The Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to science-driven and socially responsible approaches to conservation. Using an approach pivoted on scientific research into ecology and human society, NCF explores interdisciplinary approaches to conservation issues, and seeks to develop working models of conservation that are contextually relevant, socially equitable, cost-effective, and enduring.
The School for Science and Conservation at NCF invites applications from Indian nationals for admission to its doctoral programme. Initiated in 2006, NCF’s doctoral programme uses a combination of innovative coursework, personal mentorship, and field research to provide a strong and interdisciplinary academic focus for each project. The programme’s disciplinary breadth includes basic and applied ecology, evolution, behaviour, social sciences, human and political ecology, history and economics of human societies. It will equally encourage basic and applied research, although we anticipate that many projects will culminate in actual, on-ground conservation programmes. NCF is formally affiliated as a research centre with the Manipal Academy for Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, for this programme.
Interested candidates are advised to visit the profiles and learn more about the following scientists who are willing to accept students during this intake (they must indicate the names of potential supervisor (s) in the application form).
Dr. Aparajita Datta
Dr. Anand M. Osuri
Dr. Arundhati Jagadish
Dr. Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi
Dr. Rohan Arthur
Dr. Rohit Naniwadekar
Selection of candidates will be based on relevant experience, aptitude and academic merit, as applicable, and will be in line with NCF’s policy on diversity and equity. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from historically underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds .
ADMISSION PROCESS
Minimum eligibility: The candidate must have a Master’s degree in any natural or social sciences discipline with a consistently proven academic record, including a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent.
Qualifying examination: The candidate must hold valid CSIR-UGC NET (including JRF)/UGC-NET (including JRF)/GATE to be eligible. Those holding valid provisional DST-INSPIRE offer letters (for admission to research Programme) are eligible to apply and must present them at the time of interview.
Interviews: NCF will conduct a preliminary round of interview for candidates shortlisted based on their application (demonstrating eligibility and proof of qualifying examination). Those selected during the preliminary round will be invited for a more comprehensive interview before the final selection is made.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
NCF will offer fellowship support to those whose qualifying examination does not entitle them to a fellowship. The fellowship will be provided for a total of five years and follow the DST JRF/SRF scale. A modest research grant will be made available to the selected candidates upon registration at the University.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must fill this online form and attach the following document- - A single pdf with personal and academic details, Master’s degree certificate and marksheet/transcript, latest CV and copies of fellowship award letter (UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, DST INSPIRE, GATE). Please use this template for preparing the pdf.
Please note the following important dates and timeline:
Application deadline: 10th May 2025
Interviews: between 25 May to 15 June 2025
Joining date: 1 July 2025
In case of any queries, please write to phd@ncf-india.org with “Phd Admissions 2025” in the subject line.
0 Comments