Overview

• Official Name: Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)
• Common Short Name: Department of Atmospheric Sciences, CUSAT
• Type: State University - Department affiliated with Cochin University of Science and Technology
• Established: Department established in 1979; CUSAT established in 1971
• Campus Location: Kochi, Kerala, India
• Approvals & Affiliations:
  • UGC Recognized (Central/State Universities list) — UGC Official Site
  • NAAC Accreditation: Grade 'A' (2023 cycle) — NAAC Portal
  • AICTE: Not applicable (Department of Atmospheric Sciences focuses on science programs)
• Official Website: https://www.cusat.ac.in/

Quick Facts

• Founder/Chancellor: Governor of Kerala (Chancellor of CUSAT)
• Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Jayaraj Mohan
• Head of Department: Prof. Prakash C (as per latest update 2023)
• Student Population: Approx. 4000+ (University-wide), Atmospheric Sciences department ~100 students
• Departments: 29 departments including Atmospheric Sciences
• Contact:
  • Phone: +91-484-2574740 (General CUSAT)
  • Email: atmospheric@cusat.ac.in (Dept. Email)
  • Address: Department of Atmospheric Sciences, CUSAT, Kochi, Kerala-682022
• NAAC Grade: A (Cycle 3, 2023) — NAAC Portal
• NIRF Ranking: 65th in University category (2023) — NIRF Official

Courses & Programs

• Faculty: Science (Atmospheric Sciences)
• Popular Courses:
  • B.Sc. in Atmospheric Sciences — Duration: 3 years, Mode: Regular, Intake: ~30 students
  • M.Sc. in Atmospheric Sciences — Duration: 2 years, Mode: Regular, Intake: 20-25 students
  • Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences — Duration: Variable (typically 3-5 years), Mode: Full-time research
• No diploma or distance education programs listed for this department on official site.

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Based on Kerala University Centralized Admission Process (CAP) and department-specific entrance tests for PG/PhD
• Accepted Entrance Exams:
  • For UG (B.Sc Atmospheric Sciences): Kerala CET / Kerala University CAP merit list based on +2 science marks
  • For PG (M.Sc): Departmental entrance test conducted by CUSAT
  • Ph.D.: Written test and interview conducted by the department/university
• Important Dates:
  • UG Admission typically in June-July after +2 results — CUSAT Admissions
  • PG Entrance Test: Usually conducted in July-August — Check CUSAT Admission Portal
• Application Process:
  1. Visit CUSAT Official Admission Portal
  2. Register with valid email and phone number
  3. Fill application form with personal, academic details
  4. Upload required documents (mark sheets, photo, signature)
  5. Pay application fee online (net banking/credit/debit cards)
  6. Submit and print application confirmation
  7. Offline applications accepted only in rare cases as notified by department

Eligibility Criteria

• B.Sc. Atmospheric Sciences:
  • Passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English
  • Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories as per Kerala Govt norms)
  • No age limit.
• M.Sc. Atmospheric Sciences:
  • B.Sc. in Atmospheric Sciences or allied Science subjects (Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Science)
  • Minimum 55% aggregate marks in qualifying degree (relaxation applicable for SC/ST)
• Ph.D. Atmospheric Sciences:
  • M.Sc. in Atmospheric Sciences or related fields
  • Cleared national eligibility tests like CSIR/UGC NET or departmental entrance
• Documents Required:
  • 10th & 12th Mark sheets
  • Degree certificates and transcripts
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Entrance exam scorecard (if applicable)
  • Category/Disability certificates (if applicable)
  • Proof of Identity (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees (approximate):
  • B.Sc Atmospheric Sciences: ₹20,000 - ₹30,000 per annum (tuition + exam fees)
  • M.Sc Atmospheric Sciences: ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 per annum
  • Hostel fees: ₹12,000 - ₹18,000 per annum depending on facilities
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Merit-cum-Means Scholarships by Kerala Govt — National Scholarships Portal
  • Central and State Govt scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates
  • CUSAT-specific merit scholarships — check CUSAT Scholarships page
  • Financial assistance through student welfare funds

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: Department has an active placement record with ~75% placement rate
• Average CTC: ₹4-6 LPA for PG graduates; Highest up to ₹8 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Indian Meteorological Department, ISRO, National Centre for Coastal Research, Environmental Consulting Firms
• Placement Cell Contact: CUSAT Placement Cell, Email: placement@cusat.ac.in
• Internships & Industry Projects: Facilitated through department collaborations with research institutes and government bodies

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels & Mess: Separate hostels for men and women, hygienic mess facilities with diet variety
• Sports: Football, cricket, badminton courts, gymnasium, annual sports meets
• Laboratories: State-of-the-art atmospheric and environmental science labs
• Library: Central library with extensive collection of books, journals, digital resources
• Healthcare: On-campus medical centre with qualified doctors
• Transport: Regular bus services connecting university to city
• Wi-Fi: Campus-wide high-speed internet
• Research Centres: Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Science & Technology (CAOST)
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Science clubs, environment clubs, annual tech and cultural fests

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Prof. Prakash C (Head), Prof. A.N. Raj, Dr. Sreedevi P
• Research Centres: Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Science & Technology (CAOST)
• Major Grants: Funded by DST, MoES, and Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
• MoUs: Collaborations with Indian Meteorological Department, National Institute of Oceanography
• Patents: No patents publicly available as of 2024-06

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF University Ranking 2023: Ranked 65th nationally — NIRF Official
• NAAC Accreditation: Grade A, Cycle 3 (2023) — NAAC Portal
• India Today Ranking 2023: CUSAT featured within top 50 universities in India — India Today
• QS India Ranking and Outlook rankings for department specifically: Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-10

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results Publication: Available on CUSAT Examination Portal
• Seat Matrix (B.Sc Atmospheric Sciences): Approx. 30 seats per year
• Typical Cut-Offs (2023 Kerala CAP for UG):
  • General Category: 80-85% in physics, chemistry & maths aggregate
  • SC/ST/OBC: Relaxed as per Kerala Govt norms
• PG Entrance Cut-Off: Depends on entrance test marks; typically 50%-60% score required

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) - approx. 25 km from campus
• Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North); approx. 8 km from campus
• City Connectivity: Regular private and KSRTC buses connect CUSAT to Ernakulam and Kochi city
• Local Transit: Auto rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs readily available

FAQs

Q1: What is the mode of admission for B.Sc Atmospheric Sciences?

A1: Admission is through Kerala Centralized Admission Process (CAP) based on +2 science merit.

Q2: Is there an entrance exam for M.Sc Atmospheric Sciences?

A2: Yes, the department conducts its own entrance test for PG admissions.

Q3: What scholarships are available for students?

A3: Kerala government scholarships, CUSAT merit scholarships, and reserved category scholarships are available.

Q4: Does the department offer distance education?

A4: No, courses are offered only in regular full-time mode.

Q5: Are hostel facilities provided?

A5: Yes, there are separate hostels for men and women with mess facilities.

Q6: What are the placement opportunities?

A6: Placements are done through the university's placement cell with companies like IMD, ISRO hiring graduates.

Q7: Where can I check exam results?

A7: Results are published on the official CUSAT exam portal.

Q8: What documents are required during admission?

A8: 10th/12th mark sheets, degree certificates, photo ID, entrance scorecard, and category certificates if applicable.

Q9: How can I apply online?

A9: Visit CUSAT admission portal, register, fill application, upload documents, and pay fees.

Q10: Are internships offered?

A10: Yes, the department facilitates internships with research institutes and government agencies.

Q11: Is there any age limit for courses?

A11: No age limit for UG or PG admission.

Q12: Who is the current head of the department?

A12: Prof. Prakash C is the Head of Department as of 2024.