SACON Coimbatore Admission 2026: Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Cutoff & Application Form

Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) located in Coimbatore is a well-established institute for the study of birds and ecology as an entire area of research. This institute offers postgraduate and research programmes at the apex in avian science and its related subjects. The institution has a unique SACON admission process that selects students who have a passion and aptitude for ornithology and natural history.

SACON admission process is of high standards and intensity and very competitive, given the nature of the courses offered. The present institute evaluates applicants based on their academic records and proposals for research.

The application process for admission to various SACON programmes involves several steps:

• SACON normally places its admission cycle on its official website. The interested candidates probably need to visit the website frequently in search of updates.
• Complete the online SACON application form as instructed on the SACON website. Likely, the form will include personal details as well as information about academic qualifications and other relevant information.
• The application form is accompanied by submission of other required documents that may include:
• Some candidates would be asked to pay application fees. The amount and mode of payment will be mentioned in the application form.
• Depending on the programme, SACON may conduct an entrance examination for candidates to test their knowledge in relevant subjects.
• The shortlisted candidates are called for interview, especially in research programmes, in a bright future. In this way, the faculty can understand their research interests, motivations and potential.
• SACON will select the candidate on the basis of the performance in the entrance examination (if applicable), interview, and applications overall. Offer letters will be issued to successful candidates.
• The selected candidate, after obtaining the offer, has to accept it within the stipulated time frame and complete the process of enrollment, including paying required fees and submitting additional documents.

SACON offers three full-time programmes at the postgraduate and doctoral research levels namely: Ph.D in Ornithology and Natural History; M.Phil in Ornithology and Natural History; and M.Sc in Ornithology and Conservation Biology. Each programme has eligibility criteria and admissions requirements as per the respective programme.

The institute currently has three full-time programmes at the postgraduate and research-taught level. Students can check the course details mentioned below

SACON Ph.D. Admission Process

Ph.D. in Ornithology and Natural History: This doctoral programme caters for those who would like to engage in advanced research in ornithology and natural history. It is expected of most applicants to hold a master's degree in a relevant discipline. The admission procedure involves evaluation of the research proposal and academic background of the candidate. Some may also get interviewed to judge the research potential and alignment of the candidate with SACON research areas.

SACON M.Phil. Admission Process

M.Phil. in Ornithology and Natural History: This programme serves to students who want to get specialised in ornithology and natural history at postgraduate level. Admission into this Programme usually requires the candidate to have an M.A. in a relevant subject. The selection procedure consists of assessing the academic records of the candidate, a written test and/or interview to test research aptitude in ornithology.

SACON M.Sc. Admission Process

M.Sc. in Ornithology and Conservation Biology: This is a master's programme for students interested in the study and conservation of birds. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related discipline will be eligible for the programme. A candidate may be required to complete an entrance examination on biology and ecology to be followed by an interview with those shortlisted.

SACON Documents Required

The application form is accompanied by submission of other required documents that may include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (10th, 12th, Bachelor's, and Master's as applicable).
• Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal (especially for Ph.D. and M.Phil. programmes).
• Letters of Recommendation.
• Proof of identity and address.
• Any published research papers or articles (if applicable)

Candidates must submit the above-mentioned documents as applicable, for verification to confirm SACON admission.