Careers in Astronomy And Astrophysics

Careers in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A) can be broadly divided

Theoretical  Observational

Theoretical research career in A & A typically involves doing a Masters in physics, or Bachelors in Engineering or Technology with thorough basic knowlegege in physics and mathematics, joining a suitable institution or university for a Ph.D.

Programme in A & A, following it up with one or two postdoctoral positions and - finally - obtaining a permanent job.

Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore (IIA), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc), National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Pune

(NCRA-TIFR), Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrop

hysics, Pune (IUCAA)

Physical Research Laboratory, Ahamedabad (PRL),

Raman Research Institute, Bangalore (RRI) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai

(TIFR)

have graduate students programmes in A & A leading to a Ph.D.

Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahbad (HRI) and

The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai (IMSc)

are actively expanding into this area and will certainly encourage theoretical research in A & A.

On the observational side, the scope is somewhat wider because even students with engineering degree (or knowledge of computer systems and electronics) are also encouraged to apply for the graduate student's programme in many of the above places. For example, IUCAA takes B.E. and B.Tech students for its graduate school and allows them to do an M.Sc. by research prior to doing a Ph.D.

The scope for experimental astronomy in this country is somewhat limited compared to theory, but this situation is likely to change within the next 5 years or so.

The key point to remember is that A & A is a branch of physics and you need to have a strong foundation in physics and mathematics in order to have a successful career in A & A.

For Ph.D. Programmes in Physics / Mathematics / Theoretical Computer Science

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)