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While several premier institutions offer courses at the PG level, astronomy/astrophysics are offered as one of the subjects in BSc at a handful of universities like Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, the University of Lucknow and the University of Chennai. The eligibility is class XII (Sc).
The study of cosmic sciences - astronomy, planetary science and astrophysics requires a sound base in mathematics and physics at the undergraduate level, so make sure you opt for either of these at the BSc level.
Astronomy and astrophysics are taught as special MSc programmes in the Physics or Mathematics departments in a number of universities. Here are some of the better ones:
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003 - Course: MSc Space Physics (3yrs). Eligibility: BSc. Diploma in Space Science & Tech. Eligibility: MS (Phs)/MScTech with electronics.
MP Birla Planetarium, 96 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Kolkata 700071. Course: PG Diploma in Astronomy & Planetary Sciences.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034. Course: PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Post-doctoral Fellowships. (www.iiap.ernet.in).
JNTU College of Engineering, Hyderabad. Course: MSc (Tech) Space Physics).
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Pune & Bangalore Campus, (www.tifr.res.in/~gsch). Research Programmes in Astrophysics & Astronomy (Radio Astronomy & Astrophys, Theoretical Phys & Astrophys, Elig: MSc (Phy/ Astro/ Appl Math/ Physical Chem. BSc/ BE/ BTech with exceptional record can also apply. Selection: Written test & interview.
Osmania University, Centre for Advanced Study in Astronomy, Hyderabad 500007. Course: MSc (Astronomy). Eligibility: BSc (45% in the rel subj).
Punjabi University, Patiala 147002 (Punj). Course: PG Diploma in Space Sciences. Eligibility: MSc (Phys)/ BSc/ BE/ BTech (50%).
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007 (www.iucaa.ernet.in). Course: MTech in Astrophysics; PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology and Quantum Physics. PhD Astronomy & Astrophysics, Experimental and Theoretical Physics. Courses: PhD in Physics (including Theoretical and Observational Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics in Biology, Plasma Physics & Technology, Earth & Atmospheric Sc and Space Sc)/ Mathematics/ Theoretical Computer Sc. Selection: JEST, Introductory Summer School in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Vacation Students' Programme, Refresher Course in Astronomy & Astrophysics for College and University Teachers.
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (www.iisc.ernet.in).
Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences (BITS), Pilani, offers a starry future for those who have completed their Master's in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geology or Astrophysics. Course: MPhil in Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences in collaboration with the BIAPS (Birla Institute of Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences), Kolkata. A PhD programme is also offered.
