Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CBS), Mumbai, a joint initiative of the department of atomic energy and Mumbai University, has generated massive interest among students.
From the 3,250 aspirants who took the first entrance test in 2007, registrations have gone up to 16,000 this year. The number is expected to go up further by March 8, the last date for submitting applications.
CBS offers five-year integrated MSc programmes. The highly competitive NEST is the entry test for both CBS and National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar.
The current annual student intake for CBS is around 35 and approximately 60 for NISER.
"We have already received 16,000 applications and the number may go up to 20,000. The statistics are extremely encouraging," said Kishore Menon, officer in charge, public relations, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
Experts said the number of students taking the test has seen a gradual rise, from a little over 3,200 in 2007 to 9,600 in 2011. They attribute this to the rising popularity of basic sciences.
"Our programme debunks the perception that students are not interested in a career in science or research. With more avenues opening nationally and internationally, awareness among students has gone up tremendously. While engineering and management are still considered lucrative options, a good PhD can help you diversify and get into finance and other well-paying sectors," said Ameeya Bhagwat of CBS.
S M Chitre, chairman of the academic board of CBS, said the fact that many have left perceived lucrative vocations such as engineering and medicine to join CBS showed students are increasingly realising that science is a good option.
"More students are getting attracted to basic sciences and that is a good sign. The country requires human resources for ambitious programmes such as space, atomic power and biotechnology," he said.
Officials said students of the first batch of CBS who graduated last year were selected by top research institutes such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, TIFR, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, and Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad.
"Several factors have contributed to the net result of a huge rise in aspirants. Besides access to some of the best teachers in India, the programmes at CBS and NISER give you glimpses of challenging research you can further pursue," said Bhagwat.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/basic-science-aspirants-grow-fivefold-in-six-years/1075767/0
From the 3,250 aspirants who took the first entrance test in 2007, registrations have gone up to 16,000 this year. The number is expected to go up further by March 8, the last date for submitting applications.
CBS offers five-year integrated MSc programmes. The highly competitive NEST is the entry test for both CBS and National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar.
The current annual student intake for CBS is around 35 and approximately 60 for NISER.
"We have already received 16,000 applications and the number may go up to 20,000. The statistics are extremely encouraging," said Kishore Menon, officer in charge, public relations, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
Experts said the number of students taking the test has seen a gradual rise, from a little over 3,200 in 2007 to 9,600 in 2011. They attribute this to the rising popularity of basic sciences.
"Our programme debunks the perception that students are not interested in a career in science or research. With more avenues opening nationally and internationally, awareness among students has gone up tremendously. While engineering and management are still considered lucrative options, a good PhD can help you diversify and get into finance and other well-paying sectors," said Ameeya Bhagwat of CBS.
S M Chitre, chairman of the academic board of CBS, said the fact that many have left perceived lucrative vocations such as engineering and medicine to join CBS showed students are increasingly realising that science is a good option.
"More students are getting attracted to basic sciences and that is a good sign. The country requires human resources for ambitious programmes such as space, atomic power and biotechnology," he said.
Officials said students of the first batch of CBS who graduated last year were selected by top research institutes such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, TIFR, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, and Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad.
"Several factors have contributed to the net result of a huge rise in aspirants. Besides access to some of the best teachers in India, the programmes at CBS and NISER give you glimpses of challenging research you can further pursue," said Bhagwat.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/basic-science-aspirants-grow-fivefold-in-six-years/1075767/0
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