Aspirants who dream of landing a career in the field of atomic science can now apply for science/ engineering/technology training and subsequent appointment as scientific officers at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which comes under the aegis of the Department of Atomic Energy. The online registration for both schemes could be done until January 30. For further details, log into www.barcocesexam.in.

1. Schemes
   OCES: This is a one-year orientation course (2014 – 25) offered to BTech graduates or post-graduates with specialisation in science subjects. The candidates could undergo training at the five BARC schools in the country. Those who complete the program by scoring at least 50% marks will be appointed as scientific officers at the twelve centres of the Department of Atomic Energy. They may be considered for appointment to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) too. Meanwhile, the candidates who perform up to a prescribed standard will be awarded a PG Diploma degree. Candidates who excel will be given opportunities to enrol for the MTech course at the Homi Bhabha National Institute.
2. DGFS: DAE Graduate Fellowship that lasts for two years (2024 – 26) would be awarded to BTech graduates who excel in the selection–interview processes. They should have already enrolled for the MTech course at prescribed institutes/ programs. Selected candidates would get a tuition fee for two years, a monthly stipend of Rs 55,000, a yearly grant of Rs 4 lakh and a special grant of Rs 4 lakh for the project suggested by the Department of Atomic Energy. Besides, they would be appointed as scientific officers when they complete the course.

During the training period, candidates in both schemes would get a monthly stipend of Rs 55,000. Besides, OCES candidates would get Rs 18,000 additionally as textbook allowance.

Eligibility
Applicants should have passed a BTech degree or integrated MTech in any one of the eight engineering streams with an aggregate of at least 60% marks. Those who have an MSc in prescribed science subjects including Physics or equivalent technical qualification too can apply. Meanwhile, candidates who wish to apply based on the GATE score need to submit the scores of the subject in the eligibility exam in 2022/2023/2024.

Selection process
The selection procedures for both schemes are similar. There are two stages in the selection procedure:

1. The primary selection would be based on the GATE score in the desired subject in 2022/2023/2024 or the marks scored in the test conducted by BARC on 16 and 17 March.
2. Those who qualify for the first round will be invited for the interview round in May – June. The final selection would be based only on the performance of the candidate in the interview round.

During the training period, the candidates need to stay at the hostel allotted by the Department of Atomic Energy. The candidates would be appointed as Group A scientific officers with an initial salary of Rs 20,000 and other allowances. All the candidates should sign a service contract of three years at the beginning of the training period itself.

BTech graduates who excel in the training program can enrol for the MTech program at the Homi Bhabha National Institute. Meanwhile, those who are in the science streams can enrol for the PG Diploma courses. Moreover, scientific officers could apply for the PhD programs. The applicants in this scheme may be directly appointed at the Institute of Plasma Research.

PhD in TIFR
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research invites applications for the selection of PhD candidates in cell biology and neuro genetics until 20 January. The applicants should be CSIR – UGC NET/ DBT – BET/ ICMR JRF holders or should have scored a higher score of 5 percentile in GATE Biology/ Chemistry/Pharmacy streams. Applications can be submitted online via https://tinyurl.com/5xtm2719. The interview rounds will be held from 5 – 7 February. Meanwhile, the programs begin on 1 April. For details log into https://www.tifr.res.in/dbs/Mid-termPhD/Mid-termPhD_2023.html. In case of any doubts mail to dbsaadmissions@tifr.res.in.