Life science is a vast field which encompasses all areas of sciences; the two broad sub-sections are Medicine and Biology. If you are in Class-IX, you need to pursue science subjects i.e., Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the 10+2 level to proceed for higher studies in specialised fields Biodynamics, Cognitive Neuro-Sciences, Evolutionary Genetics, Tissue Engineering, Molecular Biology and Neuro-Informatics to name a few. If you are interested in Biology, the career opportunities will majorly be in healthcare, environmental management and conservation, consultancy, research, writing, communication and education. After Class-XII, you can pursue a BSc degree (with Hons in Biological Sciences, Life Science or Environmental Science).
What are the Career opportunities after Studying Biology in India 2025?
With a bachelor’s degree in Botany, one can opt for all graduate level jobs, starting from civil service, banking, railways, teaching, to clerical jobs. Apart from doing an MSc in Botany, you can do your MSc in Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Bioinformatics, etc. These subjects have good career prospects in current times. Other than Botany/Biology related subjects, you can also pursue MA in Development Studies from IIT Guwahati; the alumni from this programme have found ample job opportunities in the development sector. Another common postgraduate programme you can opt for is an MBA course. There are numerous options available; you only need to wisely select the most suitable programme for you.
Apart from medical and paramedical courses, some of the options with Biology are:
1. Bioinformatics: It is an interdisciplinary field, so if you also have an interest in maths and software programming, along with biology, then this field is very much for you.
2. Food and nutrition: Companies like Abbott, etc., need food and nutrition scientists. Colleges like Lady Irwin provide such courses.
3. Microbiology: These biologists focus on the structure, growth, and development of organisms that are not visible to the naked eye such as fungi, algae, parasites, and bacteria. They can find jobs in several different settings, such as pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and colleges and universities. Job duties for this position include isolating and maintaining cultures that need to be studied; planning and conducting research projects; and collecting microorganism specimens from people and animals in order to identify and classify them.
4. Clinical research: To pursue a career as a medical scientist, one should obtain a PhD in biology, a medical degree, or a combined dual degree. PhD programs involve extensive laboratory work and training in research methodologies, culminating in the completion of a written thesis. Aspiring medical scientists often begin with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline. Additionally, they typically take courses to strengthen communication and writing skills, which are essential for writing grant proposals and publishing research findings effectively.
5. Epidemiology: Epidemiologists are scientists who investigate diseases within human populations. These public health experts analyze the causes of disease outbreaks to address existing conditions and prevent future ones, earning them the nickname “disease detectives” of public health. Epidemiology focuses on the study of diseases within specific populations. Epidemiologists explore the origins and spread of disease outbreaks, how diseases are transmitted among individuals, and the most effective methods for treatment. The insights they gather are used to advance clinical and medical research and enhance preventive healthcare measures.
What are the Career options in Zoology, other than Teaching?
Zoology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals and the animal kingdom. A student of Zoology has an extremely diverse range of careers to choose from. You can be a teacher or a researcher (in any research institute/ agency or for channels like National Geographic, Animal Planet, or Discovery). Wherever there is a hope of the existence of life, you would find Zoology. The nature and profile of a job in Zoology purely depend on how far you want to continue your studies. And if you are good at whatever you do, imagination is the only limit to your career options.
But at the end of the day, you want to be happy in whatever you do. So, do not let the scope of employment bother you. Study hard and prepare well to get good marks. Use the internet to keep yourself up-to-date about the recent advances in your field. Please understand that you need just one job from all the jobs out there in the field of Zoology. You are eligible to apply for an MSc in Genomics after a BSc in Zoology. In India, Madurai Kamraj University, the Central University of Kerala, etc., offer master’s programmes in Genomics.
Regarding job opportunities, there are lots of jobs though they are very specific in nature. Apart from teaching, you can get a job in the field of research and as a clinical geneticist, drug discovery engineer, animal breeder, genetics laboratory technician, etc.