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) Established in 2011 as an 'Institution of National Importance' (interim operations started in June, 2010), the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) has adopted the mandate to create and train some of the best of tomorrow's Science & Technology leaders through a combination of innovative and novel curricula, pedagogy and evaluation. More than 80 R&D institutes including 37 CSIR National Laboratories 28 ICMR Institutes are affiliated with AcSIR for academics/higher education. 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 – 10; 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 August 2026 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 2026-28) 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). Additionally, a onetime security deposit amount of Rs. 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 Rs. 1,56,000/- will be forfeited. Hostel accommodation will be provided to selected students depending on the availability. Eligibility Criteria Candidates having Bachelor's Degree (B.Sc. or B.Tech) (all subject/stream(s) with relevance to 'Science' discipline) or allied subjects such as Wildlife Sciences, Forestry, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Sustainable Development, Biotechnology and Environmental Science, Pharmacy, Social Science, Computer Science or degrees recognized as equivalent thereof from a recognized university by the UGC. Minimum of 15 years of formal education. 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 Thursday, 30th July 2026 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: + 91-1123232131). Age Limit Not more than 25 years as on Friday, 08th May 2026 (last date of receiving application(s) at WII) with relaxation of 3 years for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST candidates. For the inservice 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 Friday, 08th May 2026 (last date of receiving application(s) at WII). Selection Process Eligible candidates will be required to appear for National Eligibility Test (NET) to be conducted only in 'offline mode' at 05 designated Centres (Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Dehradun) on Sunday, 30th May 2026 from 1000 hrs. onward. 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, freshwater 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. The results of the NET shall be declared and hosted in the Institute's website latest by Friday, 12th June, 2026. Shortlisted candidates based on NET screening will be called for a Personality and Aptitude Test (PAT)/interview to be held only at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun on 29th & 30th June 2026. 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. Final list of selected/wait-listed candidates after conduct of PAT/interview shall be declared and hosted in the Institute's website latest by Monday, 6th July 2026 and an offer of selection shall be communicated latest by Wednesday, 08th July 2026.The selected candidates are required to positively confirm (by e-mail) their joining to the course by accepting the offer of selection on or before Monday, 20th July 2026 (17:00hrs), although it is encouraged to confirm as early as possible. Failing of acceptance to the offer of selection by the selected candidate(s) within the stipulated time period i.e. up to July 20, 2026; vacant seat(s) shall subsequently be offered to the waitlisted candidate(s). 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 conduct of NET is "Offline". All applicants including 'in-service candidates' are required to fill-in an 'Application Form' as attached vide Appendix - A and submit the same to Dr. J.A. Johnson, Course Director, 2nd M.Sc.-FWEC, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun - 248001 (Uttarakhand) by any of the mode viz., Registered Post/Speed Post/Courier/Hand 'Physical' positively by Friday, 08th May 2026 (17:30hrs). Envelope carrying application should be superscripted with title "APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION IN 2nd M.Sc. FRESHWATER ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION COURSE at WII" The application processing fees (non-refundable) of Rs. 1500/- (Rupees One thousand five hundred only) for the General Category Candidate and Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five hundred only) for OBC (non-creamy layer), SC and ST category will have to be attached as a 'Demand Draft' in favour of Director, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun - 248 001 (Uttarakhand) payable at Dehradun. Candidates will be required to fill in their personal, educational and professional experience profiles in the aforesaid Application Form and attached a recent passport size photograph, scanned copies of school certificates, Class 10th Certificate/Mark sheet, valid document for age proof, Mark-sheet of Graduation Degree (Previous/Final year), Caste Certificate (applicable for candidates seeking reservation quota & application fee concession) to be positively submitted by Friday, 08th May 2026 (17:30hrs) at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Detailed list of candidates eligible to appear for NET shall be uploaded in the institute's website latest by Friday, 15th May, 2026 and accordingly, the eligible candidates shall be issued Admit Card with having details of Examination Centre, Date and Time of NET scheduled to be conducted on to be held on Sunday, 30th May 2026. Applicants appearing in NET shall bear their own cost of travel as no TA/DA will be provided to any category of candidates. Further, applicants will make their own arrangement for stay for appearing in the 2-hour NET on Sunday, 30th May 2026. The Institute will upload the result of NET and shortlisted candidates for PAT at the Institute's website <www.wii.gov.in> latest by Friday, 12th June 2026. The PAT/ interview will be conducted through a hybrid mode (both online/offline) on 29th & 30th June 2026 (may vary depending on number of candidates). SC/ST candidates appearing PAT 'interview' at WII will be paid to and fro train fare of Sleeper Class by shortest route from their place of residence to Dehradun on production of their journey tickets. 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 Candidates appearing for PAT on 29th & 30th June 2026 shall also come prepare to make their own arrangements for stay at WII, Dehradun. Important Dates Advertisement with details for offline NET at WII and AcSIR websites. Monday, 06th April 2026 Last date of receiving application(s) at WII. Friday, 08th May 2026 Offline NET Exam at designated Regional Centres Sunday, 30th May 2026 Declaration of NET results Friday, 12th June 2026 Personality and Aptitude Test at WII, Dehradun 29th & 30th June 2026(may vary depending on number of candidates) Declaration of final result of selected candidates Monday, 06 th July 2026 Last date for acceptance of joining the course by the selected candidates Monday, 20th July 2026 Reporting at WII for joining the course Thursday, 30th July 2026 Commencement of course Monday, 03rd August 2026 Source: https://wii.gov.in/msc-course-in-freshwater-ecology-and-conservation#heading-2