Some Government Ventures at Expanding the Astrophysics Domain in India

With the newfound interest in astrophysics and related physics, the Indian STI observatory has been the talk of the country. This article further focuses on a few things you need to know before planning on enrolling for the same.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is an esteemed establishment located in Bengaluru. As the name suggests, this facility enhances and promotes research in several forms of astrophysics and physics.

In addition to that, it also offers integrated M.Tech courses, with the option of continuing for a PhD. However, getting enrolled in this facility can be quite a task without the proper knowledge. This article further aims at helping you make the most of your venture and know some requirements that can help.

What Do You Need To Know To Enrol In IIA?

The M.Tech and PhD courses are jointly offered by IIA and Calcutta University, while just the PhD courses are a joint venture with Pondicherry University. The PhD courses require you to appear for an entrance exam that is held in December.

Once you clear this test, you will be called in for an interview in January. For all Post-Doctoral candidates, there are four even rounds of interviews. These interviews are spread throughout the year and take place with a 3-month gap between each. Further mentioned here are some of the eligibility criteria for these interviews.

  • To appear for the PhD program, you must have an M.Sc. in physics or an integrated M.Sc in physics. Apart from that, a B.E or B.Tech, M.E. or M.Tech degree works just as fine. However, you require a minimum aggregate of 60% marks since Class 10.

  • The interested candidate also has to have an All India rank within 1-250 in JEST or GATE exams. Other than that, having a qualification in UGC-CSIR-NET (JRF) exams is also considered good enough. You must also hold a valid KVPY/INSPIRE fellowship.

  • The final date of submitting your application forms online through the official India Science Technology and Innovation Portal lies in the month of October every year. However, you must consider that the dates of submission can vary according to the year you appear for the exam.

  • After the whole process has been completed and your data and submissions have been correctly evaluated, the admission process mainly depends on the IIA Screening Test. This test is conducted throughout the country at multiple centres and is the final straw in the admission process.

Selection Process of IIA

Apart from the final screening test, there are quite a few steps a candidate has to clear to be deemed eligible. While all of this can be quite confusing for a first-timer, it is a lot more streamlined with the easy explanation below. Keep reading to know more about the selection process of M.Tech-PhD courses:

  • Firstly, you have to appear for a written examination that is held during the month of December annually.

  • Once you have cleared that, you will be called in for a personal interview. This interview mainly evaluates your past work, research experiences, interest in the prospects, future ambitions and also interests and focus.

  • With that over, your academic performance will be assessed by esteemed administrators. This performance evaluation not only includes the more recent exams you have appeared in but your overall academic career.

  • The candidate has to be lower than 36 years old for any regular Post-Doctoral fellowship. However, if you are applying for the Chandrasekhar Post-Doctoral fellowship, it is preferred if you are younger than 32 years.

  • If the candidate is already a student of the IIA, they must complete their Viva-Voce before their application is reviewed.

Keeping in mind these few points can help you better prepare for the selection process. Apart from the points mentioned here, you must understand that the selection process mainly consists of an in-depth evaluation of the form you have to send in. This has to be completed three weeks prior to the beginning of the review process, at the very least.

In Conclusion

It would not be wrong to say that the Indian government is leaving no stone unturned in promoting Science-based organizations across India with establishments like this. There have been several new developments and innovations in this field ever since the training prospects have been improved.

That said, there is still a lot more to do for the government, considering the progress Indian STI observatory have achieved. Rest assured, you can really cultivate your interests in astrophysics and related physics without hassle with establishments like these.