Zoology enters DU’s top 3 undergraduate courses for first time, overtakes English

BSc (Hons) Zoology has emerged as one of Delhi University’s most sought-after programmes, breaking into the top three for the first time, as per TOI.

DU’s admission data for 2025 shows BCom (Hons) remains the clear favourite with 48,336 first-preference applications. But Zoology (Hons) surged past English to take the third spot with 12,722 top-choice applications, a sharp rise from last year, when it didn’t even feature in the top five. Political Science (Hons) held on to second place with 15,295 first-choice applications.

At the same time, data from Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) points to an evolving response to the new four-year undergraduate structure. Only about half the students in the first cohort have opted to continue into the seventh semester, highlighting growing selectivity and possibly fatigue with the extended format.


Back at DU, the momentum behind Zoology reflects more than just changing academic trends. According to Professor Rita Singh, head of the department, this is a generational shift. “There are compelling reasons why students are choosing zoology more now than before. Zoology offers a wholesome understanding of life, whether it is biodiversity, drug design or toxicology,” she said.

“Conceptual clarity is key, and zoology provides that foundation, right from how receptors work to understanding environmental toxins like endocrine disruptors. This core knowledge gives the subject a strong edge.”

She pointed to the Covid pandemic as a pivotal moment. “During the pandemic, students realised that the disciplines addressing immunity, vaccination, genetics and PCR were all rooted in zoology. Now, those interested in setting up diagnostics startups or small biotech ventures are turning to this subject. It offers interdisciplinary strength, hands-on experience and opens doors across research, healthcare and industry.”

The integration of zoology with the National Education Policy’s four-year framework is also helping, Singh added. With more scope for undergraduate research and interdisciplinary learning, students are now approaching the subject through the lenses of physiology, environmental science, biotechnology and medicine. “It is not just about animal biodiversity anymore… it offers a truly multidisciplinary future.”

For many, that future is personal. “My interest in zoology and wildlife began with books and deepened through environment-related videos on YouTube. I have always admired those who speak up for the voiceless, people committed to protecting animals and nature,” said Shreya Singh, a final-year BSc (Hons) Zoology student. “What draws me most is the hands-on fieldwork which resonates with my belief that work should be both meaningful and fulfilling. There are many ways to serve the environment, but the most powerful path is one that brings both purpose and joy.”

The career appeal of the subject is also growing. Dr Sanjiv Mullick of Dyal Singh College points out that many of zoology’s sub-fields are rich in entrepreneurial potential. “Zoology has highly applied branches like economic zoology, fisheries, sericulture, apiculture. These are fertile grounds for entrepreneurship. Many students today want to launch their own ventures in fishery science or silk and honeybee production.”

He added that environmental awareness and employability are pushing the trend forward. “Students are much more conscious of issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. They are eager to contribute through wildlife management and conservation,” he said.

The academic pipeline is strong too. After graduation, many zoology students move into MSc Biotechnology at top institutions like IITs, NITs, JNU and BHU, with several progressing into research and biotech industries. “New fields such as computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics and AI in life sciences are especially attractive,” Mullick said. “Students are joining R&D and becoming scientists with impressive salary packages.”

With postgraduate intake in DU’s zoology department expected to rise from the current 130 students, university officials believe the subject’s trajectory is just beginning. The spike in demand reflects a deeper shift: students are gravitating toward disciplines that combine intellectual rigour, real-world relevance, and a sense of mission. Zoology, it seems, is hitting that sweet spot.

With inputs from TOI