Explore a career in astrophysics with the Joint PhD programme of Indian Institute of Astrophysics

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India; Bangalore- 560034; has invited applications from motivated candidates with consistently good academic credentials for admission to the IIA- Pondicherry University (PU) Ph.D. Programme to be conducted in collaboration with Pondicherry Central University, Puducherry. 

This is a full-time research programme where in the students’ work towards their Ph.D. degree under the supervision of an IIA faculty member. The Ph.D programme is central to the Institute's thrust areas of research in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The PhD programme at IIA is overseen by the Board of Graduate Studies (BGS), which takes care of the academic and related activities of the Ph.D. students.

Students admitted under this programme undergo a one-year pre-PhD course work in the form of class room teaching in key areas of Astrophysics. Some of the courses are taught under the Joint Astronomy Programmer (JAP). After completing two semesters (4 months each) of classes, students carry out a short-term research project for about 3 months under the guidance of faculty members at IIA. The main aim of the pre-PhD course work is to provide adequate class-room training to students and prepare them to take up challenging research problems. The core courses consist of Radiative processes in astrophysics, Introduction to Fluids and Plasma, Numerical and Statistical Techniques, General Relativity and Cosmology, Galaxies and ISM, Stellar and High Energy Physics.

Students admitted are initially offered a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)of Rs. 37,000/- pm. On completion of two years as a JRF, students are offered a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) of Rs. 42,000/- pm after an assessment (open seminar and close-room viva-voce). Students also get an annual book grant and medical facilities. The total tenure of the fellowship may not ordinarily exceed five years, inclusive of the one year course work. Once a student submits the thesis, an enhanced fellowship of Rs. 46,000/- pm is given for a further period of one year. Continuation of the fellowship beyond this period is not guaranteed.

Hostel accommodation is normally provided to all students. If a student opts to stay in a private accommodation, a house rent allowance (HRA) is paid as per the institute rules. Students are eligible to get enrolled in the contributory medical scheme of the institute. Subsidised canteen facility is available on-campus in Bangalore as well as at the field stations of the institute. During official tours, students are entitled for travel and dearness allowances on par with staff members of the institute. They also receive support to participate in national and international scientific conferences.

Eligibility

Applicant should have (i)MSc/Integrated MSc in Applied Physics/Engg., Physics, Applied Mathematics, Astronomy, Electronics, Photonics/Optics, Physics or (ii) ME/M.Tech./Integrated ME/M.Tech. in Applied Physics/Engg Physics, Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Photonics/Optics/Opto- electronics, Radio Physics and Electronics or (iii) M.Phil in Applied Physics, Instrumentation, Mathematics, Photonics/ Optics, Physics. 

Applicant should have (a) qualified for JRF in the CSIR/UGC-NET exam in Physics (December 2023, June 2024), or (b) scored 95.00 percentile or above in the JEST (2024) exam in Physics or (c) scored 95.00 percentile or above in GATE (2024) exam in Physics. Scores must be valid at the time of admission.

Age Limit

Maximum 28 years.

Selection

Initial screening will be conducted based on overall academic performance. Written exam may be conducted to screen the short-listed applicants for interview. Original documents of all academic records (mark sheets, certificates etc.) must be produced upon demand. 

Application

Applications can be submitted online at https://www.iiap.res.in/phd_2024/ latest by 21st October, 2024. The interview will be held offline at IIA main campus, Bengaluru. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview. In case of difficulty in holding the interview offline, it may be conducted online. 

Updates will be posted on the website. 

For queries, contact: iiast@iiap.res.in