Integrated M.Tech- Ph.D in Astronomical Instrumentation
In collaboration with the Department of Applied Optics and Photonics, Calcutta University (CU), IIA runs a very unique Integrated M.Tech – Ph.D. (Tech.) Programme in Astronomical Instrumentation. The focus of this programme is to train bright and motivated students who will gain expertise in emerging areas of high-end technology to cater to the needs of astronomy hardware and instrumentation in the country.
The Integrated M.Tech-PhD programme at IIA is overseen by the Board of Graduate Studies (BGS), which takes care of the academic and related activities of the Ph.D. students. Selection to this programme is through an online application in April/May, followed by interviews of shortlisted candidates in June/July.
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Tenure of the Programme
Students admitted in this programme will spend their first year in Kolkata to complete their theory + lab courses at the Department of Applied Optics and Photonics, University of Calcutta. In the second year, they will be in IIA to complete a short internship in our field stations and then take up a 10 month long project in Astronomy Instrumentation to complete their M.Tech dissertation.
During the M.Tech course, students gain necessary technical skills in instrumentation especially in the area of optics, electronics, sensors and image processing. This training greatly improves the prospectus of students' career options and employability within academia and in the industry. Upon successful completion of two years in the programme, the candidates will be awarded M.Tech in Astronomical Instrumentation.
In the third year, students who qualify for continuation in the programme leading to the Ph.D (Tech.) degree will begin research at IIA. The normal duration of the programme will be 6 years, including the minimum 2 years for the Masters' Degree. The candidates would satisfy all the administrative requirements of the University and submit their Ph.D. thesis to the University of Calcutta.
Scholarship & Allowances
Selected students will be fully supported with a studentship of Rs. 24,000/- pm for the first two years. Students will be provided hostel accommodation, medical facilities; however, tuition fee will be student's responsibility.
Candidates who qualify for continuation in the programme will be paid a fellowship of Rs. 37,000/- pm from the third year, which will be further increased to Rs. 42,000/-pm in the fifth year. Upon submission of the Ph.D. thesis the fellowship may be further increased to 46,000/- pm.
Hostel accommodation is normally provided to all IIA students. If a student opts to stay in a private accommodation, a house rent allowance is paid as per the institute rules. Students are eligible to enrol in the contributory medical scheme of the institute. Subsidised canteen is available on-campus in Bangalore as well as at the field stations of the institute.
During tours, students get travel and dearness allowances on par with staff members of the institute. They also receive support to participate in national and international scientific conferences.