zoology or any related fields in any of the top colleges.
• Candidates opting for a master’s degree, i.e., MSc Zoology will lend them a helping hand in better career prospects and opportunities.

Steps to Become a Zoologist after 12th

To become a Zoologist after 12th in involves pursuing higher education, gaining field experience, and contributing to wildlife conservation. Some of the general steps involved are mentioned below.

• Candidates should complete their 10+2 with PCB.
• Candidates should get enrolled in a good college that offers courses like BSc Zoology or BSc (Hons) Zoology.
• There are two different ways to get into good colleges. One is via merit basis and the other is through entrance exams.
• After finishing the 3 years undergraduate course, candidates can pursue a post-graduate course, i.e. MSc Zoology, as it may be an added advantage to become a zoologist.
• Ph.D. can also be done in the future if it is appropriate.
• After completing studies candidates can apply for the post of zoologist and start working with several government departments.

Courses to Become a Zoologist after 12th

To pursue a career as a zoologist, candidates need to get a degree in Zoology. The two most common bachelor programs in the field of Zoology are B.Sc Zoology and B.Sc (Hons) Zoology. The details of these courses are mentioned in the table given below.

Entrance Exam

There are also different ways to enter the top colleges to pursue courses related to zoology, via which you could become a zoologist. But as entrance exams are also a vital part of this, here is the mention of entrance exams taken up after the 12th.

Top Zoology Colleges

After completing 10+2 it is quite important to acquire a better degree from a notable college for zoology or the related field. It is advisable to take BSc Zoology as the first degree after completing Class 12. Here is the list of top BSc Zoology Colleges in India.

Skills required to Become a Zoologist after 12th

Every profession requires several skills that should be inculcated into the mind of the person who aspires to achieve it. When it comes to zoologists, he/she should possess the following traits to enhance their profession.

Benefits of Becoming a Zoologist after 12th

The key benefits of becoming a Zoologist after 12th are listed below for your reference.

• Passion for Wildlife Conservation: Zoologists get to follow their passion for wildlife and contribute directly to conservation efforts. By studying animal behavior, habitats, and ecosystems, they play a pivotal role in safeguarding India's rich biodiversity.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: Zoologists have a range of career options, including working in zoos, wildlife reserves, research institutions, and environmental agencies. They can also pursue roles in education, science communication, or even policy advocacy.
• Field Experience: Zoologists often enjoy outdoor fieldwork, allowing them to explore India's diverse ecosystems. From tracking tigers in national parks to studying marine life along the coastlines, the job offers exciting opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Salary of a Zoologist

The salary of a zoologist is not as same as for a fresher and an experienced person. There is a big difference based on the experience that has been gained by the zoologist. This pay scale keeps changing according to the field and period of experience a zoologist may have.