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You might think about famous personalities like Neil DeGrasse Tyson when it comes to astrophysics! Tyson is one of the main reasons for astrophysics’ entry into mainstream discourse. Though it is one of the fascinating branches of astronomy, it is not one of the most coveted science stream courses in India and those who wish to study the subject might have a hard time deciding how and where to pursue it. That is why we have compiled a list of top astrophysics colleges in India, their major courses, admissions requirements, and more!
This Blog Includes:
What is Astrophysics?
Simply defined, Astrophysics, commonly called space science is a subset of astronomy that primarily studies celestial objects and their composition by applying the laws and principles of physics to explain the phenomenon. The study of astronomy and its branches can be dated back to Greek philosophers like Aristotle who sought to study space and its components but it was Galileo and Newton that transformed the tradition of astronomy and its study. The study of cosmology and planetary science is closely associated with astrophysics and is often referred to as sister sciences.
Some of the course’s main objectives are listed below.
- To learn more about the universe’s composition.
- To expose the truths and dispel myths about the universe.
- To create new observational techniques for a better understanding of the solar system.
Must Read: Branches in MSc Physics
Top Astrophysics Colleges in India
Astrophysics is a specialization more commonly offered at the postgraduate or doctoral level degree in India. Here is a list of the top 5 colleges in India for astrophysics that you can explore
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Ranked 1st by the NIRF India Ranking 2023, the Indian Institute of Science located in Bangalore is a leading research institution in areas like biological sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, and management. IISc, Bangalore is a publicly deemed university that gained the status of Institute of Eminence in 2018 and is one of the top Astrophysics colleges in India. The college has several ongoing research projects and offers bachelor, master, and PhD programs. The college’s Department of Physics offers programs like:
- Joint Astronomy Programme to train graduate students in astrophysics
- Integrated PhD program in physical sciences
- Regular Ph.D. programme
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
Another leading Astrophysics college in India, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics is an autonomous research centre under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The center is committed to research and advancement in areas like astronomy and astrophysics; they have several ongoing research projects pertaining to the field and numerous observatories across India. The institute offers AICTE-approved postgraduate and doctoral programs such as:
- Integrated M.Tech– PhD programme in Astronomical Instrumentation in collaboration with the University of Calcutta
- PhD programme
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
Another exceptional research and educational centre for scientific study and research is Tata Institute Fundamental Research. TIFR is a deemed university primarily offering M.Sc, integrated M.Sc and PhD and PhD programmes in different branches of science like physics, chemistry, biology and in mathematics and computer science. It is one of the best Astrophysics Colleges in India for research courses and the institute offers PhD and integrated courses in areas like Astronomy & Astrophysics, Matter Physics & Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Nuclear & Atomic Physics and Theoretical Physics at their Mumbai campus.
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Pune
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics is a leading research institute specialising in Radio Astronomy. NCRA is affiliated with TIFR and the Department of Atomic Energy. Its area of research includes topics like solar physics, theoretical cosmology, galaxies, interstellar medium, pulsars and neutron stars, galaxy evolution etc. Another key mention in our list of Astrophysics colleges in India, NCRA offers a PhD programme in astronomy and radio instrumentation for interested candidates.
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
ARIES is a research institution located in Uttarkhand and operates as an autonomous institute under the Dept of Science and Technology of Govt. of India. The institute is involved in research areas like Solar Physics, Stellar physics, Interstellar Matter, Relativistic Astrophysics etc. This Astrophysics college in India offers a PhD to M.Sc students interested in the field of astronomy & astrophysics as well as in atmospheric sciences.
Read More: Courses after BSc Physics
Other Great Colleges
Apart from the top 5 institutes, there are other colleges in the nation that offers a specialization in Astrophysics. Some of them are listed below
- Physics Research Laboratory, Gujarat
- Indian Centre of Space Physics, Kolkata
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Institute of Fundamental Research, Tamil Nadu
- Raman Research Institute, Bangalore
- Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad
- JNTU College of Engineering, Hyderabad
- Inter Universities Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune
- Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER)
- Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
Eligibility Criteria
Before we get into the list of astrophysics colleges in India, let us look at the primary requirements and entrances you need to clear for building a career in the field.
- Candidates who belong to the science stream and have studied physics and mathematics at their 10+2 level are eligible
- Candidates with B.Sc/M.Sc in Physics/Engineering or equivalent course with 55% at graduation level
- Candidates may have to appear for national entrances like GATE, JAM, CSIR-NET, IIAST, and JEST followed by a personal interview.
Astrophysics: Course and Syllabus
In terms of course objectives, an Astrophysics course includes some common subjects, the most important of which are:
- Properties of Matter
- Special Relativity
- Oscillation of waves
- Physics of field and matter
- Astrophysics
- Modern Physics
- Practical Physics
- Thermal Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Classical Mechanics
- Linear Algebra and Calculus
- Cosmology
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Thermodynamics
- Statistics Physics
- Galaxies
- Dynamics and Relativity
- Research Methodology
- Positional Astronomy
- Stellar Atmosphere
- Celestial and Fluid Mechanics
- Space Physics
- Electromagnetic Waves and Radiating Systems
- Astronomical Techniques
- Plasma Physics
- Lasers and Applications
Fee structure for Astrophysics
The average fee for pursuing Astrophysics in India is given below.
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG | 1.80 Lakhs | 4.44 Lakhs | — | |
| PG | — | 20K | — | 60K |
Astrophysics: Careers and Salary
While salaries vary according to the job role, responsibilities, research area, and experience, the average wages for each job profile are as follows:
| JOB PROFILE | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
| Astrophysicist | Rs. 80,000 – 9.00 lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
| Stellar Astronomer | Rs. 3 – 8.50 lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
| Observational Astronomer | Rs. 2 – 6 lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
| Lecturer | Rs. 4 – 11 lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Scope of Astrophysics
Accomplished Astrophysics graduates are in high demand from institutes and organisations involved in research, theoretical work, and teaching in Astrophysics both in India and internationally. They are typically hired as Research Scientists by institutions that fund research and are given grants to undertake research work in their field of interest.
For those who are honestly intrigued about the universe and the secrets that its large stretches of unexplored regions hold, a career in Astrophysics can be extremely exciting and rewarding. Astrophysicists are given a lot of encouragement to actively pursue the observation of new planets, stars, and galaxies, and their discoveries can even earn them awards if they help advance our understanding of the universe.
FAQs
Admission to Astrophysics courses is based on both merit and entrance exams. BITSAT, IIT JEE, IUCAA NCRA, and other popular and frequently taken entrance exams for Astrophysics courses
The Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Space Engineering (DAASE) was established as an interdisciplinary division at IIT Indore in December 2015, focusing on a wide range of research topics in the domains of astronomy, astrophysics, and space weather and navigation studies.
The candidate must have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent from a recognised board. The candidate must have majored in Mathematics and Physics in high school.
B.Sc Astrophysics has a wide range of applications in educational institutions and other research departments. There are also numerous offers for top positions in government organisations such as the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). An astronomer’s starting salary is Rs 50,000/- per month.
This was all about the best Astrophysics colleges in India for BSc/MSc/research-oriented and PhD-level Astrophysics courses. Hopefully, this blog helped you glean the different colleges and courses available in India. 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!
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Thank you sir❤
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hi, I am completed 12th. I am eligibility to study B.sc astrophysics.
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Hi Subanu!
The minimum eligibility for BSc in Astrophysics is 10+2 in the science stream with compulsory subjects like Maths and Physics. If you have studied physics and maths in your 12th, then you are eligible for the course. (The cut-off for every university is different and you must meet all the requirements to enrol at the university) Hope this helps!
All the best for your future endeavours!
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12 comments
Thank you sir❤
hi, I am completed 12th. I am eligibility to study B.sc astrophysics.
Hi Subanu!
The minimum eligibility for BSc in Astrophysics is 10+2 in the science stream with compulsory subjects like Maths and Physics. If you have studied physics and maths in your 12th, then you are eligible for the course. (The cut-off for every university is different and you must meet all the requirements to enrol at the university) Hope this helps!
All the best for your future endeavours!
I want to know the colleges for studying BSc astrophysics or space physics… I cannot find one… could you ols help me with this.🙏
Hi Srikar!
Indian colleges don’t offer BSc in astrophysics, however, you can opt for BSc in Physics and later pursue postgraduation in Astrophysics. You can also consider foreign universities that offer BSc in Astrophysics. To know more, get in touch with our experts at 1800572000! Hope this helps!
All the best!
Hello Sir
I want to know whether any of the Institute provide Bsc Astrophysics.
Hi Geeta!
In India, there aren’t many colleges that offer BSc Astrophysics. On the bright side, you can study BSc in Physics and then pursue Astrophysics in India or you apply to foreign universities for Bsc Astrophysics!
If you need more help, please call us on 1800572000! Thank you!
How to take admission in ARIES for msc in astrophysics?
I want to study degree course of b.sc astronomy or astrophysics.
Hi, Purnesh.
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For more information chat with us on 1800 57 2000!
Does nasa takes students from all this colleges in india
Can i join the astrophysics course after completing my b tech in electronics and communication engineering…and the required CGPA is?