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1.
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Who can apply?
Indian nationals, who have completed their bachelor?s degree
in any subject or are in the final year of graduation with
an aggregate of at least 50% marks (or equivalent) in core
subjects are eligible to apply. The upper age limit for candidates is 35 years.
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2.
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When is the next admission to the course?
The next admission will be in 2010 for which the application is available at www.ncbs.res.in/admissions . The entrance exam will be held on
13th December 2009 and the course commences in July 2010.The last date
for applying to the course is 16th October 2009.
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3.
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What is the question paper format for the entrance exam?
The test (of 2-3 hrs) would consist of 2 sections (1) General knowledge,
basic biology etc., analytical tests, basic mathematics (2) knowledge about
wildlife conservation issues and an essay. The test is primarily aimed at
graduate level. All questions, other than the essay, are objective type.
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4.
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What is the fee structure for the course?
All selected students receive a fellowship which covers fees and living expenses.
The course is residential and hostel facilities will be provided.
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5.
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How many students are enrolled for each batch?
A total of 15 students are enrolled for each batch based on their performance
in the entrance exam and an interview of short listed candidates.
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6.
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How to apply for the course?
Applications have to be filled online.Please follow the link www.ncbs.res.in/admissions to apply for the course.
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7.
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Which are the test centres for the entrance exam?
Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai ,
Cochin, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Kanpur, Kolkata,
Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Varanasi, Haldwan, Jaipur, Madurai, Mangalore, Nagpur and Visakhapatnam.
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8.
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Details and flexibility of the curriculum
The curriculum is designed to give students a well rounded training
in science based conservation, while recognising that history, socio-economics,
politics, policies and laws set the broader framework within which conservation happens.
The 2-year Masters course is offered only once in two years thus ensuring undivided attention
on each batch of 15 students. The course consists of three semesters of classroom and field practical,
and a final semester of primary research leading to a manuscript. The first three semesters develop
knowledge and skills in:
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i.
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Biology: Courses in biology explore the evolution,
distribution and values of biological diversity across the world,
and the biology and ecology of different taxa with an emphasis on
vertebrates and India.
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ii.
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Quantitative science: Courses in mathematics and statistics
develop skills to pose research questions, to develop appropriate
sampling methods and designs, and in data analysis to answer the research questions.
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iii.
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Ecology: Courses in ecology explore the behaviour of species,
populations, ecosystems and landscapes, especially in response to human impacts.
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iv.
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Conservation in practice: Conservation in the real world
happens in a framework that is set by history, societal values, economics,
politics, policies, laws and international conventions. Courses on the practice
of conservation address these issues.
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v.
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Communication: Communication of problems and solutions to different
stake holders is critical to the success of any conservation project. Recognising
this, the students get trained in negotiation, presentation and in scientific and
popular writing.
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The course lays equal emphasis on developing theoretical
knowledge and practical skills. Therefore, considerable time is
spent in wild habitats sampling animal and plant populations, studying
animal behaviour and conducting social science research. Similarly, the
students also develop skills in laboratory techniques (e.g. conservation
genetics and scat analysis) and programming (e.g. in R and GIS software).
The students are given first hand experience in conservation in practice through internships.
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During the final semester the students would design and implement
a field project, using the theoretical and practical skills that they
have learnt. The students are required to submit a manuscript in a peer-reviewed
journal. The course has had a very good track record of publications and presentations
in international symposiums.
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9.
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What are the job prospects after the course?
There are no guaranteed jobs at the end of the course. It is hoped that the students,
at the end of course, would have the initiative and motivation to significantly influence
wildlife conservation, either working on their own, with NGOs, University, or private sector.
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