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 M.Sc. Course in Wildlife Science at the Institute 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 caliber, motivation and having passion for wildlife and conservation are selected for the two-year residential course. The course is currently affiliated with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR).

ABOUT ACADEMY OF SCIENTIFIC AND INNOVATIVE RESEARCH (AcSIR)

The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) is an Institution of National Importance, established by an Act of Parliament (AcSIR Act, 2011) and notified in the Gazette of India on April 3, 2012.

AcSIR is dedicated to fostering world-class research and training in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical research (STEMM). It leverages the extensive infrastructure and expertise of 82 associated research institutes, including National Institutes of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), etc. 

Research at AcSIR spans various faculties such as Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Medical Research, Physical Sciences, Mathematical and Information Sciences, and interdisciplinary areas. By fostering scientific talent and driving cutting-edge research, AcSIR aims to significantly contribute to India's scientific and societal progress.

AcSIR has several academic collaborations with reputed International Universities to facilitate student mobility and exchange programs. It currently has joint Ph.D. programs (Cotutelle) with three International Institutions: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (Australia), University of Western Australia (Australia), and Deakin University (Australia), as well as two National Institutions: National Institute of Ayurveda (Jodhpur) and Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (Jamnagar). Besides, AcSIR has signed MoUs with the University of Turku (Finland) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, Japan) for mutual exchanges of scientists and students, short-term training programs, and joint research projects.

As on January 31st, 2025, ~1200 Masters and 5013 Ph.D. students have already graduated from AcSIR. Currently, with about 7000 Ph.D. Students on its rolls in Science, Engineering and Medical Research, AcSIR is the largest institution of Doctoral education in India and has awarded 831 Ph.D. degrees in the year 2024 in STEM. The NIRF Ranking by the Ministry of Education ranked AcSIR at 11th position in ‘Research Institutions’ category in 2024. As per Nature Index Rankings, AcSIR occupies the 11th rank among Universities in India and 11th rank in SCImago ranking (2024) among educational Institutes in India. As per the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) 2024, AcSIR has achieved a position in the top 3.9% globally and has secured the 9th rank nationally.

AcSIR is committed to shaping the next generation of Science and Technology leaders through cutting-edge curricula, innovative, teaching methods, and rigorous evaluation processes. Its mission is to foster research opportunities in emerging and inter-disciplinary fields that are often underrepresented in traditional academic institutions across India.

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: General Candidates - 08; OBC Candidates– 03; SC Candidates - 02; ST Candidate - 01; Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) – 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, 2025 at Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani campus, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

COURSE FEE AND SCHOLARSHIPS:

The Course Fee for the entire course is: Indian Nationals – approx. INR 6,00,000/ and Foreign Nationals – approx. US $ 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: General - 03; OBC – 02, SC - 01; ST – 01 and EWS - 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 10,000 INR and the course fee in four equal instalments (of ~1,50,000 INR for Indian Nationals and ~3500 US $ for Foreign Nationals) prior to commencement of each semester

ELIGIBILITY:

(a)    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.
(b)    Minimum of 15 years of formal education (either 10+2+3 or 11+2+2).
(c)    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. However, they need to provide their Consolidated Marksheet/ Graduation Pass Certificate/ Provisional Degree Certificate prior to the registration in the course at AcSIR as soon as the concerned university issues to the above or relevant certificates but before October 2025

The OBC candidates who belong to “Creamy Layer” are not entitled for relaxation admissible (such as Age relaxation) to OBC category and will be treated as General candidates. The OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates are required to submit requisite certificate in prescribed format of Government of India, from a Competent Authority issued in the current year. The name of the caste and community indicated in the OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate must appear in the Central list of Other Backward Classes which can be found at http://bit.ly/2iz3OJQ. The EWS candidates need to submit all necessary documents as per the Government notice during submission/interview.

The minimum qualifying marks to become eligible to appear for the written examination is 50 percent in aggregate at the field of study mentioned in the eligibility section for general category and OBC candidates (both Indian and foreign nationals) and 45 percent in aggregate for SC/ST candidates.

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). The Institute will facilitate obtaining the degree equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi and eligibility certificate for AcSIR. However, final decision by them in the matter of equivalence/eligibility will be binding on the applicant. 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 01.01.2024. A minimum TOEFL Score of 213 (computer based), 550 (paper based), or 79 (internet based), or minimum of 6.0 IELTS score is required.

AGE LIMIT:

Not more than 25 years as on March 31, 2025 (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 in Forest and Wildlife Departments, and Foreign Candidates, the age limit is 35 years as on March 31, 2025 (closing date of application).

SELECTION PROCESS:

Indian Candidates:

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. In case of equal marks in NET and PAT, the following criteria shall be adopted for taking admission in the course:

(i) Preference will be given to the candidates who have higher aggregate percentage of marks in the graduation level.
(ii) In case the candidates have equal marks in the above stated examination then the candidate senior in age will be given preference.
The selected Indian nationals including wait-listed candidates are required to confirm their joining in the course i.e. acceptance of selection offer within the stipulated time after declaration of results by email, although it is encouraged to confirm as early as possible. Accordingly, the waitlisted candidates in appropriate lists 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 in case of Self Sponsored candidates.

Foreign Candidates:

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 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)

HOW TO APPLY:

Indian Candidates:

1. 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/). The online registration process will be open from February 14 – March 31, 2025. 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.
2. All in-service candidates are required to register online and route their applications (after successful online registration, application submission and payment of fees) through proper channel to the Course Director, XXI M.Sc. Wildlife Science Course, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248001 (Uttarakhand) by Registered Post. However, they may send an advance copy for preliminary consideration. Envelope containing application of in-service candidate being sent through proper channel should be marked “APPLICATION OF IN-SERVICE CANDIDATE FOR XXI M.SC. WILDLIFE SCIENCE COURSE”.
3. 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 certificate/ valid passport as age proof, marksheet of Graduation degree (Previous/Final year), caste certificate (applicable for candidates seeking reservation quota). Candidates will make the payment of non-refundable application processing fee (Rs. 1500/- only for General candidates and Rs. 1000/- only for Reserved candidates) through the prescribed “Payment Gateway”.
4. The entrusted online agency will issue “Admit Card” to eligible candidates which can be downloaded from weblink 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. Applicants will make their own arrangement for travel and accommodation for appearing in the 2-hour online NET.
5. The Institute will upload the result of NET and shortlisted candidates for PAT i.e. those are being called for interview at WII, Dehradun on its website.

Foreign Candidates:

1. Foreign candidates will be required to fill in their personal, educational profiles online besides uploading a recent passport size photograph, scanned copies of passport with a validity period till 2027, school leaving certificate, reference letters from two persons, proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score (if applicable).
2. All eligible foreign candidates are required to pay an application processing fee of US$ 100 or equivalent. The amount can be transferred electronically to WII account. The e-banking details are: Union Bank of India; Beneficiary - Director, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun; Account Number - 518502010000010; IFSC Code - UBIN0551856; Swift Code - UBININBBDER; Purpose - M.Sc. Wildlife Science Application Fee. Details of e-banking/fee transfer need to be mentioned in application. In case of “in-service” foreign nationals, applicants need to route application through proper channel after online registration to reach WII.
3. Foreign candidates are advised to follow the latest updates on the WII’s website (http://www.wii.gov.in/latest-events) for online registration of applicants, submission of application, etc.
4. The result of selected foreign candidates will be hosted on WII’s website and selected students will also be informed by email. Selected students have to confirm sponsoring/funding support so as to process their applications for seeking the Government of India’s approval from security and political angles. This would ultimately facilitate in obtaining “Study Visa”. In the event of failure/no confirmation of sponsorship, the Institute would offer the seat to the waitlisted foreign applicant or to Indian applicant.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Director, WII reserves the right to re-schedule the NET/PAT in case of foreign nationals and/or change the test centre at his sole discretion, without assigning any reasons thereof, and as warranted by the circumstances.

2. Director, WII reserves the exclusive right to reject any application without assigning any reasons thereof.

3. Candidates belonging to the SC, ST and OBC category should submit a caste certificate from the competent authority at the time of PAT, failing which they will not be allowed to appear in the interview. The OBC Certificate should not be more than one year old.

4. All selected students (Indian as well as foreign nationals) are required to arrive at Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India on July 30, 2025 and report at the Institute during office hours (0900-1730 hrs).

5. Candidates/Applicants will send all correspondence related to admission to Academic Officer (Telephone: +91-135-2646116, Fax: + 91-135-2640117, E- mail: oao@wii.gov.in) with a copy to Course Director (Telephone: +91-135- 2646343, E-mail: skg@wii.gov[dot]in Associate Course Director (Telephone: +91-135-2646303, E-mail: anukul[at]wii[dot]gov[dot]in )

6. If any candidate has been found at any stage to have furnished wrong information or deliberately suppressed any relevant information, his/her candidature/ admission will be rejected/ cancelled as soon as it comes to the notice of either WII or the University concerned.

Dr. S. K. Gupta
Course Director
XXI M.Sc. Course in Wildlife Science
Telephone: +91-135-2646343,  E-mail: skg[at]wii.gov.in

Contact Person:
Academic Officer, Wildlife Institute of India
Chandrabani, Dehradun - 248 001, Uttarakhand, India
Telephone: +91-135-2646116, Fax: + 91-135-2640117
E-mail: oao[at]wii.gov.in