DBT BioInformatics National Certification Examination 2015 FAQ Frequently Asked Questions : binc.co.in Pondicherry

Organisation : Pondicherry University
Announcement : FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Examination : BioInformatics National Certification (BINC) Examination 2015

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions : binc.co.in/College/faq.aspx
Home Page : binc.co.in/College/Index_New.aspx

For Scholarship activation FAQs :
1. Fellowship must be activated within one year from the date of announcement of BINC result.
2. All applications for acceptance of fellowship must accompany with the attested photocopies of certificates by post only to be addressed to The Coordinator, BINC, Centre for Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Puducherry- 605 014.
3. Please send an acceptance letter mentioning your Reg. No., Institution/University where you appeared for the BINC and your full postal address along with email ID and telephone/mobile phone no.
4. BINC scholarship is provided to join Ph.D in Indian recognized institution/university ONLY. It cannot be used for a research project. The fellowship will be provided only after verification of duly signed and filled candidate information form received by post.
5. BINC scholarship holders must send by post their attested copies of documents and certificates.
6. Process of activation of BINC scholarship, First send your acceptance letter (as mentioned above) before 30th July then join the Ph.D in recognized Indian Institution/University before 15th March next year and send candidate information form by post.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the objective of BINC examination?
There is a growing need for trained manpower in the area of Bioinformatics. Currently, various universities and institutions, both government and private, impart Bioinformatics education in India. However, there exists a large variation in the course contents, training period and method of training. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India has instituted BINC examination with the objective of evaluating the Bioinformatics knowledge & skills of students. The qualifying candidates will be awarded a certificate. This certification would facilitate industries and potential employers in recruiting Bioinformatics professionals.
As an added incentive, DBT has decided to grant
• Cash award to the top ten candidates in the merit list.
• DBT-BINC Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-BINC-JRF) to all qualified candidates.

2. What is the minimum qualification required to appear for the BINC examination?
Bachelor degree in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Agriculture, Veterinary, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering & Technology are eligible to appear in the examination. They need not have any formal training viz., certificate, diploma or degree in Bioinformatics.
Students in final year of Bachelor & Post graduate degree are also eligible to apply. International students are also eligible to apply. Individuals possessing Ph.D. degree who intend to obtain certification in the area of Bioinformatics are also eligible.

3. Is it necessary for students with formal training in Bioinformatics (Bachelors, Masters Degree holders as well as diploma holders) to appear for this exam?
Even those with formal training in Bioinformatics are encouraged to appear for the exam since BINC certification would serve as a benchmark for the training they had received and the skills they acquired. However, no formal training in Bioinformatics at any level is mandatory to appear for the BINC examination.

4. How many attempts are permitted for BINC examination?
Currently there is no limit on the number of attempts to appear for the BINC examination. However, a maximum of three attempts are allowed to avail the DBT-BINC Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-BINC-JRF) for pursuing Ph.D. in Bioinformatics.

5. Is there any age limit to appear for BINC?
There is no age limit to appear for the BINC examination.

6. How many times is the BINC examination held every year?
At present it is held once in a year.

7. Are there any prescribed text/reference books?
There are no reference books or textbooks prescribed. Examinees are advised to refer to standard books that cover the different topics included in the syllabus prescribed for the BINC examination. Visit web link for eligibility and syllabus pondiuni.edu.in/exams/binc

8. Do you provide a sample question paper?
As of now we do not provide any sample question paper by post. However, sample questions are provided on the BINC website. https://www.pondiuni.edu.in/

9. What does qualifying the BINC examination mean? What are the advantages of qualifying BINC examination?
• Your knowledge in the area of Bioinformatics is certified by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India.
• Top ten successful candidates in the BINC merit list receive cash prizes of Rs.10,000/- each. All qualified candidates will be awarded DBT-BINC-JRF to pursue Ph.D in Bioinformatics at recognized Indian universities and institutes.

10. What is the difference between BINC certification and DBT-BINC-JRF award?
While anyone with a Bachelors degree in Science, Medicine, Engineering etc. is eligible to appear in the BINC examination and receive a certificate, the fellowships are given only to those who have a Masters degree and are enrolled in the Ph.D. programme in Bioinformatics in any recognized institute/university in India. The fellowships are awarded to eligible candidates strictly on the basis of the merit list in the BINC examination.
BINC qualified candidates would be called DBT Certified Bioinformaticians while the individuals availing the fellowship would be called as DBT-BINC Junior Research Fellows (DBT-BINC-JRF).