Your route, step by step
- 1Class 11–12: take PCBAnimal kingdom, structural organisation and ecology chapters matter most; nature walks and bird-watching help.
- 2B.Sc Zoology · 3 yearsOn Class 12 marks in Tamil Nadu colleges, or CUET UG for central universities.
- 3M.Sc Zoology or Wildlife Science · 2 yearsThe Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun runs a well-known M.Sc in Wildlife Science.
- 4Research or field careerPhD, field projects with NGOs, or the Indian Forest Service through UPSC.
What a zoologist / wildlife scientist does
- Study animal behaviour, biology and populations
- Do field surveys with camera traps and tracking
- Advise on protected areas and human–wildlife conflict
- Write research and conservation reports
Entrance exams & admission
- Class 12 marksTamil Nadu arts & science colleges
- CUET UGCentral universities
- WII M.Sc entranceWildlife Institute of India
- UPSC IFoSIndian Forest Service, after a degree
Where you may work
Zoological Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India, forest departments, zoos, NGOs, universities and research institutes.
Well-known colleges in and near Tamil Nadu
- Madras Christian College, Chennai
- Loyola College, Chennai
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
Official links
Links checked: Oct 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.
Outlook
Jobs are competitive and often project-based, but passionate field scientists build strong careers in research and conservation.
Specialise later
- Wildlife biology
- Animal behaviour
- Ornithology (birds)
- Herpetology (reptiles)
- Zoo management
