ACBR - Delhi University

Degree | Conduct | Special Academic Program | Ordiance

Selection Procedure For M.Sc. & M.Sc.-Ph.D. Combined Degree

Applications for the admission to the postgraduate programs are invited through advertisement in major national newspapers in January/ February/ March every year. Application forms are distributed to interested candidates on payment of an application fees, and the filled in application forms are to be sent to the Director, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 for further processing. The entrance exam will be held on first Saturday of June each year and interviews & discussion of the short-listed candidates will take place on the very next day i.e. Sunday. The teaching will start from 16 th July.

Candidates seeking admission to the M.Sc./M.Sc.-Ph.D. combined degree courses have to undertake (1) written test & (2) Interview and group discussion.

Written test: An objective (multiple choice questions) test consisting of 200 questions will be administered.

The written test will comprise 2-parts. Part I will comprise reasoning test, general awareness, data interpretation and test of English language. Part II will comprise of questions from Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Genetics, Immunology, Biotechnology, Medicine, Pharmacy and other allied sciences.

Written test will be of 800 marks and 3 hrs duration.

Performance in written test will be sole basis for short-listing candidates for interview & group discussion. For each vacancy in different categories, 7 candidates will be called for interview & group discussion. The Interview will carry 100 marks, while group discussion and academic record will be of 50 marks each.

All admissions will be made in order of merit, within the course requirements, category-wise and subject to the number of seats available. Merit will be decided by the total marks secured in written test, interview and group discussion (i.e. out of 1000 marks).

The distribution of academic marks is as under:-

Percentage of marks obtained in class 12th		Weightage
a.	More than or equal to 90%	50
b.	Less than 90% or equal to 80%	40
c.	Less than 80% or equal to 60%	30
d.	Less than 60%	20

General Important Points

1. No relaxation in the minimum eligibility conditions is permissible.

2. Rounding of fraction of marks is not permissible.

3. In case of total marks ( e ntrance + g roup d iscussion + Interview + Academic Marks) being same, rank in the e ntrance e xamination is taken into account in deciding the final position on the merit list. In case, both the above are same, the d ate of b irth shall be taken into account (senior will be benefited) for deciding the final position on the merit list.

4. No student shall be denied admission on the basis of gap period.

Reservations/Relaxation

1.	15 % of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates.
2.	7.5% of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates.
3.	3% seats are reserved for the physically challenged candidates.
4.	5% of the seats are reserved for Children/Widows of the Officers and men of Armed Forces including paramilitary personnel killed/disabled during the hostilities.
5.	Relaxation of 5% marks in the minimum eligibility will also be allowed to categories of SC/ ST/ Physically Challenged candidates and Children/Widows of the Officers and men of Armed Forces including paramilitary personnel killed/ disabled during the hostilities.

Reservation of Seats for Scheduled Caste/Tribe Candidates

1.	15% of the total number of seats is reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste.
2.	7½ % of the total number of seats is reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes.
3.	Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes shall be allowed concession of 5% in the minimum marks in the minimum eligibility requirements.
4.	If sufficient number of such candidates is not forthcoming, the seats reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe shall be filled up by other candidates with the specific prior approval of the University.
5.	The candidates are required to bring the SC/ST certificate issued in their own name from an approved District Authority stating the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, to which the candidate belongs. A list of approved authorities is given below-

•	District Magistrate/ Additional District Magistrate/ Collector/Deputy Commissioner /Addl. Deputy Commissioner/ Deputy Collector/1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/ City Magistrate (not below the rank of 1 st Class Stipendiary Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate)/Taluka Magistrate/Executive Magistrate/ Extra Assistant Commissioner.
•	Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Presidency Magistrate.
•	Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar.
•	Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the Candidate and/or his/her family normally resides.
•	Administrator /Secretary to Administrator/Development Officer ( l ocative and m inicoy i slands)

Reservation of Seats for other b ackward Classes (OBC)

The University will abide by the directions of the Ministry of Human Resource Development as and when received.

Reservation for Armed Forces

1.	5% seats for Children/Widows/Wives of the Officers and Men of the Armed Forces including Para-Military Personnel, killed/disabled during hostilities and who die on duty.
2.	The candidates under this category shall be allowed concession of 5% marks in the minimum eligibility requirements. Their provisional candidature is subject to production of entitlement card from the competent authority.
3.	In order to become eligible for the above concessions, the Children/ Widows/Wives of the Officers and Jawans etc. will be required to submit the certificate of educational concessions (in original) from anyone of the following authorities:
	Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, Delhi. Secretary, Rajya/Zila Sainik Board Officer-in-Charge, Record Office First-Class Stipendiary Magistrate
4.	In case sufficient number of eligible candidates mentioned above is not available, the vacancies will be treated as unreserved in the respective categories.

Reservation of Seats for Physically Challenged Candidates

1.	3% seats are reserved for the physically challenged candidates for admission.
2.	The candidates under this category shall be allowed concession of 5% marks in the minimum eligibility requirements. Their provisional admission is subject to their medical examination by the University Health Center.

The modalities for admission are as under:-

The 3% reservation may be allocated as follows: 1% for persons with low vision or blindness; 1% for hearing impaired; 1% for those with loco motor disabilities and/or cerebral palsy. However, if sufficient candidates are not available in a subcategory then candidates from other sub-categories should be considered.

In case of candidates with more than one type of reservation this reservation shall cut across the existing reservations of SC/ST; children/widows/ wives of officers and men of armed forces including paramilitary forces killed/disabled in action or those who died/disabled on duty, etc. in accordance with the principle of interlocking reservations. In other words, there will be sub-reservations for physically disabled candidates in each reserved category, thus a disabled SC/ST candidate would have preference over an able-bodied SC/ST candidate.

Note:

It is clarified that there is no bar to a candidate seeking admission under the physically handicapped category to seek admission either under the General Category or any other reserved category if the candidate, is otherwise eligible and entitled to take the benefit of any other reservation.

3.	If a sufficient number of candidates are not available under the reserved categories then their seats may be filled with general category candidates.
4.	The application form should be accompanied by a certificate of physical disability issued by a duly notified Medical Board of a District/ Government Hospital set up for examining the physically challenged candidates under the provisions of the Persons with Disability (equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Act 1995. The certificate should indicate the extent of (i.e. percentage) of the physical handicap and it should bear the photograph of the candidate concerned and it should be counter signed by one of the Doctors constituting the Board issuing the certificate.
5.	The admission of the Physically Challenged Candidates (3%) shall be subject to their medical examination and appropriate recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer, WUS Health Centre (Main Campus). In all cases, separate merit lists will be made for disabled candidates under the 3% quota. However, if the number of applicants for a course/institution exceeds the quota, a priority list of candidates will be prepared taking into account:
	a. Marks obtained in the qualifying examination for admission and
	b. Severity of the disability

Notes:

a. In the event of any doubt either by the University authorities or by the Head of the Institution/ Department/ Principal of the College as to the genuineness of the certificate or the extent of the disability of the candidate concerned or in regard to the entitlement of the candidate to seek admission under the category of physically disabled candidates, it is open to the University authorities/the Principal of the College to refer the candidate to a Medical Board to be constituted by the University and/or take such other steps as may be required to ascertain the correct facts and entitlement of the candidate concerned and if it is found that the candidate is not eligible or entitled under this category, cancel the admission after issuing a show cause notice to the candidate concerned giving him 15 days time to reply.

b. The candidate would give a declaration to the effect that information furnished in the application form and the documents annexed to the same and information contained therein are true and correct and that in the event of the same being found to be incorrect in any respect his/her admission is liable to be cancelled, in addition to any other action that may be taken against him/her.

Note:

Marks obtained in the qualifying exams being same, priority will be given to candidate whose disability is more severe, e.g. complete loss of vision over partial loss of vision OR loss of a complete limb over loss of a few fingers etc.

1. The Delhi University Disabilities Committee shall strictly monitor the implementation of the provision of the reservation in all constituent /affiliated Colleges/Departments/Institution of the University of Delhi.

Grievances regarding admissions under reservation for persons with disabilities should be reported to the Dean Students' Welfare, who will convene a meeting of the Grievance Committee set up for the purpose.

Admission of Foreign Students

1.	Foreign students seeking admission are required to apply directly to Foreign Students Advisor, Foreign Students Registry, Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, who will arrange for their admission.
2.	Foreign students who are stationed in India and have passed last examination from Board/ University in India may seek admission on the basis of the merit along with other students after obtaining n o o bjection c ertificate from the Foreign s tudents Advisor.
3.	Foreign National having qualifying degree from foreign Universities are exempted from the entrance Test requirements.

Certificates and other documents required at the time of filling of form

For M.Sc. & M.Sc.-Ph.D. Program

Copies of marksheets are not required to be submitted along with the Application Form. The Candidates who have passed their qualifying examinations from Universities outside India are required to enclose the photocopy of certificates and mark-sheets of examinations passed by them along with the application form. In case the certificates/mark-sheets are in a language other than English, the English version of such documents duly attested should also be enclosed.

For Ph.D. Program

a.	Testimonials from two persons one of whom should be a former teacher of the applicant.
b.	A complete list of subjects/ papers taken by the candidate for the certificates/ degrees along with two attested copies of the statement of marks obtained by the candidate in Senior School Certificate (10+2) or its equivalent examination, Bachelor's and Master's marks-sheet and degree.
c.	A copy of at least one of the published papers of the candidate, if any, which he/she considers to be the most representative of his/her intellectual interest and ability.
d.	A brief note (one copy) stating the candidate's specialized area of interest in research, if any, and his future professional goals, and such other additional information that may help his/her selection to the program of study.

Fee Structure

The fee for M.Sc.-Ph.D. combined degree course and M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences is payable in three installments every year. The approximate annual fee is Rs. 15,000/-. The fee payable at the time of admission is Rs. 7,000/- approximately. Examination fees is payable separately.

Refund of Fees

1. If a student withdraws his/ her admission on or before 16 th of August, an amount of Rs. 1000/- shall be deducted.

2. Thereafter, only Library/ Security deposit shall be refunded.

Freeship

Limited number of free student-ships are also available for the needy and deserving students as per University rules.

Students Aid

Liberal financial assistance is available from Government of India, Government of Delhi, Financial Institutions including Banks for the economically weaker sections of Society including SC/ ST/Backward Classes and Physically Handicapped students. Students belonging to the above categories and those who are not in receipt of any scholarship/ fellowship or financial assistance from any other sources are eligible to apply for financial assistance directly to the concerned agencies through the Director, ACBR.

Ph.D. Program

The Doctoral program of the ACBR is for those students who intend to join the Ph.D. program after completing their Master's degree, in various fields of life sciences, medical and chemical sciences. It provides an excellent opportunity for highly self motivated, independent minded young scholars to acquire superb academic training at ACBR, which may involve collaboration with participating faculty at IGIB, INMAS or DIPAS.

It is also expected that all the Ph.D students will qualify UGC-CSIR NET examination. Some of the needy students are eligible to apply for teaching/research assistantships available with the research institute. Satisfactory progress in advanced study and research is a minimum requirement for award/ the continuation of fellowship/assistantship. Once selected for Ph.D. programme at ACBR, the procedure as laid down by the university is followed. When a student feels ready to begin thesis work, the students ask one or, in some cases, two faculty members with whom he or she would like to be associated, to act as research supervisor(s). In granting the request, the research supervisors make clear the mutual responsibility and commitment underlying the collaboration.

Courses, Seminars, and Independent Study

Each student of Ph.D is expected to undertake intensive review and further study in those areas of science that are of special interest. The students are encouraged to take up appropriate courses and attend seminars held at the Centre. The approach to doctoral education demands initiative, self-discipline, and personal responsibility.

Laboratory Experience

Students of experimental sciences usually find it advantageous to begin part-time laboratory research in their first year under the guidance of a faculty member. Such experience, an essential part of graduate education in this University, helps the student to develop skills that open the way to independent research and detailed knowledge in an area of current research.

Assessment of Academic Progress

At the provisional registration an Advisory Committee is nominated by the Director including the thesis supervisor for each Ph.D student. The purpose is to determine whether a student has acquired sufficient understanding of a particular area of science to continue studies independently. For the student who sets high standards, these evaluations are checkpoints that confirm a developing ability to communicate effectively with other scientists. All students are requested to submit quarterly reports on their academic and research activities. The progress of each student is evaluated half yearly through written reports from faculty members with whom he or she has worked in seminars, courses, tutorials, and research.

The advanced degree for Ph.D. is awarded when the candidate has completed significant experimental or theoretical research and has reported the results of this research in a written thesis acceptable to the University as per ordinance VI-B, related to the Ph.D. course in Delhi University. The student presents the thesis work in an open lecture and is also required to pass an oral examination that is based on the thesis research and the related areas of science. Usually, all work toward the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy will be completed within a maximum of five years after registration.

Application Procedure for Ph.D. Programme

Students who have recently received the Master's degree in Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Veterinary Sciences, Biotechnology, Toxicology, Cell Biology, Medical Sciences & Anatomy, Zoology, Botany, Physiology etc. or in medicine, may apply.

An applicant should submit all the documents listed below; there is an application form needed to be filled up. Although there is no absolute deadline for submission of applications, candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications by April / May every year (as per the advertisement). Later applicants may find the limited number of openings already filled.

1. A personal letter from the applicant in which the candidate describes academic background, research experience, career goals, and specific reasons for wanting to do Ph.D. work at this University. Candidates should include mailing addresses and telephone numbers so that they may be informed periodically of the status of their applications. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged.

2. Letters of recommendation from two or more sponsors who can assess the applicant's potential for a career in research. In order to make an informed judgment of the suitability of a prospective student for appointment as a research fellow of the ACBR, sponsors should become acquainted with its doctoral program.

3. Copy of the official transcripts of all-undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies, including summer school.

4. Applicants are encouraged to take the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by UGC/CSIR. All the documents should be submitted to

The Director,
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research
University of Delhi, Delhi - II 0 007

On the basis of these documents, screening is done, short listed applicants have to appear before a selection committee. The number of students selected will depend on the number of vacancies available with each faculty as per the university guideline. If approved by the UGC, fellowship as per rules may be awarded. All Research Fellows are expected to spend full time (12 months per year) on their doctoral work and may not undertake any remunerative employment without authorization by the Director. A reasonable vacation as per rules of University will be permissible. Prospective students who have been awarded fellowships from other sources will also be accepted for doctoral study, and the procedures for application are identical. NET qualified students will be preferred.