Overview

• Official Name: Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
• Common Names: HBCSE
• Type: Constituent Unit of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Autonomous Research Institute under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India
• Year Established: 1983
• Campus Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Approvals & Affiliations: Recognized by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India; Not a degree-granting university hence not affiliated to UGC/AICTE/NAAC; Functions as a national centre for science education research and teacher training (Official Website)
• Official Website: https://www.hbcse.tifr.res.in

Quick Facts

• Founder Director: Prof. Jayant V. Narlikar (first director, historical)
• Current Director: Prof. Megha K. Peter (please verify on HBCSE Contact Page)
• Student Population: Approx. 200+ (includes research scholars, trainees, and visiting fellows)
• Departments/Faculties: Science Education Research, Teacher Training, Educational Technology
• Contact:
  • Phone: +91-22-2670-4120 / 2670-4100
  • Email: hbcse@tifr.res.in
  • Address: Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, V. N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd, Mumbai - 400088, Maharashtra, India
• NAAC Grade: Not applicable (Not a university)
• Notable Rankings: HBCSE is a premier national research and training institute; not ranked by NIRF or conventional ranking systems

Courses & Programs

• Major Faculties: Science Education, Research & Training
• Popular Programs:
  • Integrated M.Sc. / Ph.D. program in Science Education (3-6 years, Regular full-time)
  • Teacher Training Workshops and Short-term Courses (Duration varies, Regular/on-campus and Online)
  • Research Fellowships and Postdoctoral Programs (Varies)
• Program Mode: Predominantly Regular full-time; certain training offered online or blended modes
• Intake: Limited and selective; admission through national level tests (e.g., JAM) and/or Institute's own selection process

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Based on JAM score and interview / institute-specific selection for Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D.
• Accepted Exams: JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.), Institute's written test and interviews for some programs
• Admission Timeline: Typically,
  • Notification: May-June
  • Application Deadline: July
  • Interviews: August-September
  • Program Start: October
  Detailed info at HBCSE Academic Programs
• Application Process:
  1. Visit the official website admission portal: https://www.hbcse.tifr.res.in/admissions
  2. Register and fill the online application form for desired program
  3. Upload required documents and pay application fees online (if applicable)
  4. Submit application and download confirmation receipt
  5. Prepare for written test/interview as per schedule
  Offline applications are generally not accepted; confirm on official website

Eligibility Criteria

• Integrated M.Sc.-PhD:
  • Educational Qualification: B.Sc. / equivalent degree in Science with strong background in Physics, Chemistry or Biology as per program focus
  • Minimum Marks: As per JAM eligibility; typically 55% aggregate in qualifying exam
  • Age Limit: Not specified by HBCSE; refer to JAM guidelines
• Training Workshops: For school teachers, graduates, or postgraduate students in science education
• Documents Required:
  • Mark sheets and certificates of qualifying examinations
  • Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
  • Photograph and signature scans (for online submission)
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • JAM scorecard (for Integrated M.Sc. admission)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees:
  • Integrated M.Sc.-PhD program: Govt-funded with stipend; tuition fee generally waived
  • Short-term Teacher Training Courses: Nominal registration fee or free
  • Hostel and mess fees for residential students: Approx. ₹20,000 - ₹40,000 per annum (subject to change)
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Stipends provided to M.Sc./PhD students as per DAE/TIFR norms
  • Government scholarships applicable (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) as per Central Govt. rules
  • Merit-based financial support through HBCSE and TIFR schemes
• More details: Scholarships & Financial Aid at HBCSE

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: HBCSE primarily focuses on research and education; formal placement cell is not available
• Career Paths: Graduates pursue careers in academia, research institutes, science education, science policy, government agencies, and NGOs
• Internship Support: Research projects and internships during programs facilitated by HBCSE professors and collaborations
• For details contact: HBCSE Contact

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: On-campus residential facilities for students and research scholars
• Mess: Mess and canteen facilities with subsidized meals
• Sports: Basic sports infrastructure for indoor and outdoor activities
• Laboratories: Well-equipped science education research labs and computer labs
• Library: Specialized library for science education, research papers, journals and resources
• Healthcare: In-campus first aid and health support; linked with nearby hospitals
• Transport: Accessible via Mumbai local transport; institute shuttle services available in some cases
• Wi-Fi: Campus-wide internet facilities for students and staff
• Research Centres: Nationally recognized centre for science education research and teacher professional development
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Scientific clubs and outreach programs; events focused on science communication and education yearly

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Experts in science education, cognitive research, physics education, biology education, mathematics education
• Research Centres: Education research groups focusing on curriculum development, assessment, teacher education, outreach
• Major Grants & MoUs: Supported by Department of Atomic Energy, DST, NCERT, NCERT, state education boards and international collaborations
• Patents: No patents reported as of 2024
• Faculty details: HBCSE Faculty

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF: Not applicable as HBCSE is a research centre, not a university
• NAAC: Not applicable
• India Today, Outlook: No rankings as it is not a degree-granting university
• Reputation: Widely regarded as India's premier centre for science education research and teacher training affiliated with TIFR / Department of Atomic Energy

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results & Seat Allotment: Published on official website under admissions section: https://www.hbcse.tifr.res.in/admissions
• Cut-Offs: Based on JAM scores and institute-specific criteria; cut-offs vary yearly based on applicant pool
• Seat Matrix: Limited seats (<20) for Integrated M.Sc./PhD; subject-wise allocation

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (approx. 15 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Mankhurd Railway Station (Mumbai Suburban Railway)
• City Connectivity: Well connected via Mumbai local trains, buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis
• Local Transit: BEST buses and metro services connect to the campus area; shuttle services available for students (confirm timing from official site)

FAQs

Q1: Does HBCSE offer regular undergraduate degrees?

A: No, HBCSE offers postgraduate and research programs, primarily in science education and research.

Q2: How can I apply for the Integrated M.Sc.-PhD program?

A: Applications are accepted online via the official website based on JAM and institute tests/interviews.

Q3: Is there any reservation policy?

A: Yes, government-mandated reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories apply in admissions.

Q4: Are hostel facilities available?

A: Yes, limited hostel accommodation is available for candidates selected for residential programs.

Q5: What kind of financial assistance is offered?

A: Stipends for research students, government scholarships, and merit-based aid are provided.

Q6: Does HBCSE conduct entrance exams?

A: For some programs, yes; otherwise admission follows JAM score and interviews.

Q7: How to contact HBCSE for admission queries?

A: Phone +91-22-26704120, email hbcse@tifr.res.in

Q8: Are short-term teacher training courses free?

A: Many are free or nominal fee; check current trainings on the official site.

Q9: What is the typical duration of the Integrated M.Sc.-PhD?

A: Usually 5-6 years depending on the research progress.

Q10: Is there online course availability?

A: Some training and workshops have online options, especially post-COVID adaptations.