M.Sc. Course in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation
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.
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 :
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| General Candidates | 08 |
| OBC Candidates | 05 |
| SC Candidates | 03 |
| ST Candidates | 01 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Candidates | 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.
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 Rs. 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). 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 Rs. 1,56,000/- will be forfeited.
Hostel accommodation will be provided to selected students depending on the availability.
Eligibility
- 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.
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.
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). 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.
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