Best choice for studying Astrophysics in India
2017-08-02Astrophysics being a highly specialized and niche field, one needs to be careful in choice of institute. Probably the best bet here is IIST (Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, an autonomous institute under Department. of Space, Govt. of India.
It offers 5 Year Integrated B.Tech degree in Engineering Physics and any of the following Post-Graduate degree specializations:
(i) Master of Science (Astronomy & Astrophysics)
(ii) Master of Technology (Earth System Science)
(iii) Master of Science (Solid State Physics)
(iv) Master of Technology (Optical Engineering)
Student exchange program : IIST has signed a MoU with USRA (Universities Space Research Association) of USA and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for exchange of students and faculty. Under this scheme selected students can do their project work/ internship in USA. The topper of the B.Tech (Aerospace Engineering) from this institute will be sponsored to undergo an intense 9-months M.S. program at Caltech.
Financial assistance : IIST provides financial assistance funded by the Department of Space (DoS, Government of India) for students admitted to UG (B.Tech and dual degree) programmes. The assistanceship (per semester basis) covers the expenses viz. Tuition fee, Students Amenity fee, hostel and dining charges, Establishment charges and medical expenses
Entrance exam & Basis of admission : Admission is on the basis of JEE-Advanced
Absorption in ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) : As performance based financial assistance is provided by DOS to the undergraduate students of IIST, ISRO/DOS will have the first right to absorb them, subject to the human resource requirements of ISRO/DOS.
If absorbed, they will be posted as Scientist/Engineer-‘SC’ in any ISRO/DOS Centre. Currently, Scientist/Engineer- ‘SC’ is placed in Level 10 of the Central Government 7th pay commission Pay Matrix Table. The basic emoluments at present will be approximately Rs. 56,100/- p.m. In addition, House Rent Allowance [HRA] and Transport Allowance at the prescribed rates in force at the place of posting are applicable. The employees will be governed by the National Pension System. Other facilities are available such as medical facilities for self and dependants, Leave Travel Concession Group Insurance, etc..
Students who are offered a job in ISRO/DOS are mandated to serve as Scientist/Engineer-‘SC’ in any ISRO/DOS centres for a minimum period of 3 years. On failing to accept the job offer, a student is liable to pay Rs.10 lakhs to IIST/DOS as per the Surety Bond (on a Rs.100/- Non-Judicial paper duly signed by the student, parent and surety) to be executed at the time of admission to undergraduate programmes in IIST.