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

IIA, a DST-funded research institute, is devoted to research in astronomy, astrophysics, and related areas of physics. The IIA-PU Ph.D programme is a full-time research programme wherein 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 and 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 undergo a one-year pre-PhD coursework in the form of classroom 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 coursework is to provide adequate classroom 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 to the Ph.D. programme are initially offered a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) with a stipend of Rs. 37,000/pm. On completion of two years as a JRF, students are offered a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) after an assessment (open seminar and closed-room viva-voce) and will carry a stipend of Rs. 42,000/- pm. The total tenure of the fellowship may not ordinarily exceed five years, inclusive of the one-year coursework. 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. In addition, research scholars get an annual book grant and medical facilities. Hostel 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. A subsidized canteen facility is available on-campus in Bangalore as well as at the field stations of the institute. During official tours, students are entitled to 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 hold M.Sc/Integrated M.Sc (Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Mathematics, Astronomy, Electronics, Photonics, Optics) or M.E./ M.Tech and Integrated M.E/M.Tech (Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Photonics, Optics, Opto-Electronics, Radio Physics & Electronics). Applicant should have secured minimum of 60% marks throughout his/her academic career. Post-graduation degree should be from a UGC recognized college/University.

Applicants should have (i) a valid CSIR/UGC-NET (JRF) score in Physics (2024, 2025) or (ii) a valid GATE 2025 score of above 95th percentile in Physics or (iii) a valid JEST 2025 score of above 95th percentile in Physics, at the time of admission

Age Limit: Maximum 28 years on 31st January, 2026.

Application can be submitted online at the link provided at https://www.iiap.res.in/phd_2026/ latest by 5.30 pm on 6th October 2025. Guidelines for applying are given at the website.

A written exam may be conducted to screen the shortlisted applicants further for the interview. The interview will be held in person at the IIA main campus, Bengaluru. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. In case of difficulty in holding the interview in person, it may be conducted online.

Updates will be posted on the website.

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