Astronomy

Attaining the B.S-M.S programme of IISER will turn out to be quite effective for carrying an astronomy-related career, primarily provided followed by doing a PhD in a similar programs. For doing a sound education consisting of theoretical principles at high intensity along with experimental research inputs on the platform is required if advancing into study with astrophysics-related domains. The students graduating from IISER tend to continue in Ph.D. programs, not only in India but also abroad. Strong research foundations and networking help them do this. So, most alumni find positions as research scientists, academics, or industry professionals associated with physics and astronomy-related sectors.

In preparation for astrophysics in the future, school selection for 11th and 12th grades with strong Science programs, particularly in Physics and Mathematics, should be done. Some of the recommended schools in India are given below:Delhi Public School (DPS): Strong Science curriculum and after school activities.The Mother's International School, New Delhi: Offers a strong foundation in Science with excellent facilities.National Public School, Bangalore: Known for its excellence in Science education.Podar International School, Mumbai: Offers the whole syllabus with Science emphasis.St. John's High School, Chandigarh: Has a good Science stream with several awards for education.So, these schools will give you a good education and set you up for pursuing further astrophysics education at the IITs or IISc.

M.Sc. Astrophysics is a specialised postgraduate course focusing on celestial phenomena and the physics governing the universe. Some of the best colleges/universities in India offering M.Sc. Astrophysics include:Top Colleges/Universities for M.Sc. Astrophysics in IndiaIndian Institute of Science (IISc), BangaloreDepartment: Physical Sciences/AstrophysicsAdmission through: Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (IIT-JAM)Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), MumbaiDepartment: National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)Admission through: TIFR GS (Graduate School Admission Test)Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), BangaloreProgram: Joint M.Sc.-PhD in Astrophysics (in collaboration with other institutes)Admission through: IIA Screening Test (IIAST) or JESTIndian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), ThiruvananthapuramDepartment: Astronomy and AstrophysicsAdmission through: GATE/JEST or an internal selection processOsmania University, HyderabadDepartment: AstronomyKnown for its long-standing tradition in astronomical researchAdmission through: University Entrance Exam or GATEPondicherry University, PuducherryOffers M.Sc. in Physics with specialisation in AstrophysicsAdmission through: Pondicherry University Entrance ExamUniversity of Calcutta, KolkataOffers M.Sc. in AstrophysicsAdmission through: University-specific entrance examAndhra University, VisakhapatnamOffers a specialised M.Sc. in Space PhysicsAdmission through: AUCET (Andhra University Common Entrance Test)Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), PuneOffers M.Sc. in Physics with an Astrophysics specializationAdmission through: SPPU Entrance ExamAligarh Muslim University (AMU), AligarhOffers M.Sc. in Physics with optional courses in astrophysicsAdmission through: AMU Entrance ExamKey Entrance Exams for AdmissionIIT-JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.)For admission to IISc, IITs, and other institutes.Tests knowledge in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.TIFR GS (Graduate School Admission Test)For postgraduate and integrated Ph.D. courses at TIFR and affiliated institutes.IIAST (Indian Institute of Astrophysics Screening Test)Conducted by IIA for M.Sc.-PhD programs.JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test)For admission to research programs in physics and theoretical computer science, including astrophysics.GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)Accepted by some universities like IIST for M.Sc. and related programs.CUET (Common University Entrance Test)For central universities offering M.Sc. Astrophysics.University-Specific Entrance ExamsUniversities like Osmania, Pondicherry, and Calcutta conduct their own tests for admission to M.Sc. programs.International OptionsFor global aspirants, notable universities for M.Sc. Astrophysics include:University of Cambridge, UK (Master's in Astrophysics)California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USAHarvard University, USAUniversity of Oxford, UKAustralian National University, AustraliaAdmission criteria vary but often include GRE (Physics), TOEFL/IELTS, and a strong academic background in physics and mathematics.

For entry into the Osmania University M.Sc. in Astrophysics program, one must follow these instructions:Eligibility criteria: Candidate must have done a B.Sc. in which at least 40% marks must be obtained. Also, Mathematics and Physics subjects are considered in the aggregate.Common Postgraduate Entrance Test (CPGET) must be qualified conducted by Osmania University. This examination checks a candidate's knowledge related to relevant subjects.Procedure for applying:Online application must be made through the Osmania University portal for admissions.Fill up the application form for CPGET, providing all the necessary details and documents.Pay application fee as per the requirementCounseling and Admission: After the entrance examination, a merit list would be published according to the scores obtained by you. The selected candidates would be called for counseling and final admission.Fees: The total tuition fees of the course are around 4,520 for two years.Keep an eye for the specific dates and the latest updates related to the application process on the official Osmania University website.