Research and MSc admissions at IUCAA through INAT 2025: Apply now

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), an Autonomous Institution of the University Grants Commission; Post Bag - 4, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Campus, Ganesh Khind, Pune- 411007, has invited applications for the IUCAA National Admission Test (INAT), 2025, for admission to IUCAA Ph.D. and SPPU-IUCAA Joint M.Sc. (Physics with Astrophysics) Programmes. 

IUCAA is a leading centre of research in a wide range of areas in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Physics. IUCAA offers opportunities to pursue research in all areas of Astronomy and Astrophysics including Instrumentation, Multi-Wavelength Ground and Space-Based Observations and Data Analysis, Quantum Metrology and Precision Measurements, Solar Physics, Extragalactic Astronomy, High-Energy Astrophysics, Gravitational Wave Astrophysics, Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics, Large-Scale Structure, Gravitation and Cosmology

Selection to the Ph.D. programme at IUCAA through INAT is in addition to the selection through the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST). Selection to the SPPU-IUCAA M.Sc. (Physics with Astrophysics) Programme is only through the INAT written test. 

Eligibility

Those who have completed or expect to complete their M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. degree (in Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Electronics, or Astronomy) or B.E./ B.Tech./ M.E./ M.Tech. degree (in any branch) by July 2025, with 55% marks or more are eligible to apply for INAT-2025 towards a Ph.D. scholarship. 

Those completing a B. Sc. degree in Physics (with Mathematics up to 2nd year) or a B.E. / B. Tech. degree in any branch of Engineering, with a minimum of 55% marks are eligible for admission to the SPPU-IUCAA Joint M.Sc. (Physics with Astrophysics) programme. In addition, talented final-year B.Sc., 1st year M.Sc., 3rd/4th year Integrated M.Sc. and 2nd/ 3rd year B.E./ B.Tech. students may also apply to be pre-selected for the Ph.D. programme at IUCAA.

SC/ ST/ OBC-NCL/ EWS or PwBD category applicants need only 50% marks in the qualifying Program. Details are given at https://inat.iucaa.in/INAT2025/Guidelines.jsp 

INAT

Based on the applications and referee assessments, applicants will be short-listed for INAT-2025, to be held at 10 a.m. on January 19, 2025 (Sunday). Applicants should report at the assigned test centre with the necessary documents for verification (Passport-size Photo, one of the Photo IDs (in original) like Aadhaar/ PAN/ Voter ID/ Driving License/ College ID/ Passport AND the Admit letter). Registration for the test will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 09.45 a.m. The final selection to the research scholarship will be based on the results of the written test and two interviews. Dates of interviews will be communicated to the shortlisted candidates via registered email ID. 

Nature of INAT

The test will be of 2 hours’ duration. The question paper will be in English. The questions will be from basic Physics, Mathematics, Electronics/ Engineering to advanced areas of the same subjects and consist of three parts: (i) Part - A: Basic Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering (ii) Part - B: Advanced Physics, Mathematics and Engineering (iii) Part - C: Both basic and advanced areas of Physics, Mathematics and Engineering. Details are given at https://inat.iucaa.in/INAT2025/Guidelines.jsp 

Ph.D. selection

Based on the performance in the written test, a limited number of candidates will be invited for two interviews. The final selection will be based on the scores in the written test and interviews. Selected candidates (except pre-selected candidates) are expected to join in August 2025, after satisfactory completion of their qualifying examination. Pre-selected candidates will need to complete their qualifying degree (M. Sc./ B.E./ B. Tech.) from any institute and join the Ph.D. programme only after that. 

M.Sc. selection: Based on the performance in the written test, a limited number of candidates will be invited to join the SPPU-IUCAA Joint M.Sc. (Physics with Astrophysics) Programme starting July 2025, subject to completing their qualifying degree (B.Sc. Physics [with Mathematics at 2nd year] / B.E. / B. Tech.) in the academic year 2024 - 2025. 

Application can be submitted online at https://inat.iucaa.in by November 18, 2024. Detailed instructions are available at the website.