Overview

Official Name: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research – National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (TIFR-NCRA)

Short Names: NCRA, TIFR-NCRA

Type: Central Government Research Institute under Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India

Year Established: 1988

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Campus: Main Campus at Gopalapuram, Pune

Approvals & Affiliations: Not a traditional university, operates as a premier national research centre under DAE; recognized by Government of India, affiliated with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

Official Website: https://www.ncra.tifr.res.in/

Quick Facts

• Founder: Established as part of TIFR; Director (current): Prof. Yashwant Gupta
• Student Count: Not explicitly listed; admits PhD scholars and research fellows
• Faculty Members: ~40 permanent faculty members (Approximate as per official sources)
• Contact Info: Phone: +91-20-2590 9854, Email: ncra@ncra.tifr.res.in
• NAAC Grade: Not Applicable (Research Institute)
• NIRF Rankings: Not Applicable (Research Institute)

Courses & Programs

TIFR-NCRA primarily focuses on advanced research in Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics, offering:

• PhD Programs: Doctoral research in Astrophysics, Astronomy, Signal Processing, Instrumentation.
• Integrated PhD: For qualifying candidates post undergraduate degrees.
• Duration: Typically 5-6 years for PhD / Integrated PhD.
• Mode: Regular, full-time on-campus research.
• Research Areas: Radio astronomy, cosmology, instrumentation, data analysis.

Admissions

• Admission Mode: Based on entrance tests and interviews conducted by TIFR Graduate School
• Entrance Exams Accepted: TIFR Graduate School Entrance Exam + Interviews; GATE scores considered for some departments
• Typical Timeline: Applications in Dec-Jan; exams/interviews Feb-Mar; admissions April onwards
• Admission Page: TIFR Graduate School Admissions
• Application Steps:
  1. Register on TIFR Graduate School portal
  2. Fill online application form for research program
  3. Upload required documents
  4. Appear for written test and interview
  5. Wait for final selection notification

Eligibility

• For PhD: Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, or relevant disciplines with minimum 55% marks or equivalent CGPA
• For Integrated PhD: Bachelor’s degree with strong academic background in Physics, Maths, or Engineering; minimum 60% marks
• Age Limit: Not strictly specified; refer official notifications
• Documents Required: Academic transcripts, identity proof, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, entrance exam scorecards (if applicable)

Fee & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees: Nominal admission fees; as a government research institute, tuition is often waived or minimal for PhD scholars
• Hostel Fees: Modest fees applicable as per institute norms; facilities available on campus
• Scholarships: Stipends provided under TIFR Graduate School; fellowships by DAE; Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates
• More Info: TIFR Fellowships

Placements

• Placement Percentage: Not applicable; focus is on academic/research careers
• Average/Highest CTC: Not applicable
• Recruiters: Research organizations, universities, ISRO, DRDO, international research labs
• Placement Cell Contact: Contact Page
• Internships: Available for select programs, collaborative projects with national/international institutions

Campus & Facilities

• On-campus hostels for students and scholars with mess facilities
• Modern instrumentation and observatories (e.g., Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, GMRT)
• Well-equipped research laboratories and computerized libraries
• Sports facilities and clubs for extracurricular activities
• Healthcare unit and medical insurance facilities
• Wi-Fi enabled campus and dedicated computer centers
• Transport services from Pune city

Faculty & Research

• Renowned faculty including Prof. Yashwant Gupta and other leading astrophysicists
• Research centers: GMRT, TIFR Pulsar Group, Astronomy Instrumentation
• Significant research grants from Department of Atomic Energy, DST, ISRO
• Patents related to radio instrumentation and signal processing
• Multiple MoUs with national and international universities and research centres

Rankings

• NIRF/NAAC/Other: Not applicable as it is a research institute, not a university
• QS/India Today/Outlook: Not ranked individually; TIFR overall recognized as premier institute

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• No fixed cut-offs publicly available; admission primarily based on entrance exam merit and interview performance
• Seat matrix varies yearly depending on faculty and funding
• Check official results and selection info

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (~15 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction Railway Station (~12 km)
• Local Transit: Bus and taxi services available from Pune city center to NCRA campus

FAQs

Q1: Does TIFR-NCRA offer undergraduate degrees?

No, it offers research-based PhD and Integrated PhD programs only.

Q2: What is the best way to apply for PhD at NCRA?

Apply online through the TIFR Graduate School portal and appear for their entrance examination.

Q3: Are scholarships provided to all research students?

Yes, most PhD scholars receive fellowships/stipends funded by the Government of India.

Q4: Is campus accommodation available?

Yes, on-campus hostels are available for outstation students and researchers.

Q5: What are the entrance exams accepted?

TIFR Graduate School Entrance Exam is mandatory; GATE scores may be considered for some programs.

Q6: How long does the PhD program typically last?

Usually 5 to 6 years including course work and thesis research.

Q7: Can international students apply?

Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-01; please contact admissions directly.

Q8: Is there any provision for part-time or distance learning?

No, all programs are regular full-time on campus.

Q9: How to contact TIFR-NCRA for academic queries?

Email: ncra@ncra.tifr.res.in, Phone: +91-20-2590 9854

Q10: Are placement services provided after PhD?

While there is no traditional placement, many scholars join academia and research organizations through the institute’s collaborations.