The Kolkata Anomaly Research Society · founded by the DOAP team
How KARS trains new investigators
Three months, three stages, from the science behind strange experiences to observing a real case. Small batches of 10, online and in person. The members' course is free for every KARS member.
KARS's details are shown here on realdoap.com until the Society is registered and has its own website.
Our approach
Every session has a short theory part and written notes you keep. We start with ordinary explanations, because most "paranormal" experiences have one, and learning to rule them out is what makes the rest worth taking seriously. You learn by doing: on equipment, on mock cases, and finally alongside experienced investigators on a real case.
Your trainer
Pritam Samadder
Convener, The Kolkata Anomaly Research Society · Co‑founder, DOAP
Pritam has led DOAP's field investigations and research since 2023, and designs in-house sensor equipment, including a multi-sensor magnetic rig. He is a parapsychologist and parapsychology counsellor, and by profession a senior Unreal Engine developer with more than eight years of building real-time simulations and sensor systems.
How it runs
Online
- What
- Theory sessions with notes
- Where
- Google Meet; recordings and notes shared after
In person
- What
- Practical sessions: equipment, mock cases, field work
- Where
- Kolkata; venue shared with the batch
- Session times are shared with each batch.
- Batch size: 10 trainees per batch, so everyone gets hands-on time.
- Language: sessions and notes are in English; anything can be explained in Bengali on request.
The three stages
Stage 1 · Month 1
Foundations
- The basic science behind the paranormal: magnetic and electric fields, infrasound and low-frequency noise, carbon monoxide, temperature and drafts, how old buildings make sounds
- The mind: sleep paralysis, pareidolia (seeing faces and figures), memory and suggestion, fear and expectation
- What counts as evidence, and what doesn't
- Ethics, privacy and safety on site
- Mostly online theory sessions, with written notes for every session
Stage 2 · Month 2
Tools and method
- Hands-on with standard field equipment (EMF meters, audio recorders, cameras, thermometers) and specialist instruments, including a multi-sensor magnetic rig
- Taking baselines before anything else
- Keeping a case log and a timeline
- Interviewing witnesses without leading them
- A mock investigation from start to report
Stage 3 · Month 3
Field observation
- Observe a real investigation, run by a KARS Affiliate Investigator or at a KARS field session (with consent)
- Write your own case report
- Review it with your trainer
Assessment and certificate
At the end of the three stages, every trainee is assessed:
Written test on the theory from Stages 1 and 2 (pass mark 70%).
Practical test: set up equipment, take baselines and keep a clean log on a mock case.
Case report from Stage 3, reviewed by a KARS assessor.
Pass all three and you become a KARS Field Member: you can join KARS field sessions, and cases run by KARS Affiliate Investigators when they invite you. You can also take the KARS Field Investigator certificate, which has a fee, with a member discount. Certified members can later apply to become KARS Affiliate Investigators and carry the KARS verified badge. KARS certifies individual people only, never companies or organisations. If you don't pass a part, you can retake it with the next batch.
Psychic development track (optional)
For members who report psychic experiences. A structured monthly session to practise and explore, with fair, blind tests whose results are recorded either way, so everyone can see what holds up over time. No paid readings, and no claims about other people without testing.
What it costs
The members' course is free for every KARS member, and included in the membership fee. The KARS Field Investigator certificate and KARS's other courses are paid, with a large discount for members. Prices are announced before each one opens.
Who it's for
- 18 or older
- Based in or near Kolkata
- Able to attend most monthly sessions
- Curious, patient, and open to having beliefs tested, whether you're a believer, a sceptic or somewhere in between
FAQ
Do I need any experience?
No. Stage 1 starts from the basics.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. Equipment is provided for training sessions.
Will I go on real investigations?
Yes. In Stage 3 you observe a real case. After passing the assessment, you can join KARS field sessions, and cases run by KARS Affiliate Investigators when they invite you.
What if I miss a session?
Online sessions are recorded and notes are shared; a missed practical can be made up the following month.
What language is it in?
English. Anything can be explained in Bengali if you ask.
How many people per batch?
10.
Do I get a certificate?
If you want one. The KARS Field Investigator certificate is available after passing the assessment. It has a fee, with a discount for members. It's a professional training certificate, not a government qualification.
What is a KARS Affiliate Investigator?
A certified KARS member whom KARS has checked, and who has agreed to follow its code of practice on every case. They carry the KARS verified badge. Affiliates work independently, and KARS isn't a party to their cases.
Can a company be KARS certified?
No. KARS certifies individual people only, never companies or organisations.
How do I join?
Apply online, have a short chat with us, then attend one meeting as a guest.
The Kolkata Anomaly Research Society · founded by the DOAP team
Become a founding member of KARS
The Kolkata Anomaly Research Society (KARS) is a members' society for anyone who wants to look at unusual experiences carefully. We meet in person, learn to investigate properly, test claims fairly and share honest results, including the ones that don't hold up. We start in Kolkata, and we're building India's largest paranormal society open to the public.
Founders
- Places
- 9
- What you do
- Sign the registration documents and become a permanent member of the Council, which runs KARS. Help with one area if you can: organising, membership, money, safety or outreach.
- Time
- A founders' meeting and a signing session, then about 2–3 hours a month
- Cost
- Nothing
Founding batch
- Places
- First 25 members
- What you do
- Come to the monthly meeting and outdoor event, learn to investigate, and help shape how KARS runs.
- Time
- One indoor meeting and one outdoor event a month
- Cost
- Membership fee, shared on the call after you apply
- Applications
- Open now. Apply below, or message us on WhatsApp.
Questions
Do I have to believe in ghosts?
No. Believers, sceptics and the undecided are all welcome. What we share is curiosity and respect for evidence.
Is this a business?
No. KARS is non-profit. It sells no readings, rituals or cures to anyone. Its course and certificate fees go to the Society, like membership fees. DOAP's paid services stay separate.
Is KARS registered?
We're registering it under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961. We'll add the registration number here when it's issued.
What's the link with DOAP?
The DOAP team founded KARS, and DOAP is helping to launch it: KARS's details are shown here on realdoap.com until it has its own website. KARS has its own Council, accounts and member records, and runs its own courses and certificates. DOAP doesn't own or run it.
Prefer to talk first? Call Pritam on +91 90384 00917, or message us on WhatsApp at +91 84208 74735 (messages only).
Join KARS
Apply to join the first batch
The Kolkata Anomaly Research Society starts with a founding batch of 25. Tell us a little about yourself. We read every application and will call you for a short chat.