UPSC Zoology Syllabus: The UPSC allows candidates to choose from various subjects for their mains exam. Among these options are subjects related to science, like Zoology. Many students with backgrounds in science find Zoology appealing.
If you’ve studied something related to animals or life sciences, you might consider Zoology as your optional subject. This article aims to help interested candidates by explaining the Zoology syllabus, suggesting helpful books, providing past exam papers, and more.
UPSC Zoology Syllabus
Zoology is a popular optional subject for many UPSC aspirants who study life sciences. It is divided into two papers, each worth 250 marks, totaling 500 marks. Here are some important points about Zoology:
- It’s a technical subject, so it’s best for students with a background in life sciences. Others might find it challenging.
- The Zoology syllabus for UPSC covers a lot of topics, so studying it thoroughly is important.
- Unlike some subjects, Zoology doesn’t overlap much with the General Studies papers in the Main exam. But knowing Zoology can help in the science section of the Prelims exam.
- Because it’s broad and technical, it needs about 4-5 months of prep time. Taking notes and revising regularly is crucial.
- Once you understand the syllabus, answering questions in the Zoology paper should be easier. That’s why it’s seen as a subject where you can score well if you’ve prepared properly.
UPSC Zoology Syllabus Exam Pattern 2024
The UPSC Zoology optional syllabus for 2024 is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of various aspects of animal biology and related fields. Here’s an overview of the exam pattern and syllabus.
| Exam Pattern | |
| Total Marks | 500 (250 marks for each paper) |
| Duration | 3 hours for each paper |
| Papers | Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Sections | Two sections in each paper |
| Questions | Four questions in each section |
| Compulsory Questions | Question 1 and Question 5 in each paper |
UPSC Zoology Optional Syllabus Paper 1
| Topic | Subtopic |
| 1. Non-chordata and Chordata | – Classification and relationship of various phyla up to subclasses: Acoelomate and Coelomate, Protostomes and Deuterostomes, Bilateria and Radiata; – Status of Protista, Parazoa, Onychophora and Hemichordata; Symmetry. |
| – Protozoa: Locomotion, nutrition, reproduction, sex; General features and life history of Paramaecium, Monocystis. Plasmodium and Leishmania. | |
| – Porifera: Skeleton, canal system, and reproduction. | |
| – Cnidaria: Polymorphism, defensive structures, and their mechanism; coral reefs and their formation; metagenesis; general features and life history of Obelia and Aurelia. | |
| – Platyhelminthes: Parasitic adaptation; general features and life history of Fasciola and Taenia and their pathogenic symptoms. | |
| – Nemathelminthes: General features, life history, parasitic adaptation of Ascaris and Wuchereria. | |
| – Annelida: Coelom and metamerism; modes of life in polychaetes; general features and life history of Nereis, earthworm, and leach. | |
| – Arthropoda: Larval forms and parasitism in Crustacea; vision and respiration in arthropods (Prawn, cockroach, and scorpion); modification of mouth, parts in insects (cockroach, mosquito, housefly, honey bee, and butterfly), metapmor phosis in insect and its hormonal regulation, the social behaviour of Apis and termites. | |
| – Molluscs: Feeding, respiration, locomotion, general features, and life history of Lamellidens, Pila, and Sepia. Torsion and detorsion in gastropods. | |
| – Echinodermata: Feeding, respiration, locomotion, larval forms, general features, and life history of Asterias. | |
| – Protochordata: Origin of chordates; general features and life history of Branchiostoma and Herdmania. | |
| – Pisces: Respiration, locomotion, and migration. | |
| – Amphibia: Origin of tetrapods, parental care, paedomorphosis. | |
| – Reptilia; Origin of reptiles, skull types, status of Sphenodon and crocodiles. | |
| – Aves: Origin of birds, flight adaptation, migration. | |
| – Mammalia: Origin of mammals, dentition, general features of egg-laying mammals, pouched mammals, aquatic mammals and primates, endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads) and their interrelationships. | |
| – Comparative functional anatomy of various systems of vertebrates. (integument and its derivatives, endoskeleton, locomotory organs, digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system including heart and aortic arches, urinogenital system, brain, and sense organs (eye and ear). | |
| 2. Ecology | – Biosphere: concept of biosphere; biomes, Biogeochemical cycles, Human induced changes in atmosphere including greenhouse effect, ecological succession, biomes and ecotones, community ecology. |
| – Concept of ecosystem; structure and function of ecosystem, types of ecosystem, ecological succession, ecological adaptation. | |
| – Population; characteristics, population dynamics, population stabilization. | |
| – Biodiversity and diversity conservation of natural resources. | |
| – Wildlife of India. | |
| – Remote sensing for sustainable development. | |
| – Environmental biodegradation; pollution and its impact on biosphere and its prevention. | |
| 3. Ethology | – Behaviour: Sensory filtering, responsiveness, sign stimuli, learning, and memory, instinct, habituation, conditioning, imprinting. |
| – Role of hormones in drive; role of pheromones in alarm spreading; crypsis, predator detection, predator tactics, social hierarchies in primates, social organization in insects; | |
| – Orientation, navigation, homing; biological rhythms: biological clock, tidal, seasonal, and circadian rhythms. | |
| – Methods of studying animal behaviour including sexual conflict, selfishness, kinship, and altruism. | |
| 4. Economic Zoology | – Apiculture, sericulture, lac culture, carp culture, pearl culture, prawn culture, vermiculture. |
| – Major infectious and communicable diseases (malaria, filaria, tuberculosis, cholera, and AIDS) their vectors, pathogens, and prevention. | |
| – Cattle and livestock diseases, their pathogen (helminths), and vectors (ticks, mites, Tabanus, Stomoxys). | |
| – Pests of sugar cane (Pyrilla perpusiella), oil seed (Achaeajanata) and rice (Sitophilus oryzae). | |
| – Transgenic animals. |
UPSC Zoology Optional Syllabus Paper 2
| Topics | Subtopics |
| 1. Cell Biology | – Structure and function of cell and its organelles (nucleus, plasma membrane, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and lysosomes), cell division (mitosis and meiosis), mitotic spindle and mitotic apparatus, chromosome movement chromosome type ploytene and lambrush, organization of chromatin, heterochromatin, Cell cycle regulation. |
| – Nucleic acid topology, DNA motif, DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation, protein foldings and transport. | |
| 2. Genetics | – Modern concept of gene, split gene, genetic regulation, genetic code. |
| – Sex chromosomes and their evolution, sex determination in Drosophila and human. | |
| – Mendel’s laws of inheritance, recombination, linkage, multiple alleles, genetics of blood groups, pedigree analysis, hereditary diseases in human. | |
| – Mutations and mutagenesis. | |
| – Recombinant DNA technology, plasmid, cosmid, artificial chromosomes as vectors, transgenics, DNA cloning and whole animal cloning (principles and methods). | |
| – Gene regulation and expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. | |
| – Signal molecules, cell death, defects in signaling pathway and consequences. | |
| – RFLP, RAPD and AFLF and application of RFLP in DNA finger-printing, ribozyme technologies, human genome project, genomics and proteomics. | |
| 3. Evolution | – Theories of origin of life. |
| – Theories of evolution; Natural selection, role of mutation in evolution, evolutionary patterns, molecular drive, mimicry, variation, isolation, and speciation. | |
| – Evolution of horse, elephant, and human using fossil data. | |
| – Hardy-Weinberg Law. | |
| – Continental drift and distribution of animals. | |
| 4. Systematics | – Zoological nomenclature, international code, cladistics, molecular taxonomy, and biodiversity. |
| 5. Biochemistry | – Structure and role of carbohydrates, fats, fatty acids, cholesterol, proteins and amino-acids, nucleic acids. Bioenergetics. |
| – Glycolysis and Krebs cycle, oxidation and reduction, oxidative phosphorylation; energy conservation and release, ATP, cyclic AMP-its structure and role. | |
| – Hormone classification (steroid and peptide hormones), biosynthesis, and functions. | |
| – Enzymes: types and mechanisms of action. | |
| – Vitamins and co-enzymes. | |
| – Immunoglobulin and immunity. | |
| 6. Physiology (with special reference to mammals) | – Composition and constituents of blood; blood groups and Rh factor in humans; factors and mechanism of coagulation; iron metabolism, acid-base balance, thermoregulation, anticoagulants. |
| – Haemoglobin: Composition, types, and role in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. | |
| – Digestion and absorption: Role of salivary glands, liver, pancreas, and intestinal glands. | |
| – Excretion: nephron and regulation of urine formation; osmo-regulation and excretory product. | |
| – Muscles: Types, mechanism of contraction of skeletal muscles, effects of exercise on muscles. | |
| – Neuron: nerve impulse—its conduction and synaptic transmission; neurotransmitters. | |
| – Vision, hearing, and olfaction in humans. | |
| – Physiology of reproduction puberty and menopause in humans. | |
| 7. Developmental Biology | – Gametogenesis; spermatogenesis, composition of semen, in vitro and in vivo capacitation of mammalian sperm, Oogenesis, totipotency; fertilization, morphogenesis and morphogen; blastogenesis, establishment of body axes formation, fate map, gestulation in frog and chick; genes in development in chick homeotic genes, development of eye and heart, placenta in mammals. |
| – Cell lineage, cell to cell interaction, Genetic and induced teratogenesis, the role of thyroxine in the control of metamorphosisin amphibia, paedogenesis and neoteny, cell death, aging. | |
| – Developmental genes in humans, in vitro fertilization; and embryo transfer; cloning. | |
| – Stem cells: Sources, types, and their |
Pros and Cons of Taking Zoology UPSC Optional
Here is the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Zoology as an optional subject for the UPSC exam:
Pros of Zoology Optional:
- Structured Syllabus: Zoology has a well-defined syllabus, making it easier for candidates to organize their study materials and preparation strategy.
- Scoring Potential: With a clear understanding of concepts, candidates can score well in Zoology due to its objective nature and precise answers.
- Relevance to Science Background: Candidates with a background in life sciences, medicine, or related fields may find Zoology familiar and easier to grasp.
- Useful for IFoS Exam: Zoology overlaps with topics in the Indian Forest Services (IFoS) exam, providing an added advantage for candidates appearing for both exams.
- Career Opportunities: Knowledge in Zoology can open up career opportunities in various fields such as research, environmental conservation, wildlife management, and academia.
Cons of Zoology Optional:
- Vast Syllabus: The Zoology syllabus is extensive and requires thorough preparation, which can be time-consuming.
- Technical Nature: Non-science background candidates may find it challenging to comprehend the technical aspects of Zoology, such as genetics and physiology.
- Limited Overlap with GS: Zoology has minimal overlap with the General Studies (GS) papers, necessitating candidates to devote separate time and effort for its preparation.
- Less Scope for Personal Insights: Unlike humanities subjects, Zoology may offer limited opportunities for candidates to express their personal insights or opinions in answers.
- Competitive Field: Zoology is a popular optional subject among candidates with a science background, leading to increased competition and the need for thorough preparation to stand out.
Overall, while Zoology offers scoring potential and career opportunities, candidates need to consider the extensive syllabus and technical nature of the subject before opting for it as an optional in the UPSC exam.
How to Prepare Zoology Optional for UPSC?
Preparing for Zoology Optional for the UPSC exam requires a strategic approach and diligent effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the Zoology optional syllabus provided by UPSC. Divide the syllabus into manageable sections and prioritize topics based on their weightage and your comfort level.
- Collect Study Material: Gather quality study materials, including standard textbooks, reference books, and notes from toppers or coaching institutes. Some recommended books for Zoology optional include “Modern Zoology” by Ramesh Gupta and “Cell and Molecular Biology” by De Robertis and De Robertis.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Start by building a strong foundation in basic concepts such as cell biology, genetics, and evolution. Understand the fundamental principles before moving on to advanced topics.
- Practice Diagrams: Since Zoology involves a lot of diagrams, practice drawing and labeling them neatly. Diagrams play a crucial role in scoring marks in the exam, so ensure that you are proficient in creating clear and accurate diagrams.
- Cover Paper I Topics: Begin with Paper I topics, covering theories, concepts, and factual information from standard textbooks. Pay special attention to scoring topics like biostatistics, bioinstrumentation, and economic zoology.
- Address Paper II Subjects: Approach Paper II subjects by focusing on subject-specific strategies. For example, in genetics, emphasize human welfare applications, while in biochemistry, focus on understanding biochemical pathways.
- Emphasize Predictable Topics: Identify predictable topics that frequently appear in the exam, such as the Hardy-Weinberg Law. Ensure that you are well-prepared to tackle questions related to these topics.
- Join Test Series: Enroll in a reputable coaching institute or join a Zoology optional test series to practice answering questions and improve your time management skills. Regularly attempt mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement.
- Revision and Practice: Regularly revise key concepts, formulas, and diagrams to reinforce learning. Practice writing answers to previous year’s questions and sample papers to develop your answer-writing skills.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with recent developments and advancements in the field of Zoology. Stay informed about current research findings and their implications, as they may be relevant for the exam.
Zoology Optional Booklist
Here is a list of booklist for UPSC Zoology Optional preparation:
| Paper 1 Books | Author |
| Invertebrate Zoology | P.S. Verma and V.K. Agarwal |
| Chordate Zoology | E.L. Jordan and P.S. Verma |
| A Textbook of Animal Behaviour | R.J. Andrew |
| Ecology | P.D. Sharma |
| Animal Physiology | H.R. Singh |
| Environmental Biology | D.N. Pandey |
| Economic Zoology | Shukla and Upadhyay |
| Biostatistics | P.K. Gupta |
| Cell and Molecular Biology | De Robertis and De Robertis |
| Paper 2 Books | Author |
| Genetics | Gardner, Simmons and Snustad |
| Developmental Biology | Scott F. Gilbert |
| Cell Biology | Pollard and Earnshaw |
| Immunology | Kuby |
| Biochemistry | Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry |
| Embryology | Inderbir Singh |
| Evolution | Futuyma |
| Animal Physiology | H.R. Singh |
IAS Toppers UPSC Zoology Optional
Here are the IAS toppers who opted for Zoology as their optional subject:
| Name | Rank | Marks | Year |
| Anup Das | AIR 38 | 303 | 2022 |
| Pusapati Sahitya | AIR 24 | 278 | 2021 |
| Prasad Shinde | AIR 287 | 274 | 2019 |
| Kajal Jawla | AIR 28 | 303 | 2018 |
| Pooja Yadav | AIR 174 | 325 | 2018 |
