Eligibility for Astrophysics Courses

Astrophysics is one field where aptitude is important, as, or perhaps more than academic
prowess. The primary requirement is to have a scientific bent of mind and the desire to
explore.

If you have curiosity and are interested, half the battle is won-you are already eligible.
Other technical necessities include taking up physics and mathematics at the plus two
level, as well as during graduation.

For a career in space science, students need to have enough knowledge of physics, maths
and engineering techniques in general. Students generally require a BE or B.Sc degree in
physics / electronics, etc.

To pursue a career in theoretical astronomy, one can pursue a Bachelor's in Science in

physics and / or mathematics, while in order to pursue a career in experimental
astronomy, one can pursue a Bachelor's in Engineering in electrical / electronics /
electrical communication, after ten plus two.

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), usually held around February or March, is the
screening test for those who want to pursue a PhD in physics, including theoretical and
observational astronomy, astrophysics, atmospheric and space science / mathematics /
theoretical computer science.

Student with a postgraduate degree in physics or Master's in Technology in engineering

or a Bachelor's in engineering, are eligible to appear for JEST. The patterns consist of
multiple-choice objective questions, covering general areas in the field of physics. The
exam checks for analytical skills.

Knowledge of the subject and ability to tackle the problem. The maximum number of
allotted marks is 150, evenly divided among 50 questions with negative marking for
wrong answers. The time allotted for exam is 3 hours.

On the basis of JEST Results, institutes call a limited number of candidates receives a
Research Fellowship from the respective institutions.

If you are the mechanical engineer, you are the most eligible candidate for making bright
future in Astrophysics field. For instance, the studies of stellar objects thus require
instruments. Buildings of such instruments require an Engineering background.

One can use a spectrograph to study the spectral lines in the incoming light which will
give information about the material. Similarly, the polarization of the stellar light can be
measured using a polarimeter. Building of such instruments involves the combined
efforts of Mechanical Engineering.
India has many good institutes related to astronomy. It could excel in the international
space research field if these institutes had a steady input of quality students. The students
should try to enter these as they offer world class facilities for research, which will
definitely be useful to all mankind.

The University of Pune, offer M.Sc courses in space science, some of which are
sponsored by ISRO.

A new institute has just been started by ISRO in Thiruvananthapuram, which is

essentially open to students from IITs. This is aimed not at science, but to train engineers
for ISRO's needs.

There are also several Astrophysics courses, at the end of which, students are awarded
with certificates in astronomy. ST.Joseph'S and the Birla Institute of Fundamendal
Research in Banglore only have certificate courses in Astrophysics.

There may be others in other cities and the best place to find out would be the local
planetarium. Bangalore University, amongst others, offers a MSc. in Astronomy as does
Calicut University.

These also offer, in general, Ph.D programs. Specialized institutes like Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA), Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Aries, Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research, S.N. Bose, as well as Indian Institute of science and a
few of the IITs take students for PhD program. IIA takes students with an M.Sc or a BE /
BTech.

Though there are many institutions offering postgraduate courses in Astrophysics and
facilitating research, there are very few offering undergraduate courses in Astrophysics.
Some of them are DR. Babasahab Ambsedar Marathward University, Aurangabad,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur, University of Lucknow, and University of Chennai.

Astrophysics Career Prospects

After having done a course in astronomy, one can be a research scientist with several
research institute and government organizations. During the research work, one can
receive a monthly stipend ranging from Rs. 8000 - Rs. 9000/-, besides other grants and
facilities.

After completing research, employment opportunities with different institutes increase.

Various government bodies also employ astronomers as scientists, who are given high
salaries with other perks and allowances.