IUCAA and NCRA:

The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, and the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA – TIFR), Pune, are two leading centres of research in a wide range of areas in Astronomy and Astrophysics.  IUCAA and NCRA are located in neighbouring campuses in the Pune University Campus.

NCRA offers exciting opportunities for research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, as well as instrumentation, with an emphasis on Radio Astronomy.  NCRA has built and operates the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, which is located near Pune, and is the biggest and most powerful radio telescope in the world at low radio frequencies.  It has been used internationally and has led to several significant discoveries.  NCRA has modern computing facilities and a well-stocked library.

IUCAA offers challenging opportunities to young researchers in theory, observation, and instrumentation in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Recently, IUCAA has acquired a share in the 10 m. Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), and operates the IUCAA Girawali Observatory (IGO) with 2 m. optical telescope.  Both the telescopes are with imaging, spectroscopic and polarimetric capabilities. IUCAA has a high performance computational facility, and a good library.

IUCAA – NCRA Admission Test (INAT – 2009):

IUCAA – NCRA Admission Test (INAT – 2009) is being conducted to select candidates for research scholarship (to join Ph.D. Programme) either at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, or National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA – TIFR), Pune.

Eligibility:

Applications are invited from students who expect to complete their M.Sc. (in Physics/ Electronics/Astronomy/Applied Mathematics) or B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech. degree (any branch) with First Class marks, by August 2010.  In addition, talented final year B.Sc. and first year M.Sc. (in Physics/Electronics/Astronomy/Applied Mathematics) students may also apply to be PRE-SELECTED for research scholarship at either of the following institutes:

IUCAA, Pune, for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Physics,

NCRA – TIFR, Pune, for Astronomy and Astrophysics.

We are looking for highly motivated students with consistently good academic record.  Students who have already completed the above degrees can also apply.  Selection to research scholarship is through a written test and interviews.  This is in addition to the selection through the usual JEST – 2010, for IUCAA and NCRA.

Selection Procedure:

Selection to research scholarship is through a written test on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, and interviews on December 16, and/or 17, 2009, both to be held in Pune.

How to apply:

Candidates should download the complete application set (consisting of Application Form (two pages), two Assessment Forms (each of two pages), and Admit Letter (one page), all in A4 size paper) by clicking at the download below. 

Candidates with a First Class degree may also walk-in for the written test by producing a valid photo identity.  Further details about IUCAA and NCRA may be found in the web pages listed below.

Details  of  the Admission Test:

Nature of the Written Test:

The test will be of TWO hours duration.  The question paper will contain THREE sections, (Section A in Basic Mathematics, and Basic Physics; Section B in Advanced Physics; and Section C in Electronics) and each section will contain FIFTEEN objective type questions, with multiple answers, in which one of the answers will be correct.  The candidates have to mark the correct answer.  Candidates are expected to answer about THIRTY questions.  For a right answer, there will be +3 (plus three) marks, and for a wrong answer, there will be –1 (minus one) mark. M.Sc./ B.Sc. (Physics/Astronomy/Applied Mathematics) candidates are encouraged to attempt Sections A and B, and M.Sc./B.Sc. (Electronics) and B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech. candidates are encouraged to attempt sections A and C.  However, candidates may also attempt all questions.  Based on their written test performance, a limited number of candidates will be invited for interviews, which are to be conducted on December 16, and/or 17, 2009.  Final selection is based on the scores in written test and interviews.  Candidates selected by either IUCAA or NCRA are expected to join in August 2010, after satisfactory completion of their qualifying examination.

Travel  and  Stay:

Outstation candidates will be paid one and one third times the train/bus fare by sleeper second class (NOT air conditioned) from their place of residence (as given in the INAT – 2009 Application Form) to Pune and back by the shortest route, as well as a  halting allowance (as per the prevailing rules) for each day of stay for the interviews.  Outstation walk-in candidates, who are shortlisted for the interviews will also be paid travel support as above.  

Limited accommodation, only for candidates who will appear for the Admission (written) Test, may be available on IUCAA/NCRA campuses at a nominal charge.  Those who wish to avail of this accommodation should clearly inform their requirement of accommodation, before November 28, 2009, to  The Academic Coordinator, INAT – 2009, National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune University Campus,  Post Bag 3, Ganeshkhind,  Pune 411 007, Maharashtra (E-mail: res@ncra.tifr.res.in).  Accompanying persons will have to find accommodation elsewhere (see below the attached list of lodges and hotels in Pune, close to IUCAA/NCRA, with approximate charges).   Candidates (and accompanying persons) may have meals in the IUCAA/NCRA Canteens on payment, on the day(s) of the test and interviews.

The best mode of transport to reach IUCAA/NCRA from the Pune railway station or bus stand is an autorickshaw.   The fare  is as per the tariff  card with the driver.  During the day time, the autorickshaw fare from Pune railway station to IUCAA/NCRA will be about Rs. 95/- to 100/-.

What to Bring and Not to Bring:

Of course, all candidates invited to take the IUCAA – NCRA Admission Test (INAT – 2009) should bring the Admit Letter.   For the written test, the candidates should bring pen, pencil (HB), eraser, and a simple mathematical calculator.  At the time of interviews, the candidates are requested to bring all original mark sheets (starting from Class X) and other relevant certificates.  In the test and interview halls, the candidates should NOT bring pagers, mobile phones, digital diaries, etc. 

Address  for  Response: 

Important dates:

Last date to receive the filled in application sets is October 5, 2009.

The Admission (written) test will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed on December 16, and/or 17, 2009.

Link to Download Forms:

forms.pdf   in Adobe Acrobat Format        Download

forms.doc   in Microsoft Word Format      Download
 

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 List of a few Lodges and Hotels close to IUCAA/NCRA