National Centre for Radio Astrophysics
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Pune
(Part of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research)
The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is a leading centre for research in a wide range of areas in astronomy and astrophysics. NCRA also offers exciting opportunities to work in technical aspects relevant for radio astronomy such as analog and digital electronics, signal processing, antenna design, communication and software development.
NCRA has built and operates the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) which is located approximately 80 km north of Pune, India and is the most powerful radio telescope operating at low radio frequencies. It is a national facility and is being used by astronomers across the world, leading to several significant discoveries. NCRA has also built and operates the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) which is a large cylindrical telescope located near Udhagamandalam, India.
NCRA provides some exciting opportunities to students to pursue career in astronomy and astrophysics. In addition, it provides an exposure to undergraduate students through various summer internship programs.
PhD Program
The research scholars are generally selected on the basis of a written test (either through Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) or through TIFR written tests) and interviews which are conducted jointly with the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in early June. The selected candidates will receive Physics and Astronomy courses during the first year as a part of the Graduate School requirements. The satisfactory completion of the graduate school is required before registration for a Ph.D. degree at Pune University.
First class in M.Sc. (Physics/Astronomy) / B.E./ B.Tech (Electronics/Computer Science), with a strong background and interest in Physics. Candidates expecting to obtain their degree by July of the coming year may also apply. Candidates with a motivation to pursue experimental research are particularly encouraged to apply.
Post-doctoral Fellowships
The research activities at NCRA are centered on low frequency radio astronomy, where the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is a major international facility.The postdoctoral positions are for a maximum of three years, subject to reviews of performance. The applications should be sent to the Dean, NCRA, TIFR, Pune University Campus, Post Bag 3, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, India. The Inquiries may be addressed to
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. The application should include a curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests, a list of publications, and the names of three referees who are familiar with the candidate’s work.
Post Graduate Internship Program
The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, TIFR, Pune, offers a one-year post graduate internship program in radio astronomy. A student should have a degree in engineering (usually BE with electrical/electronics, but exceptions are possible). The program will involve courses in the relevant basic physics topics (classical, quantum, statistical mechanics and electrodynamics) at the masters level, with exposure to computation, data analysis and basic astronomy. The students will also be introduced to radio astronomy, with emphasis on areas studied with NCRA's major facility, the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT).
After successful completion of the first year, students will be considered for entry into NCRA-IUCAA graduate school which gives a broad exposure to astronomy and entitles the students to register for the doctoral (PhD) program at NCRA
Student Program
NCRA runs both short and long term student technical training program. The short term programs are mainly during the summer and are meant for students in their pre-final year. The long term program runs during the academic year and are meant for final year students.
The SP programs are open to students in their pre-final/final year of
- BE/BTech (Any Branch)
- MSc (Physics/Astronomy)
- Projects are offered in a wide range of topics including
- Electronics (Analog/Digital)
- Instrumentation
- Signal Processing
- Data Analysis and Image Processing
Application forms for both the short and long term programs can be picked up from NCRA or downloaded . Please note that the deadline for receiving completed applications (including the letter of reference) is March 15 (for both short and long term programs). Please feel free to send email (
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) or write to the Coordinator, Student Program, NCRA-TIFR, Post Bag 3, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, if you require more information.
Please click here to visit the official website of National Center for Radio Astrophysics, Pune.
i am student kuvempu university, presently studing msc in physics(2nd sem) . i am intrested to attend this years summer programas of NCRAP ,Please give information