BINC (BioInformatics National Certification) is an initiative of Department of Biotechnology(DBT), Government Of India in coordination with Bioinformatics Center, University of Pune. However, beginning 2011, the test is now conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru University. The objective of the examination is to recognize trained manpower in the area of Bioinformatics. Currently, various Indian universities, Government and private institutions are involved in imparting courses in Bioinformatics in India. However, there exists a large variation in the course contents, training period and method of training. Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, has instituted BINC examination with an objective to evaluate the Bioinformatics knowledge & skillset of the students. This professional certification would facilitate industries and potential employers in recruiting Bioinformatics professionals. The BINC examination is conducted in the first quarter of every year. Those meeting the prescribed standards in BINC are issued a certificate of proficiency in Bioinformatics. BINC has decided to award Research fellowships to 15 BINC qualified Indian nationals to pursue Ph.D. in Indian Institutes/Universities. Note that the candidate must possess a postgraduate degree & meet the criteria of the institutes/universities in order to avail research fellowship.
Contents
History
The BINC examination was introduced in 2005 to identify and certify professionals in the area of Bioinformatics. A national coordination committee under the chairmanship of Prof. A.S.Kolaskar consisting of Bioinformatics experts from all over the country, decides the mode, frequency, syllabus, centers of examination,question paper setters, evaluators,etc. Prof. Indira Ghosh is Coordinator, BINC at present.
Frequency of the BINC Examination
BINC examination is conducted once a year in the first half of the calendar year (usually in the mid of June).
Eligibility
Graduate in Science, 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’s degree are also eligible to apply. International students are also eligible to apply. Note that successful international students will be only certified & are not eligible to claim DBT BINC fellowship.
There is no age limit to appear for the BINC examination. Also, there is no limit on the number of attempts to qualify for BINC certification. However, candidates who have cleared BINC examination in a maximum of three attempts only are eligible for BINC research fellowship, if other criteria set by host research institution are satisfied.
Pattern of the Examination
BINC is conducted in a way as to test bioinformatics knowledge to the core. The stringent testing includes 3 papers, with the syllabus consisting of four sections - Biology,Physical & Chemical Sciences,Information Technology and Bioinformatics. This includes a preliminary objective paper, on clearing which candidates can appear in the subjective second paper and finally a computer based practical exam to test practical knowledge in Bioinformatics, which is mostly programming related to bioinformatics. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Paper I.
Candidates securing 40% or above marks in Paper I are eligible to appear for Paper II and III. Candidates scoring overall 40% and above are certified. Any science graduate of any stream can appear in the exam to get certified.
University of Pune has been identified as a nodal agency by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India to coordinate this examination along with six centres. They are as follows
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Anna University, Chennai
- West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bangalore
- North Eastern Hill University, Shillong
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad.
- Kerala University, Kerala.
Qualifying BINC includes
Details of the award
Each research fellow who enrolls for the Ph.D. is entitled to a fellowship/stipend of Rs. 25,000/- per month. The fellowship amount is at par with CSIR/UGC JRFs and SRFs. In addition, the fellow is also entitled to HRA ( 30 % in metro city) and other benefits including medical allowance of Rs. 250/- per month. Fellowship would also carry a contingency grant of Rs. 30,000/- per annum. The contingency grant amount is meant for meeting the cost of minor equipment (computer peripherals/ license fees for databases and software) for the research related work of the fellow. A portion of the grant, not exceeding Rs. 10,000/- per annum, may be utilized to attend major conferences/ symposium/seminars/workshops held in India in the area related to research of the fellow.