Do IISERs offer Astrophysics?

Dreaming of exploring the Universe and studying Astrophysics? Well, IISER could be the right choice. Although IISER doesn’t provide a dedicated undergraduate degree specialising in Astrophysics, it has various programs and related research where you could still pursue space science. They offer great opportunities for students who love physics.

In this blog, we will help you decide if IISER is the right fit. We’ll explain the admission process. Additionally, we’ll highlight the best IISER for space science enthusiasts. So, let’s dive in and see how IISER can bring you closer to your dream in astrophysics!

Astrophysics Through IISER:

IISERs don’t have a separate undergraduate program for astrophysics. But you can study Physics through their BS-MS (dual degree). Later, you can focus on astrophysics in your Master’s thesis.

IISERs lets you work on projects you like. You can also join summer programs and internships in astrophysics. Plus, they give financial support. If chosen, you get a stipend through scholarships like INSPIRE.

Read this blog to learn more about these scholarships.

IISER Pune and IISER Tirupati are great choices for astrophysics. Their physics departments study topics like cosmology, astrophysics, and string theory.

IISER Kolkata is home to CESSI (Centre of Excellence in Space Sciences). It focuses on space science, computer science, and engineering. For example, CESSI worked on projects like Aditya-L1 and LIGO-India.

CESSI also has postgraduate programs, like an MS in Space Physics. You need an MS, MSc, or MTech in physical sciences to apply with at least 55% aggregate marks. Final-year students can apply too.

For undergraduate astrophysics courses, you can also explore IIST, IITs, Osmania University, IIA (Indian Institute of Astrophysics), RRI (Raman Research Institute), and Inter-University Centre of Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). 

Read this blog to learn how to become an Astrophysicist.

How to Get into IISER?

Now you have a basic picture of IISER and their Astrophysics opportunities. Let’s look into the admission process. It’s straightforward – As exams like JEE and NEET give you engineering and medical, IAT gives you science research. 

IISER Aptitude Test-

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) opens doors to top institutes like the seven IISERs, IIT Madras, and IISc Bangalore. (IISER now admits students only through IAT)

If you have completed Class 12 in the science stream, you can apply. You need at least 60% marks (50% for reserved categories), to give IAT. 

To learn more about eligibility and exam patterns, check out this blog.

How to Prepare for IAT 2025?

The IAT challenges both aptitude and conceptual knowledge. It is a bit harder than the board exams. It focuses more on applying concepts. 

The syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology from Classes 11 and 12. Study NCERT textbooks and practice regularly. Focus on understanding the concepts, not memorizing. Take mock tests to boost your preparation. Here are some resources: 

Try SciAstra’s free mock tests. You can also join SciAstra’s courses for guided help. These courses offer deep understanding, doubt-solving sessions, one-on-one counselling, and mock tests led by top mentors. 

• Vikram 2.0 Batch (IAT & NEST 2025) + Crash Course (Hinglish): This is ideal for bilingual learners who seek a comprehensive and intensive prep guide.
• Kalam Batch (IAT & NEST 2025) + Crash Course (English): This option is perfect for those who prefer English-only instructions.
• Homi Batch 2026 (IAT & NEST 2026): Designed for younger students, this batch is perfect for Class 11th students who are aiming for IAT and NEST in the future.

Check out this blog if you want to learn how to prepare for IAT 2025. 

Which IISER is Best for Astrophysics?

All IISERs offer a great environment for science and innovation. However, some focus more on Astrophysics and Cosmology.

• IISER Mohali stands out with its skilled faculty and excellent research. For instance, Anshuman Acharya, an alumnus, is now doing his PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany.
• IISER Pune has active research groups in Astrophysics, Cosmology, and High-energy physics. Similarly, IISER Tirupati offers a PhD in Astrophysics, with a focus on string theory and cosmology.
• IISER Kolkata (CESSI) specializes in space science and works on major projects like Aditya-L1 and LIGO-India.

When choosing an IISER, consider:

• The faculty’s expertise in astrophysics.
• Opportunities for internships, research projects, and collaborations.

To learn more, check out this blog.

Conclusion:

IISERs provide a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. These are necessary for studying astrophysics. Although they don’t offer direct courses in astrophysics, IISER Pune and Kolkata are still great choices.

Moreover, staying involved in astrophysics or cosmology projects is key. This will bring you closer to becoming an astrophysicist.

FAQs: 

Does IISER offer an undergraduate course in astrophysics?
No, IISER doesn’t offer a specific undergraduate course in astrophysics. However, you can study Physics through the BS-MS program and later focus on astrophysics during your Master’s thesis.

Which IISER is best for astrophysics research?
IISER Pune and IISER Tirupati are great for astrophysics research because their physics departments are strong. Also, IISER Kolkata is well-known for its Centre for Excellence in Space Sciences India (CESSI), which focuses on major space science research.

How do I prepare for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?
To prepare for the IAT, focus on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology from Classes 11 and 12. Be sure to practice NCERT questions, review past papers, and take mock tests. You can also join SciAstra’s courses, like Vikram 2.0 or Kalam Batch, for extra guidance.

Can I study astrophysics directly after Class 12?
IISERs don’t offer direct astrophysics programs for undergraduates. However, institutes like IIST, IITs, and DU offer such courses. Still, IISERs are a great option if you want to first learn physics and later specialize in astrophysics.

About Us:

SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world, like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students pursue careers in science.

We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, etc., teach students in live classes, with study materials,  mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in  IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on.  If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2025, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more! 

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