National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin Admission 2025: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility

NCAAH-Cochin aims to strengthen knowledge in disease and diagnostic research and marine biotechnology in aquatic animals.  NCAAH administers a few selected courses with most directed toward higher degrees in marine science. At present, there are three full-time courses being offered by the institute; they include; M.Tech in Marine Biotechnology, Ph.D. in Marine Biotechnology, and Ph.D. in Aquatic Animal Health. Admission to these programs is strictly on the merit of a candidate's records and research potential.  The admission to the M.Tech Marine Biotechnology is based on the merit rank acquired in scores achieved at the Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology (GAT-B). The GAT-B is conducted in Faridabad at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. 

While the GAT-B test offers a platform for assessing applicants' eligibility, the successful candidates who make it to the merit list based upon their scores in GAT-B also have the opportunity to apply for admission to the M.Tech Marine Biotechnology course in NCAAH, CUSAT. If only scanty details refer to an application process for admission to the Ph.D. programs in Marine Biotechnology and Aquatic Animal Health, the high-level nature of the research program proposes that a multitude of factors will be considered in the selection process according to their academic performance, research proposal, and possibly an interview.

Application Process

The application process for NCAAH programs, especially thes one for M.Tech in Marine Biotechnology, involves the following steps:

1. GAT-B Examination: For the GAT-B examination conducted by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, candidates have to be in attendance as a prerequisite to admission.

2. GAT-B Rank: Candidates are designated GAT-B ranks, based on their performance, after the examination.

3. Application Process: Qualified candidates with GAT-B rank may then apply for admission to the M.Tech Marine Biotechnology program at NCAAH, CUSAT.

4. Document Submission: Although the specific documents required have not been stated, candidates are generally supposed to submit the following:

• Included in the application form
• GAT-B score card
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor's degree certificates and mark sheets)
• Proof of Identity and address
• Passport size photographs

5. Merit-based Selection: The final selection will be based on the candidate's GAT-B ranking.

6. Notification for Admission: Upon selection, the candidates will be intimated and asked to confirm admission along with payment of fees and document verification.

Degree-wise Admission Process

M.Tech Marine Biotechnology: The M.Tech Marine Biotechnology course by NCAAH provides an excellent two-year full-time work reward with an approved intake of 6 students. Based on such limited intake, each student gets focused attention and hands-on training. The admission procedure is set as follows:

1. All candidates are to undertake the Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology (GAT-B) exam.
2. Candidates are assigned a rank based on their performance in GAT-B.
3. Qualified candidates with GAT-B rank can apply for admission to the program of M.Tech Marine Biotechnology at NCAAH, CUSAT.
4. Final selection will be on the basis of GAT-B ranking.

Ph.D. Marine Biotechnology and Ph.D. Aquatic Animal Health: Duration of these degree programs can be extended up to six years in view of comprehensive specialization research on current areas of emerging importance in Aquatic Animal Health and in Marine Biotechnology. Specific admission details have not been provided on these Ph.D. programs, but it is commonplace for such advanced research programs to follow the general admission processes, as given below:

1. Candidates must possess a relevant master's degree.
2. Candidates may be required to submit a research proposal.
3. Selection modes may involve either written test-set or interviews to judge the candidate's understanding of research and acquaintance with the discipline.
4. Finally, selection is most likely to be based on merit on the basis of academic records, quality of research proposal, and the performance in the admission test/interview.