![Indian Institute of Astrophysics - [IIA]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/col16599.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, also known as IIA Bangalore, is an autonomous research institute dedicated to the study of astronomy, astrophysics, and related areas of physics. It operates under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. IIA Bangalore was reorganised as the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in 1971.
IIA Bangalore offers PhD and Integrated M.Tech–PhD programmes in Physics and Astrophysics through its IIA Screening Test. The Integrated M.Tech–PhD program is run in collaboration with the University of Calcutta. The flagship program is PhD in Astrophysics, which is offered in collaboration with Pondicherry University or AcSIR.
Admission to the PhD programme requires candidates to complete a PG degree in related subjects with at least 60% aggregate marks. Selection is on the basis of qualifying national-level examinations such as JEST, GATE, or CSIR-UGC NET (JRF). The shortlisted candidates are called for interviews to be held in IIA Bangalore.
IIA Bangalore has several observatories across India, including the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO) in Kavalur, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Gauribidanur Radio Observatory, and the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. It is one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories. These observatories support cutting-edge research in solar physics, stellar astronomy, cosmology, and instrumentation.
IIA Bangalore Highlights 2025
Here are the key highlights of the IIA Bangalore:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1786 (as Madras Observatory, autonomous since 1971) |
| Type | Autonomous Research Institute |
| Location | Koramangala, Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Approved By | Department of Science and Technology, Government of India |
| Campus Size | The main campus is in Koramangala. Observatories in Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur, and Hanle. CREST in Hosakote |
| Student Strength | ~250 researchers and students (approx.) |
| Courses Offered | Integrated M.Tech-PhD, PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellowships |
| Popular Courses | PhD (Astronomy & Astrophysics) |
| Admission Criteria | Entrance-Based (IIA Screening Test, JEST, GATE) + Interview |
| Entrance Exams | IIA Screening Test, JEST, GATE |
| Facilities Available | Library, Data Centre, Engineering Labs, Observatories, Hostels |
| Top Recruiters | ISRO, NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre |
| Official Website | https://www.iiap.res.in |
IIA Bangalore Important Dates 2025
Below are the key admission and event dates for IIA Bangalore for 2025:
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| PhD Program (August 2025 Intake) | |
| Online Application Opens | September 30, 2025 |
| Online Application Deadline | October 28, 2025 |
| Interview (Offline, IIA Bangalore) | January 2026 (Tentative) |
| Integrated M.Tech-PhD Program | |
| Online Application Opens | September 30, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Written Test (IIA Screening Test) | December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Interview | January 2026 (Tentative) |
| Post-Doctoral Fellowship Applications | Accepted throughout the year, reviewed twice annually (March 31, 2025; September 30, 2025) |
| Workshops/Events | |
| Statistical Techniques for Astronomy Research (STAR) School | June 30, 2025 – July 5, 2025 |
| Kodaikanal Winter School on Solar Astrophysics | Application Deadline: November 18, 2025 |
Key takeaways from the video: The video offers a brief tour of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) campus, emphasizing the green space and academic rigour. Some notable features include observatory infrastructure and displays of contemporary astronomical instruments. The tour also highlights the library and cafeteria and includes a review of the landscaping.
IIA Bangalore Courses & Fees
IIA Bangalore offers research-oriented programs, including an integrated M.Tech-PhD, PhD, and post-doctoral fellowships, focusing on astronomy and astrophysics. Below are the details of the IIA Bangalore Courses & Fees for 2025:
| Course | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated M.Tech-PhD | BE/B.Tech or M.Sc in Physics, Astronomy, or related fields with 55% marks | Score in IIA Screening Test/JEST/GATE + Interview |
| PhD | M.Sc or Integrated M.Tech in Physics, Astronomy, or related fields with 55% marks | Score in IIA Screening Test/JEST/GATE + Interview |
IIA Bangalore Admission 2025
IIA Bangalore offers admission to its integrated M.Tech-PhD and PhD programs through a competitive process involving entrance exams (IIA Screening Test, JEST, or GATE) followed by an interview. The institute collaborates with the University of Calcutta for the M.Tech-PhD and Pondicherry University for the PhD program. Post-doctoral fellowships are open year-round and reviewed biannually. The infographic below provides a detailed plan to get admission in IIA Bangalore:
IIA Bangalore Placements 2025
IIA Bangalore is a research institute and therefore does not traditionally do campus placements. However, IIA does provide research opportunities and help in providing internships for post-PhD students to gain hands-on experience in their selected research area. Graduates are often placed with institutions such as ISRO, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute, and the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers, as astrophysicists, astronomers, or observational astronomers.
IIA Bangalore Hostel Details 2025
IIA Bangalore Hostels are peaceful and well-maintained spaces where research students can live and study comfortably. The institute provides a safe and academic environment through its in-campus Bhaskara Hostel. Rooms are furnished and Wi-Fi enabled, and daily meals are served regularly. The hostels support a focused lifestyle with access to recreational activities and medical facilities.
IIA Bangalore Hostel Room & Facilities 2025
| Hostel Block | Room Type | AC/Non-AC | Sharing Options | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhaskara Hostel (Boys & Girls) | Standard | Non-AC | 2, 3, 4 Sharing | Bed, Mattress, Study Table, Chair, Wardrobe, Wi-Fi, Shared Bathroom, Dining Facility |
| Guest House | Private/Visitor | Non-AC | Single room | Bed, Mattress, Basic Furniture, Wi-Fi |
IIA Bangalore vs IISc Bangalore vs IUCAA Pune
Here is a comparison between IIA Bangalore, IISc Bangalore and IUCAA Pune:
| Factor | IIA Bangalore | IISc Bangalore | IUCAA Pune |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Autonomous DST‑funded research institute | Deemed-to-be university, Institute of Eminence | Autonomous research institute under UGC |
| Established | 1971 | 1909 | 1988 |
| Location | Koramangala, Bangalore | Malleswaram, Bangalore | Pune University Campus, Pune |
| Campus Size | Urban (Koramangala) + observatories (~40 acres) | ~400 acres | ~25 acres urban campus |
| Academic Programs | IIA–PU PhD, IIA–AcSIR PhD, Integrated M.Tech–Ph.D | Integrated Ph.D, M.Tech (R), Ph.D | PhD and Post-Doctoral; selection via INAT |
| Admission Exams | JEST, GATE, CSIR‑UGC‑NET JRF | JAM, GATE, JEST + Interview | IUCAA National Admission Test (INAT), CSIR‑NET/JRF, GATE |
| Tuition Fees | None (fully fellowship-based) | INR 35,200 / yr (Ph.D) | None (fellowship-based); postdocs receive rent‑free housing |
| Observatories | Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur, Hanle, Hosakote | On-campus labs, partners like Raman Research Institute | Girawali Observatory (2 m telescope) |
| Research Facilities | UVIT for AstroSat, labs, multiple observatories | Supercomputing, advanced labs, instrumentation | HPC clusters, instrumentation labs, Virtual Observatory |
| Scholarships/Grants | Book & travel grants, medical aid | Institute & external fellowships (CSIR, etc.) | Contingency, medical, HRA, childcare, travel |
| Accreditations | Under DST, collaborates with Pondicherry and Calcutta Uni, AcSIR | UGC-recognized, Institute of Eminence, NAAC A++ | UGC-established, autonomous with the IUCAA Governing Council |
| Hostel Facilities | Yes | Yes | On‑campus rent‑free housing is subject to availability. |
| Recreation & Outreach | Trekking, sports, and campus events | Sports, gymkhana, medical insurance, campus clubs | SciPop initiatives, public science events, childcare, counselling |
IIA Bangalore Campus
IIA Bangalore campus offers research facilities in astrophysics. Its library houses archives from 1792. The Data Centre supports high-performance computing and big data analysis. Engineering labs have built instruments like UVIT (Astrosat) and VELC (Aditya-L1). Key observatories include Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur, and Hanle. Hostels with WiFi, beds, and study areas are available separately for men and women. Additional facilities include conference halls, auditoriums, and the ITCC office for the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
Campus Entrance
Campus
Library
IIA Bangalore FAQs
Ques. Does IIA Bangalore work with other institutions?
Ans. Yes, IIA Bangalore collaborates with various institutions in India and internationally. These collaborations can assist with large observational programs, technology development, or shared research initiatives. IIA Bangalore works with ISRO on space telescopes and international partnerships with universities all while maintaining a continuous dialogue with the larger scientific community.
Ques. Are internships and summer research opportunities available at IIA Bangalore?
Ans. Yes, IIA Bangalore has internships and short-term research opportunities for UG and PG students in astrophysics. These are usually summer research fellowships, where selected students work with IIA scientists in their active research projects. Internships at IIA Bangalore have the goal of exposing future astronomers to real-world research settings, commonly resulting in either a budding long-term academic pursuit or a future application for advanced studies at the institute.
Ques. What are possible career opportunities thereafter having studied at IIA Bangalore?
Ans. Graduating or completing a research study at IIA Bangalore leads to many career path opportunities in India or elsewhere. Typically, students and researchers from IIA Bangalore become scientists, professors, or space engineers. Certainly, many take positions at top-notch research labs or go on to work at ISRO or NASA or other research labs, exploring postdoctoral studies in other parts of the world. The training and internships prepare students at IIA Bangalore with skills that have a large applicability for existence in academic or applied scientific environments.
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admission procedure for phd programme
To get admission to the Ph.D. courses at IIA, Bangalore, you should have passed Post Graduate with 50% marks. The admissions will be merit-based.
IIA offers a 2-year Ph.D. program in astrophysics. The candidate should have passed Post Graduate with 50% marks to get admission.