Campus life at Pondicherry University

Biotechnology is an application oriented subject. Coming from a microbiology background I was intrigued by seeing courses such as stem cell biology, genomics and proteomics in the curriculum. The curriculum is more or less effective in providing a round about knowledge of the real world applications in the field of biotechnology. Inclusion of summer training programme during which the masters students visit different laboratories and institutes around the country and outside is what makes it an outstanding program. During this time the students get to make connections which are helpful during their doctoral studies. Yearly workshops on entreupreship, field visit to industries provides clarity to the students in choosing academia or industry in their future. Throughout the semester internal examinations are conducted to test our performance followed by a final end semester examination.

Students are encouraged to go for summer internships during their second semester. Both paid and unpaid internships are available. Some institutes such as IIT MADRAS, IISER Pune offer stipend to the interns. Projects include identification of tumour markers using diagnostic tools such as IHC.

Admission fees along with tuition fees charged was 26000 rupeees. Additional hostel and mess fees of approximately 10k was charged. Hostel accommodation is free for female candidates. Semester 2 - 3.5k Semester 3- 13.5k Semester 4- 13.5k All Msc. Biotechnology students admitted through GAT-B exam receive a monthly fellowship of 5k from DBT, GOVT OF INDIA. Upon completing summer internship DBT provides an additional fellowship based on the tenure of internship.

Pondicherry university campus celebrates all festivals pertaining to all religion and culture. A wide range of academic fiction as well as non fiction books are available in the library. Reading Hall can also be availed on holidays. A Central instrumentation facility consisting of most high end equipments are available with zero to minimal charges for the university students.

A spacious room is provided for 3 inmates having three tables chairs... Cupboard and selves. The quality of food at the mess is average sometimes below average. The registration process for hostel accommodation is at times cumbersome. Lack of network coverage is a major issue if one is visiting the campus for the time during registration.

Msc Biotechnology admission at Pondicherry University is based on the score obtained in national level examination GAT-B organised by RCB, GOVT. OF INDIA. This examination is held once a year. There are atleast 60 participating institutes including agricultural institutions. Eligibility criteria includes having a bachelor's degree in any field of life sciences with alteast 60 % for general candidates. Different participating institutes may have varying eligibility requirements. The difficulty level of the examination is medium to high. An improvement that i would like to suggest is to conduct a centralized counseling procedure as it is tedious for students to apply to each and every participating institutes.