MSc Environmental Science (Master of Science in Environmental Science) Full Form, Course, Fees, Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs, Scope 2023

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Sounak Banerjee

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Master of Science in Environmental Science or MSc Environmental Science is a 2-year full-time PG course, in which a student may take a specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology.

The curriculum is divided into four semesters spanning over two years. It includes the specialized scientific study of plants, fungi, algae, and covers subjects of Physiology and Anatomy in detail. Any candidate who has done high school, and has done their graduation in Science/ Engineering/ Mathematics/ Economics/Statistics/ Geography/ Geology, with a minimum aggregate score of 60% is eligible to take admission in this course. See Also: MSc Environmental Science Syllabus

Admission to MSc Environmental Science is done through the state or national-level Entrance Examination. Some Universities also conduct Institutional-level MSc Environmental Science Admission tests.

The average tuition fee charged for MSc Environmental Science courses ranges from INR 25,000 to 3,00,000 for government /public colleges and private colleges respectively. Admission in most of the MSc Environmental Science colleges are Merit-Based, but some universities may conduct their entrance exams like BHU Entrance Exam.

MSc Environmental Science Colleges

MSc Environmental Science syllabus is formulated keeping in view the specialization chosen by the student, during his 2-year study program. In general, this program includes advanced lessons in the issues related to the environment, predicting hazards and advising on regulatory compliance. The course is offered in both regular and distance learning modes. The major MSc in Environmental Science subjects are Ecological principles, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Pollution, Solid Waste Management, etc. It also includes a project and seminar in the last semester.

The other courses similar to Master of Science in Environmental Science are MSc (Zoology), MSc (Botany), MSc (Microbiology) etc.

After the course completion, MSc Environmental Science degree graduates can expect a starting salary of around INR 3 and 15 lacs, depending upon their expertise in the field. They are offered positions such as Environment Journalist, Waste Management Director, Forest Carbon Specialist, Lecturer & Professor, Research Assistant and more.

MSc Environmental Science: Course Highlights

Course Level Postgraduate 
Duration  2 years
Stream  Environmental Science 
Eligibility  10+2 from PCM/PCB and graduation in a related subject
Admission Process  Merit or Entrance Examination
Average Fees INR 20,000 to 3,00,000
Average Starting Salary INR 3 to 15 lacs
Areas of work Agricultural & Forest Department, Research Services, Biotechnology Firms, Wildlife Photography, Animal Research Centers, National Zoological Parks, Forest Departments, Colleges/Universities and Wildlife Journalism.
Top Job Positions  Research Associate, High School Teacher, Environmental Health & Safety Officer, Environmental Health Manager, Safety Assistant Manager, Country Manager, Auditor, Sr Marketing Associate and ISO Lead Auditor.
Top Recruiting Companies Parsons International Ltd, Fluor Corporation Pvt Ltd, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, John Deere Pvt Ltd, Ramboll IMIsoft Pvt Ltd, ABB India Ltd, Emerson Electric Co. India Pvt Ltd etc.

MSc Environmental Science: What is it About?

  • Master of Science in Environmental Science or MSc Environmental Science deals with the study of socio-economic, scientific, technological, and policy-based concerns of the field of environment and resource management.
  • The course of MSc Environmental Science has been designed keeping in view the concept of sustainable development, with emphasis on research and application.
  • This course satisfies the growing need for competent professionals, who can create innovative solutions for a balanced future. Environmental Science program develops a holistic approach to environmental and resource-based problems.

Why Study MSc Environmental Science?

Some of the benefits of pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Science are:

  • Prospective students should pursue a Master of Science (MSc) Environmental Science when they wish to work to protect the environment.
  • This advanced course can make the doors open to various employment opportunities in the public or private sector.
  • Students in this program can specialize in various areas such as engineering, biology, conservation, ecology, and chemistry.
  • You can contribute to locating and protecting the earth’s resources.
  • Students will learn to predict hazards and can advise on issues related to regulatory compliance.
  • Students can make their career as a conservationist, or work as an environmental engineer.

The admission process for MSc Environmental Science is done based on marks in the qualifying exam at the State or National level or University-specific examination. Some universities also provide and based on Merit. Candidates are required to meet the cut-off score, issued by the university or college. Students may be granted an admission based on the merit list. Admission is often based on the student’s performance at the level of graduation, and on the performance in a relevant online entrance test and interview.

The online test is generally an hour long and consists of multiple-choice questions assessing students based on proficiency in English, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.

Entrance Exam Topics

MSc Environment Science admission process is as follows:

Step 1. Apply for an entrance exam for MSc Environmental Science.

Step 2. Appear for the entrance exam. Generally, the exam is an hour-long and is MCQ-based. It contains sections checking the proficiency of the student in Quantitative Ability, Analytical Reasoning & English.

Step 3. The cutoff list of the qualifying MSc Environmental Science exam is generated by the colleges, match it with yours and apply for admission.

MSc Environmental Science Eligibility

The eligibility for pursuing MSc Environmental Science is:

  • Students must have cleared Higher and Senior Secondary levels of education from a high school, affiliated to a well-recognized board.
  • They must have scored a minimum aggregate score of 60% or more at 10+2.
  • Students must have done their graduation in Science/Economics/ Engineering/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Geography/ Geology/ , with a minimum aggregate score of 60%.
  • Candidates must have cleared the State or national-level entrance test for MSc Environmental Science admission.
  • Candidates who have cleared BSc (Hons)/BSc (10+2+3) with a score of 50% marks or higher are eligible.

MSc Environmental Science Entrance Exams

There is no common all India Entrance Test for MSc Environmental Science admission. But many recognized universities in India conduct their own Examinations to shortlist the best candidates. The entrance exam is nearly an hour long and it checks the candidate's language, analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills.

The format of most of the MSc Environmental Science Entrance Test is as follows:

  • Test Type: Written/ MCQ-based
  • Test duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
  • General Test Syllabus: Syllabus equivalent to Graduation level
  • Entrance Exam dates: April-June

Some of the popular MSc Environmental Science Entrance Exams conducted in Indian Universities and colleges are given below:

Entrance Exams Registration Exam Dates
CUET PG April 2023 June 1 – 10, 2023
BITSAT February 2023 June 2023
NEST February 2023 June 2023
IIT JAM September 07 – October 11, 2023 February 12, 2023
DUET April 2023 July 2023
TISS NET December 14 – January 15, 2023 January 28 – February 28, 2023

How to Prepare for a Master of Science in Environmental Science?

  • The question paper for MSc Environmental Science consists of both descriptive and objective type questions.
  • For objective type, one has to choose the right answer from the options, and for descriptive type, the answers should be given in long paragraphs.
  • The pattern of exams may vary, therefore candidates are advised to check the exam pattern for their particular university entrance exam.
  • The syllabus for it may vary depending upon the university you are applying to, but English, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative ability are common to all.
  • Build the level of confidence.
  • Manage time for all the sections.
  • Practice the sample papers regularly.

How to get admission in a good MSc Environmental Science college?

  • For getting an admission in a good MSc college, you need to qualify a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised University with any of the following subjects like Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Botany, Geology, Geography, B.E.(Civil Engineering), Life Sciences, Fisheries Science, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Physics)
  • You should secure a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates) in the UG degree.
  • You should clear the cutoff for the university entrance exam, which you wish to apply for.
  • Be updated with the important dates related to the entrance exams.

MSc Environmental Science Syllabus

MSc Environmental Science syllabus consists of core subjects like Environmental principles and all the subjects related to Environment Studies, in the domains of technology, chemistry, biotechnology, Geoenvironment, Ecology, physics, and more. Also, the Master of Science in Environmental Science theoretical courses are accompanied by practical classes.

Mentioned below is a semester- wise breakup of the MSc Environmental Science course’s syllabus.

Semester 1
Geo environment Introductory physics
Ecological principles Conservation of the life support system
Semester 2
Environmental Chemistry  Solid Waste Management
Environmental Pollution  Environmental Analysis
Semester 3
Regional global environmental issues Environmental technology
Environmental impact assessment Environmental biotechnology
Semester 4
Environmental energy management Industrial biomedical waste management
Project Seminar 

MSc Environmental Science Books

The books for the MSc Environmental Science vary from one university to another. Below mentioned are the books which are widely used throughout the country for MSc Environmental Science learning.

Name of the book Author 
Mathematics Anton, Kolman
Principles of Biochemistry Lehninger
Ecology & Field Biology R.L.Smith
Natural Resources conservation Oliver S Owen & Chiras
Environmental Science Cunningham Saigo
Global Biodiversity W.R.L. IUCN
Environmental Chemistry Mannahan
Atmospheric Science Wallace & Hobbs
Microbial Ecology R.M.Atlas & Bartha

MSc Environmental Science Colleges

There are more than 183 MSc Environmental Science colleges in India, which offer this 2-year degree through on-campus and distance education mode. Most of the best private and public institutions for Master of Science in Environmental Science are located in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Uttrakhand.

Below tables lists some of the top colleges for MSc Environmental Science:

Institutes  Location  Admission Process  Average Fees
Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune  Merit Based INR 42,000
Panjab University Chandigarh  Merit Based INR 17,545
Banaras Hindu University Varanasi  BHU PET INR 80,000
Sri Venkateswara University Tirupati  Merit Based INR 22,880
Acharya Nagarjuna University Guntur  ANUPGCET INR 55,960
University of Lucknow Lucknow  Entrance Exam INR 1.14 lakhs
Sacred Heart College Ernakulam  Merit Based INR 93,000
Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar  Merit Based INR 58,245
Amity University  Mumbai  Merit Based INR 1.75 lakhs
Fergusson College  Pune  Entrance Exam INR 1.08 lakhs

Also Check: 

College Comparison

The table below demonstrates a comparison between the top-ranked MSc Environmental Science colleges in India:

Parameters  Sacred Heart College University of Lucknow Guru Nanak Dev University
Overview  It is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, and was accredited by the NAAC. The students are allocated marks through a CBCSS mode. It is one of the oldest government-owned Research Universities. It has over 101 Affiliated Colleges and 1,00,000 students. It offers courses in the fields of Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, and Fine Arts. It is a NAAC” A” grade affiliated government state university, situated in Amritsar, Punjab. It provides research & study in Arts & Social Sciences, Sciences and Nature.
Location  Kochi  Lucknow  Amritsar 
Total Courses Offered 14 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate programs 371 total courses across 15 streams 843 courses across 18 streams
Average Course Fees INR 93,000 INR 1.14 lakhs INR 58,245
Average Placement Package INR 3 LPA INR 3.1 LPA INR 3 LPA
Top Recruiting Companies Ernst & Young, Ashok Leyland, Goldman Sachs, Larsen & Toubro Limited, Wipro, Federal bank, South Indian Bank, Tata Consultancy Services ICICI Bank, IDEA, Cease Fire, HDFC Bank, Brooke India, MRF Tyres, Amazon, Genpact, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Capital, Eureka Forbes, Adecco, Randstad India, Marriott International, Swiggy Reliance, Tata, Pankaj Soap Industry, SBI, Amazon pay, MDH, Ford, Bajaj motors, TCS, Nagarro, WIPRO, Airtel, IBM, Accenture, HCL Technologies

MSc Environmental college Comparison: Fees & Salary

Source: College Websites

MSc Environmental Science Distance Learning

Admission to MSc Environmental Science can be done on-campus or in correspondence mode. Candidates should clear the cut-off for taking online admission in this course. There are only a few institutions which offer MSc Environmental Science courses as a distance mode of education. The program fees range from INR 10,000 to INR 27,000 per year.

These institutes are:

Institutes  Location  Admission Process  Average Fees
Acharya Nagarjuna University Andhra Pradesh Entrance Based INR 55,960
Nalanda Open University Bihar  Merit Based INR 8,800
Mysore Correspondence College Karnataka  Merit Based INR 1.03 lakhs

MSc Environmental Science Distance Education colleges

Source: College Websites

MSc Environmental Science: Course Comparison

Some of the courses that are similar to MSc Environmental Science are MSc (Botany), MSc (Microbiology) and MSc (Zoology).

A detailed comparison between the MSc Environmental Science and all the other three related courses are given below.

  • MSc Environmental Science vs MSc Botany
Parameters  MSc Environmental Science MSc Botany
Qualification  Master of Science in Environment Science Master of Science in Botany
Overview MSc Environmental Science is a full-time PG course, in which a student may take specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology. MSc Botany is a PG course in Botany which deals with the scientific study of plant life. It is also known as plant biology study.
Duration  2 years  2 years
Average Fees INR 20,000 to 3 lakhs INR 30,000 to 1 lakh
Average Salary INR 7 LPA INR 4.58 LPA
Top Colleges Fergusson College, University of Lucknow, Sacred Heart College, Guru Nanak Dev University Hindu College, Delhi University Anugrah Narayan College, Ramnarain Ruia College

MSc Environmental Science Vs MSc Botany: Fees and Salary

Source: College Websites

  • MSc Environmental Science vs MSc Microbiology
Parameters  MSc Environmental Science MSc Microbiology
Qualification  Master of Science in Environment Science Master of Science in Microbiology
Overview MSc Environmental Science is a full-time PG course, in which a student may take specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology. MSc Microbiology is a PG course in Microbiology which deals with the study of Biology and Chemistry, which is associated with the investigation of the living system and its relation to the environment.
Duration  2 years  2 years 
Average Fees INR 20,000 to 3 lakhs INR 50,000 to 3 lakhs
Average Salary INR 7 LPA INR 2.5 lakhs
Top Colleges Fergusson College, University of Lucknow, Sacred Heart College, Guru Nanak Dev University The Oxford College of Science, St. Xavier’s College, Fergusson College, Barkatullah University

MSc Environmental Science Vs MSc Microbiology: Fees and Salary

Source: College Websites

  • MSc Environmental Science vs MSc Zoology
Parameters  MSc Environmental Science MSc Zoology
Qualification  Master of Science in Environment Science Master of Science in Zoology
Overview MSc Environmental Science is a full-time PG course, in which a student may take specialization in many different areas such as Chemistry, Engineering, Biology Conservation and Ecology. MSc Zoology is a PG course in the study of animal behaviour, classification and structure. Zoology is dedicated to the study of animals.
Duration  2 years  2 years
Average Fees INR 20,000 to 3 lakhs INR 21,000 to 1.5 lakhs
Average Salary INR 7 LPA INR 90,000 to 2 lakhs
Top Colleges Fergusson College, University of Lucknow, Sacred Heart College, Guru Nanak Dev University Loyola College, Ramjas College, Christ University, Hans Raj College

MSc Environmental Science Vs MSc Zoology: Fees & Salary

Source: College Websites

MSc Environmental Science: Jobs & Career Options

Upon successful completion of the program of Master of Science Environment Science, any graduate can go for a teaching career in schools on a private basis and after passing the NET exam, individuals can become a permanent lecturer at colleges/universities level.

Individuals after completing this course mainly find jobs for the position of Wildlife Film - Maker, Research Assistant, Senior Catastrophe Risk Modeller, Environmental Technician, Senior Programme Officer, Environment Photographer and Environment Journalist. The starting salary of the given job roles ranges between INR 3 to 7 Lakhs. Some of the popular areas of employment that are explored by MSc Environment Science graduates are:

  • Colleges and Universities
  • National Zoological Parks
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Animal Research Centers
  • Wildlife Journalism
  • Forest Departments

Listed below are some of the demanding career roles offered to MSc Environment Science graduates, along with their corresponding average salary offered:

Job Profile  Job Description  Average Salary
Environment Photographer Environment & Wildlife Photographers work to produce images of animals or plants in their habitat or their natural environments and use these compelling images at their disposal. INR 6,00,000
Research Assistant Research Assistants assist the professors in their research work. They carry out their research & experiments under their supervision and track down necessary information INR 4,00,000
Environment Journalist Environmental Journalists write hard news and investigative pieces, related to exposing illegal activity or concerning the emerging environmental problems. It also involves doing background research and interviews. INR 3,90,000
Product Manager Product Managers helps in making the products as efficiently as possible, by making the use of the latest technologies and techniques. INR 15,77,000
Wildlife Filmmaker Wildlife Film-making career involves capturing, observing and recording fascinating wild creatures in their habitat. INR 3,45,000

MSc Environmental Science Salary Trends

Source: Payscale

MSc Environmental Science Scope

Upon successful completion of an MSc Environmental Science degree, a candidate may go for a job or for higher education/ Higher degrees like PhD Environmental Science in some renowned institutions. Successful professionals can work for both government and private organizations or can go for teaching in schools/ colleges on a private basis. They can also work with the State Departments and Environmental Protection Agency for their research activities.

MSc Environment Science graduates can also work as a Senior Programme Officer, Environmental Technician and Product Manager in the fields of Environmental Health & Safety. There are endless job opportunities.

MSc Environmental Science: FAQs

Ques. Which is the best college for dual degree MSc Environmental Science?

Ans. IIT Bombay is the best when it comes to dual degree MSc PhD in Environmental Science. Candidates can appear for the JAM Entrance exam with physics/ chemistry/ maths . There is no interview process. If you want to leave after 3 years you will get graduated with an MSc degree in environmental science & engineering.

Ques. What should I do after graduating in MSc Environment Science?

Ans. If you have an interest in research & further study, you could be a researcher or an educationist You can further go for corporate jobs in various companies like NASSCOM, Parsons International Ltd, Fluor Corporation Pvt Ltd, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, John Deere Pvt Ltd, etc or you can work in government sector like Environment & Energy department, state pollution control board or Central pollution control board. You can also join an NGO and become a social activist. There are endless opportunities.

Ques. Name some good colleges for doing MSc Environmental Science study in India?

Ans. JNU, ISM, BHU, DU, PU, TERI, IP, CUB, and other central universities are good when it comes to studying from the best MSc Environmental Science college. You can further check its ranking, placement profile, number of JRF and NET in the last 5 year before applying.

Ques. What is the career scope for an MSc Environmental Science in the Government Sector and Private Sector?

Ans. Graduates of MSc Environmental Science can apply for government jobs in State Departments, National Environment Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife Protection Society of India, Environmental Education, Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, and other related departments of India. Apart from this, they can also go for a teacher/ trainer for related colleges and schools. Also, there are many companies, such as N TRAFFIC India, Wildlife Trust of India, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wide Fund for Nature, Nature Conservation Foundation, Wildlife SOS, Greenpeace, Kalpbriksh, ATREE, etc which recruits MSc Environmental Science graduates on a contractual or permanent basis.

Ques. What is the duration for an MSc Environmental Science course in India and list some most popular colleges offering it?

Ans. The duration for an MSc Environmental Science is generally 2 years. It may go around 3 years for distance learning. Some of the most famous institutions offering MSc Environmental Science degree are given below:

Ques. Which universities offer Distance Education for MSc Environmental Science in India?

Ans. There are only a few universities in India, which offer MSc Environmental Science study for students. They require a percentile of 45-50% in the UG degree and take INR 10,000 to 28,000 as an annual fee for the distance or correspondence mode. Some of the colleges and universities are:

Ques. What is the average annual fee for an MSc Environmental Science course?

Ans. The average tuition fee charged for MSc Environmental Science courses range from INR 25,000 to 3,00,000 for government /public colleges and private colleges respectively. Admission in most of the MSc Environmental Science colleges are Merit-Based, but some universities may conduct their entrance exams like Delhi University and BHU Entrance Exam.

Master of Science [M.Sc] (Environmental Science) : 5 answered questions

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Ques. How is an MSc in atmospheric science in CURAJ?

● Top Answer By Sugandhi Roy on 27 Dec 21

Ans. CURAJ is a decent option for doing an MSc in Atmospheric Science. Although the course has started recently, it offers decent opportunities for the students. The department offers good research exposure. Also, many national and international agencies offer fundings for research to the students. So, it is a great option, if you are interested in research. The university also conducts many international workshops throughout the academic year. CURAJ will offer you good academic and resources for Atmospheric Science. Read more
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Ques. Which is best for an M.Sc. in environmental science Central University of Punjab or Central University of Rajasthan?

● Top Answer By Shamali Sen on 21 Dec 21

Ans. For a masters degree in Environmental Science Central University of Punjab (CUPB) will be a better option. The research works conducted there are really good.  The department has good motivated students and a highly experienced faculty. Even the lab facilities are good enough for education purposes. In Central University Punjab there is one more term added to the course, that is technology. Categories CUPB CURAJ Course Fee INR 5040 INR 12,989 Average CTC 3 LPA 3-4 LPA Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) is also a good place for Environmental Science studies but overall CUPB is better than CURAJ.Read more
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Ques. Can i do master's in landscaping after bsc agri..?

● Top Answer By Akriti Banerjee on 24 May 23

Ans. As far as my best knowledge is concerned, you are not eligible to pursue a Master's in Landscape Architecture after completion of a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture.  The minimum basic educational qualification required for M.Arch from RIT Bangalore is given below, Admission to the Master of Architecture Program is open to all the candidates who have passed B.Arch. (as per the eligibility criteria specified from time to time) of COA, VTU, or any other recognized University / Institution.  For foreign degrees, an Equivalence certificate from the Association Of Indian Universities is required. The candidates who have completed their degree through the distance mode education from any University are not eligible for admission to M.Arch. Programs under any quota. Candidates holding the degree awarded by Associate of the Indian Institute of Architects (AIIA) are also eligible for M.Arch., programs. Candidates who have passed the prescribed qualifying examination with not less than 50% of the marks in the aggregate of all the years are also eligible for M.Arch. (5% relaxation for reserved categories. You have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture which is not a relevant subject to Architecture that's why you are not eligible to pursue this course. Read more
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Ques. How is an MSc in environmental biotechnology at CUSAT?

● Top Answer By Pablo Patranobish on 20 Jul 21

Ans. MSc in Environmental Biotechnology is a very niche course that is offered by very few universities in India, Cochin University of Science And Technology (CUSAT) being one of them. Personally, I have come across very few schools of Environmental Studies in Indian universities that offer this program. But then if you are interested then nothing should come between you and your choice. You may look at some of the IITs, IISERs, and other top universities if they provide this course or not and whether or not you are eligible for it. If you are not getting them, then CUSAT is fine as well.Read more
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Ques. Is opting for an M.Sc in Environment from Nalanda University after a B.Tech in Civil a good choice? What are the future opportunities?

● Top Answer By Snigdhanjan Gupta on 29 Jul 22

Ans. In every industry, the Environmental department is an overhead, the requirement rate is very low. You will face problems finding jobs, after completing your M.Tech.  If you are interested in the branch do a course in Environment Policy and Law, and you will be able to find job positions in legal branch to support company's moves. Read more
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Master of Science [M.Sc] (Environmental Science) Colleges IN INDIA

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Amity University
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
1.07 L first year fees
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Panjab University - [PU]
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