Admission to First Batch of M.Sc. Course in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation (2024-26)

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is a premier National Institute for training, research and academics in the field of wildlife science and management. The Institute’s idyllic ambience, state of the art infrastructure and reputed faculty provide a vibrant academic atmosphere and an enriching and learning experience to its students. The institute has been running M.Sc. Course in Wildlife Science, Diploma and Certificate courses since its inception in 1986. These courses are widely acclaimed both nationally and internationally. In the similar lines the Institute is offering M.Sc. Course in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation, sponsored by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, which will create a new generation of field researchers and ecologist who will be equipped to understand the nuances of the freshwater ecosystems, and their conservation management. This course aims to impart theoretical knowledge on concepts, principles, approaches, analytical skills and field techniques in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation. Students of high caliber, motivation and having passion for wildlife and conservation will be selected for the two-year residential course. The course is currently affiliated with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and funded by the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)

AcSIR, an Institution of National Importance established in 2012 by an Act of Parliament, has been mandated to undertake high-quality teaching and research in frontier areas of Science and Technology particularly in inter- and trans-disciplinary areas of STEM. More than 80 R&D institutes including 37 CSIR National Laboratories 28 ICMR Institutes are affiliated with AcSIR for academics/higher education. AcSIR awarded 624 Ph.D. degrees in STEM during the calendar year 2023, which is highest among education institutions in India. AcSIR is ranked 12^th in NIRF 2023 (Research Category), 3^rd in SCImago Rankings and 10^th by Nature Index (Aug 1, 2022-Jul 31, 2023), among research Institutions in India.

Seats and Date of Commencement

Twenty meritorious students will be admitted to this two-year residence course (four semesters). Applications are open to only Indian nationals. The break up of seats is: General Candidates – 08; OBC Candidates – 05; SC Candidates – 03; ST Candidate – 01; Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) – 01; If OBC/SC/ST candidates secure seats on their own merit in competition with general candidates, they shall not be counted against reserved seats. A maximum of 02 seats will be offered to in-service candidates from working with Forest department, Water resource managements, Pollution Control Boards, Central Water Commission, Irrigation department, or other water management institutions and allied government departments from the general quota. If in-service candidates will not be available, these will be given to general candidates. Following the selection of candidates, the course will commence with effect from July, 2024 session at the Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Course Fee and Scholarships

The course fee for the entire course will be borne by WII and fully sponsored for all selected 20 candidates under the financial support from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) sponsored project. The total cost of the course (for the year 2024-26) is ₹ 6,24,000 that includes course fees, field expenses and boarding and lodging costs. The course fee of Rs. 1,56,000/- at the beginning of the first semester will have to be deposited by the students in the form of a demand draft at the time of joining the course at WII. The fees will be carried forward as the course fee for next consecutive semesters only after successfully clearing the semester. This amount will be reimbursed to the candidate only after the successful completion of the course (award of degree). Additionally, a onetime security deposit amount of ₹ 25,000 will have to be deposited by the selected candidates at the time of admission which will be refunded after the completion of the course. The course fee and security fee deposition will be relaxed for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) based on the discretion of the Institute as per Government of India rules. For any candidate who wishes to leave/drop the course before its successful completion, the deposited amount of ₹ 1,56,000 will be forfeited. Hostel accommodation will be provided to selected students depending on the availability of hostel rooms.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates having Bachelor’s degree in Life Science (Botany, Zoology, Wildlife sciences and Forestry as one of the subjects) or allied subjects such as Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Sustainable Development, Biotechnology and Environmental Science from a recognized university by UGC.
• Minimum of 15 years of formal education (10+2+3).
• The minimum qualifying marks to become eligible to appear for the written examination is 55 percent in aggregate marks or 6.0 CGPA/CPI for general and OBC and 50 percent or 5.0 CGPA/CPI percent in aggregate for SC/ST candidates. Candidates who have appeared OR will be appearing for the qualifying (final) bachelor’s degree examination and whose result is still awaited may also apply. However, they need to provide their Consolidated Mark Sheet/Graduation Pass Certificate/Provisional Degree Certificate prior to the registration in the course at AcSIR by July 30, 2024 or as soon as the concerned university issues the above or relevant certificates, whichever is earlier. Candidates with Bachelor’s Degree from Universities outside India should obtain certificates of equivalence from the Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, AIU House 16, Comrade Indrajit Gupta Marg, New Delhi 110002 (Website: http://bit.ly/2iFSsBb), email to administration@aiuweb.org, sgoffice@aiu.ac.in (Ph: + 91-11-23230059; 23232429; 23232305, Fax: + 91-11-23232131).

Age Limit

Not more than 25 years as on March 30, 2024 (closing date of application) with relaxation of 3 years for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST candidates. For the in-service candidates working with the Forest department, Water resource management, Pollution Control Board, Central Water Commission, Irrigation department, or other water management institutions and allied government departments the age limit is 40 years as on March 30, 2024 (closing date of application).

Selection Process

Eligible candidates will be required to appear for an online National Eligibility Test (NET) in any one of the 14 Centres (Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Dehra Dun, Ranchi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Aizawl and Jammu) on May 12, 2024 (Sunday) at 1000 hrs. The allocation of test centres would be decided by the institute based on number of candidates registered for a particular centre and the candidate would be accordingly informed. The NET will be for 2-hours duration for 100 marks, with objective type questions at graduation level covering general aptitude, general knowledge, analytical and language skills, basic mathematical and quantitative skills, knowledge about basic biology, ecology and conservation issues (40 marks); Main subject Domain (40 marks) and an essay maximum 300 words on environmental issues, fresh water conservation or related subjects (20 marks). The regular in-service candidates having at least five years of regular work experience will be exempted from NET.

Shortlisted candidates based on NET screening will be called for a Personality and Aptitude Test (PAT)/interview to be held at WII, Dehradun in May 2024. Final selection to the course will be made on the basis of combined merit of 50% marks obtained in the NET and 50% of PAT. In case of equal marks in NET and PAT, the following criteria shall be adopted for taking admission in the course:

1. Preference will be given to the candidates who have higher aggregate percentage of marks in the graduation level.
2. In case the candidates have equal marks in the above stated examination then the candidate senior in age will be given preference.

The selected and waitlisted candidates are required to confirm their joining in the course i.e. acceptance of selection offer positively on or before June 15, 2024 by email, although it is encouraged to confirm as early as possible. Accordingly, the waitlisted candidates will be offered the seat.

Candidates should note that their candidature is provisional. Their candidature will be deemed final upon verification of eligibility condition with reference to the documents enclosed with their application and as required by AcSIR and payment of First Semester Fee and security deposit which will be reimbursed to the candidates on successful completion of the course.

How to Apply?

• The entire process for registration and NET is “Online”. Details for online registration and NET would appear on the WII’s website (https://wii.gov.in/) as well as AcSIR website (https://acsir.res.in/) latest by January 30, 2024. The online registration process will be open on February 20, 2024 and will close on March 30, 2024. All eligible candidates are advised to follow the latest updates on the WII and AcSIR websites for online registration of applicants, submission of application and payment of application processing fee, etc. The application processing fees (non-refundable) of Rs. 1500 (Rupees One thousand five hundred only) for each general category candidate and Rs. 500 (Rupees Five hundred only) for OBC non creamy layer, SC and ST category will have to be paid through the prescribed “Payment Gateway”.
• All in-service candidates working in Forest department, Water resource management, Pollution control board, Central Water Commission, Irrigation department, or other water management institutions with minimum five years of regular work experience are required to register online and also route their applications (after successful online registration, application submission and payment of required fees) through proper channel to the Dean, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248001 (Uttarakhand) by Registered Post positively by April 30, 2024. However, they may send an advance copy of application for preliminary consideration. Envelope containing application of in-service candidate being sent through proper channel should be marked “APPLICATION OF IN-SERVICE CANDIDATE FOR M.Sc. FRESHWATER ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION COURSE”.
• Candidates will be required to fill in their personal, educational and professional experience profiles online besides uploading a recent passport size photograph, scanned copies of school certificates, class 10^th certificate/mark sheet, valid passport as age proof, mark sheet of Graduation degree (Previous/Final year), caste certificate (applicable for candidates seeking reservation quota).
• The entrusted online agency will issue “Admit Card” to eligible candidates which can be downloaded from ink provided. The admit card will have details of Examination Centre, Date and Time of online NET wherein applicants will appear in the NET on their own cost and no TA/DA will be provided to any category of candidates. Applicants will make their own arrangement for travel and accommodation for appearing in the 2-hour online NET to be held on May 12, 2024.
• The Institute will upload the result of NET and shortlisted candidates for PAT at WII website. i.e. those are being called for interview at WII, Dehradun latest by May 30, 2024. The PAT will be conducted through hybrid mode (both online and offline) on June 12-14 (may vary depending on number of candidates). No TA/DA will be provided for attending the PAT at WII, Dehradun.

Important Dates

Source: https://acsir.res.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSc-FWE-Advertisement-09-01-2024_Final.pdf