M.Sc Course in Wildlife Science
The M.Sc. Course in Wildlife Science is a two-year residential course at the Institute and is widely acclaimed both nationally and internationally. This course aims to impart theoretical knowledge on concepts, principles, approaches, analytical skills and field techniques in Wildlife Science. Students of high calibre, motivation and having passion for wildlife and conservation are selected for this flagship course. The course is currently affiliated with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR which has been established as an 'Institution of National Importance' with a view to maximize the number of qualified researchers and professionals in the domain of science & engineering).
The course is modular in nature and all classes are taught by some of the best instructors in their discipline. Apart from theory classes, the course provides field exposure to students through field tours to different parts of the country, and to understand different domains such as natural history, research techniques, aquatic ecology, wildlife management and conservation practice.
Together, the course provides a perfect mix of thermotical knowledge and field experience that can equip a student for successful career in fields of ecological research, conservation planning, forest & wildlife management, nature education etc. The course has had a rich heritage and many alumni of the program have had successful careers in diverse academic and applied disciplines.
Seats and Date of Commencement
Twenty meritorious students will be admitted to this two-year residence course (four semesters), which include 15 Indian and 05 foreign nationals (with preference to SAARC countries). Applications are open to both Indian and foreign nationals.
The break-up of seats (15) for Indian nationals is :
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| General Candidates | 08 |
| OBC Candidates | 03 |
| SC Candidates | 02 |
| 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. In case of five foreign candidates are not available for selection, these seats will be offered to Indian candidates proportionately as per the reservation policy of Government of India. Following the selection of candidates, the course will commence in August, 2024 at Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani campus, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Course Fee and Scholarships
The Course Fee for the entire course for Indian Nationals - approx. INR 6,00,000/- and Foreign Nationals - approx. USD $14000/-, payable to WII. The fee covers entire course expenditure including tuition fee, hostel accommodation, field trips, etc. Additionally, a monthly stipend of Rs. 3000/- per month and support for the dissertation project will be offered, subject to fund availability with the Institute. Subject to fund availability.
The Institute will also provide full scholarship to eight Indian students based on merit. The breakup of the scholarships for Indian nationals is:
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| General Candidates | 03 |
| OBC Candidates | 02 |
| SC Candidates | 01 |
| ST Candidates | 01 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Candidates | 01 |
Other candidates (Indian and Foreign) selected for the course will be treated as self-sponsored.
The students are required to pay one-time caution money of INR 10,000 and the course fee in four equal installments (of 1,50,000 INR for Indian Nationals and $3500 USD for Foreign Nationals) prior to commencement of each semester.
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Medical Science, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Forestry, Pharmacy, Social Sciences and Computer Science or degrees recognized as equivalent thereof.
- Minimum of 15 years of formal education (either 10+2+3 or 11+2+2)
- Candidates who have completed the graduation degree in any of the above disciplines with a pass certificate (50% in aggregate at the field of studies mentioned above for general category and OBC candidates and 45% in aggregate for SC/ST candidates), or who have appeared OR will be appearing at the qualifying (final) bachelor's degree examination and whose result is still awaited may also apply. In case of foreign nationals who do not have English as their native language should provide evidence of proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL Score) for admission to this course. The TOEFL or IELTS score reports should not be before 01.01.2023. A minimum TOEFL Score of 213 (computer based), 550 (paper based), or 79 (internet based), or minimum of 6.0 IELTS score is required.
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 types questions and essays, covering general aptitude, knowledge, analytical and language skills, basic mathematical and quantitative skills, knowledge about basic biology, ecology and conservation issues. Shortlisted candidates based on NET screening will be called to appear for a Personality and Aptitude Test (PAT)/ interview to be held at Dehradun. Final dates for interview will be communicated to shortlisted candidates over email. 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.
All eligible foreign candidates will be interviewed through online mode following which their final selection will be made. For foreign nationals, the interview will be scheduled through web conferencing and the date & VC link of the interview will be 4 communicated over email. The final merit list will be based on 50% marks in the Graduation degree and 50% marks obtained in online interview (Total marks - 100).
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