Sharanya's Review On Tata Institute Of Fundamental Research - [TIFR], Mumbai

TIFR is a place that is home to a world-class faculty, an amazing alumni network, super affordable (not to forget about the stipend) course structure, and very friendly campus. Though the hostel and accommodation is a turn off as students have to wait for a long time before getting an on-campus accommodation.

The course curriculum is on par with some of the best institutions in India such as the IITs. The exams are totally in the hands of the instructors as they decide whether we'll have more of an assignment based exam or presentation based grading, both of which will be followed by a final exam. Some times the examination structure can become hectic with an increased number of interwoven assignments and presentations.

As TIFR is a research institute, it does not lay a lot of stress on placements. But the research guides and the vast alumni network of the college proves to be very useful as they recommend students for further research opportunities.

All the cultural events that happen at TIFR revolve around science and scientific achievements such as the founder's day, different open days, Frontiers of science and other science outreach programs, independence day, republic day, etc. apart from the national festivals. There are also other outreach programs that are held off-campus.

My total course fee is around 17000 INR which is very basic when compared to other institutions. This fee includes the registration fee and even though belonging from the general category it doesn?t feel like a burden at all when the tuition fee for a year is just 4000 INR.

TIFR is financed by the Department of Atom Energy of the Government of India. The fee that we have to pay is already bare minimum, but to top it all, we are also provided with a monthly stipend, whose limit has been set nationally (Rs. 16000/25000/28000 per month, depending on the course level).

The TIFR campus has a very warm and accepting environment for every member of the society. The nature of the campus is absolutely unbiased, apolitical and research driven. The people on the campus know each other by their name and regular student parties are held to keep the atmosphere light and friendly.

Every fresher becomes familiar and friendly with their immediate senior here. The senior scientists and researchers are very helpful in nature and the vast alumni network of TIFR helps the students in every way possible. A point worth mentioning: Ragging does not exist at TIFR.

I applied for admission in TIFR through their online portal, though one can send their application form to the address provided on their website as well. I had to appear for the GS exam which was held in December and is exclusively an offline exam. The exam duration is about 120 minutes and the medium language is English.

All the professors at TIFR are the finest professors any college can boast of. Being an active researcher themselves, they are constantly up and ready to guide and mentor their students with utmost sincerity and integrity.