CUET PG 2025 Zoology Syllabus; Important Topics, Books & Download PDF

There will be only 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) about the particular course (Zoology) to which the candidate has applied will be asked. The domain-specific questions will now be there to test the candidate's analytical and cognitive approach towards the applied course in the CUET PG 2025 examination. The medium of the Zoology question paper will be English and Hindi.

Also Read:

• CUET PG 2024: Check List of Major Changes Introduced by NTA Here
• CUET PG Shift Timings: Exam Date Sheet, Reporting Time & Exam Duration 

CUET PG 2025 Zoology: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can find the general minimal eligibility criteria for the MSc zoology course below. The university-specific criteria for the same may differ, therefore candidates are advised to check the information brochure for university-specific eligibility criteria before applying for the MSc Zoology Course.

Age Limit

For appearing in the CUET (PG) 2025, there is no age limit for the candidates. The candidates who have passed the bachelor's degree/equivalent examination or appearing in 2025 irrespective of their age can appear in master’s degree programmes in the Central Universities through the CUET (PG) 2025 examination. However, the candidates will be required to fulfil the age criteria of the University to which they are desirous of taking admission.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Life Sciences with 55% marks {50% in case of SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PWD} from a recognized Indian or foreign University.
• BSc in Zoology (studied in 10+2+3 system) with Botany and Chemistry/Biochemistry as subsidiary subjects or any subject under Life Sciences with Zoology as a Major/Core/ Equal Optional subject with minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade in aggregate and also in the concerned subject separately, from a recognized University. Up to 5% relaxation in the minimum requirement of marks is granted to SC/ST candidates. The candidates should not have completed 25 years of age as on 01.07.2023.

Also Read: CUET PG Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age Limit, University- Wise Degree Requirement & Qualification 

CUET PG 2025 Zoology Syllabus

Aspirants preparing for the CUET PG MSc degree programme should start their preparation according to the Zoology syllabus mentioned below. The topics mentioned are not in detail as the NTA did not specify the complete detailed syllabus. For preparation, candidates can refer to the detailed syllabus of BSc Zoology of the reputed institutions in the country.

CUET PG syllabus 2025 for the domain-specific subjects will be released by the National Testing Agency along with the information brochure. Candidates are recommended to go through the NTA CUET PG syllabus 2025 for the course they are taking thoroughly in order to prepare well for the entrance exam. The frequency of change in the syllabus is merely very low. Candidates preparing for CUET PG 2025 exam for Zoology course can go through the syllabus of the academic session 2024-2025 from here.

Subject Code	Topics
SCQP28	Cell Biology
	Bio Chemistry
	Molecular Biology
	Ecology
	Evolution
	Biodiversity & Environment Conservation
	Immunology
	Genetics
	Bio Techniques
	Vertebrates and Invertebrates
	Developmental Biology
	Biostatistics
	Animal Physiology
	Recombinant DNA technology

Candidates can check out the CUET PG 2025 important topics from here: CUET PG Important Topics: Check Course & Subject-wise Weightage Analysis 

CUET PG 2025 Zoology Syllabus (Detailed)

The CUET PG Zoology syllabus is quite comprehensive, so its important to start preparing early. Candidates can find the detailed syllabus for the MSc Zoology exam below. Since NTA has not provided the complete detailing of the topics mentioned in the CUET PG syllabus, therefore, for reference, the Delhi University (DU) BSc Zoology syllabus is taken.

Cell Biology

The important topics in Cell Biology that need to be studied by the candidates preparing for MSc Zoology course are as below:

Overview of Cells: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells, Viruses, Viroids, Mycoplasma, Prions
Plasma Membrane: Various models of plasma membrane structure, Transport across membranes: Active and Passive transport, Facilitated transport, Cell junctions: Tight junctions, Desmosomes, Gap junctions, Endomembrane System.
Cell Organelles: Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, Lysosomes, Mitochondria and Peroxisomes, Mitochondria: Structure, Semi-autonomous nature, Endosymbiotic hypothesis, Cytoskeleton: Structure and Functions: Microtubules, Microfilaments and Intermediate filaments
Nucleus: Structure of Nucleus: Nuclear envelope, Nuclear pore complex, Nucleolus, Chromatin: Euchromatin and Hetrochromatin and packaging (nucleosome)
Cell Division: Mitosis, Meiosis, Cell cycle and its regulation, Cell Signaling, GPCR and Role of second messenger (cAMP).

Biochemistry

The important topics in Biochemistry that need to be studied by the candidates preparing for MSc Zoology course are as below:

Carbohydrates: Structure and Biological importance: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides,Polysaccharides and Glycoconjugates
Lipids: Structure and Significance: Physiologically important saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, Tri-acylglycerols, Phospholipids, Glycolipids, Steroids
Proteins: Amino acids: Structure, Classification and General properties of α-amino acids; Physiological importance of essential and non-essential α-amino acids Proteins: Bonds stabilizing protein structure; Levels of organization in proteins; Denaturation; Introduction to simple and conjugate proteins
Immunoglobulins: Basic Structure, Classes and Function, Antigenic Determinants
Nucleic Acids: Structure: Purines and pyrimidines, Nucleosides, Nucleotides, Nucleic acids, Cot Curves: Base pairing, Denaturation and Renaturation of DNA, Types of DNA and RNA, Complementarity of DNA, HpyoHyperchromaticity of DNA.
Enzymes: Nomenclature and classification; Cofactors; Specificity of enzyme action; Isozymes; Mechanism of enzyme action; Enzyme kinetics; Factors affecting rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; Derivation of Michaelis-Menten equation, Concept of Km and Vmax, Lineweaver-Burk plot; Multi-substrate reactions; Enzyme inhibition; Allosteric enzymes and their kinetics; Regulation of enzyme action.

Molecular Biology

Nucleic Acids: Salient features of DNA and RNA, Watson and Crick model of DNA
DNA Replication: DNA Replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, mechanism of DNA replication,Semi-conservative, bidirectional and semi-discontinuous replication, RNA priming, Replication of circular and linear ds-DNA, replication of telomeres
Transcription: RNA polymerase and transcription Unit, mechanism of transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, synthesis of rRNA and mRNA, transcription factors
Translation: Genetic code, Degeneracy of the genetic code and Wobble Hypothesis; Process of protein synthesis in prokaryotes: Ribosome structure and assembly in prokaryotes, fidelity of protein synthesis, aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and charging of tRNA; Proteins involved in initiation, elongation and termination of polypeptide chain; Inhibitors of protein synthesis; Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation
Post Transcriptional Modifications and Processing of Eukaryotic RNA: Structure of globin mRNA; Split genes: concept of introns and exons, splicing mechanism, alternative splicing, exon shuffling, and RNA editing, Processing of tRNA
Gene Regulation: Transcription regulation in prokaryotes: Principles of transcriptional regulation with examples from lac operon and trp operon; Transcription regulation in eukaryotes: Activators, repressors, enhancers, silencer elements; Gene silencing, Genetic imprinting.

Ecology

Introduction to Ecology: History of ecology, Autecology and synecology, Levels of organization, Laws of limiting factors, Study of physical factors
Population: Unitary and Modular populations, Unique and group attributes of population: Density, natality, mortality, life tables, fecundity tables, survivorship curves, age ratio, sex ratio, dispersal and dispersion, Exponential and logistic growth, equation and patterns, r and K strategies Population regulation - density-dependent and independent factors Population interactions, Gause’s Principle with laboratory and field examples, Lotka-Volterra equation for competition and Predation, functional and numerical responses.
Community: Community characteristics: species richness, dominance, diversity, abundance,
vertical stratification, Ecotone and edge effect; Ecological succession with one example Theories pertaining to climax community
Ecosystem: Types of ecosystems with one example in detail, Food chain: Detritus and grazing food chains, Linear and Y-shaped food chains, Food web, Energy flow through the ecosystem, Ecological pyramids and Ecological efficiencies, Nutrient and biogeochemical cycle with one example of Nitrogen cycle, Human modified ecosystem
Applied Ecology: Ecology in Wildlife Conservation and Management.

Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Protista, Parazoa and Metazoa: General characteristics and Classification up to classes, Study of Euglena, Amoeba and Paramecium, Life cycle and pathogenicity of Plasmodium vivax and Entamoeba histolytica, Locomotion and Reproduction in Protista, Evolution of symmetry and segmentation of Metazoa
Porifera: General characteristics and Classification up to classes Canal system in sponges
Cnidaria: General characteristics and Classification up to classes, Metagenesis in Obelia, Polymorphism in Cnidaria, Corals and coral reefs
Ctenophora: General characteristics and Evolutionary significance
Platyhelminthes: General characteristics and Classification up to classes, Life cycle and pathogenicity of Fasciola hepatica and Taenia solium
Nemathelminthes: General characteristics and Classification up to classes, Life cycle, and pathogenicity of Ascaris lumbricoides and Wuchereria bancrofti, Parasitic adaptations in helminthes.

Introduction to Chordates: General characteristics and outline classification
Protochordata: General characteristics of Hemichordata, Urochordata and Cephalochordata; Study of larval forms in protochordates; Retrogressive metamorphosis in Urochordata
Origin of Chordata: Dipleurula concept and the Echinoderm theory of origin of chordates, Advanced features of vertebrates over Protochordata
Agnatha: General characteristics and classification of cyclostomes up to class
Pisces: General characteristics of Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes, Classification up to order Migration, Osmoregulation and Parental care in fishes

Amphibia:Origin of Tetrapoda (Evolution of terrestrial ectotherms); General characteristics and classification up to order; Parental care in Amphibians
Reptilia: General characteristics and classification up to order; Affinities of Sphenodon; Poison apparatus and Biting mechanism in snakes
Aves: General characteristics and classification up to order Archaeopteryx-- a connecting link; Principles and aerodynamics of flight, Flight adaptations and Migration in birds

Mammals: General characters and classification up to order; Affinities of Prototheria; Adaptive radiation with reference to locomotory appendages
Zoogeography: Zoogeographical realms, Theories pertaining to distribution of animals, Plate tectonic and Continental drift theory, distribution of vertebrates in different realms.

Animal Physiology

Tissues: Structure, location, classification and functions of epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscular tissue and nervous tissue
Bone and Cartilage: Structure and types of bones and cartilages, Ossification, bone growth and resorption

Nervous System: Structure of neuron, resting membrane potential, Origin of action potential and its propagation across the myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers; Types of synapse, Synaptic transmission and, Neuromuscular junction; Reflex action and its types - reflex arc; Physiology of hearing and vision. Histology of different types of muscle; Ultra structure of skeletal muscle; Molecular and chemical basis of muscle contraction; Characteristics of
muscle twitch; Motor unit, summation and tetanus.
Reproductive System: Histology of testis and ovary; Physiology of male and female reproduction; Puberty, Methods of contraception in male and female
Endocrine System: Histology of endocrine glands - pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal; hormones secreted by them and their mechanism of action; Classification of hormones; Regulation of their secretion; Mode of hormone action, Signal transduction pathways for steroidal and non-steroidal hormones; Hypothalamus (neuroendocrine gland) - principal nuclei involved in neuroendocrine control of anterior pituitary and endocrine system; Placental hormones.

Genetics

Mendelian Genetics and its Extension: Principles of inheritance, Incomplete dominance and co-dominance, Multiple alleles, Lethal alleles, Epistasis, Pleiotropy, Sex-linked, sexinfluenced and sex-limited characters inheritance.
Linkage, Crossing Over and Chromosomal Mapping: Linkage and crossing over, Cytological basis of crossing over, Molecular mechanisms of crossing over including models of recombination, Recombination frequency as a measure of linkage intensity, Two factor and three factor crosses, Interference and coincidence, Somatic cell hybridization.
Mutations: Types of gene mutations (Classification), Types of chromosomal aberrations (Classification, figures and with one suitable example of each), Molecular basis of mutations in relation to UV light and chemical mutagens; Detection of mutations: CLB method, attached X method.
Sex Determination: Chromosomal mechanisms of sex determination in Drosophila and Man
Extra-chromosomal Inheritance: Criteria for extra-chromosomal inheritance, Antibiotic resistance in Chlamydomonas, Mitochondrial mutations in Saccharomyces, Infective
heredity in Paramecium and Maternal effects, Polygenic Inheritance, Polygenic inheritance with suitable examples; simple numericals based on it.
Recombination in Bacteria and Viruses: Conjugation, Transformation, Transduction, Complementation test in Bacteriophage,Transposable Genetic Elements: Transposons in bacteria, Ac-Ds elements in maize and P elements in Drosophila, Transposons in humans.

Also Read: CUET PG: Check Predicted Question Paper And Analysis Here 

CUET PG Zoology Syllabus PDF Download

CUET PG 2025 Zoology syllabus is yet to be released by NTA. For reference candidates can download the CUET PG 2023 Zoology Syllabus from below;

CUET PG Zoology Syllabus Download

Best Books for CUET PG Zoology

While preparing for CUET PG 2025 Zoology exam, aspirants can refer to the below mentioned list of books:

Genetics-

• Gardner, E.J., Simmons, M.J., Snustad, D.P. (2008). Principles of Genetics. VIII Edition. Wiley India
• Snustad, D.P., Simmons, M.J. (2009). Principles of Genetics. V Edition. John Wiley and Sons Inc
  
• Klug, W.S., Cummings, M.R., Spencer, C.A. (2012). Concepts of Genetics. X Edition. Benjamin Cummings

Cell Biology-

• Karp, G. (2010). Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments. VI Edition. John Wiley and Sons. Inc.
• De Robertis, E.D.P. and De Robertis, E.M.F. (2006). Cell and Molecular Biology. VIII Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
• Cooper, G.M. and Hausman, R.E. (2009). The Cell: A Molecular Approach. V Edition. ASM Press and Sunderland, Washington, D.C.; Sinauer Associates, MA.
• Becker, W.M., Kleinsmith, L.J., Hardin. J. and Bertoni, G. P. (2009). The World of theCell. VII Edition. Pearson Benjamin Cummings Publishing, San Francisco.

Molecular Biology-

• Karp, G. (2010). Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments. VI Edition. John Wiley and Sons. Inc.
• De Robertis, E.D.P. and De Robertis, E.M.F. (2006). Cell and Molecular Biology. VIII Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
• Cooper, G.M. and Hausman, R.E. (2009). The Cell: A Molecular Approach. V Edition. ASM Press and Sunderland, Washington, D.C.; Sinauer Associates, MA.
• Becker, W.M., Kleinsmith, L.J., Hardin. J. and Bertoni, G. P. (2009). The World of theCell. VII Edition. Pearson Benjamin Cummings Publishing, San Francisco.

Also Read: CUET PG Best Books: Check Subject Wise Books for Preparation 

Genetics-

• Gardner, E.J., Simmons, M.J., Snustad, D.P. (2008). Principles of Genetics. VIII Edition. Wiley India
• Snustad, D.P., Simmons, M.J. (2009). Principles of Genetics. V Edition. John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Klug, W.S., Cummings, M.R., Spencer, C.A. (2012). Concepts of Genetics. X Edition. Benjamin Cummings
• Russell, P. J. (2009). Genetics- A Molecular Approach.III Edition. Benjamin Cummings

Chordates- 

• Barnes, R.D. (1982). Invertebrate Zoology, V Edition. Holt Saunders International Edition.
• Barnes, R.S.K., Calow, P., Olive, P.J.W., Golding, D.W. and Spicer, J.I. (2002). The Invertebrates: A New Synthesis, III Edition, Blackwell Science
• Barrington, E.J.W. (1979). Invertebrate Structure and Functions. II Edition, E.L.B.S. and Nelson
• Boradale, L.A. and Potts, E.A. (1961). Invertebrates: A Manual for the use of Students. Asia Publishing Home

Preparation Tips For CUET PG 2025 Zoology Exam 

Here are some tips that aspirants can refer to while preparing for CUET PG Zoology exam:

• Understand the syllabus and exam pattern: The first step is to thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern for the CUET PG Zoology exam. This will help you to focus your studies and identify the topics that you need to cover in more detail.
• Make a study plan: Once you understand the syllabus and exam pattern, you can create a study plan. This plan should be realistic and achievable, and it should break down the syllabus into manageable chunks.
• Use good study materials: There are many books and online resources available to help you prepare for the CUET PG Zoology exam. Choose study materials that are comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Take notes:  As you study, take notes on the important concepts and ideas. This will help you to remember the information more easily.
• Practice solving MCQs: The CUET PG  Zoology exam is a multiple-choice exam, so it is important to practice solving MCQs on various topics in the syllabus. This will help you to get familiar with the format of the exam and to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Revise regularly:  Revision is essential for any exam, but it is especially important for the CUET PG Zoology exam, which has a vast syllabus. Make sure to revise regularly and to focus on the topics that you find difficult.

Also Read: 7 Reasons Why to Give CUET PG Exam 

List of Universities Offering CUET PG Zoology Courses

Here is the list of participating universities of CUET PG 2025 which will be proving MSc Zoology course:

• Arunachal University of Studies
  
• Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore
  
• Banaras Hindu University
  
• Career Point University, Kota
• Central University of Himachal Pradesh
•  Central University of Kashmir
  
• Central University of Odisha
  
• Central University of Kerala
  
• Cluster University of Jammu
  
• Cluster University of Srinagar
  
• Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra
  
• Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya
  
• Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Chattisgarh
  
• Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar
  
• Himalayan University
  
• Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak
  
• Mahatma Gandhi Central University Bihar
  
• Manipur University
  
• Mizoram University
  
• Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Tadong affiliated to Sikkim University
  
• Nirwan University, Jaipur
  
• North-Eastern Hill University
• Rajiv Gandhi University (A.P)
• University, Dumka
• Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
• Shri Khushal Das University, Hanumangarh
• Shubham University
• Sikkim University
• The Gandhigram Rural Institute
• Tripura University
• University of Delhi
• University of Jammu
• Vikram University, Ujjain
• Visva-Bharati University
• Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur

Also Read:

• Best MSc Courses after BSc Through CUET PG; Know Subject Wise Details and Syllabus 
• Top 5 Science Entrance Exam Apart From CUET PG 

Career Opportunities After MSc Zoology Course

MSc Zoology graduates have a wide range of career opportunities to choose from, in both the government and private sectors. Some of the most popular career options include:

• Zoologist: Zoologists study the anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and ecology of animals. They may work in zoos, aquariums, museums, universities, or government agencies.
• Wildlife biologist: Wildlife biologists study and manage wild animal populations and their habitats. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies.
• Ecologist: Ecologists study the interactions between living organisms and their environment. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies in fields such as environmental conservation, resource management, and pollution control.
• Environmental consultant: Environmental consultants advise businesses and governments on how to comply with environmental regulations and reduce their environmental impact. They may work for private companies, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.
• Scientific writer: Scientific writers communicate complex scientific information to a wide audience. They may write for scientific journals, magazines, websites, or other media outlets.
• Animal nutritionist: Animal nutritionists develop and recommend diets for animals, including livestock, pets, and laboratory animals. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or universities.
• Marine biologist: Marine biologists study the life and environment of marine organisms. They may work in aquariums, research institutions, or government agencies.
• Forest officer: Forest officers manage and protect forests and their wildlife. They may work for government agencies or private companies.
• Veterinary technician: Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals. They may work in veterinary clinics, hospitals, or research institutions.
• Research scientist: Research scientists conduct research on a variety of zoological topics, such as animal behaviour, ecology, and genetics. They may work for universities, government agencies, or private companies.

In addition to these specific career paths, MSc Zoology graduates may also find employment in a variety of other fields, such as education, sales, and marketing.

The salary for MSc Zoology graduates varies depending on the job title, employer, and location. However, in general, MSc Zoology graduates can expect to earn a competitive salary. For example, the average salary for a zoologist in India is INR 300,000 per year, and the average salary for a wildlife biologist in India is INR 400,000 per year.

If you are interested in a career in zoology, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, make sure to choose a reputable university or college for your MSc program. Second, get involved in internships and research projects to gain experience. Finally, network with people in the field of zoology to learn about job opportunities.

CUET PG Syllabus 2025: Subject Wise

NTA, has divided the CUET PG syllabus into 6 domains of subject courses. The domains are as follows: Acharya, Common Humaties, Languages, MTech and Science stream. The domain's subject specific syllabus and question paper are mentioned below:

CUET PG Subject Course	CUET PG Syllabus PDF
Zoology	CUET PG Zoology Syllabus PDF
Biochemistry	CUET PG Biochemistry Syllabus PDF
Chemistry	CUET PG Chemistry Syallabus PDF
Life Sciences	CUET PG Life Science Syllabs PDF
Mathematics	CUET PG Mathematics Syllabus PDF
Data Science	CUET PG Data Science Syllabus PDF
Food Technology	CUET PG Food Technology Syllabus PDF
Plant Biotechnology	CUET PG Plant Biotechnology Syllabus PDF
Physics	CUET PG Physics Syllabus PDF
Botany	CUET PG Botany Syllabus PDF
Environmental Science	CUET PG Environmental Science Syllabus
Horticulture	CUET PG Horticulture Syllabus PDF
MA Social Work	CUET PG MSW Syllabus PDF
MBA	CUET PG MBA Syllabus PDF
MA	CUET PG MA Syllabus PDF
MTech	CUET PG MTech Syllabus PDF
MCA	CUET PG MCA Syllabus PDF

Read More:

• CUET PG Course List; Check Stream Wise Masters Subject Here 
• CUET PG FAQs: Check Frequently Asked Questions for Registration, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility