BINC
Overview
BINC(BioInformatics National Certification) is an initiative of Department of Biotechnology(DBT), Government Of India in coordination with Bioinformatics Center, University of Pune. 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. In addition, those standing high up in the merit list of examination receive cash awards (Top 10 students) and research fellowships (Top 15 students) for pursuing a Ph.D. degree in the discipline of Bioinformatics and related areas in Indian universities. These certificates would serve as a trusted benchmarking for the academia and industry in recruitment.The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India has instituted this examination with an objective of certifying Bioinformatics professionals and to facilitate industries and potential employers for recruitment.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
1. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
2. Anna University, Chennai
3. West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata
4. Institute of Bioinformatics & Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore
5. North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong
6. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad.
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. Dr. Urmila Kulkarni-Kale is Coordinator, BINC at present.
Pattern of the Examination
BINC is conducted in a way as to test your bioinformatics knowledge to the core. This is the only examination in India that has 3 papers. The first paper deals with multiple choice questions. The second paper deals with short answer questions and the third paper deals with practical knowledge in bioinformatics. Only if you pass in the first paper you are allowed to appear for paper two and paper three. The cut off for first paper is 40%. Thus BINC tests your Bioinformatics knowledge thoroughly.