Bioinformatics National Certification (BINC) was instituted by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India in 2005 at Savitribai Phule Pune University, formerly University of Pune, Pune to certify bioinformatics professionals and recognizing candidate's theoretical and practical ability and fostering interdisciplinary research. Later on, it was transferred to Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and then to Pondicherry University, Puducherry. Pondicherry University conducted the BINC examination in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), New Delhi is conducting the BINC 2018 examination on behalf Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
BINC is a certification programme for graduate and post-graduate students for recognizing their exceptional bioinformatics knowledge and skills and to improve their employment opportunities. There is a growing need for trained manpower in the area of Bioinformatics. Currently, various universities and institutions, both government and private, impart Bioinformatics education in India. The qualifying candidates will be awarded a lifetime certificate. This certification would facilitate industries and potential employers in recruitment of Bioinformatics professionals having exceptionally good bioinformatics skills.
The certification under Bioinformatics National Certification (BINC) scheme is given to the candidates after three tier selection process. The successful candidates are also eligible for availing Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for pursuing Ph.D. in Bioinformatics at recognized Indian universities/institutes. The research fellowships of all BINC qualified Indian nationals are funded by DBT. BINC qualified candidates are called DBT certified Bioinformaticians while the individuals availing the fellowships are called as DBT-BINC Junior Research Fellows (DBT-BINC-JRF). Cash prize of 10,000/- each is awarded to the top 10 BINC qualifiers.
Eligibility
i) Bachelor's/Master's degree in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Agriculture, Veterinary, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering and Technology.
ii) No formal training, diploma or certificate in bioinformatics is required.
iii) Candidates in final year of Bachelor's/ Master's degree are also eligible to apply.
Syllabus
The syllabus consists of six sections - Bioinformatics, Biology, Physical Science, Chemical Science, Mathematics & Statistics, and Information Technology.
Note: Paper-III will be computer based practical and will include programming on Bioinformatics
