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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 DelhiAnna University, ChennaiWest Bengal University of Technology, KolkataInstitute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), BangaloreNorth Eastern Hill University, ShillongUniversity of Hyderabad, Hyderabad.