Astronomy

Those who opt for the astronomy field, should pass their plus two examination under the science stream, specially in physics and math's. For pursuing a career in theoretical or observational astronomy one may go through the science stream after plus two. Since universities offering undergraduate programme in Astronomy are rarely found, one can join for a major/ honours in Physics with Mathematics as a subsidiary subject. Thereafter, take a master's degree in Physics or Astronomy. After the successful completion of M.Sc, one can do specialization in astronomy leading to Ph. D. which enables one to become an astronomer/ astronaut/ astrophysicist or a scientist/ research officer etc. in the field of space research.
The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is a 2-hour subject-specific admissions test for applicants to the University of Oxford for undergraduate degree courses in Engineering, Materials Science and Physics undergraduate degree courses.
The PAT is held pre-interview stage at the beginning of November. Test results are not published automatically, but candidates may request their test score as part of the usual University of Oxford feedback process.

Scope of Astronomy:
There is a shortage of serious research astronomers in the country. However, there are also a limited number of institutions that do research in astronomy. All you should try to get your degree under a well-recognised astronomer and you will have a reasonable chance of success.
It is desirable for a student to acquire proficiency in physics and mathematics at the graduate level and then to Astronomy & Astrophysics specialization.
Scope of Quantum Physics:
In India, one can become a scientist or a professor after studying quantum physics. Outside India, the scope is even brighter and the pay package is really high for the researchers if quantum physics.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics is a premier institute devoted to research in astronomy, astrophysics and related physics. This is a full-time research programme where in the students work towards their Ph.D. degree under the supervision of an IIA faculty. Students may join the programme in either the first semester beginning in August or the second semester beginning in January. Entrance examination is held in December followed by interview in January. Students passing the JEST exam are interviewed in May / June. Eligibility criteria for PhD at IIA is M.Sc in Mathematics / Applied Physics / Applied Mathematics / Optics and Photonics / Instrumentation / Electronics etc . All around excellent academic performance from 12th to PG will help you fulfil your dream.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) also conducts the Integrated M.Tech- Ph.D (Tech.) programme in Astronomical Instrumentation in collaboration with Department of Applied Optics and Photonics, University of Calcutta (CU). The Degree will be awarded by the University of Calcutta. The duration of M.Tech course work will be of 2 years divided into 4 semesters. After successful completion of the M. Tech course a student can opt for registration for Ph.D (Tech.) programme, subjected to a selection procedure and minimum cut-off grade.
The Integrated M.Tech- Ph.D (Tech.) Programme will admit bright, highly motivated students with a three years B.Tech. degree (Post B.Sc Hons) in Optics and Optoelectronics / Radio Physics and Electronics from CU or B.Tech / BE degree in Electrical/ Instrumentation/ Electronics and Communications /Computer Science and Engineering from an institution recognized by AICTE. A candidate with M.Sc degree in Physics / Electronic Science / Applied Mathematics /Applied Physics from a UGC recognized institution is also eligible to apply.