PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics: Apply for INAT-2024 by November 15

Here is a great opportunity to pursue research with a scholarship leading to a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Physics. Those interested can attempt the INAT-2024 (IUCAA – National Admission Test – 2014) conducted by the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and & Astrophysics IUCAA) in Pune. The deadline to apply for the test is 11.59 pm on November 15.

Subjects
The subjects available for research include various aspects of Astronomy and Astrophysics such as Gravitation, Cosmic Magnetic Field, Cosmology, High-Energy Astrophysics, Instrumentation, sky observation from the earth, Solar Physics and Data Analysis.

Eligibility
Applicants have to complete any one of the following courses with at least 55-percent marks by July 2024: MSc / Integrated MSc in Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Electronics or Astronomy; BE / BTech / ME / MTech in any branch.

The qualifying mark for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste/Tribe, Backward Community and Differently-abled categories is 50 percent.

In addition, final year BSc students, first year MSc students, third and fourth year students in Integrated MSc courses and second and third-year BE/BTech students having an exceptional academic record can also apply for advance selection. Such students can join PhD research scholarship at IUCAA after completing their courses.

Test syllabus
It is not mandatory for those applying for INAT to have studied Astronomy. The test and interview will have questions on general physics up to MSc level. Applicants also should have a basic knowledge on Mathematics, Electronics and Engineering.

Reports by referees
Apart from submitting the application online before the deadline of November 15, candidates have to arrange confidential assessment reports by two referees by November 19.

Even though the applications will be accepted without these reports, the chances for selection will be low. The referee reports should be prepared by academic experts who are qualified to evaluate the academic excellence of the applicants. These experts should not be relatives of the applicants.

Admission test
The two-hour written test which is a part of the selection process will take place in Pune on January 10, 2024. This will be followed by two interviews of 45-minute duration during January 10-12. If the applicants have any other tests on these days, they can attempt PhD admissions through JEST (www.jest.org.in)

MSc through INAT
Candidates who have earned a BSc (Physics) degree with Mathematics as a subject till the second year and those with BTech in any branch with at least 55-percent marks can also apply for the Joint MSc (Physics with Astrophysics) course conducted by Pune University and IUCAA. Admission to this course is based solely on INAT.

Application details
Website: http://inat.iucca.in
Email: inat@iucca.in
Phone number: 020 – 25604100.
Address: The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and & Astrophysics, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune – 411007.