The department of zoology is one of the pioneering departments of NSS college, Pandalam established in the year 1950 along with the establishment of the college. It became a UG department in the year 1953. It was upgraded to the PG department in the year 1957 and soon in 1959 was approved as a research centre under the University of Kerala. The SARD project Lab is equipped with sophisticated instruments to conduct a modern ecological and environmental analysis and has software for the data analysis of toxicology, zoo-sociology, biodiversity, biomonitoring, and soil biology. The department is recognised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India providing financial assistance under the FIST scheme. Dr. NG Kurup,  the Founder HOD of the department was succeeded by professor CG Rajappan Nair, Prof. V.K.Bhaskaran Nair, Prof. A Subramania Ayer, Dr. K. Krishnan Pillai Prof. K. G Radhakrishnan Nair, Dr. P Pkaimal, Prof. J Sreekumari, Prof. S Sumangala Devi, Prof S Padmini Devi, Prof. K Santhakumari, Dr. V Radhakrishnan and Prof.(Dr) M.G.Sanal Kumar. In its history, the PG and research department of zoology has produced 35 ranks for PG and five first ranks for UG classes from the University of Kerala. In addition to curricular and co-curricular activities, the department offers ample stress in research activities also. The department has produced 26 Ph.Ds. Department has well-equipped soil biology, physicochemical and microbiological research laboratories. Department is providing consultancy services in aquatic microbiology, soil biology, biodiversity, and biostatistics.

It is also not worthy that the department has produced a hundred percent pass results for PG in the last 5 years in addition to curricular and co-curricular activities department. The faculty of the department of zoology is also very keen on undertaking research projects. During the last 5 years, the respective coordinators have completed and submitted the report of three major research projects (Outlay Rs.23.75 lakhs, Rs.6.435 lakhs, and 7.15 lakhs funded by KSCSTE, Government of Kerala, DST, Government of India respectively) and eight minor research projects. Presently there are two major projects operating in the department with a total outlay of Rs 24.9 lakhs and 4.5 lakhs respectively.

The teachers of the department of zoology have published more than 160 research papers in International and national research journals over the past 5 years. The PG and Research students of the department have published a total of 38 research articles of which 12 are in peer-reviewed journals.

Further PG students of the department of zoology were recognised by the KSCSTE Government of Kerala for financial assistance under the student research scheme considering the merits of PG research projects undertaken. Three MSc students got Ph.D. Research Fellowship of Rs 15000/ month from Kerala State Council For Science Technology And Environment, twelve students were awarded CSIR Junior Research Fellowship, and twenty three students cleared CSIR -NET examination during the past 5 years. Two faculty members are Board of Studies Members of the University of Kerala. One faculty, Dr. Vinod P is a Member of the Academic Council University of Kerala and another faculty Prof. M.G. Sanal Kumar is a former academic council member and senate member of the University of Kerala. Prof. M.G. Sanal Kumar is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, London.