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), established in 1986, is a premier national institute for training, research, and academics in wildlife science and management. It offers a vibrant academic atmosphere with state-of-the-art infrastructure and reputed faculty. In addition to its renowned M.Sc. course in Wildlife Science, the Institute is now offering an M.Sc. course in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation. This new course, sponsored by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to train students in the conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems.
Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)
AcSIR, established in 2012, is an Institution of National Importance mandated to undertake high-quality teaching and research in STEM areas. It is affiliated with over 80 R&D institutes, including 37 CSIR National Laboratories and 28 ICMR Institutes. AcSIR awarded 624 Ph.D. degrees in STEM in 2023, the highest among Indian educational institutions.
Seats and Date of Commencement
Twenty students will be admitted to this two-year residential course, which commences in July 2024 at WII, Dehradun. The seat distribution is as follows:
- General: 08
- OBC: 05
- SC: 03
- ST: 01
- EWS: 01
Two additional seats are reserved for in-service candidates from relevant government departments. If not filled, these will revert to the general category.
Course Fee and Scholarships
The total cost of the course is ₹6,24,000, fully sponsored by the NMCG. Students must deposit ₹1,56,000 at the start, refundable upon course completion. A one-time security deposit of ₹25,000 is also required. Fee waivers are available for EWS candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related fields, with a minimum of 15 years of formal education. The qualifying marks are 55% (or 6.0 CGPA) for General/OBC and 50% (or 5.0 CGPA) for SC/ST. Final-year students awaiting results can also apply.
Age Limit
The upper age limit is 25 years as of March 30, 2024, with a relaxation of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidates. In-service candidates have an age limit of 40 years.
Selection Process
Eligible candidates must appear for an online National Eligibility Test (NET) on May 12, 2024, covering general aptitude, knowledge, and subject-specific topics. In-service candidates with at least five years of experience are exempt from NET. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a Personality and Aptitude Test (PAT) at WII, Dehradun. Final selection is based on combined NET and PAT scores.
How to Apply?
The application process is entirely online, starting February 20, 2024, and closing March 30, 2024. Detailed instructions will be available on the WII and AcSIR websites by January 30, 2024. In-service candidates must also route their applications through their respective departments by April 30, 2024.
Important Dates
- Details of online registration and NET available: January 30, 2024
- Online registration opens: February 20, 2024
- Online registration closes: March 30, 2024
- Last date of receiving properly routed application from in-service candidates: April 30, 2024
- Online NET Exam: May 12, 2024
- Declaration of NET results: May 30, 2024
- Personality and Aptitude Test at WII, Dehradun: June 12-14, 2024
- Declaration of final result of selected candidates: June 28, 2024
- Last date for acceptance of joining the course by the selected candidates: July 15, 2024
- Reporting at WII for joining the course: July 29, 2024
- Commencement of course: August 1, 2024
For more information, visit the WII wii.gov.in or the AcSIR acsir.res.in.