PhD Program 2026 at Centre for Wildlife Studies
PhD Program 2026 at CWS | Apply Now at Renowned International Organization
The Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) has announced PhD Admissions 2026 for its prestigious PhD Program in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Offered in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), this program is designed for motivated candidates seeking field-intensive Research focused on wildlife, conservation, and human–nature interactions across India and Asia.
About the Organization
The Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Bengaluru, is a leading research organization dedicated to wildlife ecology, conservation science, and policy-relevant research. CWS conducts long-term, field-based research across diverse ecosystems in India and Asia. The institute actively collaborates with national and international universities and conservation organizations. Through its structured PhD Program, CWS trains researchers in applied conservation science. The degree is awarded by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). CWS is known for producing impactful research that informs conservation management and policy.
Opportunities for Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
We are excited to announce admissions to the 2026 Doctoral Program in wildlife ecology and conservation at the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS). The degree will be granted by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). We are looking for highly motivated and academically driven candidates, with a demonstrated interest in field-based research in wildlife ecology and conservation in India and Asia.
Research OpportunitiesÂ
- Ecology and conservation of endemic vertebrates in the Western Ghats
- Landscape change and free-ranging Asian elephant ecology
- Bat conservation, ecosystem services, and human–bat interactions
- Wildlife tourism evaluation across protected areas
- Human–wildlife interactions and compensation programs
- One Health and human–wildlife conflict mitigation
- Hunting and wildlife trade research
- Non-timber forest product (NTFP) extraction studies
- Environmental education program design and evaluation
- Open-topic proposals aligned with CWS research themes
Essential Qualifications
- Indian national or OCI with a Postgraduate degree in Natural Sciences, Medical Sciences, or engineering
- Minimum 65% marks or equivalent
- At least 2 years of field-based wildlife research experience
Desirable Qualifications
- Proposal and report writing experience
- Scientific or popular publications
- Knowledge of ecological survey and analytical methods
- Experience with QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine, R, or Python
- UGC/CSIR-NET/GATE qualification preferred
Fellowship Details
- Fellowship of ₹40,000 per month
- Revised to ₹50,000 per month after successful coursework and candidacy examination
How to ApplyÂ
- Submit the APPLICATION FORM to apply.
- Please submit in one pdf document:
- Undergraduate transcript
- Master’s transcript
- CV/resume
- 1-2 page personal statement identifying your main research interests from the above list (max. 2) and expanding on your relevant experience
- List and copies of scientific publications, technical reports, or popular articles published
- Students with other scholarships/fellowships: Students who have secured the DST-INSPIRE, UGC-NET, CSIR fellowships and GATE scores would also be required to attend the written entrance examination.
- Three referee statements should be sent directly to Dr. Sruthi Unnikrishnan via the email [email protected] by the referees.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Selection Process for PhD Admissions
Applicants shortlisted based on essential and desirable qualifications would be required to appear for an in-person entrance test conducted by CWS. Those who have cleared the entrance test will be invited for an in-person/online interview with the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Bangalore. Expenses need to be borne by the candidates themselves.
This PhD Program at CWS offers a strong pathway into advanced Research Jobs for candidates committed to conservation science. With diverse field-based projects, structured mentorship, and institutional collaboration, these PhD Admissions provide an excellent platform to build an impactful research career in wildlife ecology and conservation.
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