Forecaster’s Training Course (FTC) at RTC Meteorological Training Institute (MTI), IMD, Pune, India

Meteorological Training Institute, IMD, Pune component of RTC India, regularly organizes Forecaster’s Training Course (A BIP-M training) in the integrated disciplines of Meteorology. This course is of 6 months’ duration (2 months E learning + 4 months class teaching in online/ offline mode). Mid Term Examination on E learning portion and at the end of the course final exam is hold, which consists of written exam and Viva-Voce. Trainees need to qualify each and every subject. Following subjects are being covered: 1. E Learning: Dynamic Meteorology, Numerical weather prediction, Physical Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, Synoptic Meteorology, Aviation Meteorology, Climate science, Statistics, Hydrometeorology, Satellite Meteorology Radar Meteorology, Computer programming & application. 2. Class room Teaching (Online/ offline mode) will start from 12th December 2022: Dynamic Meteorology, Numerical weather prediction, Physical Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, Synoptic Meteorology, Aviation Meteorology, Climate science, Statistics, Hydrometeorology, Satellite Meteorology Radar Meteorology, Computer programming & application. Previously class room teaching of this course has been conducted by direct physical presence of resource personnel and the trainees. However, due to the threat of COVID 19, the class room teaching of forthcoming batch (No-195) of this course shall be conducted via distance learning (online/offline both) mode only. I. For Theory Classes: a) Distance learning shall have both online and offline facilities. b) A common WhatsApp platform, consisting of all nominated trainees, heads of offices of respective trainees, Head MTI, course officer/coordinator/assistant and all resource personnel, shall be created. c) All theory lectures shall be delivered online using Skype / Cisco webex / Google Meet. To enable trainees to avail the benefits of live online lectures, the parent office of individual trainees may be requested to kindly arrange desktop/laptop PC with webcam & headphone for those, who don’t have these items personally. d) Creation of Google classroom consisting of classes on different subjects. All resource personnel shall be requested to kindly upload their lecture/teaching/training materials under respective subject class in the google classroom, before they take online classes using skype. e) Online lecture of each class shall be recorded and the same shall be uploaded in Google classroom. This arrangement shall facilitate the trainees to access the lecture offline also, in case they fail to attend online class due to technical problems. f) Class time table, exam timetable and other training related circulars/notices shall be uploaded in the Google class room as well as in the common WhatsApp platform. Through WhatsApp platform individual resource personnel can notify trainees on class related matters. g) Google class room and common WhatsApp platform shall also be utilized for uploading assignments, doubts, clarification of doubts, completed assignments etc. II. For Practical Classes: a) Practical parts of the course consist of direct practical demonstration of weather charts (analysis & Forecasting), T-Phi gram, NWP etc. along with their relevant lectures. b) Relevant lectures shall be done online as usual like other theory lectures. c) Direct demonstration of above practical aspects shall be video recorded and uploaded in the google class rooms for trainees’ learning. d) Overseas participants shall be asked to attach at the nearest forecasting office in their countries for hands on experience on above practical aspects and for writing final exam. III. Conduction of Examinations: a) For overseas participants, Examinations (Mid -term & final exam), Viva-voce exam, Project Presentation & On the Job Training (OJT) shall be conducted at the nearest forecasting office, as decided by the Head of NMS of the concerned country. Final Examination: Final Examination on class room teaching,