Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Post Graduate Diploma in Biodiversity Conservation (PGDBC) at Assam University, Silchar is a one-year full-time programme offered by the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. The programme is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in biodiversity assessment, conservation biology, wildlife management, ecosystem ecology, and environmental policy. A distinctive feature of the PGDBC is its inclusion of a 3-month practical training component, which gives students hands-on field experience in biodiversity documentation and conservation practices. With an intake of only 15 students, the programme offers an intimate learning environment with close faculty mentorship. It is particularly popular among graduates in life sciences, ecology, and environmental science who wish to pursue careers in conservation, environmental management, or research.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session were conducted through the Assam University Samarth portal, with the portal opening on 17 May 2026 and the last date for application being 25 June 2026. The first merit list was published on 9-10 July 2026, with admissions completed by 15-17 July 2026 and classes commencing from 1 August 2026. For the 2027-28 session, admissions are expected to follow a similar timeline, tentatively opening in May 2027.

Key Points

The PGDBC is offered by the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar - a UGC-recognised central university.
Duration: One year (two semesters), including a 3-month mandatory practical training component.
Seat intake is limited to 15 students per batch, ensuring personalised learning.
The practical training component provides real-world field experience in biodiversity documentation and conservation.
Curriculum covers biodiversity assessment, conservation biology, wildlife management, ecosystem ecology, remote sensing for conservation, and environmental legislation.
Admission is merit-based through the Samarth portal; no separate entrance exam is required.
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science is mandated to carry out research on biodiversity conservation and scientific management of natural resources.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Assam University PGDBC Fees

The PGDBC at Assam University is an affordable programme with fees in line with other PG diploma programmes at the university. The total fee for the programme is approximately Rs. 20,000-25,000, payable in two instalments (one per semester). The exact fee structure is notified in the official prospectus each year and is subject to revision. Candidates are advised to check the official Assam University prospectus for the current year's fee details.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Semester I	Semester II
Course / Tuition Fee	As per prospectus	As per prospectus
Examination Fee	As per prospectus	As per prospectus
Other University Charges	As per prospectus	As per prospectus
Total Fees (Full Programme)	Approx. Rs. 20,000-25,000

Fees are payable semester-wise at the time of admission/re-registration.
Reservation of seats for SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS is as per Government of India norms.
No hostel fee is included in the above; hostel accommodation is available separately on campus at approximately Rs. 25,000 per year (subject to availability).
Fee structure is subject to revision by the university for each academic session. Candidates must verify the exact fee from the official prospectus at www.aus.ac.in.

Assam University PGDBC Admission 2026

Admissions to the PGDBC programme at Assam University are conducted through the university's online Samarth admission portal. Selection is merit-based on graduation marks, with no separate entrance examination required. For 2026-27, the portal opened on 17 May 2026 with a last date of 25 June 2026. For 2027-28, admissions are expected to follow a similar timeline, tentatively opening in May 2027.

Important Dates

Event	2026-27 Dates	2027-28 (Tentative)
Admission Portal Opening	17 May 2026	May 2027
Last Date for Online Application	25 June 2026	Late June 2027
1st Merit List Publication	9-10 July 2026	July 2027
Admission of Selected Candidates	15-17 July 2026	July 2027
Commencement of Classes	1 August 2026	August 2027

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Geography, or related disciplines from a recognised university.
Minimum 45% marks in the qualifying examination are required (relaxation for SC/ST as per GoI norms).
Candidates appearing in their final year graduation examination may also apply provisionally.

Admission Process:

Visit the official Assam University admission portal: www.aus.ac.in/ausadmission.php
Register and fill in the online application form with personal and academic details.
Upload required documents (graduation marksheets, category certificate if applicable, photograph, ID proof).
Pay the application fee online (Rs. 1,000 for General/OBC; Rs. 900 for OBC-NCL/EWS; Rs. 800 for SC/ST/PWD).
Merit list is prepared based on graduation percentage; shortlisted candidates are notified.
Complete fee payment and document verification to confirm admission.

Assam University PGDBC Scholarships 2026

Students enrolled in the PGDBC programme at Assam University may avail of government scholarships available for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Post-matric scholarships from the Government of Assam are also applicable for eligible students. Given the environmental focus of the programme, students may also explore fellowships from organisations such as WWF India, Wildlife Institute of India, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Assam)	SC students from Assam	Covers tuition and maintenance allowance as per GoI norms
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST/OBC/MOBC Students (Assam)	ST/OBC/MOBC students from Assam	Covers tuition and maintenance allowance as per GoI norms
Central Sector Scholarship (NSP)	Merit-based, income criteria	Up to Rs. 20,000 per year
MoEFCC / Wildlife Institute of India Fellowships	Students pursuing conservation research	Project-based stipends and fellowships

Scholarship applications for NSP-based schemes are typically open between October and December each year via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
Students must submit valid category/income certificates at the time of admission to avail of concessions.
External fellowships from conservation organisations are competitive and require separate applications.

Assam University PGDBC FAQs

Ques. What makes the PGDBC at Assam University unique compared to other environmental science programmes?

Ans. The PGDBC is specifically focused on biodiversity conservation and includes a mandatory 3-month practical training component, which provides hands-on field experience. This distinguishes it from general M.Sc. programmes in Environmental Science. The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Assam University is mandated to carry out research on biodiversity conservation in the ecologically rich Northeast India region, giving students access to unique research opportunities.

Ques. Is the 3-month practical training paid or unpaid? Where is it conducted?

Ans. The practical training is part of the academic curriculum and is not a paid internship. It is typically conducted in field locations in and around Assam and Northeast India, which is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Students gain experience in biodiversity surveys, species documentation, habitat assessment, and conservation planning under faculty supervision.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after PGDBC from Assam University?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Wildlife Biologist, Conservation Officer, Environmental Consultant, Biodiversity Researcher, Forest Department Officer, NGO Programme Officer (conservation), and Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist. The diploma also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing M.Sc. in Ecology/Environmental Science or PhD in Conservation Biology.

Ques. Is CUET-PG required for admission to the PGDBC programme?

Ans. No, CUET-PG is not required for PGDBC admission. Admission is merit-based, determined by the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying graduation degree. Candidates apply through the Assam University Samarth portal and are selected based on their graduation marks.

Ques. Can a student from a non-science background (e.g., Geography) apply for PGDBC?

Ans. Yes, graduates in Geography are eligible to apply for PGDBC, as Geography is listed among the eligible disciplines. However, students from pure Arts or Commerce backgrounds without any science component in their graduation are generally not eligible. Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility from the official prospectus.

Ques. How competitive is admission to the PGDBC programme given only 15 seats are available?

Ans. With only 15 seats, the PGDBC is one of the most competitive diploma programmes at Assam University. Admission is based on graduation marks, so candidates with higher percentages in relevant science subjects have a better chance. Additionally, 50% of seats are reserved for candidates who graduated from Assam University affiliated colleges, which further reduces the available seats for candidates from other universities.