Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I am currently pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, am I eligible?

No. As mentioned under eligibility, we are only considering current PhD scholars and early career ecologists who have recently completed their doctoral studies. Please do not email us requesting that we reconsider or request to volunteer. Our decision on eligibility is final.

2. I have completed my Master's degree or integrated BS-MS degree. Am I eligible for the course?

No. Even if you are looking to join a PhD program in the near future, you are ineligible. Please do not email us requesting that we reconsider or request to volunteer. Our decision on eligibility is final. If, however, you have secured a PhD offer, please refer to Question No.3 of FAQ.

3. I have been accepted into a PhD program but won't start until later. Am I eligible?

Yes. Please provide details of the acceptance by merging it with your CV/Resume. Also mention in your Statement of Interest that you have been selected. Your letter of support must be from your future supervisor that clearly mentions your acceptance and start date.

4. I have finished my PhD, but am currently working as an independent researcher and not affiliated with any institute. Can I apply?

Yes.

5. My current work does not align with the focal theme of the advertised course. Will I be selected?

Depends. Applicants who are already working in the theme of the course will be strongly preferred. You have to strongly justify why you should be considered for the course even though your interests differ from the focal theme of the course in the statement of interest. 

6. I have applied before but was not selected. Can I apply again?

Yes. 

7. I have participated in the previous course. Am I still eligible to apply? 

Yes. But, priority will be given to those who haven't been selected before.

8. I made a mistake in the form. What should I do?

Please be careful when filling out the form and avoid mistakes. In case a mistake is made, reach us by email and provide details.

9. What should be on my CV/Resume that I upload?

The following are absolutely essential - (i) previous experience with field-based ecology if any, (ii) degrees completed and currently pursuing with start and end dates including PhD, (iii) details of current research (this is important even if you are just starting off PhD since a general theme is already known to you), (iv) other activities (workshops or conference attended, volunteer work carried out) that help us understand your suitability for the course, (v) list of publications. Feel free to include anything else that can be useful to assess your suitability based on your discretion.

10. What language should the writing sample be in?

The writing sample submitted must be in English only. 

11. Who can provide the letter of support?

If you are currently pursuing a PhD then only your supervisor/guide can provide the letter. If you have completed your PhD, the letter could be provided by your thesis supervisor, head of the department you are currently employed at, current mentor under whom who might be a Post-Doc, senior collaborator, thesis advisory committee members, to name a few. You can check with us by email if you are unsure.

12. What should I write in my “Statement of interest”?

We evaluate the content/substance of this text and not the quality of language used - so use your natural personal writing style to draft this text.

We assume that most applicants have had to write such statements before and are therefore generally aware of what should be included. Nevertheless, here are some pointers (i) the text should outline why and how attending the course will be beneficial to your research - more specifics the better, vague statements are unhelpful to assess (ii) avoid providing a personal statement of why you chose this field of research OR your journey in research so far OR your interests. There are various resources online to help anyone drafting this statement, which we encourage applicants to read when in doubt. We are strongly against the use of agents like Claude/ChatGPT/Gemini to generate this text. 

13. Is travel bursary guaranteed?

No. We provide it on a need basis and when carefully justified. Applicants with any fellowship/scholarship/employment (JRF/SRF/Post-Doc/Research Assistant) are not eligible for this bursary. If you are seeking financial support for travel, please ensure your letter of support has adequate information to justify it.

14. How will I know if I have been selected?

Course results will be announced on our webpage and our social media account will have a post to inform that results are available. We contact all selected participants by email, and try to reach them by phone if needed. Applicants who are not selected will not receive an email. 

15. Is participation mandatory for the entire duration of the course?

Yes. Exceptions can be made for health and other personal circumstances.

16. I was not selected and feel the decision is unfair.

We understand the frustration of not being selected. Several factors are considered in our selection process which can make it seem that the decision is unclear. But, we take strong measures to ensure fair selection. Due to the large volume of applications, competition is intense. Please apply again for a suitable course in the future. Also, please reflect on whether changes are needed in your application for a future course. 

17. I am not satisfied with the results and want to appeal it. What should I do?

Our decision is final. We do not have a mechanism to appeal it.

18. Can I get feedback on my application form?

Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback. 

19. Can a relative or friend accompany me for the course if I’m selected?

No. We will not be able to accommodate anyone else apart from the selected candidate.

20. I want to stay outside but close to the venue by making my own arrangements. Is that allowed?

No. All selected participants must stay at the designated area for the entire duration of the course.

21. I still have some doubts about the form. What should I do?

Reach us by email (indicaschool@ncbs.res.in) so we can help you out.

                                           This initiative is generously funded by