How to Become a Zoologist After 12?

You want to work with animals right? And trek through jungles and see different species. If you are thinking about learning and one day opt for a career in zoology right after your 12th examination. Read this full article as it will give you a complete brief about whether you should opt for this career or not.

How to Become Zoologist?

Zoology is the wild side of biology where you swap test tubes for field boots and spend your days figuring out why giraffes do that weird neck thing or how dolphins manage to be smarter than half your high school class. It’s not just about liking animals. You gotta actually study their anatomy, behavior, and all that geeky classification business.

If you’re in India here’s how it usually happens. First pick the right subjects in your 12th like bio and chemistry. Then there’s college where you’ll need to get into a BSc program with zoology or life sciences. Start brushing up on your skills now because you’ll need them for entrance exams and applications. 

Also Read: Job Opportunities and Salary Offered After Completing BSc Degree 

Types of Zoologists

Zoologists can specialise in various fields depending on their interests:

1. Mammalogist

 A mammalogist is basically a full time mammal specialist who specialises in biology, ecology and conservation of mammals. You can opt for a career in wildlife conservation NGOs and various forest deparments.

2. Ornithologist

Ornithologists study the birds like their migration, nesting and communication. And they do observations of the birds by using tools like binoculars, GPS devices (mainly for tracking purposes)

Also Read: Top animal health Courses and Certifications Online  

3. Herpetologist

Herpetologists study reptiles and amphibians. Research on the venom toxicity and effects of habitat degradation. It is mainly a field work like you will go to dense forests, wetlands and even deserts.

4. Ichthyologist

Ichthyologists specialize in fishes both freshwater and marine. They understand aquatic ecosystems and also maintain biodiversity in water bodies.

5. Entomologist

Entomologist is a very interesting job where you explore the world of insects. It is highly significant field. They work in agriculture, pest control and forensic science.

6. Marine Biologist/Zoologist

They study marine life and they analyse marine food webs, sea animal behaviors and health of aquatic habitats.

7. Parasitologist

Parasitologists focus on the relationship between hosts and the parasites. They research mainly for public health and concerning diseases like malaria and other related diseases.

8. Ethologist

Ethologists study how animals interact with each other and their environment. Careers you can choose animal trainers or research scientists.

9. Evolutionary Biologist

Zoologists in this field trace the evolution of species across millennia. They analyse fossil records, genetic sequences etc.

10. Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists conserving wild species and they work mainly in government and non government conservation agencies.

11. Ecologist

Ecologists study how animals interact with their surroundings including plants, terrain and climate.

12. Paleozoologist

Paleozoologists study the ancient animal remains to understand prehistoric ecosystems. They do discoveries like dinosaur fossils and ancient species etc.

Eligibility to Become a Zoologist

To become a zoologist in India you need to eligible as per these points:

• Class 10 (Secondary) Completion of Class 10 from a recognised board.
• Class 12 (Higher Secondary) Class 12 with Science stream Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) 50%.
• Undergraduate Degree BSc in Zoology/Biology/Life sciences Bachelor of Sciences.
• Post Graduate Degree MSc in Zoology/Wildlife Biology/Animal Science Master of Sciences.
• PhD (Optional but Recommended) PhD in Zoology or specialisation Doctorate level research MSc.

Other certifications Wildlife courses, field practicums, animal care diplomas Short term experiences.

Qualifications to Become a Zoologist

• Bachelor's Degree (BSc Zoology): A three year undergraduate course providing a basic understanding of animal biology, physiology and ecology.
• Master's Degree (MSc Zoology): A two year postgraduate course building upon bachelor-level courses involving additional analysis of the zoology breadth and some research.
• Ph.D. in Zoology: Doctorate level study intended for academics or high levels of governmental work.

Also Read:

• Top BSc Biology Courses Without NEET 2025 Exam 
• Top Colleges of Delhi University for Science Courses  

Skills and Knowledge Required to Become a Zoologist

1. Scientific Knowledge

Study of animal anatomy, physiology etc. Also understanding of the ecosystems, food chains, evolutionary biology concepts, study of animal behavior.

2. Research and Analytical Skills

Observation in details during the animal behavior studies tracking, monitoring and studying species in their natural habitat.

3. Field Skills and Physical Fitness

You need physical fitness to navigate forests, deserts, marine sites for very long hours. So you need to be healthy enough to work.

4. Technical and Digital Skills

Understanding of the software that works to understand the genetic and molecular data use in evolutionary biology.

5. Soft Skills and Interpersonal Attributes

Writing papers, creating reports and also public education is crucial for publishing and teaching. Also you need a problem solving mind in emergencies.

6. Ethical and Legal Awareness

You need a wildlife protection knowledge of Indian and global laws.

Benefits of Becoming a Zoologist

Work with nature, research opportunities, diverse work settings and even you get travel opportunities around the globe.

Career Opportunities for a Zoologist

A career in zoology is ideal for individuals with a deep curiosity about animal life.

1. Academic and Research Careers

Zoologists with strong academic backgrounds in MSc or PhD holders can pursue roles in teaching and also research at universities and national institutions.

2. Wildlife and Conservation Careers

Work in the field to protect wildlife and biodiversity. This is ideal for those people who are very passionate about nature. You can be a wildlife biologist, conservation officer, field biologist and wildlife forensic expert.

3. Animal Healthcare and Welfare Careers

4. Environmental and Ecological Consulting

7. Science Communication and Education

If you have strong writing or speaking skills you can enter the world of education, awareness and communication. You can become a science writer, zoology teacher and even documentary filmmaker.