Ecologist
Studies the relationships between plants, animals and their environment, usually specialising in one habitat or species.
Overview
Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and their environment. The aim of their work could range from balancing the needs of the environment to coming up with ideas for land management. As an ecologist, you would normally specialise in a particular type of environment, for example marine or coastal areas, or a specific animal or plant species.
Where they work
- Research organizations
- Forest departments
- Agricultural research departments and centres and others
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You are likely to handle a team of junior ecologists. Local travel is a part of the job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. Organizations and institutes usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 9 to 10 hours every day. This may vary from organization to organization. Shift system may be available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy science
- You have strong communication skills
- You like to analyze and solve problems
- You like to work in a team
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Life Sciences/Biology or any other related subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (MSc) in Ecology or a related field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Agricultural Sciences. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Assam University, Silchar, Assam
- University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka
- Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- College of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Junior Ecologist
- 3Ecologist
- 4Senior Ecologist
- 5Head of the Department
Expected income
₹16,500 – ₹20,800 per month
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
Related careers to explore
Botanist
Researches plant structure, properties and biochemical processes.
Zoologist
Studies animals — from their cells to their evolution — and their behaviour and habitats, often in zoos.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Kartik Shanker — An ecologist and professor at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and the author of the book Soup to Superstar: The Story of Sea Turtle Conservation along the Indian Coast. He did his Bachelor's and Master's in Zoology at Madras Christian College and the University of Madras respectively, and his PhD at IISc on small mammals.
Source: a personal interview, as credited on the printed card — no public page to link to.
This profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 811 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 811; the contents list gives 813. Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (Mumbai) and College of Engineering, Pune, listed under private institutes, are Government of Maharashtra institutes, so they are shown under government institutes here. The short link to the salary source contains a character that cannot be read with certainty (l or I), and the case-study source is a third-party document-sharing site, so neither link is shown.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.