Astrophysics Colleges in India: Courses, Eligibility, Fee Structure, & Career

Astrophysics is one of the most fascinating branches of science, exploring everything from stars and galaxies to black holes and space-time. For students who love physics, mathematics, and the mysteries of the universe, it offers an exciting academic and career path. India is home to several reputed institutions that provide high-quality undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in this field.

In this blog, we will explore the top Astrophysics Colleges in India, the courses they offer, eligibility, fees, syllabus highlights, and career opportunities to help you choose the right path for your future.

List of Best Astrophysics Colleges and Universities in India

Many top Astrophysics Colleges in India offer specialized programs, mainly at the postgraduate and research levels. These astrophysics courses often come with flexible fee structures, and premier research-focused institutes such as national research centers and IISERs frequently provide low or even zero tuition fees for Ph.D. scholars. In most cases, research students also receive monthly stipends, making advanced studies in astrophysics more accessible and financially supportive.

Here is a list of some of the top institutes and universities in India offering astrophysics and space science programs:

Institution	Programs Offered	Average Annual Fees
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru	Integrated M.Tech-Ph.D. & Ph.D. in Astrophysics	Minimal fees, with stipends for research scholars.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru	M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Physics with Astrophysics specialization	INR 35,200 (Ph.D.)
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai	Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. & Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics	Very low, around INR 3,000 – INR 5,000. Students receive fellowships.
Osmania University, Hyderabad	Ph.D. in Astrophysics	INR 25,000
Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru	Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics	Minimal, with stipends for research students.
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune	Ph.D. in Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics	Low, as part of TIFR.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram	M.Sc. in Astronomy and Astrophysics	INR 87,400
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam	M.Sc. & Ph.D. with Astrophysics specialization	Varies, M.Sc. can be from INR 14,100 to INR 13 Lakhs. Ph.D. is around INR 15,000.
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) – Kolkata, Pune, Mohali, Bhopal	Integrated BS-MS, M.Sc., and Ph.D. with a research focus on Astrophysics within the Physics department	BS-MS: INR 1.15 Lakhs (IISER Pune), Ph.D. fees vary but are generally low.
Panjab University, Chandigarh	M.Sc. in Physics with Astronomy and Astrophysics specialization	INR 16,565 (for a Post-Graduate Diploma).
National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar	Integrated M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Physical Sciences with research in Astrophysics	Integrated M.Sc.: INR 1.5 Lakhs (total), Ph.D.: INR 70,000 (total).
Punjabi University, Patiala	M.Sc. in Astronomy and Space Physics	INR 52,000 (for the two-year course).
National Institute of Technology, Rourkela	Ph.D. with research areas in Astrophysics within the Physics Department	INR 87,500
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee	Ph.D. with research in Astronomy and Astrophysics within the Physics department	Ph.D. fees can range from INR 85,800 to INR 2.21 Lakhs (total).
DAE – Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata	Ph.D. in Physics with research in Astrophysics	Minimal fees, with stipends provided.
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad	Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics	Minimal fees, as it is a government-funded research institute.
Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI)	Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics with research in Astrophysics and Cosmology	No tuition fees for students, and a monthly fellowship is provided.
Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Prayagraj	Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics with research in Astrophysics and Cosmology	No tuition or registration fees. Students receive a fellowship.

Must Read: How to Become an Astronomer in India

Details of the Top 5 Astrophysics Colleges in India

Choosing a college for astrophysics in India is a significant decision, as the best programs are typically highly specialized and research-oriented. Here are detailed profiles of the top 5 institutions for pursuing a career in the astrophysics field.

1. Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru is a premier research institute dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics. It is a top choice for students who want to commit to a research career in this field. IIA offers highly specialized programs, primarily a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and an Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. in Astronomical Instrumentation.

Admission is highly competitive, requiring excellent scores in national exams like JEST, UGC-CSIR NET, or GATE, followed by a rigorous interview. Since IIA is government-funded, its fee structure is minimal, and all students receive a monthly stipend or fellowship, which covers living expenses and allows them to focus entirely on their research.

Feature	Details
Programs Offered	– Ph.D. in Astrophysics (with Pondicherry University & AcSIR)   – Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. (with University of Calcutta) in Astronomical Instrumentation.
Eligibility	– Ph.D.: M.Sc. in Physical/Mathematical/Chemical Sciences or B.E./B.Tech. with 60% aggregate marks.  – Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D.: B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. in Physics with 60% aggregate marks.
Selection Criteria	Based on national exam scores (JEST, UGC-CSIR NET, or GATE) followed by a mandatory in-person interview at the IIA campus.
Average Annual Fees	Minimal to zero tuition fees for research programs. As a government-funded institute, its fees are very low.
Scholarships & Stipends	All Ph.D. students receive a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which increases to a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), providing a comfortable monthly stipend.

2. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai is a world-renowned institution for fundamental research, with its Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics being a top choice for aspiring astrophysicists in India. It offers a rigorous Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics and an Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. program, both of which are highly competitive.

Admission is primarily through the TIFR Graduate School (GS) entrance exam, and shortlisted candidates must undergo a crucial in-person interview. TIFR has a very affordable fee structure, with annual fees ranging from approximately INR 3,000 to INR 5,000, and all selected students receive a generous monthly fellowship to support their living and research expenses.

Feature	Details
Programs Offered	– Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics  – Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Eligibility	– Ph.D.: Master’s degree in Physics or equivalent.  – Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D.: Bachelor’s degree in Physics or related fields.
Selection Criteria	– Primarily through the TIFR Graduate School (GS) entrance exam. May also consider JEST, UGC-CSIR NET, or GATE scores.  – A mandatory in-person interview follows the written exam.
Average Annual Fees	Very low, around INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 per year.
Scholarships & Stipends	All selected students receive a generous monthly fellowship to cover living and research expenses.
Important Research Areas	Gravitational Waves, Black Holes, Stellar Binaries, Cosmology, Radio Astronomy.
Notable Facilities	The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune, which operates the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT).

3. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune

The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), located in Pune, is an autonomous institution established by the UGC to promote astronomy and astrophysics research in Indian universities. It offers a highly competitive Ph.D. program in Astronomy & Astrophysics and plays a crucial role in university education by collaborating with Savitribai Phule Pune University for its M.Sc. program.

Admission is based on a written test (IUCAA National Admission Test (INAT) or scores in JEST/UGC-CSIR NET) and multiple rounds of interviews. IUCAA’s fee structure is very accessible, with no tuition fees for its Ph.D. program, and all students receive a competitive monthly research scholarship that covers their living expenses.

Feature	Details
Programs Offered	Ph.D. Program in Astronomy & Astrophysics  – Collaborates with Savitribai Phule Pune University for M.Sc. Physics with an Astrophysics specialization.
Eligibility	M.Sc. or B.E./B.Tech. with a minimum of 55% marks.
Selection Criteria	– IUCAA National Admission Test (INAT) or scores in JEST/UGC-CSIR NET. – A mandatory two rounds of in-person interviews.
Average Annual Fees	No tuition fees for the Ph.D. program. Students only pay nominal hostel and mess charges.
Scholarships & Stipends	All Ph.D. students receive a competitive monthly research scholarship that increases after two years.
Important Research Areas	Classical and Quantum Gravity, Gravitational Waves, Cosmology, Radio & Optical Astronomy.
Notable Facilities	The IUCAA Girawali Observatory (IGO), a high-performance computing center, and a Radio Physics Lab.

4. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru is a premier public institution for scientific research and education, with its Physics Department having a strong and active research group in astrophysics. IISc offers a Ph.D. in Physics with a specialization in Astronomy & Astrophysics, and is also a partner in the Joint Astronomy Programme (JAP), a collaborative effort with other top institutes. Additionally, students can pursue an M.Sc. in Physical Sciences and focus on astrophysics through their elective courses.

Admission is highly competitive and based on scores in national exams like GATE, JEST, or JAM, followed by a rigorous interview. While its annual fees are around INR 35,200 for a Ph.D. program, all research students receive a monthly stipend or fellowship, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their studies.

Feature	Details
Programs Offered	– Ph.D. in Physics with specialization in Astrophysics – M.Sc. in Physical Sciences with an astrophysics focus – Integrated Ph.D.
Eligibility	– Ph.D.: Master’s degree or B.E./B.Tech. – M.Sc. & Integrated Ph.D.: Bachelor’s degree in Physics or a related field.
Selection Criteria	Based on scores in national exams (GATE, JEST, or JAM) followed by a mandatory in-person interview.
Average Annual Fees	Around INR 35,200 for Ph.D. programs.
Scholarships & Stipends	All research students receive a monthly stipend or fellowship to support their living and research expenses.
Important Research Areas	Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics, Cosmology, Gravitational Physics, Observational Astronomy.
Collaborations	Partner in the Joint Astronomy Programme (JAP) and collaborates with external observatories.

5. Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru

The Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru, founded by Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman, is a premier autonomous research institute with a strong focus on experimental and theoretical physics, including a significant emphasis on astronomy and astrophysics. Its main academic offering is a highly selective Ph.D. program, with students registered for their degree at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. RRI is also a key participant in the Joint Astronomy Programme (JAP) with IISc and other institutes.

Admission is based on a rigorous screening process using scores from JEST, UGC-CSIR NET, or GATE, followed by a crucial in-person interview. As a research-focused institution, RRI does not charge tuition fees and provides all Ph.D. students with a generous monthly scholarship, which increases over time, along with an additional book grant to support their research efforts.

Feature	Details
Programs Offered	Ph.D. Program in various research areas, including Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Eligibility	Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.Phil.) or a four-year Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech.) with a minimum of 55% to 75% marks.
Selection Criteria	Scores from JEST, UGC-CSIR NET, or GATE, followed by a mandatory in-person interview.
Average Annual Fees	No tuition fees. The institute is a government-funded research center.
Scholarships & Stipends	All Ph.D. students receive a generous monthly scholarship (e.g., INR 37,000 to INR 42,000) and an additional book grant.
Important Research Areas	Theoretical & Computational Astrophysics, Observational Astronomy, Experimental Astronomy.
Notable Collaborations	Participant in the Joint Astronomy Programme (JAP) with IISc and others.

Read More: Best Astronomy Masters Abroad: Eligibility, Career Scope

Admission Process for Top Astrophysics Colleges in India

The admission process for top astrophysics colleges in India is highly competitive and is primarily focused on postgraduate (M.Sc.) and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs, as there are very few dedicated undergraduate degrees in this field. The process typically involves a combination of national-level entrance exams, followed by an interview.

Important Entrance Exams

Admission to most top institutions is based on scores from specific national-level entrance exams. A strong performance in one of these exams is a mandatory first step.

• Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST): This is a highly sought-after exam for students seeking admission to Ph.D. and Integrated M.Sc./Ph.D. programs in theoretical physics and related fields. Many premier institutes, including IUCAA and NCRA, use JEST scores for shortlisting candidates.
• TIFR Graduate School Admissions (TIFR GS): Conducted by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), this exam is a gateway for students aspiring to join the Ph.D. program at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), which is part of TIFR.
• CSIR-UGC NET (JRF): A valid Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) qualification in Physics through this exam is also accepted by many institutions, including the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and IUCAA, for their Ph.D. programs.
• GATE (Physics): The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is also accepted by some institutions like the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) for their Ph.D. programs.
• IUCAA National Admission Test (INAT): This is a specific entrance exam conducted by IUCAA and NCRA for their own Ph.D. and integrated M.Sc./Ph.D. programs.

Admission Process

While specific dates and eligibility criteria can vary, the overall admission process at most top institutions follows a similar pattern.

For Postgraduate Programs (M.Sc.)

Most students start with a B.Sc. in Physics or a related field. Some institutions offer a joint M.Sc. program with a focus on astrophysics.

• Applicants must have a B.Sc. degree in Physics or a relevant science/engineering field with a minimum aggregate score (usually around 55%).
• Admission is based on the score in an entrance exam like INAT (for the joint SPPU-IUCAA M.Sc. program) or other specific institutional tests.
• Candidates must apply online through the college or university’s official portal.
• Shortlisted candidates are invited for a counseling session or an interview to finalize admission.

For Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)

The most common path to becoming an astrophysicist in India is through a Ph.D. program at a specialized research institute.

• Candidates must have a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Physics or a Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech.) in a relevant engineering discipline. A minimum of 55% marks in the qualifying degree is generally required.
• Applicants must have a valid score in one of the approved national-level exams such as JEST, TIFR GS, CSIR-UGC NET (JRF), or GATE.
• The application is submitted online, often directly on the institute’s website, along with all relevant academic transcripts and entrance exam scores.
• Based on the entrance exam scores and academic performance, a small number of candidates are shortlisted. They are then invited for an in-person or online interview.
• The final list of selected candidates is announced after the interviews, and the new academic year begins.

Job Opportunities After Astrophysics

A career in astrophysics often leads to research and academia, but the skills gained are highly transferable to other fields. The average salary for an astrophysicist in India is approximately INR 8 lakh per year, though this can vary significantly with experience, from around INR 4-6 lakh for entry-level roles to over INR 20 lakh for experienced professionals.

Career Path	Job Role	Companies/Organizations	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Academia & Research	Astrophysicist/Astronomer	ISRO, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), IUCAA, NCRA	INR 8 to 15 lakhs for experienced professionals. Research fellows (JRFs/postdocs) typically receive a monthly stipend of INR 30,000 to INR 60,000.
	University Professor	IISc, IITs, IISERs, and other universities with Physics or Astronomy departments	INR 7 to 15 lakhs+ (dependent on rank and institution).
	Research Scientist	ISRO, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), various government labs, and defense organizations.	INR 6 to 15 lakhs for new hires, can go up to INR 20 lakhs+ with experience.
Private & Government Sector	Data Scientist/Analyst	IBM, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and financial firms.	INR 5 to 10 lakhs for entry-level roles, up to INR 20 lakhs+ for experienced professionals.
	Software Engineer	Tech companies and startups.	INR 5 to 10 lakhs for freshers, with experienced engineers earning INR 15 lakhs+.
	Aerospace Engineer	ISRO, DRDO, and private space tech companies like Dhruva Space and Agnikul Cosmos.	INR 6 to 15 lakhs, with potential for higher salaries based on specialization and experience.
	Physicist	National Laboratories, private R&D companies, and defense-related firms.	INR 5 to 12 lakhs, varying based on the specific industry.

Also Read: A Career in Space Science

FAQs

RELATED READS

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics	National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune
Your Guide to Astronomer Salaries in Germany	Astronomer Salary in New Zealand
Top 10 Astrophysics Online Courses with Certifications	7 Steps to Become a Cosmologist Abroad

This was a quick guide to the best astrophysics colleges in India for B.Sc., M.Sc., and research/Ph.D. programs. If you are unsure about choosing the right course in Astrophysics, our Leverage Edu experts are here to help you find the best program and university as per your interests and preferences! Sign up for a free session right away!