About CEBS

About UM-DAE-Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences

The University of Mumbai-Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS) germinated as a result of brainstorming of some senior academicians like Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Prof. Vijay Khole and Prof. Shashikumar Chitre for strengthening higher education in basic sciences. Although dedicated basic science institutions had been created in the country, it was felt that alternate models with lesser financial outlay and embedded in a University environment, should be explored. Accordingly UM-DAE CEBS was conceptualized in early 2007.

UM-DAE CEBS started functioning as a BRNS funded project from 17 September, 2007 with ipso-facto autonomy with regard to academic, financial and administrative activities. The Union Cabinet has approved an ‘Aided Institution’ status to CEBS on 18 December 2015. Effective from 1 January 2016, CEBS has been notified as a ‘Grant-in-Aid’ institution of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.

The first batch of 5-year Integrated M. Sc. students were admitted in physics stream. Chemistry and Mathematics streams were introduced from third batch in 2009. From 2011 all four streams (i.e., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology) started. The students are admitted to CEBS after the 12^th standard or equivalent examination on the basis of a nationwide entrance test called National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). CEBS offers a residential course on the university campus and students are provided with excellent facilities for living, study and recreation. Students have created Science, Arts, Music and sports clubs at their own initiatives and CEBS has nurtured creativity at all fronts. DAE and DST offer DISHA and INSPIRE scholarships, respectively to CEBS students. So far more than 225 students have completed their degrees and more than 70% of them are pursuing their career in science.

CEBS has a small core faculty and distinguished Professors of international repute. Visiting and Adjunct faculty coming from proximate research institutions contribute immensely to the teaching and research programs at the Centre. CEBS has established modest research facilities which are being augmented further through generous funding from DAE. In addition to ongoing research work in thrust areas, CEBS faculty collaborates with scientists in other organizations like BARC, TIFR, ACTREC, IIT-B. Since 2019 CEBS has also initiated Ph. D. program in all the four disciplines.

The Center is making constant efforts to motivate and inspire students to pursue their career in science and is also conscious about its commitment to nourish scientific talent in the country. In short, CEBS has emerged as a ‘low-cost high-quality’ science education model.