Saswat Mishra

School Students

The fact that you are reading this suggests that you are in school, love birds and are contemplating whether you should pursue a career that has birds in it.

In what follows, we largely talk about a career that is focussed on the scientific study of birds (ie, ornithology). But as we said earlier, there are many other interesting and valuable ways to make birds and nature the centre of your working life, including art, journalism, film-making, veterinary science, etc.. Since you are still in school, we strongly suggest that you explore these options too. Now back to ornithology.

Very simply put, if you are passionate about birds, if you like being outdoors, if nature and birds fascinate you and if you have patience, curiosity and good observation skills (which can be developed!), you can be an ornithologist.

However, since you are young, and have time to explore what you would like to do, we encourage you to pause and take your time to explore before you narrow down on one thing. Take a step back at this point. Birds are one among a huge diversity of animals and plants in nature, all of which are fascinating. And within each of these there are many disciplines of study (listed above). So even if you love birds at the moment, we suggest that you explore biology  widely. Over time, you can begin to specialise; but don’t do so too early.

At this stage, it is important that you read, discuss, and explore before you decide what you want to do. How can you go about doing this?

Formal education after standard 10
If you have written your class 12 exams and are deciding your way forward on the formal education front, we have a separate section in this series of articles which will help you. 

However, if you are in class 10, you might be wondering what stream to choose next. If you know for sure that bird research is your calling, then the science stream is for you. Of course, as described above, if you are interested in other ways of engaging with birds like art, journalism, etc, the humanities are another option. If you do choose science, you will mot likely want to take biology as one of your major subjects. Alongside biology, do take mathematics as well. Modern research in biology or ornithology can involve quite a bit of maths and statistics, so these are very useful to learn. At your stage, some familiarity with computer programming can also be helpful, but you can also pick this up at a later stage.

Explore and volunteer
If you look around, you are likely to find a variety of opportunities to explore. Participate in projects to understand how scientific studies are carried out. Volunteer with established projects, at research institutions, universities, colleges, or NGOs or even your neighbourhood community initiatives. Strike up conversations and learn from others. You can find volunteering opportunities by word of mouth (from family and friends). Volunteering with different projects (related not just to birds, but also anything ecology related) will open a world of possibilities for you. Do recognise that opportunities for minors (below 18 yrs) to work in the lab or field are limited. But don’t worry – you can learn much and gain practical experience through events conducted by bird and nature groups near you. So join your local birding or nature groups and absorb as much as you can. For example, regular bird walks are conducted in a number of cities across India (see here for a list). And there is very likely to be a bird or nature group in your town (see here for a list). Consider joining networks (e.g., Young Birders Network), attending workshops, camps (e.g., Young Birders Camp) and seminars to learn from and meet professionals in the field. As a school student, there is so much you can do during your long holidays to learn and explore more. Many science universities and research institutions across the country host Open Days each year. These events are open to everyone and offer a wonderful opportunity to meet scientists, explore their work, and learn more about the research happening at leading institutes and universities.

Start your own project
One of the best ways to learn about birds is simply to observe them closely and regularly. You can begin right where you are — from your window, your street, your housing society, or a nearby park. Maintain a small notebook or digital journal where you record the date, location, the bird (or any animal) you saw, and what it was doing — how it moved, where it perched, the calls it made, how it interacted with others. Add sketches if you like! This practice helps you slow down, understand behaviour, and build strong observation and documentation skills early on.

Alongside journaling, consider recording your sightings on platforms like iNaturalist or eBird. These tools connect you with a community of birdwatchers, allow you to learn from others, and help you contribute to citizen science. Over time, your observations can even reveal patterns — such as which species frequent your neighbourhood, seasonal changes, and interesting behaviours.

You can also take your learning a step further by conducting small projects. These could be simple, self-initiated activities that help you think like a young scientist.

Here are some resources which have interesting project ideas:

• 10+ Backyard Bird Science Projects
• Young Birders’ Workshop – A guide
• Interesting Bird Experiments For Middle School Science
• Here’s how kids can take bird photographs like a pro

Read
Spend time reading. Reading different books means you have multiple mentors in your explorations. Here is a list of some lovely books which will help you learn more about the field of ecology and ecologists.

The internet makes information available at your fingertips. Subscribe to interesting blogs and news sites, e.g. Roundglass Sustain, Mongabay India, Nature In Focus, Global Young Birders Network, Phys.Org). However, although social media and online blogs are a great way to learn, make sure they are not your only source of news and information.

Take courses
Taking courses is a good way to expand your understanding of a subject in a structured manner. A variety of courses are available: some are purely online, some are distance-learning courses with study materials posted to you, others combine both remote learning as well as in-person interaction. Do explore and see which of these fit your stage of interest (and your budget).

Some potentially useful courses are listed on this page. The Wonder of Birds course especially, is perfect for beginners and is available in multiple languages. The Young Birders Camp, on the other hand, is a residential camp for experienced young birders who wish to gain scientific training in observing nature.

Computers and technology are becoming an important tool for any kind of scientific studies in the present times. Gaining some familiarity with how they are used in ecology and bird research will be helpful — through courses, apps, or self-learning.

Some other links that could help are:

• So, you want to be an ornithologist?
• Early Bird Resources for Beginner Level Birders
• Researchers’ Corner: Meet young ornithologists

Parthasarathi Chakrabarati

Applying for a Bachelor’s Degree

Choosing the right course
If you have written your class 12 examination and are considering pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, options like BSc in Biology, Zoology, or Life Sciences offer a solid foundation in the diverse topics that underpin ornithology. If you are focussed on taking up ornithology (or wildlife) as a career, it is best not to choose highly specialized undergraduate degrees like Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology, as these may not provide the broad conceptual background needed.

That said, even if you choose more specialized degrees, there are many ways to stay connected with ornithology (or ecology/wildlife). For instance, you can enrol in certificate courses on ornithology, biodiversity, or ecology, and gain field and lab-based exposure through internships or volunteer work. Lab-based skills developed through these specialised degrees can also hold value in wildlife science. Moreover, many Master’s programmes in ecology and wildlife biology do consider applicants from such specialised backgrounds.

Courses with specializations close to your main interest such as sustainability studies or environmental science can be good options if you know you are specifically interested in those applied fields. However, it’s crucial to examine the specific curriculum rather than just going by the course name. For example, some environmental science courses typically emphasize topics like energy, waste, and pollution, and may have much less focus on ecology. However, more recently, environmental science courses with a major in ecology are also being offered.

Integrated BSc-MSc courses, such as those offered by IISERs and IISc, can be useful if you are sure you want to pursue research. However, make sure to check what exit options they have in case you want to leave early with a Bachelor’s degree. And if you are not yet sure about pursuing a research career, it is best to look for a broad conceptual education rather than narrow, technologically-oriented skill-based learning. This broader approach allows you to explore various aspects of the field before deciding on a specialization.

Look for research exposure
It often helps to have done one or more projects during your undergraduate years. Although very few courses in India include projects as a part of their Bachelor’s degree curriculum, at least having the time, freedom and access to be a part of research projects might be an important point to consider. Your ability to take up internships during your course will depend on things like the amount of vacation time and the attendance policy, so it’s worth asking about these. Similarly, if the faculty in the institution have their own research programmes, or there are research organisations close to your institution, this may increase your chance of finding research internship opportunities.

Talk to past and current students
Before finalising a course, try to speak to students who are currently enrolled or have recently graduated from the programme. They can give you honest insights into the curriculum, the quality of teaching, research opportunities, and how well the course helped them pursue their careers goals. Their experience can help you make a better-informed decision.

Choosing a technical degree course
While a traditional science degree is one route, it’s worth noting that many ecologists and ornithologists come from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, mathematics, and computer science. If you’re passionate about birds or nature but also drawn to technical disciplines, don’t hesitate to pursue an engineering or other technical undergraduate degree. Birdwatching and ecological exploration can continue as a strong extracurricular interest, and later, at the master’s or research level, you may find exciting opportunities to combine your technical skills such as GIS, remote sensing, programming, artificial intelligence or data analysis—with ecological research. In fact, interdisciplinary approaches are increasingly valued, as they allow for richer, more innovative ways to study and solve complex environmental challenges. Whether your background is in electronics, mechanical engineering, or computer science, your skills can play a vital role in ecological monitoring, modeling, and conservation planning.

By carefully considering your interests and goals, the interdisciplinary nature of ornithology, and the diverse educational pathways available, you can embark on a rewarding journey towards becoming an expert in avian research and conservation.

Abhijit Mishra

Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree

If you are a Bachelor’s student in any discipline, and are interested in ornithology as a career, this section is for you.

Firstly, we assume that you are curious about birds, nature interests you and you love being outdoors watching birds. But as you know, watching birds is not necessarily the same as studying birds. This article contains some general pointers about how to prepare yourself to study birds.

Of course, if you are not sure about pursuing bird research, but still want to work with birds and nature, there are many different careers which allow you to do so, including art, literature, journalism, film-making, veterinary science, conservation, and much more. Since you are still in the exploratory phase, don’t forget to look at all possible options. Here is what we suggest.

Read
At this point in your student life, reading about the subject that excites you (ornithology or whatever else) is crucial. Reading not only increases your knowledge of the subject, but also helps you understand yourself and your interests better. For example, let’s say you love going out into the field and observing birds in their habitat – something we might call natural history. ou might wonder why different kinds of habitats are home to different sets of species; understanding this requires a conceptual (ie, theoretical) framework from which many further questions might flow. As you read about the natural history, ecology, biogeography (etc) of birds, you will begin to understand which aspects excite you the most, where the gaps in knowledge are, and what opportunities there might be to make contributions through research.

Explore
For many, our college days are the time when we can truly explore the world. Take time out from your academic routine to explore the outdoors. Visit the gardens, parks, and lakes near you. Exploring generates ideas, thoughts and questions. Immerse yourself in natural history through observing and journaling. Go out birding, alone or with peers. If you are good at identifying birds, take your friends birding. Visit museums and zoos and libraries with a curious mind.

Engage
At this stage of your student life, engaging in nature activities is exciting and valuable. Participate in bird walks, attend lectures and seminars, learn from peers and seniors, and most of all, have fun! Be a citizen scientist:  keeping checklists and updating your observations on the different citizen science platforms will help you stay organised. But if these are not for you, don’t be discouraged, continue to go out and observe birds or even sketch them. There are multiple bird counts, festivals and surveys being organised all across the country. Subscribe to the bimonthly newsletter The Flock to stay up to date with online and in-person events happening across the country. You can also join programmes run by local Science Parks, Natural History Museums, Biological Parks, and Botanical Gardens, and contribute as a volunteer. These are great places to meet and network with people – birders, educators, forest officials, students, researchers, and even people from other professional and cultural backgrounds. There will be something valuable to learn from every person you meet. You never know when and how these connections will prove useful.

Seek hands-on experience
Use weekends and breaks between semesters to do internships or volunteer at projects, apply for fellowships at universities, take courses and workshops, look for events (talks, bird counts, festivals) or even initiate a project by yourself or with someone’s guidance. 

Most Bachelor’s courses today (with some exceptions) do not include doing a project as part of the formal curriculum. But nothing stops you from taking the initiative and designing a project of your own. To develop a research project, you will have to engage in multiple small tasks – including finding like-minded peers, posing a research question (here is a useful lecture),  talking to a mentor, and designing a study (here is another useful lecture) with the available tools and equipment. It’s always a good idea to get in touch with advanced students who are working on their Master’s or PhD research – some of them might be looking for undergraduate students who are eager to do fieldwork and gain experience. 

Similarly, your faculty might have their own research projects. Do reach out to ask if they are involved in such work and would be open to someone assisting them. It may not necessarily be about being in the lab or field and collecting data—it might instead involve helping them with literature survey, data entry, or assisting in analysis. Each of these is an essential skill for your future anyway. 

You might even think of applying for funding for your project; this will teach you how to write a grant proposal , a very valuable skill to have in the field of research. You will then get engaged with collecting data, performing basic data analysis, writing up a short report and many other aspects. Whether or not the project turns out the way you wished, whether or not you find something new or groundbreaking, these kinds of experiences will be invaluable in shaping your thinking as well as while applying for positions, scholarships and working on research projects later in life. Some useful links on available grants and fellowships are here.

You can also get hands-on experience by volunteering or participating in larger projects. Here are some faculty from India who work on birds and some of them are often looking for young people to join their project. You can find volunteering opportunities by word of mouth (from family and friends), and it’s worth subscribing to the  YETI (Young Ecologists Talk and Interact) email list, on which a number of opportunities in ecology are broadcast. Volunteering or interning with different projects (related not just to birds) will again help open a world of opportunities for you.

There are also research project competitions (some of them are listed here)  for undergraduate programmes. These bring together young students from different streams who are interested in research. They are a good entry point for learning how to design and implement a small project, often with guidance from faculty or seniors.

Another way of getting your hands dirty is by applying for a competitive research fellowship. Such fellowships too, will be of great value. From applying for the fellowship to submitting a final report under the guidance of an established researcher can teach you things which no university course can. Some such fellowships are listed here. 

Develop skills

1. Data analysis and visualisation:
Ornithologists often collect large amounts of data in the field, which must be analyzed and interpreted to draw meaningful conclusions. We strongly encourage you to take courses or workshops in statistical analysis and data visualisation and develop this skill set which will likely be of immense use in the future.

2. Writing and communication skills:
Effective writing and communication skills are important in any branch of research. We encourage you to practice writing scientific papers, reports, and grant proposals, and to participate in science communication activities such as presenting at conferences or writing for science blogs, newspapers or magazines. If you are new to writing, you can start with writing short communications on your observations, in scientific and semi-scientific resources. Getting articles vetted by seniors or mentors is always a good practice and will help improve your writing skills. Grab every opportunity that comes your way. A fact that we have to deal with is that, most scientific material is published in English. Practicing reading and writing (and speaking) in English can go a long way in preparing you for your future career path. If you are not already fluent in the English language, we suggest starting with writing small paragraphs every day. Writing something as simple as a diary to begin with, and then moving on to writing about certain topics or research areas will be an invaluable skill to develop.

3. Technology and tools:
Technology and tools are fast advancing in modern ecological research. You can take this time to familiarize yourself with the use of GPS tracking devices, remote sensing technologies, bioacoustic recording equipment and even use molecular tools, as these tools are commonly used in bird research. Joining online groups such as the Wildlabs network gives you the opportunity to understand and engage in various discussions regarding the latest technologies and tools used in ornithological/ecological sciences. 

4. Soft skills
Though only learnt with time and experience, developing soft skills is vital. These skills include writing professional emails,  giving a presentation, writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a Statement of Purpose (SOP), appearing for an interview, managing conflict among peers and much more.

Interdisciplinary pathways
Don’t worry if your current degree isn’t in the life sciences. Many ecologists, including well-known ornithologists, began their academic journeys in engineering, physics, computer science, or mathematics. What’s important is your interest in birds and your willingness to build relevant skills over time. For example, skills in programming, electronics, GIS, or data science can be combined with ecological questions to make powerful research tools. Increasingly, ecology and conservation value interdisciplinary approaches that bring together technology, field science, and social understanding. If you are pursuing a technical degree, continue birdwatching, reading on the side, take short courses and volunteer..you may later be able to bring your technical training into ecological research in a unique and valuable way.

A few useful websites

1. ornithology.in : Resources for students willing to pursue ornithology research and training.
2. Bird Alliance : A directory for information related to birds and birding in India
3. YETI mailing list : A mailing list for budding ecologists where news, opportunities and events related to ecology are posted.
4. Student Conference on Conservation Science : A yearly conference for post-graduate students pursuing studies within the fields of conservation science, ecology, environmental science, resource management, geography, economics, and social sciences. You do not need to present a talk or poster in order to attend this conference, and financial aid is available to help you attend this event.
5. The Flock : A monthly email newsletter on Indian birds, birding events and bird related news across the country.
6. Bird Count India : An organisation working towards making people interested in birds and in improving our collective knowledge about birds in India.
7. Indian BIRDS : A journal where you can read and publish bird observations from the Indian subcontinent.
8. India BioScience : A rich, India-based resource hub offering students career guides, grants, workshops, and articles that illuminate life-science paths—including in ornithology and related fields.

In a nutshell, during your Bachelor’s, do not restrict yourself to just your college curriculum. Most Bachelor programmes are not very hectic, and allow  time to pursue additional interests. Make use of this time to learn something new – like a language, a technical skill, photography, or a fine art. This diversity of experiences will add to your ability to observe, record, assimilate and express yourself and your research. Do not wait for opportunities to come to you; seek them out yourself. And please do not hesitate to ask for help from your seniors, professors or students at other universities. Having an experienced and appropriate mentor always helps.

Abhishek Das

Finding a Master’s Programme

The sooner you start thinking about ‘what next’, the better prepared you’ll be for your future academic pursuits. While some students may choose to gain more practical experience through internships, volunteering, or full-time jobs directly after their Bachelor’s degree, others may opt to continue their academic journey by pursuing a Master’s.

Course options
In India, Master’s courses in the broad field of ecology and evolution can take different forms. Some follow a research-intensive model with a 6-month research project at the end of the 2-year programme, while others focus more on coursework and may include only a short research component. Each type has its own strengths: research-oriented programmes offer hands-on experience and deep engagement with a topic, whereas teaching-heavy programmes provide a wider theoretical foundation.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled an extensive list of Master’s degree programmes in Ecology, Biodiversity, Forestry, Ornithology, and Wildlife offered by various colleges across India. While we strive to include as many courses as possible, this list may not be exhaustive. If you know of additional programmes, please reach out to us at [email protected].

When selecting a course, it’s important to ensure that the curriculum aligns with your interests and future career goals. The best Master’s programmes will challenge you to think critically, assimilate knowledge, and engage deeply with advanced concepts. They should encourage you to read and discuss current and influential journal articles, rather than rely only on textbooks. If you’re considering an academic or research career, your Master’s degree becomes especially important because many roles—including some faculty and scientific officer positions—require a Master’s in a specific subject. It is worth checking this in advance if you are aiming for a particular role.

Speaking with alumni can offer valuable insights into the teaching culture, mentorship, and career pathways associated with different programmes. Try to connect with people whose careers align with what you aspire to do, and reach out while you are still in the middle of your bachelor’s degree so you have time to plan accordingly. Their first-hand experiences can help you make a well-informed decision about which programme best suits your goals. While vacancies in the most sought-after courses are limited, you may also have opportunities to be mentored by scientists from these institutions for your dissertation.

Studying Abroad
If you’re considering pursuing a Master’s degree abroad, there are many programmes available in ornithology, behavioural ecology, wildlife ecology, conservation science, and related fields. Master’s programmes in the US are typically two years long and often emphasise research, but not all of them come with funding. It’s important to check with the programme or your potential advisor about options for covering tuition and living expenses as an international student. In Australia, Master’s courses vary in structure and duration, while in the UK, one-year programmes with shorter research projects are common.

Planning ahead is essential, as the preparation, application, and visa process can take up to a year. Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than course deadlines, so it helps to map out your timeline well in advance. Since many different Master’s programmes exist today, speaking with alumni can give you a realistic sense of each course-its strengths, limitations, and the experience of living in that particular country or city. You can find alumni through social media groups, university webpages, online searches, or through word of mouth.

Alumni can offer insights not only about the academic aspects of a programme but also about scholarships, accommodation, navigating a new city, and building useful contacts. By gathering this information early and thoroughly, you can make informed decisions about where to apply and set yourself up for a strong start in your academic and professional journey.

Garima Bhatia

Pursuing a Master’s Degree

What to expect
While a Bachelor’s degree introduces you to broad concepts in your field, a Master’s course prepares you to delve deeper into it. Depending on the course you are taking, a Master’s programme will be more specialised and focussed compared with a Bachelor’s course. It is very easy to feel overwhelmed when thrown in among a group of your peers who are interested and passionate about ornithology (or ecology/evolution/wildlife) . Some of you might have a better grasp on English (the language in which research is predominantly taught and communicated these days), while others might be skilled naturalists. Some of you might come with prior research experience while others might have honed their  communication skills in writing, storytelling or art. With smaller batch sizes and more focussed student body (compared with a typical Bachelor’s situation), you may find yourself forming deep and long-lasting bonds with your classmates – a wonderful opportunity to discuss, explore, and delve deeper into the subject that excites you all.

If you have a research career in mind, you have hopefully selected a Master’s programme that immerses you into research. You may encounter research-related  activities for the first time, from reading scientific papers to conducting literature surveys, designing experiments, analysing data, and writing reports and grants. These tasks serve as foundational steps to hone your research skills and critical thinking abilities, laying the groundwork for future academic or professional pursuits.

Typically, a 2-year Master’s programme with a research focus will allocate the last semester for data collection and analysis, and thesis-writing. Even if your university or college does not require you to start work on your thesis until the last semester, begin thinking about what you are interested in right from the first semester of your programme. Contact faculty (e.g., here are some faculty who work on birds) to see if you can work with them. And remember that, although the primary goal of a Master’s research project is the richness of learning you will derive from it, it doesn’t hurt if your project is of sufficient quality to be published in a peer-reviewed journal – this may help in the next stage of your career.

Understanding yourself
At this point, it’s perhaps more important to find out what you dislike than what you are interested in. For some people, this can be fieldwork. For others, it can be writing, data analysis, statistics or lab work. Sit down to think about what paths you have if you don’t want to spend the majority of your time doing the task you dislike, and assess how willing you are to work on overcoming this dislike. There are no right answers here! Your Master’s journey will offer a pivotal opportunity to assess your passion for research and determine if a doctoral degree aligns with your aspirations.

The power of networking
Engage actively with peers, faculty, and professionals in the field through conferences, internships, and other platforms to expand your network. Networking can offer opportunities to learn from experts, share research, gain feedback, build professional connections and gain insights into diverse career paths within ecology and ornithology. Such interactions might lead to collaborations and job opportunities, and will help you learn about the latest work  in the field.

By embracing the multifaceted aspects of a Master’s programme, including specialized coursework, research engagement, and ethical conduct, you’ll lay a solid foundation for a rewarding career dedicated to the study and conservation of the natural world.

Ramesh Desai

Life after Master’s/Applying for a PhD

If you have made up your mind that you wish to pursue a career that involves working with birds, and are currently pursuing a Master’s degree or are looking for opportunities right after your Master’s degree, this section is for you.

Exploring your options
As we have emphasised in other sections, there are multiple topics of research in ornithology, ranging from natural history and evolution, to disease ecology and conservation, and much more.
In addition, doing a PhD is not the only way to move forward in your career. There are other ways in which you can be involved with nature and birds. For example, if you like to write, you can get into science communication; if you like art, you can be an scientific illustrator, if you are a good observer and love spending time outdoors and with people, you can be a naturalist – and so on. If you wish to explore these opportunities, this might be a good time to do so. For example, even while you’re doing your Master’s or right afterwards, you could consider working with with an organisation like Research Matters to translate journal articles into engaging stories for a lay audience.

If you are unsure whether a PhD is the right choice, this useful overview can help you think through the decision. But if you are confident that research is what you want to pursue, a PhD is usually the next step.

A PhD is not only about conducting research. Along the way, you will also learn how to manage projects, apply for permits and grants, work with teams, handle unexpected challenges, and communicate your findings. 

In addition, it is not necessary to have a clear research proposal before applying for a PhD. However, developing field observation skills, experience in study design, and some hands-on project work during your Master’s will help, and can improve your chances of completing your PhD in a timely manner. In some institutions, students with professional degrees such as BTech can apply directly for a PhD, and things may further change with the spread of 4-year degree courses. Even so, we recommend first completing a Master’s or gaining a couple of years of research experience through project work. This extra training will greatly strengthen your foundations, prepare you for challenges, and will give you a better idea of what a research career involves.

Gaining experience between degrees
If you have already completed your master’s degree and have taken some time off before applying for a PhD, it can be helpful to intern with or work on projects that interest you. You might also consider applying for small independent grants to explore your ideas under the guidance of a mentor. Experiences like these offer valuable hands-on exposure and can help you refine your research interests while exploring work across different labs and universities in India and abroad. Many such opportunities are regularly shared on the YETI (Young Ecologists Talk and Interact) mailing list, so subscribing there can be useful.

You may also find avenues to strengthen your skills through workshops and short courses—such as those on acoustic monitoring, data analytics, or programming in R. These can build your analytical confidence and prepare you for handling large datasets during your PhD.

Conferences are another valuable way to learn about current research and connect with people in the field. Meetings like SCCS (Student Conference in Conservation Science), IWEC (Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference), ISAE (International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology), NSAB (National Symposium on Avian Biology) and ICCON (Indian Conservation Conference) offer a chance to interact with researchers, hear about ongoing work, and discover potential opportunities, all while providing inspiration and motivation.

If you decide that pursuing a PhD is the right course of action, here are some next steps.

Choosing a lab and guide
Although many students begin by looking at institutions, selecting the right guide (also called advisor or supervisor)  and lab (or research group) often matters just as much — sometimes more. Institutions differ in administrative structure, rules, fellowship availability, and flexibility, while the guide and lab will shape your day-to-day life, learning environment, and overall academic experience.

Talking to current and former students can help you understand a potential guide’s mentoring style, expectations, and approach to work-life balance. During interviews, you may also want to ask about support for fieldwork, lab culture, and the kinds of projects currently underway. Your comfort in these initial conversations is often a good indicator of fit.

Here are a few recommended resources on choosing a PhD guide

• Ten simple rules for choosing a PhD supervisor
• How to choose the right PhD supervisor: 4 red flags to be wary of in the search for a good match
• 6 steps to help you find the RIGHT supervisor and lab for a research-based MSc/PhD
• The PhD Journey – How to Identify a Fantastic Supervisor

Finding PhD opportunities in India
You can begin exploring potential labs in India by consulting the directory of bird researchers in India who offer PhD positions. It also helps to keep an eye on advertised openings—many appear on the YETI (Young Ecologists Talk and Interact) mailing list, as well as on university websites and faculty social media profiles. Maintaining an updated CV and LinkedIn page can further support your search. You may also write to professors whose work aligns with your interests to express your motivation and enquire about possible opportunities. If you don’t hear back immediately, don’t be discouraged; people are often busy, and a polite follow-up after 2-3 weeks is perfectly acceptable. This article offers useful guidance on how to write emails to potential supervisors.

Gaining admission to a PhD programme
Most universities in India require students to pass one or more national entrance examinations such as GATE EY, GATE Life Sciences, or CSIR/UGC NET. The syllabi for these exams do not always overlap fully with Master’s coursework, so some amount of self-study is usually necessary. Scoring well in these exams can help you secure a PhD fellowship, which provides important financial support and independence during your PhD.

If you are unsure about what these different exams are and which exam/s are most suitable for you, here is a useful article. And this is a list of resources compiled and collated by students of Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES, IISc), which might be of help if you are appearing for the GATE EY entrance examination. 

Applying for a PhD abroad
If you hope to pursue a PhD abroad, start about a year in advance. This allows time to identify suitable labs, write to guides, arrange funding, and complete required exams. These resources may help:
Find a PhD
How to apply for a PhD abroad
A guide for Neotropical ornithologists and conservationists seeking advanced degrees at universities in the United States

Some things to keep in mind while applying for a PhD

• The first year in any new research role is often exploratory. You will gradually learn what aspects of the work energise you and which ones you find challenging.
• Real-world projects require more than theoretical knowledge. Logistics, coordination, budgeting, communication, and handling unforeseen setbacks are part of research life.
• Fieldwork is important, but it is not for everyone. If you find field conditions difficult, there are equally important roles in data analysis, policy, outreach, or ecological management.
• Some institutions offer research positions with the possibility of registering for a PhD. Before joining, try to learn from others who have taken this route about the practicality of balancing both.

Rahul Singh

While pursuing a PhD

If you have already begun a PhD, the suggestions below may help you navigate this stage of your academic journey. First, congratulations on starting a PhD programme, and best wishes for the years ahead. This section is a particularly long one – commensurate with the length of time it takes to complete a PhD, typically 5 years.

Planning and direction
One aspect of a PhD that is often underestimated is planning, perhaps because it initially feels like there is plenty of time. Having a rough plan from the outset can be helpful in setting both short- and long-term goals, and may prevent your PhD from stretching on longer than intended. Writing this plan down and discussing it with your guide can provide clarity and shared expectations. Open and transparent communication is valuable, as your guide plays a central role in supporting you through the PhD and helping you stay on track.

While planning, it is useful to strike a balance between ambition and realism. A flexible plan can be shaped around your professional goals, the nature of your project (such as your research questions, whether the work is field- or lab-based, and your study system), and the formal requirements of your PhD programme, including coursework and thesis expectations. Many students find it helpful to revisit and revise this plan periodically as their ideas and circumstances evolve. Allowing room for uncertainty and building in buffer time can make the process less stressful. An Individual Development Plan can be a useful tool for structuring goals during a PhD, and revisiting it with your guide every few months can help keep plans aligned and realistic.

Exploring ideas and shaping your project
During the early stages of a PhD, coursework often takes centre stage, but many students also use this time to explore ideas more broadly and think carefully about the kinds of questions they would like to pursue. This period can be valuable for reading widely, reflecting on different approaches, and gradually shaping the direction of the research.

Conversations with peers, lab members, and others within or outside the department often play an important role at this stage. Informal discussions can help clarify thinking, highlight potential challenges, and open up new directions that may not emerge through coursework alone.

For projects that involve fieldwork, early exploratory visits can be useful for understanding field logistics and testing assumptions. Such exploration often reveals practical constraints that are not obvious during desk-based planning, including timelines, access, or permissions (for example, when working in protected areas), and can help ensure that research questions and methods are grounded in real-world feasibility.

Managing time and workload
Managing time during a PhD can be challenging, as research, coursework, and personal commitments often compete for attention. Many students find it helpful to think consciously about how they allocate their time, break larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, and remain flexible as priorities shift. Creating space for research and writing, while also allowing time for rest and personal well-being, can go a long way in reducing burnout over the long term.

One aspect that is often underestimated, particularly during fieldwork, is data curation and entry. Because your data form the backbone of your PhD, keeping records organised and up to date can greatly ease later stages of analysis and writing. Writing itself often takes much longer than anticipated, and both data handling and writing benefit from being done while details are still fresh. In general, allowing buffer time for these stages can help reduce stress and improve the quality of the final work.

Periods of low productivity are also a common part of the PhD experience. The need to juggle multiple roles—from idea generation and data collection to project management and coordination—can sometimes feel overwhelming. In such phases, it can be useful to seek advice or perspective from others, and to explore resources that discuss common challenges during a PhD, including managing task-related conflicts and sustaining motivation.

Building work relationships and resolving conflicts
Differences in expectations or working styles can sometimes lead to misunderstandings with guides or peers. Establishing clear communication early on and revisiting expectations as the PhD progresses can help minimise friction. When conflicts do arise, addressing them openly and constructively often helps.

Here are some resources available online that discuss common challenges in graduate school and strategies for resolving conflict, which may be useful to consult

• Dealing with conflicts during the PhD period
• Dealing with a Conflict in Graduate School
• 7 Simple strategies to resolve conflicts with difficult supervisors

Well-being and support
Working towards a PhD can be demanding, and having a strong support system is vital. When you need to, seek support from peers, supervisors, or university support services, as well as from personal networks of friends and family. Engaging in activities outside academia—such as music, theatre, art, or sports—helps relax, recharge, and socialise.

These resources offer useful perspectives and guidance on mental health during a PhD:

• 3 Ways to Support Your Mental Health During Your PhD
• Studying a PhD: don’t suffer in silence
• Mental Health and Your PhD: Resources and Support

Building networks and professional connections
Engaging with the broader ecological and ornithological community can be an important part of the PhD experience. Conferences, seminars, and workshops offer opportunities to learn about ongoing work, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships. In India, meetings such as the SCCS (Student Conference in Conservation Science), IWEC (Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference), ISAE (International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology), NSAB (National Symposium on Avian Biology) and ICCON (Indian Conservation Conference) provide valuable spaces to interact with researchers at different career stages.

Many students also find it useful to join professional societies such as the British Ecological Society (BES) or the American Ornithological Society (AOS). These societies organise conferences, training workshops, and discussion forums, and often offer free or heavily discounted student memberships. Some also provide competitive research grants and travel support for attending conferences, including international meetings.

Sharing your work through presentations, posters, and discussions can gradually increase your visibility within the academic community. In addition, platforms such as LinkedIn can serve as a space to share research updates, field experiences, and natural history observations while staying connected with peers and researchers. For those looking for more guidance, the following articles and blogs offer useful perspectives on networking during a PhD:

• 8 Networking Tips For PhDs To Advance Their Careers
• How to Network as a PhD Student
• Networking tips for PhD students

Flexibility and decision-making
PhD projects rarely unfold exactly as planned. Being open to adapting questions, methods, or timelines is often part of the process. Conversations with peers and mentors can be especially helpful during periods of uncertainty. You might need to explore changes in topic, lab, or even decide that continuing your PhD is not the right choice – in which circumstance you might be able to exit with a Master’s degree. Taking time to reflect, gather information, and make informed decisions is important; there is no single “right” outcome.

Towards the end of your PhD
As you approach the final phase of your PhD, it helps to begin preparing for what comes next. One important priority at this stage is completing and submitting research publications. Thinking through a publication strategy, identifying suitable journals, and refining manuscripts with feedback from peers can improve both clarity and the chances of acceptance. Here is a detailed handbook and here, a fun blog that may be useful for publishing in ecology and evolution.

This period is also a good time to explore postdoctoral opportunities. Starting looking into national and international fellowships and positions, and informally discussing potential projects with researchers in related areas.

Conferences and seminars play an important role during this phase. Presenting your work, having short face-to-face conversations, and participating in informal discussions often create opportunities that are difficult to open through email alone. Be prepared to briefly explain your research and future interests during such interactions (ie, practice your ‘elevator pitch’). These settings also offer a chance to further refine presentation skills, whether through talks, posters, or casual discussions.

Finally, it is worth reflecting on the range of skills you have developed during your PhD, often without realising it. Project planning, time management, teamwork, data collection and analysis, and communicating complex ideas are valuable well beyond academia. For those considering alternatives to academic careers, possibilities include science communication, policy, industry, and work with NGOs. Keeping an open mind about how these skills translate across sectors can make the transition smoother.

Preparing for these aspects towards the end of a PhD can make the move to the next stage of one’s career more informed and confident.

Enjoying the journey
Finally, while a PhD can be demanding, it is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself deeply in a subject you care about. Moments of difficulty are common, but so are periods of discovery and growth. Staying curious, celebrating small milestones, and keeping sight of why you chose this path can help make the experience more fulfilling. 

While it is natural to feel stuck or overwhelmed at times, many find it helpful to gently keep moving forward and to allow space to enjoy the process, not just the outcome. For further reflection, this article on 10 Simple Rules for Finishing Your PhD may be useful.

Other resources worth exploring include:

• Higher Education in India – Notes from an Educator
• A Happy PhD
• British Ecological Society’s Career Development Resources.

We wish you the very best for your PhD journey in ecology, and hope it proves to be a rewarding and transformative experience.

Aseem Kothiala

Life After PhD

Completing a PhD is a major milestone, but it also marks the beginning of a new and often uncertain phase of one’s career. Paths after a PhD are rarely linear, and exploring options early can help make this transition more informed and less stressful.

As you approach the final stages of your PhD, it can be useful to reflect on broad career directions. Some researchers choose to remain in academia, where postdoctoral positions are a common next step, while others explore non-academic careers that draw on the wide range of skills developed during doctoral training. Having a tentative sense of direction, while remaining open to change, can help focus applications and conversations.

Networking, conferences, and research visibility
Conferences often become particularly valuable at this stage. They offer opportunities to share research, learn about current work, and connect with researchers working in similar areas. Staying in touch with people met at conferences, for instance through platforms such as LinkedIn or BlueSky, can sometimes lead to collaborations, informal advice, or early information about opportunities. In India, conferences such as the SCCS (Student Conference in Conservation Science), IWEC (Indian Wildlife Ecology Conference), ISAE (International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology), NSAB (National Symposium on Avian Biology) and ICCON (Indian Conservation Conference) are great places to meet people.

Keeping up with the scientific literature and reading widely can also help in identifying labs and research groups whose work aligns with your interests. Here is a Directory of Ornithologists that might be of help while looking for suitable positions. Many postdoctoral opportunities also emerge through informal discussions rather than formal advertisements, and exploratory conversations can be useful even when no position is immediately available.

Publishing PhD work often takes longer than expected, and delays are common. While navigating this process, many researchers continue developing new ideas, collaborations, or outreach activities to maintain momentum. Writing popular articles or opinion pieces can also help communicate research to broader audiences and highlight transferable communication skills.

Postdoctoral fellowships and research opportunities
In India, several postdoctoral fellowships provide structured support and funding, including the National Postdoctoral Fellowship (NPDF), INSPIRE Programmes, the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, Women Scientist Schemes (WISE), and institution-specific programmes such as CV Raman Fellowships.

International postdoctoral fellowships may also be worth exploring. Programmes such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Humboldt Fellowships, and Fulbright Fellowships are highly competitive but offer strong research support and international exposure. Platforms such as IndiaBioscience regularly share updates on these opportunities. A few other grants and fellowships are collated here.

Academic, Government, and non-academic careers
With a PhD you may be eligible to apply for Scientist C and higher positions in state and central government organisations, including institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India.

Research- and conservation-focused non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also offer a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities. These roles often combine research with fieldwork, community engagement, and the application of science to conservation practice. Do explore organisations whose missions align with your interests and values.

While much of this guide focuses on research pathways, many PhD graduates choose to apply their skills beyond research. Careers in science writing or journalism, scholarly publishing, data analysis in industry or environmental consulting, and science illustration or visual communication are all viable options. These paths draw on skills developed during a PhD, including analytical thinking, project management, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

For those considering postdoctoral positions, keeping track of opportunities across institutions and countries can be helpful. Platforms such as findapostdoc.com regularly list postdoctoral openings across disciplines and regions, and can complement searches through institutional websites and professional networks.

The period after a PhD is often unpredictable, but thoughtful planning and openness to diverse opportunities can lead to rewarding outcomes. Stay connected with professional networks, continue to build new skills, and remain flexible in career choices – and you’ll find your way in the vast and wonderful world out there!