PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics
In collaboration with the Pondicherry University (PU), IIA runs IIA-PU Ph.D programme. This is a full-time research programme where in the students work towards their Ph.D. degree under the supervision of an IIA faculty member. Students join the programme in either the first semester beginning in August or the second semester beginning in January. This Ph.D programme is central to the Institute's thrust areas of research in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The 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.
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Students admitted under this programme undergo a one-year pre-PhD course work in the form of class room teaching in key areas of astrophysics. Some of the courses are taught under the Joint Astronomy Programmer (JAP). After completing two semesters (4 months each) of classes, students carry out a short-term research project for about 3 months under the guidance of faculty members at IIA. The main aim of the pre-PhD course work is to provide adequate class-room training to students and prepare them to take up challenging research problems.
The core courses consist of Radiative processes in astrophysics, Introduction to Fluids and Plasma, Numerical and Statistical Techniques, General Relativity and Cosmology, Galaxies and ISM, Stellar and High Energy Physics.
Tenure of the Programme
Students admitted to the Ph.D. programme are initially offered a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). On completion of two years as a JRF, students are offered a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) after an assessment (open seminar and close-room viva-voce). The total tenure of the fellowship may not ordinarily exceed five years, inclusive of the one year course work. Once a student submits the thesis, an enhanced fellowship amount is given for a further period of one year. Continuation of the fellowship beyond this period is not guaranteed.
Scholarship & Other Allowances
The stipend of a JRF is Rs. 37,000/- pm, and of an SRF is Rs. 42,000/- pm in addition to an annual book grant and medical facilities. Upon submission of the Ph.D. thesis the fellowship may be further increased to 46,000/- pm.
Hostel accommodation is normally provided to all students. If a student opts to stay in a private accommodation, a house rent allowance (HRA) is paid as per the institute rules. Students are eligible to get enrolled in the contributory medical scheme of the institute. Subsidised canteen facility is available on-campus in Bangalore as well as at the field stations of the institute.
During official tours, students are entitled for travel and dearness allowances on par with staff members of the institute. They also receive support to participate in national and international scientific conferences.