Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is a publicly deemed research university committed to fundamental research in mathematics and science. A Deemed University operates under the auspices of the Government of India’s Department of Atomic Energy. It has campuses in Mumbai, Bangalore, and an associated campus in Hyderabad. TIFR primarily performs research in the natural sciences, mathematics, biology, and theoretical computer science.
Objective :
The objective of TIFR comprises of:
- to establish and perform high-quality research in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, and science education in the country,
- to establish advanced facilities that use cutting-edge scientific technologies,
- encourage emerging technologies arising from fundamental science and to incubate their early development until they may be carried out in a separate and independent institution,
- to bring together exceptional scientists and mathematicians, provide them with world-class research facilities, and foster a vibrant research environment,
- to foster and teach the country’s young scientific talent, expose them to advanced research, and develop them into independent researchers on par with the best in the world,
- to contribute to the country’s scientific progress by engaging in the development of science curricula at all levels,
- to impart scientific and mathematical knowledge to the general population through outreach initiatives, therefore fostering a scientific temper and attitude among the public.
Courses offered:
The TIFR University offers PhD and M.Sc.-Ph.D. programmes in the natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as mathematics and computer science. TIFR also offers a selective M.Sc. programme in a variety of Biology sub-domains.
The graduate programme is administered not just at the main TIFR Mumbai campus, but also at all of the Centres around India. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Mathematics, Computers and Systems Science, and Science Education are all available as majors.
The PhD programme is typically five years long, the integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. programme is six years long, and the M.Sc. programme is two years long.
Selection process:
Students are admitted to TIFR via a rigorous screening procedure that includes a written test and an interview. Just the top 1.5% of candidates are chosen on the basis of merit.
Curriculum:
All admitted PhD candidates are trained through a rigorous course of study that includes lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, demonstrations, and project work. They are meticulously created to disclose the fundamental ideas in each subject, as well as an introduction to cutting-edge facilities in the field of speciality. Performance is assessed by written and oral tests, presentations, and actual laboratory results. Only students who have successfully completed all courses within a certain time frame are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. degree. Once registered, PhD students are participating in cutting-edge research programmes by their research supervisors. As a result, before writing their theses, practically all TIFR students have many publications in top international journals.
Fellowship:
- PhD. Students receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 31,000/- (+ hostel accommodation OR HRA as applicable) enhanced to Rs 35,000/- after registration.
- I-Ph.D. Students receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 21,000/- for the first year. At the end of the first year, upon satisfactory performance, the fellowship is enhanced to Rs 31,000/- per month (further raised to Rs 35,000/- after registration for PhD). If the student takes the MSc exit option, then the fellowship for the 3rd year is reduced to the 1st year amount.
Eligibility:
Candidates in the final year of their qualifying degree can also apply.
Mathematics:
For PhD.: M.A./M.Sc./M.Math./M.Stat./M.E./M.Tech.
For I-Ph.D.: B.A./B.Sc./B.Math./B.Stat./B.E./B.Tech. (Students already having/completing a Master’s degree by July 2022 are not eligible for I-Ph.D.).
Physics:
For PhD: M.Sc./M.S. in Physics, or equivalent degree, on completion of programmes(s) of duration not less than 5 years in total.
For I-Ph.D.: M.E./M.Tech./B.Sc./B.S./B.E./B.Tech./ B.Chem. in Physics, Engineering Physics, or equivalent degree, on completion of the programme(s) of duration not less than 3 years in total. Any other degree in Science / Engineering / Medicine, or equivalent, on completion of the programme(s) of duration not less than 3 years in total.
Physics of Life:
Interdisciplinary PhD programme: B.E./B.Tech/M.E./ M.Tech./ M.Sc./M.S. in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science are eligible. Biotechnology degree holders should apply directly to the Biology admission stream.
Chemistry:
For PhD: M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./M.Pharm. or equivalent degree.
For I-Ph.D.: B.Sc./B.Pharm./B.S. degree or equivalent degree.
Candidates with B.E./B.Tech. degrees, enrolled in the PhD programme can optionally get an M.Sc. degree by fulfilling additional requirements.
Biology:
Candidates will be shortlisted for interviews based on written test marks, CVs, letters of recommendation and Scientific write-ups.
For PhD: Masters in Basic Science (M.Sc. Physics/ Chemistry/ Mathematics/ any branch of Biology) or any professional Master’s Degree (M.Pharma./M.Tech.), or a > 4-year degree program (e.g. MBBS, BDS).
Students holding an M.Sc. degree in a non-Biology-allied discipline such as Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics / Computer Science, and who wish to obtain an M.Sc. in Biology, will be offered the option of enrolling in the I-Ph.D. programme at the time of joining.
For I-Ph.D./I-PhD (with MSc exit): Bachelors in any Basic Science (Physics/ Chemistry/Mathematics/any branch of Biology) OR any 4-year degree programme that awards a “Bachelor’s degree” including B.Tech., B.E., B.V.Sc., B.Pharma. (4-year course).
For M.Sc. (Wildlife Biology & Conservation): Indian nationals who have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (with a minimum of 50% in core subjects) and a strong interest in wildlife research and conservation.
Graduate nationals from Central, South and Southeast Asian countries, with similar qualifications, are also eligible to apply.
Note: This programme is offered every alternate year.
Computer & Systems Sciences (including Communications and Machine Learning):
For PhD. : B.Tech./B.E./B.Sc.(4-year degree)/M.Tech./M.E./M.C.A./M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Computer Science / Electronics & Communications Engineering / Electrical Engineering or related branches. Exceptionally well-qualified students with a B.Tech./ B.E./B.Sc. (4-year degree)/M.Tech./M.E./M.Sc. degree in other disciplines may also be considered.
Candidates not holding a master’s degree can obtain an M.Sc. degree by fulfilling the prescribed requirements during their PhD programme.
For I-Ph.D.: B.Sc. (3-year degree) or any other 3-year degree in Computer Science / Electronics & Communications Engineering / Electrical Engineering or related branches. Exceptionally well-qualified students with a 3-year undergraduate degree (B.Sc.) in related subjects may be considered for the I-Ph.D. programme.
Candidates in the I-Ph.D. programme will need to fulfil the requirements for both an M.Sc. and PhD; upon successful completion, they will receive both degrees.
Science Education:
For Ph.D. : Master’s degree in any subject with not less than 5 years of study including the undergraduate degree.
Conclusion:
Just like NISER, TIFR also comes under the Department of Atomic Energy. Therefore, if one wants to pursue a research career, one can definitely opt for TIFR. For more such information regarding research institutes like IISERs, NISER, CEBS, IISc, etc., check out SciAstra Youtube Channel.
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