Overview

Official Name: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)

Short Names: TIFR

Type: Central Government Research Institute (Autonomous)

Year Established: 1945

City/State: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Campus: Mumbai (main), Hyderabad (centre)

Approvals: Recognized by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Ministry of Education (MoE); Not a traditional UGC-recognized degree-granting university, but degree programs affiliated with University of Mumbai and collaborations with other universities; NAAC/NIRF rankings not applicable; Official Website

Quick Facts

• Founder: Dr. Homi J. Bhabha
• Director: Prof. Varun Sahni (as of 2024)
• Student Count: Approx. 500 graduate students
• Faculty: ~150 faculty members
• Contact Info: Phone: +91 22 2278 2000, Email: registrar@tifr.res.in
• NAAC Grade: Not applicable
• NIRF Ranking: Not ranked in NIRF University rankings

Courses & Programs

• Faculties: Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science)
• Popular Programs: Integrated PhD, PhD, MSc-PhD programs, Postdoctoral research
• Duration: MSc (2 years), PhD (typically 5+ years)
• Mode: Regular (full-time on-campus)
• Intake: Approx. 70-80 students annually

Admissions

• Mode: Entrance exam and interview-based
• Accepted Exams: TIFR Graduate School Entrance Exam (written test + interview)
• Timeline: Applications open Nov-Dec; Exams Jan-Feb; Interviews Feb-Mar
• Admission page: https://www.tifr.res.in/~dgs/
• Apply Steps:
  1. Fill online application form on DGS portal
  2. Upload required documents (mark sheets, ID proof)
  3. Take written exam on scheduled date
  4. Attend interview if shortlisted
  5. Final merit list published online

Eligibility

• For MSc-PhD (Integrated) Programs: BSc or equivalent with strong background in relevant subjects, minimum 55% marks
• PhD: MSc or equivalent degree, valid research proposal, favorable entrance/interview
• Age: No specific limit, typically recent graduates
• Documents: Mark sheets, certificates, ID proof, recommendations

Fee & Scholarships

• Fees: Nominal tuition fees; Govt funded students get stipends; Hostel & mess charges applicable approx. ₹20,000-30,000/year
• Scholarships: Institute provides fellowships/stipends to PhD/MS students; Additional govt scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS available; Details at Scholarship info

Placements

• Placement %: Not a placement-driven institute; Students mostly join research, academia, industry R&D
• Average CTC: Varies widely by sector; Many pursue PhD-level research careers
• Recruiters: Research institutes (CSIR, ISRO, DRDO), academia, Indian and multinational research labs
• Placement Cell: Integrated within Graduate School office
• Internships: Research internships offered within TIFR labs

Campus & Facilities

• On-campus hostels for students
• Mess facility with subsidized rates
• Advanced research labs and computing facilities
• Extensive library with access to scientific journals
• Medical unit on campus
• Wi-Fi enabled campus
• Sports facilities and student clubs

Faculty & Research

• Notable faculty include Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy, TWAS, Royal Society members
• Research Centres: Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, Mathematics, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Computer Science
• Active MoUs with global research organizations and universities
• Significant grants from DAE, DST, DBT, and international agencies
• Regular patents and high-impact publications

Rankings

• NIRF: Not ranked as it is not a university
• NAAC: Not applicable
• QS/India Today/Outlook: Not applicable (research institute, not university)

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

Not published in traditional form; selection purely on entrance exam performance and interview rankings. Detailed cut-offs vary yearly on DGS portal: TIFR DGS Results

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (~20 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Kurla or Vikhroli (both approx. 5-7 km)
• Local Transit: Connected via Mumbai suburban train, city buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis

FAQs

Q1: Does TIFR offer undergraduate degrees?

A1: TIFR offers integrated MSc-PhD programs in science but not standalone undergraduate degrees.

Q2: What is the mode of admission at TIFR?

A2: Admission is through the TIFR Graduate School Entrance Exam followed by an interview.

Q3: Are there scholarships available for students?

A3: Yes, TIFR provides fellowships and scholarships to research students; government scholarships are also applicable.

Q4: Is there hostel accommodation at TIFR?

A4: Yes, on-campus hostels are available for students with subsidized mess facilities.

Q5: What is the syllabus for the entrance exams?

A5: The exam covers core subjects related to the chosen discipline; detailed syllabus is provided on the official DGS website.

Q6: Can working professionals apply for PhD programs?

A6: Yes, but they must meet eligibility criteria and may need to attend interviews and exams in person.

Q7: Where can I find previous year question papers for the TIFR DGS exam?

A7: Previous year papers and sample tests are available on the TIFR DGS official portal.

Q8: Does TIFR conduct online classes?

A8: Programs are primarily on-campus and full-time; occasional online seminars may occur.

Q9: Is there an age limit for admission?

A9: There is no strict age limit, but typically recent graduates apply.

Q10: How can I contact the admissions office?

A10: Contact via email registrar@tifr.res.in or phone +91 22 2278 2000; more info at TIFR DGS Contact.